Adaptive Radio Access Technology Selection Algorithm for Heterogeneous Wireless Networks

Abstract

In Heterogeneous Wireless Networks (HWNs), Radio Access Technologies (RAT) can only consider the situation of one particular Radio Resource Management (RRM) which is unsuitable for managing multiple RATs. This study deployed an adaptive RAT selection scheme model to allocate users to the best RAT with the use of the cost function variable. The adopted model uses different input criteria like signal strength, network loads, service type and QoS requirement for the best access network selections. The adaptive RAT selection algorithm was executed in different service mixes (voice and data service) to access model suitability for users in Global System for Mobile Communications with Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution Radio Access Network (GERAN) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Radio Access Network (UTRAN). The proposed algorithm resulted in the call blocking probability reduction by 0.03 for GERAN and 0.14 for UTRAN as validated with the existing algorithm based on load balancing, service-based and priority-based. The drop implied an increased probability of ensuring session stability and high quality of the active service, leading to a high load distribution.