Performance modeling of next-generation WiFi networks

The industry is satisfying the increasing demand for wireless bandwidth by densely deploying a large number of access points which are centrally managed, e.g. enterprise WiFi networks deployed in university campuses, companies, airports etc. This "small cell" architecture is gaining traction in the cellular world as well, as witnessed by the direction in which 4G+ and 5G standardization is moving. Prior academic work in analyzing such large-scale wireless networks either uses oversimplified models for the physical layer, or ignores other important, real-world aspects of the problem, like MAC layer considerations, topology characteristics, and protocol overhead. On the other hand, for deployment purposes the industry is using on-site surveys and simulation tools which do not scale, cannot efficiently optimize the design of such a network, and do not explain why one design choice is better than another.In this paper we introduce an analytical model which combines the realism and practicality of industrial simulation tools with the ability to scale, analyze the effect of various design parameters, and optimize the performance of real-world deployments. The model takes into account all central system parameters, including channelization, power allocation, user scheduling, load balancing, MAC, advanced PHY techniques (single and multi user MIMO as well as cooperative transmission from multiple access points), topological characteristics and protocol overhead. The accuracy of the model is verified via extensive simulations and the model is used to study a wide range of real world scenarios, providing design guidelines on the effect of various design parameters on performance.