Early Address Detection: A Soft Vertical Handover Approach in Proxy Mobile IPv6

Abstract

Study’s Excerpt Handover technique for Proxy Mobile IPv6 (PMIPv6) networks through a proactive IP address allocation approach is introduced. It significantly reduces handover-blocking probability and latency, thereby ensuring smoother transitions between WLAN and WiMAX domains. It is proved to be superior to velocity-aware handover methods. Full Abstract This study presents an enhanced handover technique for Proxy Mobile IPv6 (PMIPv6) networks aimed at improving mobility management in heterogeneous wireless environments. The proposed scheme introduces a proactive approach where the anchor Local Mobility Anchor (LMA) obtains IP addresses for the Mobile Node (MN) before it leaves the home network, facilitating faster handovers between Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) domains. The performance of the proposed scheme was evaluated through both mathematical analysis and network simulation, comparing it with a velocity-aware handover approach. Three key metrics were assessed: handover completion probability, handover latency, and packet loss ratio. Mathematical modeling demonstrated the scheme’s effectiveness in reducing handover-blocking probability and latency across various MN velocities. Simulation results, conducted using NS2.35, further established these findings, showing improvements in the number of successful handovers, reduced handover delay, and decreased packet loss compared to the velocity-aware approach. The study’s outcomes indicate that the proposed scheme offers a more efficient handover mechanism, particularly beneficial for maintaining service continuity in heterogeneous network environments.