This paper proposes a new solution for autonomous decision-making in
the RAT selection process in multi-service multi-access network scenarios. It is
based on exploiting the time dimension in the RAT selection, so that, based on the
current mobile terminal and network context and its future evolution, terminals can
choose the appropriate initiation time to start a given transmission, waiting for the
arrival to the coverage area of the most suitable RAT. The proposed strategy is
claimed to have applicability for non-real time services without stringent deadline
constraints (e.g. e-mails, downloading MP3 files, etc.). The algorithm is evaluated
through simulations in different scenarios, revealing that it provides remarkable
capacity increases, while at the same time ensuring that non real time transmissions
do not exceed specific delay bounds.Postprint (published version
