Design and implementation of a context-aware decision algorithm for heterogeneous networks

Wireless networks and mobile terminals are evolving towards being heterogeneous. In this environment, intelligent handover decision, beyond traditional ones that are based on only signal strength, is needed so that terminals can select the best option available from diverse networks and services as per user requirements. In the process, it would enable user applications to switch automatically between active interfaces that best suit them based on application requirements and interface capabilities and to use multiple radio interfaces simultaneously ensuring the optimum usage of the network resources available to the terminal. To fulfill the above requirements, this paper proposes the design and implementation of a context-aware vertical handover decision algorithm suitable for multimode mobile devices in heterogeneous networks based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP).