Optimized Handoff Algorithm for Heterogeneous Networks

Abstract

One of the most recent topics in wireless communications is the heterogeneous networks. The next generation wireless networks are being designed with a convergence vision in which a mobile user/device can link simultaneously to various wireless access networks (e.g. WLAN, cellular, WMAN). Today when we talk about wireless heterogeneous networks, the first thing that comes to our mind is the seamless connectivity to the access networks. The users move continuously from one place to another while maintaining their connectivity to one or another network. During their movement from one place to another, the user switch among various access networks according to their needs like video streaming, an ongoing call and many others. This switching of user from one particular network to another one is known as Vertical Handoff. In the proposed work, we are introducing a new optimized vertical handoff algorithm for the seamless connectivity of the users to the wireless heterogeneous networks. The proposed algorithm provides better connectivity to the networks with reduced number of redundant handoffs. In the proposed work, all the simulations are done in NS3 simulation network by taking into consideration various parameters which are necessary for taking handoff decisions. Here, we are using the convex optimization technique with Gradient Descent algorithm for taking optimized Vertical Handoff Decision. The results obtained are then compared with the existing handoff algorithms and it is concluded that the proposed Handoff Algorithm outperforms the existing ones.