General Research Questions
1. What motivated you to focus on optimizing Wi-Fi connectivity
through architectural design?
Wi-Fi has become essential in modern workplaces, yet traditional office
designs often ignore how layouts and materials affect signal performance.
This disconnect leads to poor connectivity, reduced productivity, and
employee frustration. Our goal is to bridge this gap by combining
architectural principles with network optimization to design spaces that
support seamless connectivity.
2. How do you define "connectivity-centric architecture," and how does
it differ from traditional approaches?
Connectivity-centric architecture integrates Wi-Fi performance into the design
process. Unlike traditional approaches that focus on aesthetics or basic
functionality, this concept ensures building shapes, layouts, and materials are
tailored to enhance signal propagation, minimize dead zones, and support
user needs in a connected environment.
3. What key findings from your literature review influenced your
research?
o Symmetrical shapes like circles and ellipses offer more uniform signal
distribution, while irregular shapes like U- or L-shaped layouts tend to
create dead zones.
o Materials such as concrete and steel significantly weaken Wi-Fi signals
due to high attenuation.
o Open layouts reduce physical barriers to signal propagation, making
them more effective for Wi-Fi coverage than heavily partitioned
designs.
4. Could you elaborate on the theoretical frameworks or models you
used?
o Optimization Theory: Helps identify the most efficient AP placement
for maximum coverage and minimal interference.
o Environmental Fit Theory: Aligns physical office spaces with the
functional needs of users, emphasizing the importance of connectivity
in modern workplaces.
o Wave Propagation Models: Explain how walls, partitions, and
materials impact signal strength, providing insights for minimizing
signal loss.
5. How do you see this research impacting the future design of office
spaces?
This research highlights the importance of integrating architectural design
with technological needs. It encourages collaboration between architects and
network engineers to create office layouts that support seamless Wi-Fi
performance, enhance user experiences, and adapt to the evolving demands
of digital workplaces.
Methodology Questions
6. Why did you choose simulation tools like Ekahau?
Ekahau is a professional-grade tool trusted by network engineers for its
accuracy in modeling Wi-Fi signal propagation. It accounts for real-world
variables like material attenuation and wall thickness and generates visual
heatmaps that make interpreting results straightforward. Other tools like
AirMagnet and NetSpot were considered, but Ekahau’s advanced features
made it the best fit.
7. How does the simulation account for factors like wall thickness,
materials, and obstacles?
The simulation assigns predefined attenuation values to materials. For
example, concrete reduces signal strength by 5–10 dB, and steel causes even
greater attenuation. These values are incorporated into the heatmaps to
reflect how real-world obstacles impact Wi-Fi signals.
8. How did you determine the placement of access points in your
simulations?
Access points were placed strategically based on best practices. For
symmetrical layouts, APs were centrally positioned to maximize coverage.
For larger or irregular layouts, multiple distributed APs were tested to
minimize dead zones and ensure uniform signal strength.
9. How did you quantify the effect of materials on signal attenuation?
Materials were assigned attenuation values based on standard industry data.
For instance, concrete and steel were modeled with higher attenuation values
(5–10 dB), while glass and wood had lower values (2–5 dB). These values
were used to simulate the impact on Wi-Fi performance across various
layouts.
10.What assumptions did you make during simulations?
o APs had consistent power output and no external interference.
o User density and furniture placement were not included but can be
considered in future studies.
o Standard environmental conditions were assumed to ensure results
could be compared across layouts.
Data Analysis & Results Questions
11.How confident are you in your results, and what factors could affect
their accuracy?
The results are robust because they were validated by two network engineers
and a licensed architect. However, real-world variables like user movement,
external interference, and unexpected furniture placement could cause slight
deviations from simulated results.
12.How does building shape directly impact signal strength?
Symmetrical shapes like circles and ellipses enhance signal propagation by
reducing the distance between APs and the building edges. Irregular shapes,
such as U- or L-shaped designs, create more barriers and dead zones due to
their extended and angular layouts.
13.Were there any unexpected findings in your heatmap analysis?
Yes, utility spaces like elevators and stairwells, often located centrally,
caused more signal disruption than anticipated. These areas are typically
constructed with high-attenuation materials like concrete and steel,
significantly reducing Wi-Fi performance.
14.How did you deal with dead zones in your simulations?
Dead zones were addressed by testing different AP placements and
increasing the number of APs in challenging layouts. For example, distributed
APs were used in irregular shapes like U-shaped buildings to improve
coverage.
15.What challenges did you face while interpreting the data?
A key challenge was understanding the interplay between building materials
and signal attenuation. We overcame this by carefully analyzing heatmaps
and consulting with experts to validate the results.
Application & Practical Questions
16.How can this research be applied to modern office spaces?
Architects and network engineers can use these findings to design offices
that optimize Wi-Fi performance by:
o Prioritizing open or symmetrical layouts.
o Avoiding high-attenuation materials in critical areas.
o Strategically placing APs for even signal distribution.
17.How can your findings be adapted for hybrid work environments?
Flexible layouts like hybrid designs allow for better AP placement and adapt
to varying occupancy levels. Incorporating distributed APs ensures strong
coverage, even as workers move between remote and in-office settings.
18.What role do smart technologies play in optimizing connectivity?
Smart technologies like adaptive APs and AI-driven signal management can
dynamically optimize coverage and minimize interference, ensuring reliable
connectivity in real-time.
19.How would your research apply to other types of buildings?
Residential and retail spaces would require additional considerations, such as
user density and movement patterns. Larger spaces would benefit from
distributed APs, and material choices would still play a critical role in
connectivity.
20.Would including additional materials significantly change your
results?
Yes, incorporating materials like glass or wood, which have lower attenuation,
could improve Wi-Fi performance in partition-heavy layouts by reducing
signal loss.
Further Research & Conclusion Questions
21.What further research would you suggest based on your findings?
o Explore multi-story buildings to understand vertical signal propagation.
o Investigate how human presence and movement affect Wi-Fi signals.
o Simulate furniture and other interior elements to account for real-world
variables.
22.What are the limitations of your research?
The reliance on simulations means factors like user movement, furniture
placement, and external interference weren’t fully tested. These can be
addressed in future studies.
23.How would you improve your study design in the future?
Conducting real-world experiments alongside simulations would validate the
findings and address additional variables, such as user behavior and
environmental changes.
24.What are your suggestions for resolving design flaws leading to poor
connectivity?
o Use open or hybrid layouts.
o Avoid using high-attenuation materials like steel or thick concrete in
central areas.
o Collaborate with RF engineers early in the design process to optimize
AP placement.
25.How do you envision the integration of architecture and technology
evolving?
The future will see deeper collaboration between architects and engineers.
Smart technologies, adaptive layouts, and connectivity-first designs will
become integral to creating spaces that balance functionality, aesthetics, and
technological needs.
