Access Network Selection in Heterogeneous Networks

The future Heterogeneous Wireless Network (HWN) is composed of multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs), therefore new Radio Resource Management (RRM) schemes and mechanisms are necessary to benefit from the individual characteristics of each RAT and to exploit the gain resulting from jointly considering the whole set of the available radio resources in each RAT. These new RRM schemes have to support mobile users who can access more than one RAT alternatively or simultaneously using a multi-mode terminal. An important RRM consideration for overall HWN stability, resource utilization, user satisfaction, and Quality of Service (QoS) provisioning is the selection of the most optimal and promising Access Network (AN) for a new service request. The RRM mechanism that is responsible for selecting the most optimal and promising AN for a new service request in the HWN is called the initial Access Network Selection (ANS). This thesis explores the issue of ANS in the HWN. Several ANS solutions that attempt to increase the user satisfaction, the operator benefits, and the QoS are designed, implemented, and evaluated. The thesis first presents a comprehensive foundation for the initial ANS in the H\VN. Then, the thesis analyses and develops a generic framework for solving the ANS problem and any other similar optimized selection problem. The advantages and strengths of the developed framework are discussed. Combined Fuzzy Logic (FL), Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) and Genetic Algorithms (GA) are used to give the developed framework the required scalability, flexibility, and simplicity. The developed framework is used to present and design several novel ANS algorithms that consider the user, the operator, and the QoS view points. Different numbers of RATs, MCDM tools, and FL inference system types are used in each algorithm. A suitable simulation models over the HWN with a new set of performance evolution metrics for the ANS solution are designed and implemented. The simulation results show that the new algorithms have better and more robust performance over the random, the service type, and the terminal speed based selection algorithms that are used as reference algorithms. Our novel algorithms outperform the reference algorithms in- terms of the percentage of the satisfied users who are assigned to the network of their preferences and the percentage of the users who are assigned to networks with stronger signal strength. The new algorithms maximize the operator benefits by saving the high cost network resources and utilizing the usage of the low cost network resources. Usually better results are achieved by assigning the weights using the GA optional component in the implemented algorithms

WLAN / WMAN Integration Architecture and Traffic Control for Voice Transmission

The popular technologies Wi-Fi and WiMAX for realization of WLAN and WMAN respectively are much different, but they could compliment each other providing competitive wireless access for voice traffic. The article develops the idea of WLAN/WMAN (Wi-Fi/WiMAX) integration. WiMAX is offering a backup for the traffic overflowing from Wi-Fi cells located into the WiMAX cell. Overflow process is improved by proposed rearrangement control algorithm applied to the Wi-Fi voice calls. There are also proposed analytical models for system throughput evaluation and verification of the effectiveness using WMAN as a backup for WLAN overflow traffic and the proposed call rearrangement algorithm as well

Optimization of Vertical Handover Performance Using Elimination Based MCDM Algorithm

In heterogeneous networks environment, Vertical Handover Decision (VHD) algorithms help mobile terminals to choose the best network between all the available networks. VHD algorithms provide the QoS to a wide range of applications anywhere at any time. In this paper, a generic and novel solution to solve the Vertical Handover (VHO) problem has been developed. This solution contains two major subsystems: The first subsystem is called elimination system. Elimination system is received the different VHO criteria such as received signal strength, network load balancing and mobile station speed from the different available networks. After that, the inappropriate alternatives are eliminated based on the elimination conditions. The second subsystem is a Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) system that chooses the appropriate alternative from the remaining alternatives of the elimination phase. For simulate the proposed solution, MATLAB program is used with aid of MATLAB-based toolbox that is called RUdimentary Network Emulator (RUNE). The combination of both subsystems avoids the processing delay caused by unnecessary computation over available networks which do not ensure connection performance. Also it avoids increasing the number of unnecessary handovers, ping pong effect, blocking rate and dropping rate by reducing the handover failure rate. A performance analysis is done and results are compared to other reference algorithms. These results demonstrate a significant improvement over other reference algorithms in terms of handover failure rate, percentage of satisfied users, and percentage of the low cost network usage

Performance Modeling, Design and Analysis of Transport Mechanisms in Integrated Heterogeneous Wireless Networks

Recently, wireless access to Internet applications and services has attracted a lot of attention. However, there is no single wireless network that can meet all mobile users’ requirements. Con-sequently, integrated heterogeneous wireless networks are introduced to meet diverse wireless Internet applications and services requirements. On the other hand, integrated heterogeneous wireless networks pose new challenges to the design and development of reliable transport mechanisms. Wireless Application Protocol version 2 (WAP 2.0) is one of the promising trans-port mechanisms. It uses wireless profiled TCP (WP-TCP), which is fully compatible with TCP, as one of the reliable transport protocols to cope with the wireless link impairments. For WAP 2.0 to continue providing reliable and efficient transport services in the future, one of the key is-sues is to thoroughly study, understand, and improve its performance in integrated heterogeneous wireless networks. In this thesis, we develop analytical frameworks and propose a solution to respectively study and improve the performance of WP-TCP in integrated heterogeneous wireless networks. Spe-cifically, we consider WP-TCP short- and long-lived flows over integrated wireless local area network (WLAN) and wireless wide area network (WWAN), where WLAN can be static or mo-bile. In order to facilitate the analysis of WP-TCP performance in integrated WLAN and WWAN, we first construct a novel WLAN link model, which captures the impact of both uncor-related and correlated transmission errors, and derive mathematical expressions that describe packet loss probability and packet loss burst length over WWAN-WLAN link. Then, we develop analytical frameworks for studying the performance of WP-TCP short- and long-lived flows. Differently from those reported in the literature, our analytical framework for WP-TCP short-lived flows takes into account both correlated and uncorrelated packet losses. Furthermore, our analytical framework for long-lived flow can be used to study the short-term (during vertical handover) and long-term performances of WP-TCP and it captures the effects of vertical handover, such as excessive packet losses and sudden change in network characteristics, which are commonly experienced in integrated static WLAN and WWAN. By using the devel-oped analytical frameworks, we extensively analyze the performance of WP-TCP flows and in-vestigate the optimal protocol design parameters over a wide range of network conditions. Finally, based on our analytical studies, we propose a receiver-centric loosely coupled cross-layer design along with two proactive schemes, which significantly improve the vertical hand-over performance. The proposed solution is easy to implement and deploy, compatible with tra-ditional TCP, and robust in the absence of cross-layer information. Extensive simulations have been conducted to confirm the effectiveness and practicability of our schemes

A Simulation Framework For Performance Evaluation Of Network Selection Algorithms In Heterogeneous Wireless Networks.

Future wireless communication systems will be comprised by the integration of different radio access technologies (RATs), referred to as heterogeneous wireless network (HWN)

Energy-efficient vertical handover parameters, classification and solutions over wireless heterogeneous networks: a comprehensive survey

In the last few decades, the popularity of wireless networks has been growing dramatically for both home and business networking. Nowadays, smart mobile devices equipped with various wireless networking interfaces are used to access the Internet, communicate, socialize and handle short or long-term businesses. As these devices rely on their limited batteries, energy-efficiency has become one of the major issues in both academia and industry. Due to terminal mobility, the variety of radio access technologies and the necessity of connecting to the Internet anytime and anywhere, energy-efficient handover process within the wireless heterogeneous networks has sparked remarkable attention in recent years. In this context, this paper first addresses the impact of specific information (local, network-assisted, QoS-related, user preferences, etc.) received remotely or locally on the energy efficiency as well as the impact of vertical handover phases, and methods. It presents energy-centric state-of-the-art vertical handover approaches and their impact on energy efficiency. The paper also discusses the recommendations on possible energy gains at different stages of the vertical handover process

Energy-efficient vertical handover parameters, classification and solutions over wireless heterogeneous networks: a comprehensive survey

In the last few decades, the popularity of wireless networks has been growing dramatically for both home and business networking. Nowadays, smart mobile devices equipped with various wireless networking interfaces are used to access the Internet, communicate, socialize and handle short or long-term businesses. As these devices rely on their limited batteries, energy-efficiency has become one of the major issues in both academia and industry. Due to terminal mobility, the variety of radio access technologies and the necessity of connecting to the Internet anytime and anywhere, energy-efficient handover process within the wireless heterogeneous networks has sparked remarkable attention in recent years. In this context, this paper first addresses the impact of specific information (local, network-assisted, QoS-related, user preferences, etc.) received remotely or locally on the energy efficiency as well as the impact of vertical handover phases, and methods. It presents energy-centric state-of-the-art vertical handover approaches and their impact on energy efficiency. The paper also discusses the recommendations on possible energy gains at different stages of the vertical handover process

An Experimental Cross-Layer Approach to Improve the Vertical Handover Procedure in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks

Users of next generation wireless devices will be likely to move across a heterogeneous network environment. This will give them the possibility to always exploit the best connection to the global Internet. In order to keep a seamless connection, the handover between different access technologies, also known as vertical handover, must be as smooth as possible. The current evolution of network architectures toward an all-IP core favours the use of the Mobile IPv6 protocol to handle such handovers. However, this protocol still presents several drawbacks, mainly related to the assumption of static devices and wired connections. Hence we have designed and implemented a software module that exploits information from the lower layers (e.g. physical) to extend the capabilities of Mobile IPv6 to wireless environments. We have then evaluated both the plain Mobile IPv6 and our proposed implementation over an experimental testbed. The outcome of the assessment proves the effectiveness of our solution and reveals the possibility to perform a seamless vertical handover in heterogeneous wireless networks

Context-aware multi-attribute decision multi - attribute decision making for radio access technology selection in ultra dense network

Ultra Dense Network (UDN) is the extreme densification of heterogeneous Radio Access Technology (RAT) that is deployed closely in coordinated or uncoordinated manner. The densification of RAT forms an overlapping zone of signal coverage leading to the frequent service handovers among the RAT, thus degrading overall system performance. The current RAT selection approach is biased towards network-centric criteria pertaining to signal strength. However, the paradigm shift from network-centric to user-centric approach necessitates a multi-criteria selection process, with methodology relating to both network and user preferences in the context of future generation networks. Hence, an effective selection approach is required to avoid unnecessary handovers in RAT. The main aim of this study is to propose the Context-aware Multiattribute decision making for RAT (CMRAT) selection for investigating the need to choose a new RAT and further determine the best amongst the available methods. The CMRAT consists of two mechanisms, namely the Context-aware Analytical Hierarchy Process (CAHP) and Context-aware Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (CTOPSIS). The CAHP mechanism measures the need to switch from the current RAT, while CTOPSIS aids in decision making to choose the best target RAT. A series of experimental studies were conducted to validate the effectiveness of CMRAT for achieving improved system performance. The investigation utilises shopping mall and urban dense network scenarios to evaluate the performance of RAT selection through simulation. The findings demonstrated that the CMRAT approach reduces delay and the number of handovers leading to an improvement of throughput and packet delivery ratio when compared to that of the commonly used A2A4-RSRQ approach. The CMRAT approach is effective in the RAT selection within UDN environment, thus supporting heterogeneous RAT deployment in future 5G networks. With context-aware selection, the user-centric feature is also emphasized

A network mobility management architecture for a heteregeneous network environment

Network mobility management enables mobility of personal area networks and vehicular networks across heterogeneous access networks using a Mobile Router. This dissertation presents a network mobility management architecture for minimizing the impact of handoffs on the communications of nodes in the mobile network. The architecture addresses mobility in legacy networks without infrastructure support, but can also exploit infrastructure support for improved handoff performance. Further, the proposed architecture increases the efficiency of communications of nodes in the mobile network with counter parts in the fixed network through the use of caching and route optimization. The performance and costs of the proposed architecture are evaluated through empirical and numerical analysis. The analysis shows the feasibility of the architecture in the networks of today and in those of the near future.Verkkojen liikkuuvudenhallinta mahdollistaa henkilökohtaisten ja ajoneuvoihin asennettujen verkkojen liikkuvuuden heterogeenisessä verkkoympäristössä käyttäen liikkuvaa reititintä. Tämä väitöskirja esittää uuden arkkitehtuurin verkkojen liikkuvuudenhallintaan, joka minimoi verkonvaihdon vaikutuksen päätelaitteiden yhteyksiin. Vanhoissa verkoissa, joiden infrastruktuuri ei tue verkkojen liikkuvuutta, verkonvaihdos täytyy hallita liikkuvassa reitittimessa. Standardoitu verkkojen liikkuvuudenhallintaprotokolla NEMO mahdollistaa tämän käyttäen ankkurisolmua kiinteässä verkossa pakettien toimittamiseen päätelaitteiden kommunikaatiokumppaneilta liikkuvalle reitittimelle. NEMO:ssa verkonvaihdos aiheuttaa käynnissä olevien yhteyksien keskeytymisen yli sekunnin mittaiseksi ajaksi, aiheuttaen merkittävää häiriötä viestintäsovelluksille. Esitetyssä arkkitehtuurissa verkonvaihdon vaikutus minimoidaan varustamalla liikkuva reititin kahdella radiolla. Käyttäen kahta radiota liikkuva reititin pystyy suorittamaan verkonvaihdon keskeyttämättä päätelaitteiden yhteyksiä, mikäli verkonvaihtoon on riittävästi aikaa. Käytettävissa oleva aika riippuu liikkuvan reitittimen nopeudesta ja radioverkon rakenteesta. Arkkitehtuuri osaa myös hyödyntää infrastruktuurin tukea saumattomaan verkonvaihtoon. Verkkoinfrastruktuurin tuki nopeuttaa verkonvaihdosprosessia, kasvattaenmaksimaalista verkonvaihdos tahtia. Tällöin liikkuva reitin voi käyttää lyhyen kantaman radioverkkoja, joiden solun säde on yli 80m, ajonopeuksilla 90m/s asti ilman, että verkonvaihdos keskeyttää päätelaitteiden yhteyksiä. Lisäksi ehdotettu arkkitehtuuri tehostaa kommunikaatiota käyttäen cache-palvelimia liikkuvassa ja kiinteässä verkossa ja optimoitua reititystä liikkuvien päätelaitteiden ja kiinteässä verkossa olevien kommunikaatiosolmujen välillä. Cache-palvelinarkkitehtuuri hyödyntää vapaita radioresursseja liikkuvan verkon cache-palvelimen välimuistin päivittämiseen. Heterogeenisessä verkkoympäristossä cache-palvelimen päivitys suoritetaan lyhyen kantaman laajakaistaisia radioverkkoja käyttäen. Liikkuvan reitittimen siirtyessä laajakaistaisen radioverkon peitealueen ulkopuolelle päätelaitteille palvellaan sisältöä, kuten www sivuja tai videota cache-palvelimelta, säästäen laajemman kantaman radioverkon rajoitetumpia resursseja. Arkkitehtuurissa käytetään optimoitua reititystä päätelaitteiden ja niiden kommunikaatiokumppaneiden välillä. Optimoitu reititysmekanismi vähentää liikkuvuudenhallintaan käytettyjen protokollien langattoman verkon resurssien kulutusta. Lisäksi optimoitu reititysmekanismi tehostaa pakettien reititystä käyttäen suorinta reittiä kommunikaatiosolmujen välillä. Esitetyn arkkitehtuurin suorituskyky arvioidaan empiirisen ja numeerisen analyysin avulla. Analyysi arvioi arkkitehtuurin suorituskykyä ja vertaa sitä aikaisemmin ehdotettuihin ratkaisuihin ja osoittaa arkkitehtuurin soveltuvan nykyisiin ja lähitulevaisuuden langattomiin verkkoihin.reviewe