“…BSs is given by the formula mn n m M total + + = 2 2 , where m and n are integers, thereby giving total M = 3, 4, 7, 9, 12, 13, 16, 19, 21, etc [12]. Since the topology design considered in our analysis assumes one GW positioned at the centre of the cluster is surrounded by numerous BSs that form a symmetrical-like multihop pattern, the cluster sizes selected are 4, 7, 13, 19 and 37 with corresponding GW-to-AP ratio of 1:3, 1:6, 1:12, 1:18 and 1:36, respectively, in which the design options under study can be configured with limited 1 hop (i.e., no forwarding) to maximum 4 hops.…”