Analytical models for the performance optimization of wireless mesh networks

An analytical framework for the performance analysis of CSMA/CA based wireless mesh networks is presented. This framework can provide an accurate throughput-delay evaluation for both saturated and unsaturated cases. As an important application of this frame-work, an analytical model is developed to obtain closed form expressions for delay in terms of multipath routing variables. A flow deviation algorithm is used to derive the optimal flow over a given set of routes for any number of classes. The model takes into account the effects of neighbor interference and hidden terminals, and tools are provided to make it feasible for the performance analysis and optimization of large-scale networks.;The above work is based on the traditional forwarding mechanism that is inherited from IEEE 802.11. However, this kind of mechanism in a multi-hop environment causes problems: inefficiency, unfairness, and high delay for long-hop flows. To solve these problems, a new forwarding mechanism 'express forwarding' has been proposed in [6].;The second part of this dissertation gives a detailed evaluation on the effectiveness of this new forwarding mechanism. With the analytical model used, insight has been provided on the effect of forwarding and buffer management schemes on the efficiency, fairness, and effective throughput of wireless mesh networks.