Multi layer rules based framework for vertical handoff

Seamless interoperability between two dissimilar networks require handoff from one network to the other. Such handoffs are known as vertical handoffs. Vertical handoff introduces a shift in the approach to handoffs. It deals with handoffs between dissimilar networks, such as from an access point to a base station or vice versa. A horizontal handoff, on the other hand, involves the scenario wherein the handoff is within the same network such as handoffs between cells. Most of the existing research proposes to implement vertical handoff on an overlay network, wherein a user moves from one geographic location to another, such as moving from a WLAN coverage area to a cellular coverage area, or vice versa. This research discusses the need to trigger a vertical handoff based on changes in the mobile environment independent of geographic changes of a user. We develop a novel framework that executes vertical handoff based on a multilayer approach coupled together with adjunct information such as pricing and user preference. This framework allows changes in applications, variations in network conditions and user preferences to trigger vertical handoffs. We conclude by providing a general evaluation of the framework.

[1]  Henning Schulzrinne,et al.  Application-layer mobility using SIP , 2000, MOCO.

[2]  Kee Chaing Chua,et al.  Policy-based QoS-management architecture in an integrated UMTS and WLAN environment , 2003, IEEE Commun. Mag..

[3]  Wei Wu,et al.  Mobility support in wireless Internet , 2003, IEEE Wirel. Commun..

[4]  G. P. Pollini,et al.  Trends in handover design , 1996, IEEE Commun. Mag..

[5]  Charles E. Perkins,et al.  Mobility support in IPv6 , 1996, MobiCom '96.

[6]  Dirk Trossen,et al.  Seamless mobile applications across heterogeneous Internet access , 2003, IEEE International Conference on Communications, 2003. ICC '03..

[7]  Robert J. Sparks,et al.  The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Refer Method , 2003, RFC.

[8]  Miltiades E. Anagnostou,et al.  Context management for the provision of adaptive services to roaming users , 2004, IEEE Wireless Communications.

[9]  Charles E. Perkins,et al.  Mobility support in IPv6 , 1996, MobiCom '96.

[10]  Theodore S. Rappaport,et al.  Wireless communications - principles and practice , 1996 .

[11]  Srinivasan Seshan,et al.  A network architecture for heterogeneous mobile computing , 1998, IEEE Wirel. Commun..

[12]  Alan Kai-Hau Yeung,et al.  Challenges in the migration to 4G mobile systems , 2003, IEEE Commun. Mag..

[13]  Apostolis K. Salkintzis,et al.  WLAN-GPRS integration for next-generation mobile data networks , 2002, IEEE Wirel. Commun..

[14]  Jukka Ylitalo,et al.  Dynamic network interface selection in multihomed mobile hosts , 2003, 36th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, 2003. Proceedings of the.

[15]  Michael E. Theologou,et al.  Evolution in wireless systems management concepts: from composite radio environments to reconfigurability , 2004, IEEE Communications Magazine.

[16]  Henning Schulzrinne,et al.  Evaluation of transport protocols for the session initiation protocol , 2003 .

[17]  Qian Zhang,et al.  Efficient mobility management for vertical handoff between WWAN and WLAN , 2003, IEEE Commun. Mag..

[18]  Henning Schulzrinne,et al.  Handoff delay analysis and measurement for SIP based mobility in IPv6 , 2003, IEEE International Conference on Communications, 2003. ICC '03..

[19]  Markus Dillinger,et al.  Investigation of radio resource scheduling in WLANs coupled with 3G cellular network , 2003, IEEE Commun. Mag..

[20]  Randy H. Katz,et al.  Vertical handoffs in wireless overlay networks , 1998, Mob. Networks Appl..

[21]  E. Gustafsson,et al.  Always best connected , 2003, IEEE Wirel. Commun..

[22]  Ravi Sankar,et al.  A combined prediction system for handoffs in overlaid wireless networks , 1999, 1999 IEEE International Conference on Communications (Cat. No. 99CH36311).

[23]  Henning Schulzrinne,et al.  A multilayered mobility management scheme for auto-configured wireless IP networks , 2003, IEEE Wirel. Commun..

[24]  Alexandru Petrescu,et al.  Network mobility in beyond-3G systems , 2003, IEEE Commun. Mag..

[25]  Kaveh Pahlavan,et al.  Handoff in hybrid mobile data networks , 2000, IEEE Wirel. Commun..