Measurement of Signal Propagation for the Design of a Wireless Local Area Network

Vol.1 No.1

Year: 2006

Issue: Jul-Sep

Title: Measurement of Signal Propagation for the Design of a Wireless Local Area Network   

Author Name: Daoud I. Zatari, Hani Salah   

Synopsis:   

This paper describes the development of an experimental model for signal propagation in WLAN environment in order to help the network designer to achieve an efficient network using a simple and more effective design. The strength of the propagating signal between two computers was measured at different points and conditions. The measurements were made using two different approaches; with and without obstacles. The wireless network implemented in this work was based on the use of IEEE 802.11b protocol operating using license-free band at 2.4GHz. Our findings suggest that the signal strength reduces to 69% within less than 20 meters in an open space, and decreases further to 55% with the increase of obstacles (up to 6). However, in all tested cases no loss of data or network disconnection occurred. Conclusions drawn from our findings suggest that an approximate linear model was verified, and it compares well with other empirical models proposed by other researchers. The linear model helps the network designer in the process of the indoor WLAN planning. This work will continue further to investigate new emerging wireless technologies for further improvements of network performance in terms of wider range coverage and functionality.