In this paper,
we propose a multi-present distributed algorithms that utilize only local traffic load information to dynamically assign channels and to route packets,
and compare their performance against a centralized algorithm that performs the same functions.
Through an extensive simulation study, we show that even with just 2 NICs on each node, it is possible to improve the network throughput by a factor of 6 to 7 when compared with the conventional single-channel ad hoc network architecture. We also describe and evaluate a 9-node Hyacinth prototype that Is built using commodity PCs each equipped with two 802.11a NICs.