Step-by-step procedure for setting up heterogeneous LANs (CSMA and Wi-Fi LANs)

In many workplaces, schools, and organizations, we utilize multiple LANs. The main reasons for setting up multiple LANs include expanding network capacity and bringing network services closer to users. Usually, to expand any LAN connectivity capacity in quick time, network engineers can set up and install Wi-Fi APs. In this section, with a hands-on activity in ns-3, we show how to expand a CSMA LAN with two Wi-Fi networks (Figure 4.12):

Figure 4.12 – Heterogeneous LANs (CSMA and Wi-Fi LANs)

The following are the major objectives of the hands-on activity:

• Set up a CSMA LAN with a link speed of 1Gbps and a delay of 1 ms.
• Extend the CSMA LAN with two Wi-Fi LANs.
• Configure the Wi-Fi standard as 802.11ac and set up each Wi-Fi LAN with a unique SSID.
• Simulate mobility scenarios for Wi-Fi LANs. However, limit users’ mobility within specific boundaries...