Wireless mesh network analysis and configuration

A system 100 generates alternative configurations for wireless process mesh networks 116 using design parameters, as specified through a user interface, and information about existing mesh networks and wireless field devices 120. Optional aspects are as follows. The individual mesh networks may be defined through their respective wireless gateway devices 118, but operate in a geographically overlapping space. The network information may include the geographical location of the field devices and gateway devices, and this may be obtained automatically from the devices. The design parameters may include a minimum numbers of neighbour devices required for each field device, the effective range of each gateway, and a minimum number of devices able to communicate directly with a gateway. The user interface may display the alternative configuration. The networks may be WirelessHART process mesh networks. The system facilitates the splitting of an at capacity network when an additional network is added to a process installation, hence improving robustness and performance.