Modeling Wireless Mesh Networks for Load Management

Developing a simulation model for multi-hop multi-gateway wireless mesh networks (WMNs) is a challenging task. In this paper, a multi-hop multi-gateway WMN simulation model is developed in a step-by-step approach. This paper presents a MATLAB Simulink-based simulation model of Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) designed for easy optimization of layer 2. The proposed model is of special utility for the simulation of scheduling of GateWay (GW) and packet within a multi-hop multi gateway wireless network. The simulation model provides the flexibility of controlling the flow of packets through the networks. Load management among the GWs of WMN is performed in a distributed manner wherein the nodes based on their local knowledge of neighborhood beacons optimize their path to a GW. This paper presents a centralized Load Management Scheme (LMS). The LMS is based on the formation of Gateway Service Sets (GSS). The GSS is formed on basis of equal load distribution among the GWs. The proposed LMS is then analyzed for throughput improvement by leveraging the MATLAB Simulink model developed in the paper. A throughput improvement of almost 600% and a 40% reduction in packet loss was observed through simulations thus indicating the efficacy of the proposed LMS. The uniqueness of the simulation model presented in this paper are its scalability and flexibility in terms of network topology parameters.