Performance improvement of wireless mesh networks by using a combination of channel-bonding and multi-channel techniques

Abstract

In the present paper, the use of a combination of channel-bonding and multi-channel techniques is proposed to improve the performance of wireless mesh networks (WMNs). It is necessary to increase the network throughput by broadening the bandwidth, and two approaches to effectively utilize the broadened bandwidth can be considered. One is the multi-channel technique, in which multiple separate frequency channels are used simultaneously for information transmission. The other is the channel-bonding technique used in IEEE 802.11n, which joins multiple frequency channels into a single broader channel. The former can reduce the channel traffic to mitigate the effect of packet collision, while the latter can increase the transmission rate. In the present paper, these two approaches are compared and their respective advantages are clarified in terms of the network throughput and delay performance assuming the same total bandwidth and a CSMA protocol. Our numerical and simulation results indicate that under low-traffic conditions, the channel-bonding technique can achieve low delay, while under traffic congestion conditions, the network performance can be improved by using multi-channel technique. Based on this result, the use of a combination of these two techniques is proposed for a WMN, and show that it is better to use a proper channel technique according to the network traffic condition. The findings of the present study also contribute to improving the performance of a multimedia network, which consists of different traffic types of applications.