A Channel Assignment Algorithm for Multi-Radio Wireless Mesh Networks

The focus of this paper is on wireless mesh networks. In particular, we study the multi-radio case, given the considerable improvement in network throughput that multiple radios allow to achieve and the availability of cost-effective wireless devices. Interesting research problems are still unsolved in this field. Due to the scarcity of non-overlapped frequency channels and available radios per node, interference is still present, which cuts the achievable throughput down. As interference depends on how channels are bound to radio interfaces, a proper channel assignment scheme is needed to reduce the interference. In this paper we identify some key requirements of a channel assignment scheme. Accordingly, a centralized channel assignment algorithm is developed for multi-radio wireless mesh networks in order to maximize the throughput and address the interference problems. Finally, a performance study is presented to assess the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm.