Comparative Performance Evaluation of Throughput in Wireless Mesh and Cellular Networks Using Empirical Measurement Models

Abstract

It is a comparative performance analysis of throughput dynamics in wireless mesh network (WMNs) and 4G/5G cellular communication system concerning various mobility, topology and load conditions. A hybrid measurement system involving empirical field testing and NS-3 simulation was created to determine the effect of parameters of node density, handover frequency, interference and scheduling mechanism on end-to-end throughput performance. The results indicate that WMNs ensure a greater throughput stability and link stability in the case of a topology that is either static or semi-static because of good route reuse and peer-assisted relaying. Conversely, the 4G/ 5G cellular networks are superior to the WMNs in high mobility cases due to adaptive modulation, spectrum reuse, and handover optimization. Comparison of results brings out the trade-offs between the diversity of the multi-hop paths and centralized scheduling efficiency. The paper also suggests a hybrid system applying WMN backhaul and 5G edge nodes in order to combine the complementary benefits of both paradigms. This integrated approach presents a positive change in throughput and spectral efficiency as well as reliability, which gives the insights to design a next-generation heterogeneous communication infrastructure.