Media Independent Information Service Research Articles

Anonymous Network Information Acquirement Protocol for Mobile Users in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks

Media independent information service is one of the important parts of the IEEE 802.21 standard to optimize vertical handover in wireless heterogeneous networks. In this paper, an anonymous network information acquirement protocol is proposed for a mobile user, which can be used to establish a secure channel between the mobile user and the information server. Security and performance analysis shows that the proposed protocol is very suitable for mobile environments.

Dynamic IEEE 802.21 information server mesh architecture for heterogeneous networks

The future wireless communications is expected to integrate different link layer technologies and to allow the most appropriate network to be selected depending on different criteria. Mobile nodes MN may want to discover neighbouring networks and detailed parameters before it moves into the coverage areas of the candidate networks, focusing on the optimisation of handover processes. In the IEEE 802.21 standard, a media independent information service MIIS is developed providing network information within a geographical area. However, the MIIS focuses on the static information channel information, service provider name, network type supported, etc.. Dynamic information includes link-layer parameters such as available network resources, throughput, data rate, etc. This paper proposes a dynamic information server mesh architecture DISMA for realtime collection, discovery and sharing of dynamic network information. With DISMA, the MN is able to retrieve real-time dynamic information using a decentralised MIIS framework. Finally, this distributed approach generates an important advantage regarding the scalability and robustness if compared with the traditional centralised scheme. This paper also provides NS-2 simulation results and analytical models to prove the feasibility and performance of DISMA scheme.

A Handover Management Scheme Based on User-Preferences and Network-Centric Approach

With the increase in a number of access technologies and data rates, a continuous connection among different networks is demand of the future wireless networks. In the last decade, user connectivity among different access networks remained a challenging job. Therefore, in this article, we proposed a user-centric and user-perspective based network selection mechanism for fast handover management in heterogeneous wireless networks. The proposed scheme selects the most appropriate network among available networks on the basis of resources i.e. cost, data rate, and link quality. Initially, we load the Media Independent Information Service (MIIS) with the information of cost and data rate provided by different network operators. Similarly, Mobile Node (MN) is also loaded with the user preferred cost and data rate for different applications. The MN obtains the information of cost and data rate from MIIS server upon a predefined threshold, and make a decision for handover according to its current cost and data rate. Furthermore, we employ an optimal threshold mechanism for initiation of the handover execution phase to minimize false handover indications. The proposed scheme is based on a survey for network selection and its implementation in C programming language to validate its performance and accuracy. The simulation result shows that the proposed scheme performs superior then the schemes present in the current literature.

A Zone-Based Media Independent Information Service for IEEE 802.21 Networks

Next generation networks integrate different wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, and 3GPP (UMTS, HSPA, and/or LTE), in which the mobile node (MN) has the opportunity to switch from one network to another, under an always best connected scheme. In such heterogeneous environment, discovering which types of network connectivity and services are available is a critical challenge. The IEEE 802.21 standard specifies a network information server entity providing network information within a geographical area by which the MN can discover a service or a network. In this paper, we propose a zone-based media independent information service using the IEEE 802.21 standard to accelerate the neighbor discovery procedure. In the proposed scheme, the access networks are associated and grouped in mobility zones, through an efficient set of rules, to minimize the amount of control messages flowing in the core network. Through a NS-2 based simulation, the results demonstrate that the proposed scheme reduces the neighbor discovery delay as well as the signaling overhead if compared with the standard MIIS deployment.

A Load-aware Scheme for Providing Heterogeneous Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (Het-MBMS)

As the utilization efficiency of network resource arouse the interests of researchers, Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) with its inherent nature brings mobile wireless communications enter a new era. On the other hand, Next Generation Wireless Network (NGWN) trends to integrate multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs) to optimize the overall network performance. In case, handover performance becomes a vital indicator of mobility experience of User Equipment (UE). Contrast to conventional vertical handover, the problem we facing is how to seamlessly handover for MBMS to provide heterogeneous MBMS (Het-MBMS). In order to address this problem, this paper proposes a new functional entity called Media Independent Broadcast Multicast Service Center (MIBM-SC), by the extensions and enhancements of Broadcast/Multicast-Service Center (BM-SC) and Media Independent Information Service (MIIS). Additionally, a network selection and a cell transmission mode selection schemes are proposed. Both schemes are based on a load-aware network capacity estimation algorithm to select the best target network and the best cell transmission mode. NS-2 based simulation validates that the proposed scheme enables to provide Het-MBMS and it improves the handover performance in terms of packet loss rate, throughput, handover delay, cell load, and bandwidth usage and Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR). Meanwhile, the total consumption of downlink power is reduced.

An enhanced framework for providing multimedia broadcast/multicast service over heterogeneous networks

Multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) with inherently low requirement for network resources has been proposed as a candidate solution for using such resources in a more efficient manner. On the other hand, the Next Generation Mobile Network (NGMN) combines multiple radio access technologies (RATs) to optimize overall network performance. Handover performance is becoming a vital indicator of the quality experience of mobile user equipment (UE). In contrast to the conventional vertical handover issue, the problem we are facing is how to seamlessly transmit broadcast/multicast sessions among heterogeneous networks. In this paper, we propose a new network entity, media independent broadcast multicast service center (MIBM-SC), to provide seamless handover for broadcast/multicast sessions over heterogeneous networks, by extensions and enhancements of MBMS and media independent information service (MIIS) architectures. Additionally, a network selection scheme and a cell transmission mode selection scheme are proposed for selecting the best target network and best transmission mode. Both schemes are based on a load-aware network capacity estimation algorithm. Simulation results show that the proposed approach has the capability to provide MBMS over heterogeneous networks, with improved handover performance in terms of packet loss rate, throughput, handover delay, cell load, bandwidth usage, and the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR).

Design and evaluation of a decentralised information service architecture for IEEE 802.21 networks

The deployment of wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, WIMAX and LTE brings to the mobile user the opportunity to switch from one network to another, in a seamless manner. To accomplish this, the user must be able to discover which types of network connectivity are available. The IEEE 802.21 standard specifies a media independent information service MIIS providing capabilities for discovering network information within a geographical area. The representation and distribution of mobility information in heterogeneous networks are a big challenge, especially in multi-operator environments. In this paper, we introduce a decentralised information service architecture that improves the user experience and ensures scalability for large system deployments. Additionally, an evaluation using the NS-2 network simulator is presented. The results demonstrate that our proposal outperforms the existing approaches in terms of query delay, users optimal handovers and communication overhead, contributing to a traffic decrease at the operators core network and internet.

Vertical handover trigger mechanism between 3G and WLAN based on available data rate

For the issue that traditional vertical handover trigger mechanism cannot guarantee to provide the real-time highest data rate,a method which can make the best of network resources and can effectively avoid unnecessary handover was proposed.This paper introduced IEEE802.21 Media Independent Handover(MIH) standard,using Media Independent Information Service(MIIS) provided by MIH Function(MIHF) to get the parameters of candidate Wireless LAN(WLAN) which can cover the mobile terminal,calculate the maximum available data rate of the candidate WLAN using the acquired parameters,and compare the maximum available data rate of WLAN with 3G network's to make handover decision.And when higher data rate WLAN was detected,handover to it could be made timely.If the mobile terminal moved out of the WLAN coverage,handover back to 3G network was made.The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can make more full use of network resources and avoid unnecessary handover effectively compared to traditional vertical handoff trigger mechanism.

Hierarchical Model of IEEE 802.21 Media Independent Information Service (MIIS)

In this era of emerging technologies, the main issue is to discover the appropriate neighbor access network during handoff mechanism for a mobile node. We require handover because in this heterogeneous environment, there can be several networks (Wi-Fi, WIMAX and UMTS) in a geographical area which are not so interoperable. For abiding the services we use Media Independent Information Service (MIIS) provided by IEEE 802.21 MIH standards (Buiati et al., 2010) to select the most suitable network. This study provides a brief overview of how the challenges associated with the handoff are solved by several proposed schemes. In the introduction, role of MIIS is comprehensively defined to represent its importance followed by issues associated with handoff. Then, it gives an overview of the latest research activities in this field, including all the problems faced during handoff process. The study concludes by giving a new hierarchical scheme presenting implementation of MIIS servers to significantly improve the mobility.

IEEE 802.21 Information Services deployment for heterogeneous mobile environments

In the future mobile Internet, a key challenge is how the content is delivered to the mobile user, especially when there are multiple networks belonging to distinct operators. Knowing the network services and conditions available at each one becomes crucial. In order to store information from several networks and operators, the new IEEE 802.21 standard specifies a Media Independent Information Service (MIIS) supporting various information elements (IEs) that provide network information within a geographical area, with the aim of optimising the handover process. Since next-generation wireless devices are expected to support multiple radio access networks, users will be able to maintain connections when switching from one network to another. This article addresses a general approach towards the deployment of a Hierarchical 802.21 Information Service management infrastructure in a heterogeneous mobile environment. Through an NS-2-based simulation, it is shown that the proposed scheme improves the user experience in terms of MIIS server access time and number of optimal handovers in a random mobility scenario.

A Software Architecture for Network-Assisted Handover in IEEE 802.21

The IEEE 802.21 is a recent standard for enabling handover in heterogeneous wireless networks, which defines protocols and messages for mobile-to-node and node-to-node communication in a technology-neutral and flexible manner. The need arises because of the widespread diffusion of different technologies for wireless communications (e.g., WiFi, WiMAX, LTE), which are often coexisting in the same geographical area and supported by the same mobile device, but seldom interoperable. In this paper we propose the architecture of a Media Independent Information Service (MIIS) and the procedures for a network-assisted handover, which are left unspecified by the standard, aimed at reducing the energy consumption of mobile nodes due to scanning. A detailed description of the software modules involved and their interactions is included. Testbed results are reported to show the effectiveness of the proposed solution with COTS devices.

Inter-domain Proxy Mobile IPv6 based Vehicular Network

Proxy Mobile IPv6 (PMIPv6) was standardized by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) NetLMM WG as a Network-based Mobility management protocol, this protocol allows the Mobile Node (MN) to maintain service connectivity while moving within the PMIPv6 domain. PMIPv6 mobility management is different from the Host-based Mobility management protocols; where the mobility signaling management is controlled by the serving network on behalf of the MN. PMIPv6 introduced new network entities to handle the signaling on behalf of the MN. However, PMIPv6 protocol can only manage the MN’s reachability within a local domain (intra-domain). If the MN moves beyond the perimeter of PMIPv6 domain, the mobility support will be lost. To provide MN continuous support across domains, PMIPv6 needs to be developed to support interconnect neighboring PMIPv6 domains. In this paper we propose an inter-domain handover scheme. The proposed scheme uses the Media Independent Information Service (MIIS) to help the vehicle store information about the network that it is attached with. In addition the Local Mobile Anchor (LMA) will use Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN).

SAM: Secure Access of Media Independent Information Service with User Anonymity

Seamless handover across different access technologies is very important in the future wireless networks. To optimize vertical handover in heterogeneous networks, IEEE 802.21 standard defines Media Independent Handover (MIH) services. The MIH services can be a new target to attackers, which will be the main concern for equipment vendors and service providers. In this paper, we focus specifically on security of Media Independent Information Service (MIIS) and present a new access authentication scheme with user anonymity for MIIS. The protocol can be used to establish a secure channel between the mobile node and the information server. Security and performance of the protocol are also analyzed in this paper.