An optimized path-selection using airtime metric in OLSR networks: Implementation and testing

Wireless mesh networks used for broadband access may be equipped with multiple Internet gateways. Using airtime metric as the main criterion for path selection is an effective method for achieving load-balancing in such a multi-homed mesh network. In this paper, we describe how the radio-aware path selection using airtime as a metric can be implemented in order to achieve this functionality, based on a modified version of an open source OLSR implementation. The paper presents both the principle of this method, its implementation and the empirical results which focus on testing the airtime metric functionality based on a deployed small-scale test network.