Multiobjective planning of wireless local area networks (WLAN) using genetic algorithms

A new approach for wireless local area network (WLAN) installation planning is proposed in this paper. This approach is based on a multiobjective genetic algorithm and on greedy algorithms, and it is composed of two steps: network structure design and channel assignment. In the first step, the quantity, position and load balance of the access points are planned taking into account a minimum coverage level, the AP capacity and the traffic demand in the WLAN. In the second step, the channel of each access point is assigned in such a way that the network presents minimal interference and high throughput. An approximation of the efficient solution set, taking into account two design criteria, is delivered by the proposed algorithm. These solutions can be used to provide cost reduction and quality improvement on WLAN design. Results obtained by the proposed algorithm in two reasonable scenarios are presented in order to evaluate its efficacy.