A channel assignment algorithm with awareness of link traffic is proposed in multi-radio multi-channel wireless mesh networks. First, the physical interference model based on the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio and successful transmission condition is described. The model is more suitable for a wireless communication environment than other existing models. Secondly, a pure integer quadratic programming (PIQP) model is used to solve the channel assignment problem and improve the capacity of wireless mesh networks. Consequently, a traffic- aware static channel assignment algorithm(TASC) is designed. The algorithm adopts some network parameters, including the network connectivity, the limitation of the number of radios and the successful transmission conditions in wireless communications. The TASC algorithm can diminish network interference and increase the efficiency of channel assignment while keeping the connectivity of the network. Finally, the feasibility and effectivity of the channel assignment solution are illustrated by the simulation results. Compared witb similar algorithms, the proposed algorithm can increase the capacity of WMNs.