Web Simulator for Node Placement Optimization in Wireless Mesh Networks

Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) offer a promising solution for bridging the digital divide. By utilizing multi-hop communication, these networks can extend the coverage of conventional wireless systems to encompass larger areas. However, their deployment requires meticulous planning, typically preceded by simulations to determine the optimal placement of routers. Although several simulators exist for wireless network planning and performance analysis, they often pose significant challenges. Most are complex and require advanced expertise in programming and network administration, making them inaccessible to non-experts. This complexity hinders community-led deployment efforts, particularly in regions where local expertise is scarce. To address these challenges, this work aims to simplify the deployment process by developing a user-friendly simulator for planning wireless mesh networks and determining the geographic location of routers within a target area. We have created a web-based simulator using the GeoDjango framework. The planning process relies on a multi-objective node placement optimization model to identify the optimal locations for the routers.