Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) are a key technology to provide inexpensive ubiquitous network access to end users and sensing equipment in urban, rural, and developing areas. WMNs seamlessly integrate with existing traditional fixed or cellular networks and extend their network coverage. Like any other network, a WMN and the services running on top of it go through a life cycle consisting of development, testing, deployment and operation. This thesis contributes solutions addressing various challenges encountered in each phase of the life cycle. First, we designed a flexible framework for...