1,179 research outputs found
On the Minimization of Handover Decision Instability in Wireless Local Area Networks
This paper addresses handover decision instability which impacts negatively
on both user perception and network performances. To this aim, a new technique
called The HandOver Decision STAbility Technique (HODSTAT) is proposed for
horizontal handover in Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) based on IEEE
802.11standard. HODSTAT is based on a hysteresis margin analysis that, combined
with a utilitybased function, evaluates the need for the handover and
determines if the handover is needed or avoided. Indeed, if a Mobile Terminal
(MT) only transiently hands over to a better network, the gain from using this
new network may be diminished by the handover overhead and short usage
duration. The approach that we adopt throughout this article aims at reducing
the minimum handover occurrence that leads to the interruption of network
connectivity (this is due to the nature of handover in WLAN which is a break
before make which causes additional delay and packet loss). To this end, MT
rather performs a handover only if the connectivity of the current network is
threatened or if the performance of a neighboring network is really better
comparing the current one with a hysteresis margin. This hysteresis should make
a tradeoff between handover occurrence and the necessity to change the current
network of attachment. Our extensive simulation results show that our proposed
algorithm outperforms other decision stability approaches for handover decision
algorithm.Comment: 13 Pages, IJWM
Mobility management across converged IP-based heterogeneous access networks
This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University, 8/2/2010.In order to satisfy customer demand for a high performance “global” mobility service, network operators (ISPs, carriers, mobile operators, etc.) are facing the need to evolve to a converged “all-IP” centric heterogeneous access infrastructure. However, the integration of such heterogeneous access networks (e.g. 802.11, 802.16e, UMTS etc) brings major mobility issues. This thesis tackles issues plaguing existing mobility management solutions in converged IP-based heterogeneous networks. In order to do so, the thesis firstly proposes a cross-layer mechanism using the upcoming IEEE802.21 MIH services to make intelligent and optimized handovers. In this respect, FMIPv6 is integrated with the IEEE802.21 mechanism to provide seamless mobility during the overall handover process. The proposed solution is then applied in a simulated vehicular environment to optimize the NEMO handover process. It is shown through analysis and simulations of the signalling process that the overall expected handover (both L2 and L3) latency in FMIPv6 can be reduced by the proposed mechanism by 69%. Secondly, it is expected that the operator of a Next Generation Network will provide mobility as a service that will generate significant revenues. As a result, dynamic service bootstrapping and authorization mechanisms must be in place to efficiently deploy a mobility service (without static provisioning), which will allow only legitimate users to access the service. A GNU Linux based test-bed has been implemented to demonstrate this. The experiments presented show the handover performance of the secured FMIPv6 over the implemented test-bed compared to plain FMIPv6 and MIPv6 by providing quantitative measurements and results on the quality of experience perceived by the users of IPv6 multimedia applications. The results show the inclusion of the additional signalling of the proposed architecture for the purpose of authorization and bootstrapping (i.e. key distribution using HOKEY) has no adverse effect on the overall handover process. Also, using a formal security analysis tool, it is shown that the proposed mechanism is safe/secure from the induced security threats. Lastly, a novel IEEE802.21 assisted EAP based re-authentication scheme over a service authorization and bootstrapping framework is presented. AAA based authentication mechanisms like EAP incur signalling overheads due to large RTTs. As a result, overall handover latency also increases. Therefore, a fast re-authentication scheme is presented which utilizes IEEE802.21 MIH services to minimize the EAP authentication process delays and as a result reduce the overall handover latency. Analysis of the signalling process based on analytical results shows that the overall handover latency for mobility protocols will be approximately reduced by 70% by the proposed scheme
Mobility and Handoff Management in Wireless Networks
With the increasing demands for new data and real-time services, wireless
networks should support calls with different traffic characteristics and
different Quality of Service (QoS)guarantees. In addition, various wireless
technologies and networks exist currently that can satisfy different needs and
requirements of mobile users. Since these different wireless networks act as
complementary to each other in terms of their capabilities and suitability for
different applications, integration of these networks will enable the mobile
users to be always connected to the best available access network depending on
their requirements. This integration of heterogeneous networks will, however,
lead to heterogeneities in access technologies and network protocols. To meet
the requirements of mobile users under this heterogeneous environment, a common
infrastructure to interconnect multiple access networks will be needed. In this
chapter, the design issues of a number of mobility management schemes have been
presented. Each of these schemes utilizes IP-based technologies to enable
efficient roaming in heterogeneous network. Efficient handoff mechanisms are
essential for ensuring seamless connectivity and uninterrupted service
delivery. A number of handoff schemes in a heterogeneous networking environment
are also presented in this chapter.Comment: 28 pages, 11 figure
Will SDN be part of 5G?
For many, this is no longer a valid question and the case is considered
settled with SDN/NFV (Software Defined Networking/Network Function
Virtualization) providing the inevitable innovation enablers solving many
outstanding management issues regarding 5G. However, given the monumental task
of softwarization of radio access network (RAN) while 5G is just around the
corner and some companies have started unveiling their 5G equipment already,
the concern is very realistic that we may only see some point solutions
involving SDN technology instead of a fully SDN-enabled RAN. This survey paper
identifies all important obstacles in the way and looks at the state of the art
of the relevant solutions. This survey is different from the previous surveys
on SDN-based RAN as it focuses on the salient problems and discusses solutions
proposed within and outside SDN literature. Our main focus is on fronthaul,
backward compatibility, supposedly disruptive nature of SDN deployment,
business cases and monetization of SDN related upgrades, latency of general
purpose processors (GPP), and additional security vulnerabilities,
softwarization brings along to the RAN. We have also provided a summary of the
architectural developments in SDN-based RAN landscape as not all work can be
covered under the focused issues. This paper provides a comprehensive survey on
the state of the art of SDN-based RAN and clearly points out the gaps in the
technology.Comment: 33 pages, 10 figure
Novel Model of Adaptive Module for Security and QoS Provisioning in Wireless Heterogeneous Networks
Considering the fact that Security and Quality-Of-Service (QoS) provisioning for multimedia traffic in Wireless Heterogeneous Networks are becoming increasingly important objectives, in this paper we are introducing a novel adaptive Security and QoS framework. This framework is planned to be implemented in integrated network architecture (UMTS, WiMAX and WLAN). The aim of our novel framework is presenting a new module that shall provide the best QoS provisioning and secure communication for a given service using one or more wireless technologies in a given time
Future Trends and Challenges for Mobile and Convergent Networks
Some traffic characteristics like real-time, location-based, and
community-inspired, as well as the exponential increase on the data traffic in
mobile networks, are challenging the academia and standardization communities
to manage these networks in completely novel and intelligent ways, otherwise,
current network infrastructures can not offer a connection service with an
acceptable quality for both emergent traffic demand and application requisites.
In this way, a very relevant research problem that needs to be addressed is how
a heterogeneous wireless access infrastructure should be controlled to offer a
network access with a proper level of quality for diverse flows ending at
multi-mode devices in mobile scenarios. The current chapter reviews recent
research and standardization work developed under the most used wireless access
technologies and mobile access proposals. It comprehensively outlines the
impact on the deployment of those technologies in future networking
environments, not only on the network performance but also in how the most
important requirements of several relevant players, such as, content providers,
network operators, and users/terminals can be addressed. Finally, the chapter
concludes referring the most notable aspects in how the environment of future
networks are expected to evolve like technology convergence, service
convergence, terminal convergence, market convergence, environmental awareness,
energy-efficiency, self-organized and intelligent infrastructure, as well as
the most important functional requisites to be addressed through that
infrastructure such as flow mobility, data offloading, load balancing and
vertical multihoming.Comment: In book 4G & Beyond: The Convergence of Networks, Devices and
Services, Nova Science Publishers, 201
IP-Based Mobility Management and Handover Latency Measurement in heterogeneous environments
One serious concern in the ubiquitous networks is the seamless vertical handover management between different wireless technologies. To meet this challenge, many standardization organizations proposed different protocols at different layers of the protocol stack. The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) has different groups working on mobility at IP level in order to enhance mobile IPv4 and mobile IPv6 with different variants: HMIPv6 (Hierarchical Mobile IPv6), FMIPv6 (Fast Mobile IPv6) and PMIPv6 (Proxy Mobile IPv6) for seamless handover. Moreover, the IEEE 802.21 standard provides another framework for seamless handover. The 3GPP standard provides the Access Network and Selection Function (ANDSF) to support seamless handover between 3GPP – non 3GPP networks like Wi-Fi, considered as untrusted, and WIMAX considered as trusted networks. In this paper, we present an in-depth analysis of seamless vertical handover protocols and a handover latency comparison of the main mobility management approaches in the literature. The comparison shows the advantages and drawbacks of every mechanism in order to facilitate the adoption of the convenient one for vertical handover within Next Generation Network (NGN) environments. Keywords: Seamless vertical handover, mobility management protocols, IEEE 802.21 MIH, handover latenc
Inter-Domain Authentication for Seamless Roaming in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks
The convergence of diverse but complementary wireless access technologies and inter-operation among administrative domains have been envisioned as crucial for the next generation wireless networks that will provide support for end-user devices to seamlessly roam across domain boundaries. The integration of existing and emerging heterogeneous wireless networks to provide such seamless roaming requires the design of a handover scheme that provides uninterrupted service continuity while facilitating the establishment of authenticity of the entities involved. The existing protocols for supporting re-authentication of a mobile node during a handover across administrative domains typically involve several round trips to the home domain, and hence introduce long latencies. Furthermore, the existing methods for negotiating roaming agreements to establish inter-domain trust rely on a lengthy manual process, thus, impeding seamless roaming across multiple domains in a truly heterogeneous wireless network. In this thesis, we present a new proof-token based authentication protocol that supports quick re-authentication of a mobile node as it moves to a new foreign domain without involving communication with the home domain. The proposed proof-token based protocol can also support establishment of spontaneous roaming agreements between a pair of domains that do not already have a direct roaming agreement, thus allowing flexible business models to be supported. We describe details of the new authentication architecture, the proposed protocol, which is based on EAP-TLS and compare the proposed protocol with existing protocols
- …