Wireless Network Testing and Optimization

Abstract

The project was meant to examine the areas covered by the wireless network of Vaasa University of Applied Sciences that needed optimization, including specific areas, such as classrooms, halls, conference rooms which are of priority when it comes to the optimization. The project was making use of HP switches and HP MSM422 wireless access points, so the knowledge of configuring HP switches in making this project a success was needed. The testing was done by Ekahau software specifically meant for site surveying. This helped in knowing which areas meet the needed requirement set for the signal strength. The result shows that there were few areas that needed optimization. The results after the optimization met the required standard for the network, which was setting the minimum signal strength at – 70 dBm. In my opinion this has been a successful project since the goals were achieved,that was making sure that internet access can be received at every part of the campus. Wireshark performance measurement was carried out to give much insight into the traffic flow and throughput of the wireless network compared to a wired network. The throughput at both minimum and maximum signal strength of the wireless network was considerably lower than that of the wired network. These results may not be the thorough reflection of the network throughput due to the minimum number of data collected and also the environmental factors that affects wireless signal.