Throughput limitation of wireless networks imposes many practical problems as a result of wireless media broadcast nature. The solutions of the problem are mainly categorized in two grou the use of multiple orthogonal channels and network coding (NC). The networks with multiple orthogonal channels and possibly multiple interfaces can mitigate co-channel interference among nodes. However, efficient assignment of channels to the available network interfaces is a major problem for network designers. Furthermore, network coding has been a prominent approach to improve the throughput of unicast traffic in wireless multi-hop networks through opportunistic network coding. In this thesis we seek a collaboration scheme for network coding in multi-channel/interface wireless networks, i.e., the integration of network coding, routing and channel assignment problem. First, we propose a new coding scheme for star structures named as Star-NC. Then, we propose an analytical framework that jointly optimizes the problem of routing and network coding. Our theoretical formulation via a Linear Programming provides a method for finding source-destination routes and utilizing the best choices of different NC schemes to maximize the aggregate throughput. Through this LP, we propose a novel channel assignment algorithm that is aware of both coding opportunities and co-channel interference. Evaluation results show that network coding can boost the capacity of emerging multi-channel networks. Keywords: Network Coding, Multi-Channel/Interface, Channel assignment, Unicast Routing, Wireless Mesh Network
