A multi-rate multi-channel multicast algorithm in wireless mesh networks

Devices in wireless mesh networks can operate on multiple channels and automatically adjust their transmission rates for the occupied channels. This paper shows how to improve performance-guaranteed multicasting transmission coverage for wireless multi-hop mesh networks by exploring the transmission opportunity offered by multiple rates (MR) and multiple channels (MC). We investigate the characteristics and behavior of transmissions with different rates in wireless multi-hop mesh networks. We then propose parallel low-rate transmissions and alternative rate transmissions to explore the advantages of MRMC under the constraint of limited channel resources. A novel link-controlled multi-rate multi-channel multicast algorithm is also designed to extend wireless multicast coverage with high throughput. Our NS2 simulation results demonstrate the improved multicast quality of LC-MRMC in much larger wireless areas as compared to current studies.