计算机毕业设计外文翻译---网络体系结构和关键的设计要素.doc

A Survey on Wireless Mesh Networks IAN F. AKYILDIZ, GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY XUDONG WANG, KIYON, INC. Abstract Wireless mesh networks (WMNs) have emerged as a key technology for next-generation wireless networking. Because of their advantages over other wireless networks, WMNs are undergoing rapid progress and inspiring numerous applications. However, many technical issues still exist in this field. In order to provide a better understanding of the research challenges of WMNs, this article presents a detailed investigation of current state-of-the-art protocols and algorithms for WMNs. Open research issues in all protocol layers are also discussed, with an objective to spark new research interests in this field. Introduction Wireless mesh networks (WMNs) are dynamically self-organized and self-configured, with the nodes in the network automatically establishing an ad hoc network and maintaining the mesh connectivity. WMNs are comprised of two types of nodes: mesh routers and mesh clients. Other than the routing capability for gateway/bridge functions as in a conventional wireless router, a mesh router contains additional routing functions to support mesh networking. Through multi-hop communications, the same coverage can be achieved by a mesh router with much lower transmission power. To further improve the flexibility of mesh networking, a mesh router is usually equipped with multiple wireless interfaces built on either the same or different wireless access technologies. In spite of all these differences, mesh and conventional wireless routers are usually built based on a similar hardware platform. Mesh routers have minimal mobility and form the mesh backbone for mesh clients. Thus, although mesh clients can also work as a router for mesh networking, the hardware platform and software for them can be much simpler than those for mesh routers. For example, communication protocols for mesh clients can be light-weight, gateway or bridge functions do not exist in