Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) are a promising technology

for providing broadband wireless access to the end

user. They offer a higher degree of flexibility compared to

traditional networks but on the expense of a more complex

structure. Thus, planning and optimization of WMNs is a

challenge. In this paper, we address this challenge using

genetic algorithms. Genetic algorithms are able to evaluate

and optimize large-scale WMNs in relatively small computation

time. The results prove the effectiveness of the genetic

operators to optimize the routing and channel assignment in

WMNs.