On Optimization of Wireless Mesh Networks using Genetic Algorithms

Next generation fixed wireless networks are most likely organized in a mesh structure. The performance of these mesh networks is mainly influenced by the routing scheme and the channel assignment. In this paper, we focus on the routing and channel assignment in large-scale Wireless Mesh Networks to achieve a max-min fair throughput allocation. As most optimization approaches fail to optimize large wireless mesh network deployments, we investigate the usability of genetic algorithms for this approach. The results show the influence of the genetic operators on the resulting network solution and underline the advantages of a genetic optimization when applied carefully. Keywords-Wireless Mesh Networks, Planning, Optimization, Routing, Genetic Algorithms