An adaptive context-aware vertical handover decision algorithm for heterogeneous networks

Abstract

In a heterogeneous network, vertical handovers occur frequently between different access technologies to meet the requirements of mobile users. The selection of an access technology for a mobile user for handover largely depends on the contextual information of the user and network at that point of time. In this work, we have proposed an adaptive, context-aware vertical handover decision algorithm for heterogeneous networks. Both static and dynamic contextual information about the user and the network are given as inputs to our proposed algorithm. They are provided proactively by the networks to the mobile nodes on a timely basis. An optimal network scanning procedure is introduced as part of the handover process to minimize the energy consumption of the nodes. We also propose a utility function-based cell load balancing mechanism to improve overall resource utilization. In addition, a delay-sensitive handover traffic-based hybrid channel allocation mechanism is proposed. The simulation results clearly suggest that the proposed work significantly enhanced the overall performance of the system as compared to some existing work in terms of call blocking probability, channel utilization rate, consumed energy, and handover delays.