Optimal Path Discovery with Mobility Management in Heterogeneous Mesh Networks

Abstract

Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) is a promising technology for backhaul wireless connectivity in user premises due to its multi-hop nature, multi-radio multi-channel capabilities and stable power supplies. With proliferation of new and advanced access technologies, future WMN’s will bean integrated paradigm to provide seamless and ubiquitous connectivity to multi interface end user devices. Co-existence of multiple heterogeneous interfaces on wireless mesh routers increases overall network capacity, resilience and availability in the mesh backhaul as compared to homogenous radios mesh networks. In this paper, we present a novel architecture for heterogeneous WMN’s based on integrated IEEE 802.11/16/15technologies and discuss issues, possible solutions and future insight. We propose an optimal route algorithm along with radio assignment graph which captures the heterogeneity of radios. We also present a handover mechanism for seamless interface switch for mobile and static end user devices.