The Effect of Ordering on Wireless Optimization Algorithms

Mesh networks are always challenged for bandwidth since they use wireless connections for both access links and backhaul. This paper presents a methodology for studying wireless networking optimizations from the perspective of a network administrator: given a set of wireless optimization algorithms, how do we determine the best configuration of these algorithms? We not only attempt to find the best combination of channel assignment, association control, transmit power control, bit-rate adaptation and beam-form selection algorithms, but we are also the first to consider the order in which those distinct algorithms should be applied as a primary property. This paper addresses a centralized, measurement-driven optimization system used in simulation and a field deployment to administer these optimization configurations in an outdoor 802.11b WLAN featuring multiple, beam forming access points. The results should be applicable to either the backhaul, access or combined wireless links in a mesh. Aggregate throughput results are processed by a decision tree to classify optimization configurations into top and bottom tiers using pairwise ordering and algorithm selection attributes. The results demonstrate that: (1) the relative ranking of an algorithm from an optimization domain is dependent upon the combination and ordering in which it is applied and (2) the ordering of a set of algorithms is as significant to final performance as the combination selected.