Performance evaluation of a multi-interface model for media independent handover

Hybrid handover techniques are expected to facilitate the integration of heterogeneous wireless networks, e.g. 3G cellular networks and 802.11 Wireless LAN (WLAN) in Next-Generation (NG) wireless networks. In this regard, multiple disparate interfaces are required to be incorporated in mobile handset. The latest IEEE 802.21 in development is being proposed to address such an approach, also known as Media Independent Handover (MIH). In this paper, we present a multi-interface model for 802.21 MIH. The model is based on the concept of hard handover, and is able to work with ordinary upper layer protocols, such as TCP, UDP and Mobile IPv4. Based on this model, we implemented a dual-interface Mobile Host (MH) in Network Simulation 2 (ns2) to evaluate its performance in a heterogeneous 802.11 environment. Our aim is to understand how the implementation of multiple interfaces in mobile handset can contribute to a seamless handover in heterogeneous networks.