Optimal placement of access point in WLAN based on a new algorithm

When designing wireless communication systems, it is very important to know the optimum numbers and locations for the access points (APs). The impact of incorrect placement of APs is significant. If they are placed too far apart, they will generate a coverage gap, but if they are too close to each other, this will lead to excessive co-channel interferences. In this paper we describe a mathematical model developed to find the optimal number and location of APs. To solve the problem, we use the discrete gradient optimization algorithm developed at the University of Ballarat. Results indicate that our model is able to solve optimal coverage problems for different numbers of users.