Page 1 Of 2 Lab 7 Exercises – Lab 7 Overview

Page 1 Of 2lab 7 Exerciseslab 7 Is A Modified Version Of Lab 4 The

Design and implement a program that estimates the radio signal strength, expressed as a percentage range, for computers located at various distances from a wireless Access Point (AP) in a SOHO network based on IEEE 802.11g protocol. The program should utilize multiple modules to process user inputs and display signals strengths for multiple distances during a single execution. It must prompt the user with friendly messages, show a program title, and handle cases where distance exceeds the maximum range of 125 ft. The program output must inform the user of the estimated signal strength range for each distance entered, with the core focus on modularity and user interaction clarity.

Paper For Above instruction

Wireless networks in small office and home office environments rely heavily on the strength of radio signals to ensure proper connectivity and performance. The signal strength diminishes as the distance between the wireless Access Point (AP) and connected computers increases. For IEEE 802.11g protocols, the maximum effective range is approximately 125 feet, beyond which the signals weaken significantly. Developing a program that estimates this signal strength based on distance can aid network administrators and users in optimizing their layouts and troubleshooting connectivity issues.

The core objective of this program is to facilitate multiple input processing within a single execution cycle, allowing users to input various distances while receiving immediate feedback on the estimated signal strength. This aligns with practical network management scenarios where multiple assessments may be necessary consecutively. Implementing a modular design with at least three functions enhances code readability, reusability, and maintainability. These modules include input handling, signal strength calculation, and message output with descriptive labels.

To create a user-friendly interface, the program should greet the user with clear instructions on how to terminate data entry, thereby preventing confusion or unintended program termination. Upon startup, a prominent title should be displayed to affirm the program’s purpose and boost user engagement. The program prompts should avoid technical jargon, providing prompts in terms easily understandable by non-technical users, such as "Enter the distance from your computer to the AP (feet), or type 'exit' to finish."

The signal strength calculation divides the total range into five zones, each associated with a specific percentage range, proportionally decreasing from maximum signal at close distances to weaker signals at farther distances. For example, a computer situated 10 feet from the AP, within the first zone, might have an estimated signal strength of 100-80%. As the distance increases, the strength diminishes accordingly, with values below the maximum range indicating weaker signals. For distances exceeding 125 feet, the program should reasonably assume the signal is very weak or negligible, for example, 0-20%.

Implementing these specifications involves creating at least three modules: one for handling user input, one for calculating the signal strength based on the distance, and one for displaying the message. The input module collects user data in a loop, terminating when the user inputs a specific command (e.g., "exit"). The calculation module applies proportional logic based on the zones, and the output module formats and displays the message, including the distance and corresponding signal strength range.

Testing the program with multiple distances, both within and beyond the effective range, is essential to verify the correctness of signal estimations. Ensuring the program gracefully handles inputs greater than 125 feet guarantees robustness and user trust. This modular approach and user-centered design contribute to an effective tool for assessing wireless signal quality within SOHO networks.

References

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