WIRELESS NETWORK OPTIMIZATION: A CASE STUDY OF

PERFORMANCE AND COVERAGE IN CAMPUS NETWORKS

A CASE STUDY REPORT

Submitted by
TOM GEORGE[RA2211032010035]
BRAHMIKA SHREE [RA2211032010057]
SIDDHARTH RADHAKRISHNAN [RA2211032010058]

for the course

21CSC302J – COMPUTER NETWORKS
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF NETWORKING AND COMMUNICATIONS

SCHOOL OF COMPUTING

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

KATTANKULATHUR - 603 203.

 SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
KATTANKULATHUR – 603 203

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that Computer Network A Case Study Report titled Wireless Network Optimization:
A Case Study of Performance and Coverage In Campus Networks is the bonafide work of
Tom George[RA2211032010035], Brahmika Shree[RA2211032010057], Siddharth
Radhakrishnan[RA2211032010058] who carried out the case study under my supervision.
Certified further, that to the best of my knowledge the work reported herein does not form any
other work

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE

Faculty-In-Charge Head of Department

Dr. K Kalaiselvi Dr. Lakshmi M

Associate Professor, Professor and Head,

Department of Networking and Communications, Department of Networking and Communications,
SRM Institute of Science and Technology SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Kattankulathur Kattankulathur
Abstract

This case study presents a detailed analysis of wireless network optimization within a campus
environment, focusing on enhancing performance and coverage across multiple academic
buildings and outdoor spaces. The study addresses the challenges of managing high-density
wireless deployments, including interference management, channel optimization, and load
balancing. Through the implementation of advanced wireless technologies and careful
planning, the project achieved significant improvements in network coverage, throughput, and
user experience. The study encompasses the deployment of Wi-Fi 6 access points,
implementation of wireless controllers for centralized management, and the use of
sophisticated monitoring tools for performance analysis. Results demonstrate substantial
improvements in network reliability and user satisfaction, providing valuable insights for
similar large-scale wireless deployments.
Table Of Contents
Abstract ................................................................................................................................................... 2

1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 4

2. Network Assessment and Planning ..................................................................................................... 6

3. Wireless Network Design ................................................................................................................... 7

4. Access Point Configuration and Placement ......................................................................................... 8

5. Security and Access control ................................................................................................................ 9

6. Quality of Service ............................................................................................................................. 10

7. Performance Monitoring ................................................................................................................... 11

8. Testing and Validation ...................................................................................................................... 12

9. Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................... 13

10. References ....................................................................................................................................... 14

11. Appendices...................................................................................................................................... 14
1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Modern educational institutions increasingly rely on robust wireless networks to

support diverse educational technologies and applications. This case study examines
the optimization of a wireless network infrastructure at a large university campus
spanning 150 acres, serving approximately 20,000 users including students, faculty,
and staff. The existing infrastructure faced challenges with coverage gaps,
interference issues, and capacity constraints during peak usage periods.

1.2 Objectives
The primary objective of this project is to evaluate and improve wireless network
performance and coverage in a university campus by:
• Optimizing access point placement
• Enhancing security measures
• Implementing QoS prioritization
• Testing and validating network robustness under various load conditions
• Establishing robust security measures while maintaining ease of access
• Developing a scalable and manageable wireless infrastructure

1.3 Current Network Challenges

1. High Device Density and Bandwidth Demand

• With students, faculty, and guests frequently using multiple devices (laptops,
tablets, smartphones), campus networks are often strained by high device density.
This increased load demands higher bandwidth, particularly during peak times
such as lectures, exams, and events.
• Video conferencing, online exams, and other data-intensive applications place
significant demand on bandwidth, potentially leading to slower network speeds
and increased latency.
2. Coverage and Signal Strength Issues
• Ensuring comprehensive wireless coverage across large and architecturally varied
campus buildings is challenging. Dead zones and areas with weak signals often
emerge in basements, upper floors, or outdoor spaces.
• Concrete walls, dense materials, and building layout can weaken signals,
 affecting reliability and connectivity in classrooms, libraries, and study areas.

3. Interference from Multiple Access Points and External Devices

• Overlapping wireless signals from multiple access points (APs) can cause
interference, particularly in areas with dense AP deployment, like lecture halls or
hostel rooms.
• External sources, including devices brought by students (e.g. personal hotspots)
and neighboring buildings' networks, can interfere with the campus wireless
network, degrading signal quality and leading to dropped connections.
4. Security Vulnerabilities
• Campus networks face significant security challenges due to the number of users
in the database, which includes students, faculty, and visitors who may bring their
own devices with varying levels of security.
• Unauthorized access and malware infections pose risks, especially if network
access controls and authentication mechanisms are not adequately enforced.
5. Lack of Quality of Service (QoS) Management
• Prioritizing critical academic applications (such as online classes or research
portals) over non-essential traffic can be difficult without effective QoS policies,
leading to congestion and reduced performance during peak usage times.
• In the absence of QoS management, recreational activities (e.g., streaming,
gaming) can take up valuable bandwidth, reducing the quality of critical academic
functions.
6. Scalability and Adaptability for Future Growth
• As campuses expand and digital learning demands increase, networks must be
able to scale without major overhauls. However, limited infrastructure and
outdated equipment can impede scalability, making it challenging to support a
growing number of devices or accommodate emerging technologies.
• An inability to upgrade quickly due to budget constraints or logistical issues can
limit the network’s ability to adapt to new demands.
7. Monitoring and Troubleshooting Limitations
• Real-time network monitoring is crucial to identify issues promptly, but campus
IT teams often face limitations in monitoring tools or lack centralized control.
• Network troubleshooting can be complex due to the variety of devices and usage
scenarios. Limited diagnostic data can delay responses to issues such as
bottlenecks, unauthorized access attempts, and device misconfigurations.
2. Network Assessment and Planning
2.1 Site Survey Results
Coverage Analysis Table [sample data provided from a university]s:

Signal Strength Channel

Location Interface Level
(dbm) Utilization

Block A -65 to -75 Low 45%

Block B -70 to -80 Medium 65%

Block C -60 to -70 High 80%

Block D -75 to -85 Low 30%

2.2 Requirement Analysis

Bandwidth Requirements:

Required
Application Type Priority Level
Bandwidth

Video Streaming 5 Mbps per user High

Web Browsing 2 Mbps per user Medium

VoIP 100 Kbps per user Critical

File Transfer 10 Mbps per user Low

3. Wireless Network Design
3.1 Topology and Layout

The optimized wireless network design follows a structured topology, dividing the campus into
core, distribution, and access layers. At the core, high-capacity routers are deployed to handle
primary traffic flows, with distribution hubs connecting each campus building. Access points
(APs) are strategically located in high-density zones to maximize coverage and reduce
interference.

3.2 Device and Component Specifications

Key devices include:

• High-performance routers (Cisco 2901) at the core layer
• PoE switches supporting access points across all buildings
• Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) access points in high-density areas
• Network management system for real-time monitoring
4. Access Point Configuration and Placement

4.1 Access Point Distribution

APs are positioned based on a heat map analysis of wireless signal strength and user density,
with an emphasis on lecture halls, libraries, and hostel rooms.

4.2 Signal Overlap and Interference Management

An analysis of signal overlap and interference management techniques is conducted to avoid
channel interference. This includes the configuration of APs to alternate between channels,
thereby reducing interference in densely populated zones.
5. Security and Access Control
5.1 Authentication and Encryption

To protect user data and network traffic, WPA3 encryption is deployed. WPA3, the latest in
Wi-Fi Protected Access protocols, enhances network security by offering stronger encryption
methods than its predecessors (WPA2), making it significantly harder for unauthorized users
to intercept or decipher transmitted data. WPA3 also incorporates Protected Management
Frames (PMF), providing additional security against certain attacks like de-authentication and
disassociation attacks.
User authentication is achieved through protocols such as 802.1X, an IEEE standard for port-
based Network Access Control (NAC). This protocol helps to verify the identity of users
attempting to access the network and restricts access to authorized individuals only. By
requiring unique credentials, 802.1X supports individualized access control, providing an extra
layer of security and reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access.
In addition to WPA3 and 802.1X, policies for guest access and role-based access control
(RBAC) are implemented. These policies allow for segmentation of network access,
distinguishing between student, faculty, and guest networks. Role-based access control
enhances security by limiting each user group’s access to only those resources necessary for
their roles. This segmentation helps to prevent unauthorized cross-access between different user
groups and ensures that sensitive resources remain restricted to authorized personnel only.
Guest users, for instance, are placed on isolated VLANs with limited access, reducing the
potential for malicious access to core network resources.

5.2 Additional Security Protocols

Beyond authentication and encryption, further measures are employed to bolster network
security. Access Control Lists (ACLs) are configured at the access layer, which is the first point
of entry for users on the network. ACLs serve as a foundational security measure by defining
traffic flow rules, allowing only permitted devices and users to access certain network
segments. By setting rules for both incoming and outgoing traffic, ACLs help to manage which
users and devices can communicate within the network, effectively limiting unauthorized
access.
ACLs are tailored to the needs of specific network zones, defining permissions and restrictions
for each segment of the network. For instance, faculty networks may have more extensive
access to resources than student networks, and guest networks will typically have the most
restrictive ACLs to prevent them from accessing internal systems. Additionally, ACLs mitigate
risks associated with malicious network traffic.
6. Quality of Service (QoS) and Traffic Management
6.1 Prioritization of Services
QoS policies prioritize critical academic services, including video conferencing, online
lectures, and cloud applications. QoS ensures bandwidth is reserved for essential services,
preventing disruptions during peak usage times. Hence reserves the required bandwidth needed.

6.2 Bandwidth Management and Load Balancing

Load balancing is configured across multiple access points in high-traffic areas to
distribute users and maintain consistent connection speeds.
7. Performance Monitoring and Optimization Techniques
7.1 Monitoring Tools and Metrics
Using SNMP and a network management system, key performance indicators (KPIs) such
as bandwidth usage, signal strength, and user density are monitored.

7.2 Optimization Techniques

Optimization techniques involve dynamically adjusting power levels, reconfiguring
access points for dual-band support, and implementing beamforming to direct signal
strength towards devices.
8. Testing and Validation Process
8.1 Testing-Procedures
Tests are conducted to measure latency, throughput, and packet loss, particularly in high-
density areas. Validation focuses on checking seamless handoff between APs and ensuring
minimal downtime during peak hours.

8.2 Troubleshooting
Issues such as weak signals and interference are resolved by repositioning APs or adjusting
their channels and power settings.
9. Conclusion
9.1 Summary

The case study demonstrates a successful optimization of wireless network performance and
coverage on campus. By implementing strategic QoS prioritization, the network supports the
growing demand for reliable and high-speed wireless access.

9.2 Lessons Learned

Significant takeaways include the importance of signal planning, ongoing performance

monitoring, and adaptive load balancing to maintain a high-quality user experience across
campus.
10. References

(1) Cisco Systems, Inc. (2020). Wireless Network Design Guide for High-Density Environments in
Higher Education
(2) Aruba Networks (2022). Solving Campus Wi-Fi Performance Issues: Best Practices for Higher
Education. Aruba White Paper.
(3) Kurose, J. F., & Ross, K. W. (2020). Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (8th ed.).
Pearson Education.

11. Appendix
• AP: Access Point
• WLAN: Wireless Local Area Network
• RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indicator
• QoS: Quality of Service
• SNR: Signal-to-Noise Ratio
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