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Abstract-A number of routing metrics exist in wireless networks. These routing metrics were originally designed for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). When Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) came into being, an idea of introducing and using these routing metrics for WMNs was considered. The problem that arises is that these routing metrics have not been proven whether they work best in WMNs. These routing metrics have to be compared before they can be used in WMNs, so as to choose the best routing metric for WMNs among existing routing metrics before designing a new one. There are works in the literature that compare the routing metrics, but the comparisons are not done in a consistent manner. The main aim of this paper is to compare the routing metrics in a consistent manner, making recommendations for an optimal routing metrics for WMNs at the end. This paper simulated four routing metrics in NS2, with Ad hoc On Demand Vector (AODV) protocol as a routing protocol. After the routing metrics have been simulated, the results of the simulation are compared to see which routing metric performed best. From the evaluation, design criteria for an ideal routing metric for WMNs are recommended