EVALUATION OF IMPACT OF SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO ON COMMUNICATION CHANNEL CAPACITY OF A WIFI NETWORK

Abstract

WIFI is a wireless communication facility that allows computers, smartphones, or other devices to connect to the internet or communicate with one another within a particular coverage area or range. It has become an integral part of our fast-paced everyday lives. We no longer have to be tethered to the Internet with cables. It uses radio waves to transmit data from its wireless router to a Wi-Fi-enabled device. Since the devices communicate with each other over airwaves, devices and personal information are prone to noise and other security threats. These challenges are of great concern when accessing a public Wi-Fi network at places like shopping malls and airports, to mention but a few. The introduction of unwanted signals can affect the signal-to-noise ratio of the channel, leading to unreliable performance of the wireless communication network in terms of its capacity, resulting in network congestion, interference, and accuracy of the information. In this study, least mean square constant modulus was employed in noise reduction, as in equation 2.21 to optimize the channel capacity and was compared with the conventional constant modulus. It showed a significant reduction in noise, which led to an increase in signal-to-noise ratio and channel capacity. This technique was implemented in the development of the proposed model using the Shannon channel capacity model. The developed model was simulated, and the result was analyzed. The result showed that reduction in noise increases the signal-to-noise ratio, thus increasing the channel capacity of the WiFi network used for the study.