Seamless Mobility of Heterogeneous Networks Based on Markov Decision Process

Abstract

A mobile terminal will expect a number of handoffs within its call duration. In the event of a mobile call, when a mobile node moves from one cell to another, it should connect to another access point within its range. In case there is a lack of support of its own network, it must changeover to another base station. In the event of moving on to another network, quality of service parameters need to be considered. In our study we have used the Markov decision process approach for a seamless handoff as it gives the optimum results for selecting a network when compared to other multiple attribute decision making processes. We have used the network cost function for selecting the network for handoff and the connection reward function, which is based on the values of the quality of service parameters. We have also examined the constant bit rate and transmission control protocol packet delivery ratio. We used the policy iteration algorithm for determining the optimal policy. Our enhanced handoff algorithm outperforms other previous multiple attribute decision making methods.