Optimization of vertical handover decision processes for Fourth Generation heterogeneous wireless networks

摘要

This paper presents a vertical handover decision (VHD) scheme for optimizing the efficiency of vertical handover processes in the Fourth Generation (4G) heterogeneous wireless networks. The VHD scheme minimizes the handover failures, unnecessary handovers and connection breakdowns. In addition, the scheme also provides mechanisms for mobile applications to control the tradeoff between the usage of the preferred access network and number of handovers or connection breakdowns. Simulation based performance evaluations demonstrate that the scheme reduces the number of handover failures, unnecessary handovers and connection breakdowns up to 80%, 70% and 70%, respectively.