Adaptive channel assignment for wireless mesh networks using game theory

Abstract

Channel assignment has been extensively researched for multi-radio wireless mesh networks, but it is still very challenging when it comes to its implementation. In this paper we propose a semi-dynamic and distributed channel assignment mechanism called SICA that uses game theory. To the best of our knowledge this is the first game formulation of channel assignment which takes the co-channel interference into account. SICA is an interference aware, distributed channel assignment which preserves the network connectivity without relying on a common channel nor central node for coordination between mesh routers. SICA applies an on-line learner algorithm which assumes that nodes do not have perfect information. We have simulated SICA and compared against another interference-aware channel assignment mechanism proposed in the literature called Urban-X. Simulation results show that SICA outperforms Urban-X, even using fewer radio interfaces per node.