Multi-rate Based Channel Assignment Algorithm for Multi-radio Multi-channel Wireless Mesh Networks

Much attention has been paid to efficiently use channel assignment algorithm to enhance throughput of multi-radio multi-channel (MRMC) wireless Mesh networks (WMNs). However, most prior works on channel assignment assume that all links work on a same rate. In this paper, a multi-rate based channel assignment algorithm called Multi-Rate Based Channel Assignment (MRBCA) is proposed to solve problems caused by multi-rate links. Firstly a proper root node is selected and then a multi-rate topology is established with consideration of connectivity and avoidance of single-direction links. After that, links are ordered and bandwidth loss function is proposed. At last, channels are assigned to links according to the order and minimization of bandwidth loss. Simulation results using ns-3 show that MRBCA outperforms other two classic channel assignment algorithms.