On survivability of IEEE 802.11 WLAN

In this paper, we address the problem of enhancing the survivability of IEEE 802.11 wireless local area networks focusing on tolerating access point-AP failures. We develop a simple fault detection approach, based on response timeout, which promises to be more cost-effective to identify failures due to lack of energy to an AP or problems with the wired link to an AP. In particular, we focus on the problem of overcoming these APs failures working with reconfiguration of the remaining APs by changing parameters such as power level and frequency channels. Our approach consists of two main phases: design and fault response. In design phase, we deal with quantifying, placement and setting up of APs according to both area coverage and performance criteria. In fault response phase we consider the reconfiguration of active APs in order to deal with AP fault in the service area. Finally, describe one of the major characteristics of the proposed system, which is a simple implementation in concordance with established IEEE 802.11 standards and related management systems