This paper introduces EPEW, an environment for rapid prototyping of communication protocols over IEEE 802.11 mesh networks. EPEW provides a software environment that makes prototyping as quick, easy, and effortless as possible, which allows researchers to conduct both functional assessment and performance evaluation as an integral part of the protocol design process. Since EPEW runs on real IEEE 802.11 wireless mesh routers and clients, prototypes can be evaluated and adjusted under realistic conditions. EPEW facilitates prototype development by providing: (i) a set of building blocks that implement common functions needed by a wide range of protocols for wireless mesh networks, and (ii) an API that allows protocol designers to access EPEW primitives.