An Intelligent Handover Management System for Future Generation Wireless Networks. (4th September 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kassar, Meriem; Kervella, Brigitte; Pujolle, Guy
• Other Names: Vasilakos Athanasios Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: EURASIP journal on wireless communications and networking. Volume 2008(2008)
• Publication Date: 2008-09-04
• Subjects: Wireless communication systems -- Periodicals; Signal processing -- Periodicals; 621.38405
• DOI: 10.1155/2008/791691
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-1499

Abstract

Abstract : Future generation wireless networks should provide to mobile users the best connectivity to services anywhere at anytime. The most challenging problem is the seamless intersystem/vertical mobility across heterogeneous wireless networks. In order to answer it, a vertical handover management system is needed. In our paper, we propose an intelligent solution answering user requirements and ensuring service continuity. We focus on a vertical handover decision strategy based on the context-awareness concept. The given strategy chooses the appropriate time and the most suitable access network among those available to perform a handover. It uses advanced decision algorithms (for more efficiency and intelligence) and it is governed by handover policies as decision rules (for more flexibility and optimization). To maintain a seamless service continuity, handover execution is based on mobile IP functionalities. We study our decision system in a case of a 3G/UMTS-WLAN scenario and we discuss all the handover decision issues in our solution.