A multimoora approach to access network selection process in heterogeneous wireless networks

Abstract

In heterogeneous wireless networks (HWNs), it is important to select a currently optimal network for applications demanded by communicating Mobile Nodes (MNs) through Vertical Handover (VHO). VHO problem in HWNs is modeled as a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problem. VHO process is very vital in HWNs networks and thus demand the application of very efficient MCDM algorithms. The use of efficient MCDM algorithms for heterogeneous network selection can provide MNs with satisfactory Quality of Service (QoS). We propose a novel MCDM algorithm called MULTIplicative form with Multi-Objective Optimization Ratio Analysis (MULTIMOORA). The performance of the MULTIMOORA is validated by comparing it with SAW, GRA, VIKOR and TOPSIS algorithms for voice, file download and video streaming traffic classes. Simulation results show that MULTIMOORA outperforms SAW, GRA and VIKOR. Moreover, results show it has similar performance with TOPSIS, in term of accuracy for all the network traffics considered.