A Software Defined Wireless Networking Approach for Managing Handoff in IEEE 802.11 Networks. (21st November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Filho, José Quaresma; Cunha, Nailson; Lima, Robertson; Anjos, Eudisley; Matos, Fernando
• Other Names: Casares-Giner Vicente Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Wireless communications and mobile computing. Volume 2018(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-11-21
• Subjects: Wireless communication systems -- Periodicals; Mobile communication systems -- Periodicals; 621.38205
• DOI: 10.1155/2018/9246824
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1530-8669

Abstract

Abstract : In Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) with more than one access point (AP), the handoff process plays a crucial role to guarantee the user service continuity. Usually initiated by the client's equipment, it occurs smoothly on the order of seconds. However, despite being functional and well-established, this process can be inadequate in scenarios where users are executing multimedia applications, such as real-time video streaming or VoIP. For these applications, those few seconds may cause loss of packets, resulting in loss of essential information. Because of that, this study proposes a Software Defined Wireless Networking (SDWN) approach, in which a controller decides when to initiate the handoff process and chooses the AP the client's device must connect. This approach was implemented in a testbed scenario and the results have shown its efficiency by decreasing the handoff delay and providing more stability to the process.