A new algorithm for the placement of WLAN access points based on nonsmooth optimization technique

In wireless local area network (WLAN), signal coverage is obtained by proper placement of access points (APs). The impact of incorrect placement of APs is significant. If they are placed too far apart, they generate a coverage gap but if they are too close to each other, this leads to excessive co-channel interferences. In this paper, we describe a mathematical model we have developed to find the optimal number and location of APs. To solve the problem, we use an optimization algorithm developed at the University of Ballarat called discrete gradient algorithm. Results indicate that our model is able to solve optimal coverage problems for different numbers of users