Architecture Design for Mode Based Packet Distribution in Multi-Interface Wireless Mesh Network

Abstract

Introduction: In this work, an architecture enabled by a multi-interface wireless network based on IEEE802.11g NIC ad-hoc mode built-in OMNeT++/ INETMANeT is designed and then implemented in various Load Balancing (LB) algorithms for packet transmission. The designed simulation positioned an intermediate layer (i.e. cross layer 2.5) between the second and third layers, as defined by the OSI reference model.

Objectives: designing cross-layer architecture, as an intermediate layer in the node architecture between layer 2 and 3, for packet handling in the WMN. 

Methods: A new module named packet SCHEDULER, which is a generic C++ structure able to implement MAC mapping of neighbouring host interfaces, and distribute the traffic (i.e. LB) in multi-hop mesh networks, collaborating the implemented routing protocol with two or more interfaces built-in in each node. The symmetric link in a Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) was developed by adopting the Optimized Link State Routing (OLSR) protocol, which was implemented to find the route in the network. Performance parameters such as throughput/end-to-end delay/PER for all LB modes were compared. The results obtained using the node architecture with two interfaces, three interfaces, and a multi-hop single-interface WMN (SI WMN) were analysed.

Results: Implemented LB algorithms in a Multi-interface WMN (MI WMN) enhance the route between all traffic and improve the capacity of links over the mesh networks. An approach to distribute packets in the defined scheme in Multi-interface Multichannel (MIMC) WMN is made possible by designing cross-layer architecture, an intermediate layer named SCHEDULER in the node architecture. 

Conclusions: The working of the cross layer justifies the improvement in aggregate capacity and overall performance with an increase in the number of interfaces. The evaluations based on performance measurement have shown that, the packets handling is possible in mesh networks by designing an intermediate layer.