Efficient group handoff decision algorithm for wireless networks with mobile access points

We consider a wireless network in which a number of users on the ground communicate with an mobile access point (M-AP) mounted in an aerial vehicle. Because the M-AP can be easily placed on a suitable position for relaying data traffic between a source node and a destination node, the use of the M-AP is considered as an important issue for various applications such as military communications. In this network, a different handoff pattern will occur according to the movement of the M-AP. That is, a group of users can be suddenly placed out of cell coverage when the M-AP moves another position. Thus, we propose an efficient handoff decision algorithm based on the combination of absolute values of received signal strength (RSS) and their variation. Numerical and simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve a higher RSS level during handoff and reduced handoff recognition time compared with the conventional algorithm.