Site Planning For Wireless Mesh Network.
i
SITE PLANNING FOR WIRELESS MESH NETWORK
VISNU VARADA
This report is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Bachelor of Electronic Engineering (Telecommunication Electronics)
With Honors
Faculty of Electronic and Computer Engineering Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka
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UNIVERSTI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN ELEKTRONIK DAN KEJURUTERAAN KOMPUTER
BORANG PENGESAHAN STATUS LAPORAN
PROJEK SARJANA MUDA II
Tajuk Projek : SITE PLANNING FOR WIRELESS MESH NETWORK
Sesi Pengajian
0 9 / 1 0
Saya VISNU VARADA
mengaku membenarkan Laporan Projek Sarjana Muda ini disimpan di Perpustakaan dengan syarat-syarat kegunaan seperti berikut:
1. Laporan adalah hakmilik Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka.
2. Perpustakaan dibenarkan membuat salinan untuk tujuan pengajian sahaja.
3. Perpustakaan dibenarkan membuat salinan laporan ini sebagai bahan pertukaran antara institusi pengajian tinggi.
4. Sila tandakan ( √ ) :
SULIT*
*(Mengandungi maklumat yang berdarjah keselamatan atau kepentingan Malaysia seperti yang termaktub di dalam AKTA RAHSIA RASMI 1972)
TERHAD** **(Mengandungi maklumat terhad yang telah ditentukan oleh organisasi/badan di mana penyelidikan dijalankan)
TIDAK TERHAD
Disahkan oleh:
__________________________ ___________________________________
(TANDATANGAN PENULIS) (COP DAN TANDATANGAN PENYELIA)
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DECLARATION
“I hereby declare that this report is result of my own effort except for works that have been cited clearly in the references.”
Signature : ……….
Name : Visnu Varada Date : 26th April 2010
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“I hereby declare that I have read this report and in my opinion this report is sufficient in terms of the scope and quality for the award of Bachelor of Electronic
Engineering (Computer Engineering) With Honours”
Signature : ……….
Supervisor : Mr.Mohd Riduan Bin Ahmad
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my greatest gratitude and sincere thanks to my supervisor, En: Mohd Riduan bin Ahmad for her valuable advice and assistance in the supervision and consultation of this Final Year Project. In fact, he gave me guidance when obstacles arise throughout this period of time. Once again, I thank for tolerance and endeavors. Taking this opportunity I’m thanking to University Technical Malaysia Malacca (UTeM) for their contribution on the facilities and also equipments for the project.
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ABSTRAK
Projek ini pada dasarnya adalah tentang perancangan Jaringan Wireless Mesh menggunakan perisian ramalan Winprop di tempat kajian yang dibuat dalam bangunan FKEKK. Dengan menggunakan perisian ini dibuat rangkaian Mesh menerima kuasa (RSSI) disimulasikan dengan menggunakan 5 model yang berbeza yang terutama dibahagikan kepada tiga kategori utama (empirik, deterministik, dan semi-deterministik). Dari hasil simulasi, rangkaian sebenarnya adalah dibangunkan. Kemudian, dengan menggunakan Wi-Fi Xirrus Inspektor, RSSI pada setiap titik diukur. Kemudian menggunakan data pengukuran dan data simulasi, analisis data dilakukan untuk mendapatkan ketepatan setiap model simulasi.
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ABSTRACT
Basically this project is about planning the real network site (wireless mesh network) by using related planning tools such as WinProp prediction software, IxChariot measurement software and measurement apparatus (mesh routers, mesh clients, gateways and server). The processes involve network planning, monitoring, data collection, analyses and optimization of wireless mesh network in order to maximize the usage of the network. Two parameters will be observed namely Received Signal Strength Indicator or RSSI (can be translated to Signal-to-Noise ratio or SNR) and network Throughput.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND 1
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT AND OBJECTIVE 2
1.3 SCOPE OF WORK 2
1.4 PROJECT SIGNIFICANT 3
1.5 CONTRIBUTION OF THE PROJECT 3
1.6 THESIS ORGANIZATION 3
CHAPTER TITLE PAGE
PAGE TITLE i
VERIFICATION OF WORK DECLARATION
VERIFICATION BY SUPERVISOR
ii iii iv
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS v
ABSTRACT ( MALAY VERSION ) vi
ABSTRACT ( ENGLISH VERSION ) vii
CONTENTS viii
LIST OF TABLE xii
LIST OF FIGURE xiii
LIST OF ABBREVIATION LIST OF APPENDICES
xvi xvii
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2 LITERATURE REVIEW 4
2.1 WIRELESS MESH NETWORK 4
2.1.1 Wireless Mesh Node 5
2.1.2 Wireless Access Point 5
2.1.3 Advantages of Mesh Networking 6
2.1.4 Important Wireless Mesh Networking Principles 6
2.1.5 Important Consideration 7
2.2 WIRELESS MESH NETWORK PLANNING 8
2.2.1 Network Mapping 8
2.2.2 Network Formation 8
2.2.3 Frequency Planning 10
2.2.4 Ip Assignment Plan 10
2.3 INTERNET PROTOCOL(IP) 11
2.3.1 Class of IP 11
2.4 RADIO SIGNAL STRENGHT INDICATOR 12
2.5 THROUGHPUT FOR WIRELESS MESH NETWORK 13
2.5.1 Throughput over TCP and UDP 14
2.6 PROPAGATION MECHANISM 16
2.6.1 Reflection 16
2.6.2 Absorption 16
2.6.3 Diffraction 16
2.6.4 Scattering 17
2.6.5 Refraction 17
2.6.7 The Multipath Effect 17
2.7 PROPAGATION MODELS 17
2.7.1 Empirical Models 19
2.7.1.1 Modified Free Space Model 19
2.7.1.2 Motley-Keenan Model 20
2.7.1.3 Cost Multi Wall Model 21
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2.7.3 Semi Deterministic Models 22
3 METHODOLGY 23
3.0 INTRODUCTION 23
3.1 NETWORK PLANNING 24
3.2 NETWORK DELPOYMENT 26
3.2.1 Important Features for WRT610N 27
3.3 NETWORK MONITORING 28
3.3.1 XIRRUS W-iFi Inspector 28
3.3.1.1 Radar 30
3.3.1.2 Network 31
3.3.1.3 Signal History 32
3.4 DATA COLLECTION METHOD 33
4 RESULT AND DATA ANALYSIS 34
4.0 PLANNING THE TEST-BED 34
4.1 SIMULATION MODEL USING PROMAN APPLICATION IN WINPROP 36
4.2 SIMULATION USING PROMAN APPLICATION IN WINPROP 36
4.2.1 Empirical Simulation Result for Ground Level 38
4.2.2 Deterministic Simulation Result for Ground Level 40 4.2.3 Semi Deterministic Simulation Result for Ground Level… 40
4.2.1 Empirical Simulation Result for Ground Level 38
4.2.2 Deterministic Simulation Result for Ground Level 40
4.2.3 Semi Deterministic Simulation Result for Ground Level 40
4.2.4 Empirical Simulation Result for First Level 41
4.2.5 Deterministic Simulation Result for First Level 44 x
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4.2.6 Semi Deterministic Simulation Result
for First Level 45
4.2.7 Empirical Simulation Result for Second Level 46
4.2.8 Deterministic Simulation Result for Second Level 47
4.2.9 Semi Deterministic Simulation Result for Ground Level 48
4.2.10 Empirical Simulation Result for Third Level 49
4.2.11 Deterministic Simulation Result for Third Level 50 4.2.12 Semi Deterministic Simulation Result for Ground Level 51
4.5 DATA ANALYSIS 52
4.5.1 Ground Level Data Analysis 52
4.5.2 First Level Data Analysis 62
4.5.3 Second Level Data Analysis 65
4.6 GRAFICAL USER INTERFACE 68
5 CONCLUSION 72
5.1 CONCLUSION 72
5 2 FUTURE WORK 73
REFERENCES 74
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TABLE 4.0
4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4
4.5 4.6
LIST OF TABLE
DESCRIPTION Models In ProMan
Measured Data and Empirical data Measured Data and Deterministic prediction
data
Measured Data and Semi - Deterministic prediction data
Prediction Model Vs Measured power for First Level
Prediction Model Vs Measured power for Second Level
Prediction Model Vs Measured power for Third Level
PAGE 36
53 58 59 64
67 68
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LIST OF FIGURE
FIGURE DESCRIPTION PAGE
2.0 2.1
General overview about wireless mesh network Channel allocation for Wi-Fi network
5 7 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4
Simplest mesh topology
Connection between two or more cluster IP assignments method
Class of IP Address WLAN interface
TCP Protocol Flow Diagram TCP Frame Structure
UDP Protocol Flow Diagram UDP Frame Structure
Empirical model and Deterministic model Type of Model
One Slope Model Prediction Technique Motley-Keenan Prediction Technique Software and Hardware overview Project Methodology Flowchart Winprop Simulation Example WRT610N wireless router Back Panel of WRT610N
9 9 10 11 12 14 14 15 15 18 18 19 20 23 24 25 26 27
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xiv 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 4.18 4.19 4.20 4.21 4.22 4.23 4.24 4.25 4.26 4.27 4.28
XIRRUS Wi-Fi inspector interface Radar Window
Network Window Signal History Window Location of the Test Bed
3-D Internal View of The Test Bed Planned Wireless Mesh Network
Simulation Result in Multi floor criteria Received Power Simulation
Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation 3D view Of Second Level Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation Received Power Simulation
29 30 31 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 39 40 40 41 41 42 42 43 43 44 44 45 45 46 46 47 47 48 48 49 49 50 50
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4.29 4.30 4.31 4.32 4.33 4.34 4.35 4.36 4.37 4.38 5.0
Received Power Simulation 3D view of Third Level
Location of Points at Ground Level Direct ray between Tx and Rx Location of router at second level Main Interface
Ground Level Interface First Level Interface Second Level Interface Third Level Interface
Accuracy of prediction model
51 51 52 55 65 69 69 70 70 71 73
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LIST OF ABBREVIATION
dBm Decibel mili
GUI Graphical user interface Kbps kilobits Per Second MAC Media Access Control RF Radio Frequency RX Receive
TX Transmit
WLAN Wireless local area network WMN Wireless mesh network
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LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX DESCRIPTION PAGE APPENDIX A WRT-610N data sheet 77
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
This project is basically focused on network deployment for providing a Wi-Fi access for a selected test-bed. In this project, FKEKK building area is taken as the test-bed. Thesis process involves network planning, monitoring, data collection, analyses and optimization of wireless mesh network in order to maximize the usage and quality of the network. Two parameters will be observed namely Received Signal Strength Indicator or RSSI (can be translated to Signal-to-Noise ratio or SNR) and network Throughput.
Wireless mesh networks [1] can easily, effectively and wirelessly connect entire cities using inexpensive, existing technology. Traditional networks rely on a small number of wired access points or wireless hotspots to connect users. In a wireless mesh network, the network connection is spread out among dozens or even hundreds of wireless mesh nodes that communicate to each other to share the network connection across a large area.
Information travels across the network from point A to point B by hopping wirelessly from one mesh node to the next. The nodes automatically choose the quickest and safest path in a process known as dynamic routing. Mesh nodes are small radio transmitters that function in the same way as a wireless router. Nodes use
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the common Wi-Fi standards known as 802.11a, b and g to communicate wirelessly with users, and, more importantly, with each other.
In a wireless mesh network, only one node needs to be physically wired
to a network connection like a DSL Internet modem. That one wired node then shares its Internet connection wirelessly with all other nodes in its vicinity. Those nodes then share the connection wirelessly with the nodes closest to them. The more nodes, the further the connection spreads, creating a wireless connectivity that can serve from a small scale geographical area to big scale geographical area.
1.2 Problem Statement and Objective
Normally wireless network is deployed considering only the higher layer information and neglect lower layer information such as RSSI (Radio signal strength indicator) during the planning process. Most of the propagation effects at lower layer such as fading and multipath are not considered. By considering the relationship between Throughput and lower layer information such as RSSI and SNR, we reckon that the wireless network performance can be optimized.
This project aims to:
1. To plan wireless mesh network.
2. To simulate Received Signal Strength (RSSI) using WinProp. 3. To deploy wireless mesh network test-bed.
4. To evaluate the performance of wireless mesh network in terms of RSSI and Throughput.
1.3 Scope of Work
This project basically involves four main scopes that are network planning, network monitoring and data collection, data analysis and finally is network optimization.
Network planning basically involves 2 parts namely frequency planning and IP assignment planning. Frequency planning related with operating frequency configuration of the mesh routers and IP assignment planning related with
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netting the wireless mesh network according to the number of required users. Network monitoring and data collection involves measurement campaign to collect RSSI. Data analyses involve creating models for the collected data to show the relationship between predicted model and RSSI (proportional to SNR).
1.4 Project Significant
The significant of this project is making a major contribution to the wireless service provider. This because this project will analyze about all received power models and finally come to a conclusion which model is the best model to use in desired criteria that is in indoor criteria in this project.
1.5 Contribution of the Project
Basically in this project, my contribution is to plan, simulate, deploy, and measure the real value of RSSI, and finally created a graphical user interface in order to show the accuracy of every prediction model the wireless network.
1.6 Thesis Organization
This thesis basically has 5 different chapters that is divided from chapter I to chapter V. Chapter I covered about introduction of the project. Chapter II contains of literature review of the project. This chapter covered all the studies done before start this project. Then this thesis continues with chapter III. This chapter contains methodology of the project. This chapter explains all the working that is planned to implement this project. Then this thesis continues with chapter IV that is covered all the result and analysis of the project. Final chapter of the thesis is chapter V that is covered conclusion of the project and future work related to the project.
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CHAPTER II
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Wireless Mesh Network
A wireless mesh network (WMN) [2] consists of mesh nodes that form the backbone of the network. The nodes are able to configure automatically and re-configure dynamically to maintain the mesh connectivity. This gives the mesh its “self-forming” and “self-healing” characteristics. This self-sufficient relationship between the mesh nodes removes the need for centralized management. Intelligent routing allows mesh nodes to route data packets for nodes that may not be within direct wireless range of each other. Thus information can be routed from source to destination over multiple hops. This has a potential advantage in term of network reliability over traditional single hop networks, especially for backhaul communication. Figure in the next page shows a general overview about wireless mesh network.
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Figure 2.0: General overview about wireless mesh network
2.1.1 Wireless Mesh Node
A wireless mesh node consists of a wireless router and an antenna. The mesh node could be installed indoors or in a weather-proof enclosure outdoors. The antenna could be the standard indoor Omni-directional antenna (give coverage in 360°). A mesh node communicates only with other wireless mesh nodes.
2.1.2 Wireless Access Point
A wireless access point consists of a wireless router and an antenna. The wireless access point could be installed indoors or in a weather-proof enclosure outdoors. The antenna could be the standard indoor Omni-directional. A wireless access point creates a hotspot where any Wi-Fi enabled device can connect to the wireless access point.
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2.1.3 Advantages of Mesh Networking
Self-forming: The wireless mesh network forms automatically once the mesh nodes have been configured and activated.
Self-healing: Once restored, a node rejoins the mesh network seamlessly.
Fault tolerance: If redundant routes exist in the network, information flow is not interrupted in the rest of the network when one node fails. The network will dynamically reroute the information via the next available route.
2.1.4 Important Wireless Mesh Networking Principles
Communication between mesh nodes are based on Wi-Fi radios (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g) attached to Omni-directional antennas.
All radios are set to ad-hoc mode (not client mode or infrastructure (access point) mode).
Each node in the WMN has the same SSID (name) and BSSID (number) the BSSID should be fixed to prevent partitioning of the wireless network and prevent handover of mobile client from one node to another node.
In an ideal WMN, each node should be able to communicate at least two other nodes in the WMN.
All nodes in the WMN (in one cluster) will operate on the same channel (frequency).
A mesh routing protocol, like OLSR, will route IP traffic between the wireless interfaces of the mesh nodes. Each node will communicate to listening to the routing information exchanged in the network to select the best route to transfer data. So via this OLSR protocol each node not only have one route but many available route. If any node fail to communicate (device failure), other neighbor node is available to transfer the data to gateway.
All nodes (in one cluster) in the WMN will operate on the same channel (frequency).
Each IP address in the mesh network should be unique to allow any computer in the network to connect to any other computer in the network.
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2.1.5 Important Consideration
Telecommunications Regulations: in our country MCMC is takes roles for all wireless communication frequency licenses. So, refer to MCMC 2.4GHz band is unlicensed frequency spectrum that can be used as channel allocation in Wi-Fi network.
Wireless network planning: As known 2.4GHz band is unlicensed ISM spectrum frequency, many Wi-Fi channels is overlap with other wireless device that will cause interference that will decrease performance of the network. Common device that interfere with Wi-Fi network is such as Microwave ovens, air-conditioners, cell phone Bluetooth device and other radio device. So there only three non-overlap channels that is 1, 6, and 11. Channel allocation for Wi-Fi network is shown below.
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the common Wi-Fi standards known as 802.11a, b and g to communicate wirelessly with users, and, more importantly, with each other.
In a wireless mesh network, only one node needs to be physically wired to a network connection like a DSL Internet modem. That one wired node then shares its Internet connection wirelessly with all other nodes in its vicinity. Those nodes then share the connection wirelessly with the nodes closest to them. The more nodes, the further the connection spreads, creating a wireless connectivity that can serve from a small scale geographical area to big scale geographical area.
1.2 Problem Statement and Objective
Normally wireless network is deployed considering only the higher layer information and neglect lower layer information such as RSSI (Radio signal strength indicator) during the planning process. Most of the propagation effects at lower layer such as fading and multipath are not considered. By considering the relationship between Throughput and lower layer information such as RSSI and SNR, we reckon that the wireless network performance can be optimized.
This project aims to:
1. To plan wireless mesh network.
2. To simulate Received Signal Strength (RSSI) using WinProp. 3. To deploy wireless mesh network test-bed.
4. To evaluate the performance of wireless mesh network in terms of RSSI and Throughput.
1.3 Scope of Work
This project basically involves four main scopes that are network planning, network monitoring and data collection, data analysis and finally is network optimization.
Network planning basically involves 2 parts namely frequency planning and IP assignment planning. Frequency planning related with operating frequency configuration of the mesh routers and IP assignment planning related with
(2)
sub-3
netting the wireless mesh network according to the number of required users. Network monitoring and data collection involves measurement campaign to collect RSSI. Data analyses involve creating models for the collected data to show the relationship between predicted model and RSSI (proportional to SNR).
1.4 Project Significant
The significant of this project is making a major contribution to the wireless service provider. This because this project will analyze about all received power models and finally come to a conclusion which model is the best model to use in desired criteria that is in indoor criteria in this project.
1.5 Contribution of the Project
Basically in this project, my contribution is to plan, simulate, deploy, and measure the real value of RSSI, and finally created a graphical user interface in order to show the accuracy of every prediction model the wireless network.
1.6 Thesis Organization
This thesis basically has 5 different chapters that is divided from chapter I to chapter V. Chapter I covered about introduction of the project. Chapter II contains of literature review of the project. This chapter covered all the studies done before start this project. Then this thesis continues with chapter III. This chapter contains methodology of the project. This chapter explains all the working that is planned to implement this project. Then this thesis continues with chapter IV that is covered all the result and analysis of the project. Final chapter of the thesis is chapter V that is covered conclusion of the project and future work related to the project.
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CHAPTER II
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Wireless Mesh Network
A wireless mesh network (WMN) [2] consists of mesh nodes that form the backbone of the network. The nodes are able to configure automatically and re-configure dynamically to maintain the mesh connectivity. This gives the mesh its “self-forming” and “self-healing” characteristics. This self-sufficient relationship between the mesh nodes removes the need for centralized management. Intelligent routing allows mesh nodes to route data packets for nodes that may not be within direct wireless range of each other. Thus information can be routed from source to destination over multiple hops. This has a potential advantage in term of network reliability over traditional single hop networks, especially for backhaul communication. Figure in the next page shows a general overview about wireless mesh network.
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Figure 2.0: General overview about wireless mesh network
2.1.1 Wireless Mesh Node
A wireless mesh node consists of a wireless router and an antenna. The mesh node could be installed indoors or in a weather-proof enclosure outdoors. The antenna could be the standard indoor Omni-directional antenna (give coverage in 360°). A mesh node communicates only with other wireless mesh nodes.
2.1.2 Wireless Access Point
A wireless access point consists of a wireless router and an antenna. The wireless access point could be installed indoors or in a weather-proof enclosure outdoors. The antenna could be the standard indoor Omni-directional. A wireless access point creates a hotspot where any Wi-Fi enabled device can connect to the wireless access point.
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2.1.3 Advantages of Mesh Networking
Self-forming: The wireless mesh network forms automatically once the mesh nodes have been configured and activated.
Self-healing: Once restored, a node rejoins the mesh network seamlessly.
Fault tolerance: If redundant routes exist in the network, information flow is not interrupted in the rest of the network when one node fails. The network will dynamically reroute the information via the next available route.
2.1.4 Important Wireless Mesh Networking Principles
Communication between mesh nodes are based on Wi-Fi radios (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g) attached to Omni-directional antennas.
All radios are set to ad-hoc mode (not client mode or infrastructure (access point) mode).
Each node in the WMN has the same SSID (name) and BSSID (number) the BSSID should be fixed to prevent partitioning of the wireless network and prevent handover of mobile client from one node to another node.
In an ideal WMN, each node should be able to communicate at least two other nodes in the WMN.
All nodes in the WMN (in one cluster) will operate on the same channel (frequency).
A mesh routing protocol, like OLSR, will route IP traffic between the wireless interfaces of the mesh nodes. Each node will communicate to listening to the routing information exchanged in the network to select the best route to transfer data. So via this OLSR protocol each node not only have one route but many available route. If any node fail to communicate (device failure), other neighbor node is available to transfer the data to gateway.
All nodes (in one cluster) in the WMN will operate on the same channel (frequency).
Each IP address in the mesh network should be unique to allow any computer in the network to connect to any other computer in the network.
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2.1.5 Important Consideration
Telecommunications Regulations: in our country MCMC is takes roles for all wireless communication frequency licenses. So, refer to MCMC 2.4GHz band is unlicensed frequency spectrum that can be used as channel allocation in Wi-Fi network.
Wireless network planning: As known 2.4GHz band is unlicensed ISM spectrum frequency, many Wi-Fi channels is overlap with other wireless device that will cause interference that will decrease performance of the network. Common device that interfere with Wi-Fi network is such as Microwave ovens, air-conditioners, cell phone Bluetooth device and other radio device. So there only three non-overlap channels that is 1, 6, and 11. Channel allocation for Wi-Fi network is shown below.