Design considerations of a topology control prototype for Wireless Mesh Networks

Topology Control has been shown to produce beneficial outcomes when applied to wireless ad-hoc networks. Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) may also benefit from the use of TC in its backbone network but the actual extent of the benefit remains unknown as prototype studies are rare. In this paper we distill our experiences developing two TC prototypes into a set of design criteria for TC prototypes intended for the WMN backbone. A case study of the PlainTC+ prototype is also provided. The case study explores the design decisions taken in order for the prototype to satisfy the various design criteria provided. It is hoped that the case study will provide a practical starting point for future prototypes.