Proposal

Mesh vs Extenders: Improving WiFi on UCF’s Campus
Liam Martin CECS (Information Technology)

Background

As of late, the on-campus WiFi at UCF has become a frequent topic of complaint. Most students and faculty will agree that it is remarkably inconsistent across campus, with many areas getting poor signal strength, which has a negative impact on overall productivity. This study seeks to investigate two ways of solving this problem.

The first potential solution is a mesh network. Mesh networks function by having multiple access points spread throughout a location, functioning as a relay for the main WiFi signal (Jasso). The multiple nodes allow for a high degree of reliability and flexibility in terms of coverage area (Crist).

The second potential solution is a range extender. Range extenders function by capturing and rebroadcasting the signal from the main WiFi router, thus extending the coverage of your main network (Russo). According to a 2017 study by Kittipat Apicharttrisorn et al., a range extender results in a noticeable improvement to the quality of a WiFi network a majority of the time. They are inexpensive and easy to deploy, making them an attractive alternative to mesh networks in certain use cases (Jasso).

Methodology

First, the Netspot WiFi Analyzer tool will be deployed in key buildings around UCF’s campus: the Library, Student Union, Classroom Buildings 1 and 2, the College of Sciences Building, and the Engineering/Business Administration Building. The tool will be deployed and left running for 1 week in each location. This will serve to gather a baseline for the strength of the WiFi signal in those locations and collect information about potential problems or sources of interference.

After part one is complete, the project will then move onto the next phase: testing the range extender. The extender will be deployed at each of the aforementioned locations for a total of 1 week each, in spots where the WiFi analyzer indicated the connection was weakest. The tool will be deployed once again alongside the extender, running alongside the range extender to capture information about the network and its performance.

The methodology for the third part of the project is very similar to the second part. Once again, the Netspot WiFi Analyzer tool will be deployed to gather data on the performance of the network. The sole difference is that this time, the mesh system will be deployed alongside it instead of the range extender.

Anticipated Outcomes and Significance

This research will result in an improved overall understanding of UCF’s WiFi network, including current performance and weaknesses. In addition, it will serve as a trial run for two different methods of fixing the network’s shortcomings. The results will be beneficial for UCF’s IT department and help inform future decisions on how best to manage UCF’s WiFi network to improve functionality and reliability for everybody on campus.

Works Cited

Apicharttrisorn, Kittipat, et al. “Enhancing WiFi Throughput with PLC Extenders: A Measurement Study.” Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2017, pp. 257–269, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-54328-4_19. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

Crist, Ry . “Mesh Router or Wi-Fi Extender: Which Is the Wireless Internet Champion?” CNET, 5 Aug. 2025, www.cnet.com/home/internet/mesh-router-or-wi-fi-extender which-is-the-wireless-internet-champion/. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

Jasso, Alejandra. “What Is a WiFi Mesh Network and How Does It Work?” SignalBoosters, 23 Apr. 2024, www.signalboosters.com/blog/what-is-a-wifi-mesh network-and-how-does-it-work-/.

Russo, Daniel. “What Is a Wi-Fi Range Extender? Ultimate Guide to Boost Your Network in 2025.” HP® Tech Takes, HP, 12 Mar. 2025, www.hp.com/us en/shop/tech-takes/what-is-a-wifi-range-extender.

Timeline

January 1, 2027- Feburary 1, 2027 • Purchase necessary materials • Establish baseline connectivity speeds across campus February 1, 2027- March 1, 2027 • Finish deploying and testing range extender March 1, 2027- April 1, 2027 • Finish deploying and testing mesh system

Budget

Netspot WiFi Analyzer (necessary to gather data on network performance) 1 unit, $59 $59

TP-Link Ax1750 Wi-Fi 6 Dual-Band Range Extender (necessary equipment to test impact of range extender) 2 units. $68 each $136

TP-Link Deco X25 AX1800 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System (necessary equipment to test impact of mesh network) 2 units, $115.99 each $231.98

Total - $426.98