Algorithms for addressing line-of-sight issues in mmWave WiFi networks using access point mobility

Abstract

Line-of-sight (LOS) is a critical requirement for mmWave wireless communications. In this work, we explore the use of access point (AP) infrastructure mobility to optimize indoor mmWave WiFi network performance based on the discovery of LOS connectivity to stations (STAs). We consider a ceiling-mounted mobile (CMM) AP as the infrastructure mobility framework. Within this framework, we propose two heuristic algorithms (basic and weighted) derived from Hamming distance computation and a machine learning (ML) solution fully exploiting available network state information to address the LOS discovery problem. Based on the ML solution, we then propose a systematic solution WiMove, which can decide if and where the AP should move to for optimizing network performance. Using both ns-3 based simulation and experimental prototype implementation, we show that the throughput and fairness performance of WiMove is up to 119% and 15% better compared with single static AP and brute force search.