Single Gateway Placement in Wireless Mesh Networks

Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) are crucial for various sectors due to their adaptability and scalability, providing robust connectivity where traditional wired networks are impractical. WMNs facilitate smart city initiatives, disaster recovery efforts, and industrial automation, playing a pivotal role in modern networking applications. Their versatility also extends to rural connectivity, highlighting their relevance in diverse scenarios. Recent research in WMNs has focused on optimizing gateway placement and selection to enhance network performance and ensure efficient data transmission. This paper introduces a novel approach to maximize average throughput by strategically positioning gateways within the mesh topology. Inspired by Coulomb's law, which has been used in network analysis, this approach aims to improve network performance through strategic gateway positioning. Comprehensive simulations and analyses demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in enhancing both throughput and network efficiency. By leveraging physics-based models like Coulomb's law, the study offers an objective means to optimize gateway placement, a critical component in WMN design. These findings provide valuable insights for network designers and operators, guiding informed decision-making for gateway deployment across various WMN deployments. This research significantly contributes to the ongoing evolution of WMN optimization strategies, reaffirming the essential role of gateway placement in establishing resilient and efficient wireless communication infrastructures.