A probability based vertical handover approach to prevent ping-pong effect

Vertical handover is a new trend for heterogeneous next generation networks, in order to assure ubiquitous and seamless connectivity to mobile users. This paper presents a novel vertical handover algorithm based on a probabilistic approach for decision strategy. The proposed technique deals with the assessment of a Wrong Decision Probability (WDP), which assures a trade-off between network performance maximization and mitigation of the ping-pong effect. The WDP is evaluated using network parameters, such as instantaneous estimated goodput. Analytical and simulation sections are presented in order to validate the VHO assessment. Basically, a simulated network scenario has been considered, where a mobile device moves at low speed. Specifically, simulated results have been evaluated for typical wireless access technologies (i.e. with small and medium transmission ranges). Results depict the effectiveness of the proposed vertical handover algorithm in terms of maximization of cumulative received bits, and minimization of unwanted and unnecessary vertical handovers.