V3I5P12

Wi-Fi Access Point Placement Optimisation Algorithm for Optimal Wireless Coverage, Minimal Co-Channel Interference and Maximal Throughput

Suraju Adebayo Fadare^1*, Dauda Abdul-Azeez²

Abstract

Campus Wi-Fi network access point (AP) placement and its wireless coverage optimization requires a shift from simple path-loss (PL) based distance metrics to a data throughput-centric model. Co-channel interference (CCI) avoidance and reliable throughput are achievable by using SINR as an optimization constraint for positioning AP in a bordered geometrical space. This work developed an algorithm for determining the best position for the deployment of an AP with its optimal wireless coverage radius (WCR) within a rectangular border region using three methods – PL threshold based (Method 1) or SINR (throughput) threshold based (Method 2) optimization or optimal weighted combination of both (Method 3). The developed algorithm adopt simplicity and effectiveness of log-distance path-loss (LDPL) model with PL exponent equal to 3 to address distance metric based optimization of Method 1. Furthermore, it achieved Method through sum integral combination of products of α,β and γ weight constants and average throughput, WCR and interference respectively. Realistic input data were provided for the simulation test of developed algorithm using MATLAB (R2025b) installed on Microsoft Windows 11 Operating System and Dell Precision 3530 with Intel® Core™ i5 Processor (Intel® Core™ i5-8400H CPU @ 2.50GHz, 2496 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 8 Logical Processor(s)). The coverage radius obtained from the method 1, method 2 and method 3 were 205.6 m, 192.7 m and 201.9 m respectively. The throughput for the method 1, method 2 and method 3 were 69.81 Mbps, 70.71 Mbps and 65.16 Mbps respectively. The Method 1 maximizes the signal footprint by having the largest coverage area of 205.6 m coverage radius. Nevertheless, it paid a trade-off cost of lower data rates due to the inclusion of areas with marginal SINR. Furthermore, the throughput based optimization (method 2) prioritized maximum distance from interference sources achieving 70.71 Mbps. However, it had a trade-off cost of lowest total coverage area. Finally, Method 3 provided a balanced weighted composite sum solution with a significant moderate average throughput of 65.16 Mbps with coverage area with radius 201.9 m. It had the closest norm separation distance with interring AP like 87.8m from AP 2. The developed algorithm provided the final optimal position for the candidate AP using the solutions from the Method 3. Finally, it is applicable for deployment of APs in high user density area like higher institution campuses, large residential areas, government secretarial complex, and other areas with network device connectivity.

Keywords:

Access Points (AP), Path-Loss Models, Optimisation Algorithm, Wireless Coverage Radius (WCR), Minimal Co-Channel Interference, SINR, Throughput