Algorithm for seamless vertical handover in heterogeneous mobile networks

One challenge of wireless networks integration is to provide ubiquitous wireless access abilities and seamless handover for mobile communication devices between different types of technologies (3GPP and non-3GPP) such as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and Long Term Evolution (LTE). This challenge is critical as Mobile Users (MUs) are becoming increasingly demanding for improved services regardless of the technological complexities associated with them. To fulfill these requirements for seamless Vertical Handover (VHO) two main interworking frameworks were proposed by IEEE Group and 3GPP for integration between the aforementioned technologies; namely, Media Independent Handover IEEE 802.21 (MIH) and IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), where each of them requires mobility management protocol to complement its work such as Mobile IP (MIP) and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), respectively. In this paper, we overview these frameworks and show their components, benefits and drawbacks. Then we present our Imperative Alternative MIH for Vertical Handover (I AM 4 VHO) algorithm based on MIH framework and using fuzzy logic to provide low connection failure (probability of session rejection) and low signaling cost for enhancing VHO in heterogeneous wireless networks environment. Simulation based performance evaluation shows that the proposed algorithm reduces the probability of VHO connection failure by up to 75%.