Wi-Fi Analysis using Building Information Modeling

ORCiD

Leili Javadpour: 0000-0003-4004-1950

Document Type

Conference Presentation

Conference Title

IISE Annual Conference and Expo 2022

Location

New Orleans, LA

Conference Dates

May 20-23, 2023

Date of Presentation

1-1-2022

Abstract

Prior to the emergence of Building Information Modeling (BIM), the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry experienced issues with schedule delays, internal and external clashes, projects exceeding cost, and collaboration, communication, and coordination challenges among design stakeholders. BIM has addressed several of these problems and has made the AEC process more collaborative, leading to increased efficiency and reduced costs. There are other industries that are also taking advantage of the optimization algorithms in BIM, such industries include the creation of intelligent building systems. One of the main components of creating an intelligent building system is wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks, which can be included and optimized using BIM software. In this paper, Wi-Fi system design is discussed, and the main modules are demonstrated. In particular, BIM is used to predict the signal strength of a wireless networking system in a typical building layout. To validate the wireless network signal strength, a 3D model is built using parametric design with specific material properties that affect the strength of Wi-Fi signal. This is done by building a predictive model to calculate coverage and capacity of the signal. The results show that as the distance from a radio frequency (RF) source increases along a line-of-sight the strength of signal attenuates in a typical pattern (i.e., the signal intensity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source). However, RF signals must travel through walls and other obstructions; the signal can vary significantly when it deviates from the line-of-sight because various materials tend to absorb Wi-Fi's wavebands at different rates. Also, the most commonly used radio bands are 2.4 gigahertz (120 mm) and 5 gigahertz (60 mm), both of which can be included in the model; with the UHF signal being more pervious, but with a smaller bandwidth. The signal dissipation shown in the BIM calculated map and the experimentally measured map display similar trends, indicating that BIM can be used to estimate wireless signal strength using an algorithm that mathematically determines signal loss due to distance and obstructions.

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