Remote locations coverage analysis with wireless mesh networks based on IEEE 802.16 standard

This article analyzes the wireless coverage problem of remote regions with low user density and propagation problems due to irregular terrain and high tree density. The use of a wireless mesh network is proposed as a solution where user data is transmitted directly to a base station when it is possible or relayed through other nodes in a multi-hop manner when there is not a direct link. The mesh topology uses short links with higher capacity instead of long links with low capacity. We analyze radio propagation and MAC protocols, including random sources, queues, and packet delays. The article is based on the coverage of a realistic rural region near Medellin, a mid size city in Colombia, and it shows that a wireless mesh network is an alternative to a typical cell based solution. It includes propagation analysis and MAC protocol behavior, so it is not limited to a radio coverage problem but also traffic, scheduling, and routing analysis.