Fast Handoffs Using Virtual Paths in Mobile ATM Networks

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) is the technology of choice for Broadband Integrated Services Digital Network (B-ISDN). B-ISDNs are expected to support a range of data, voice, image, video and multimedia services (Burgin and Dorman, 1991). Recent technological advances have made high speed wireless links available, enabling the possibility of “multimedia services on the air”. This had led to increased interest in wireless ATM networks. Recent papers (Acampora and Naghshineh, 1994; Raychaudhuri and Wilson, 1994; Eng et al., 1995) have explored various aspects of wireless ATM networks, such as handoffs. Handoffs in connection-oriented networks, such as ATM networks, require a segment tear-down and new segment setup as end hosts move (Wu and Chang, 1995). Segment setup consists of configuring switches on the route of the new segment, and performing Connection Admission Control (CAC) functions at each switch on the new segment to check the availability of resources required to maintain Quality-of-Service (QoS) guarantees. A long segment setup delay implies an increased handoff latency time, consequently increasing the potential for lost packets. Thus, any approach that simplifies the segment setup procedure, executed as mobiles move, will prove beneficial.