Cost Analysis of Movement-Based Location Management in PCS Networks: An Embedded Markov Chain Approach

In this paper, we develop an approach of embedded Markov chain to analyze the signaling cost of a movement-based location management (MBLM) scheme. This approach distinguishes itself from those developed in the literature in the following aspects. 1) It considers the location area (LA) architecture used by personal communication service (PCS) networks for location management. 2) It considers two different call handling models that determine after a call whether a location update should be performed. 3) It considers the effect of the call holding time on the call handling models. 4) It proposes to use a fluid flow model to describe the dependence between the cell and the LA residence time. We derive closed-form analytical formulas for the signaling cost, whose accuracy is manifested by a simulation. Based on the analytical formulas, we conduct a numerical study to evaluate the influence of various parameters on the signaling cost. The formulas can contribute to the implementation of the MBLM scheme in PCS networks including Fourth-Generation (4G) Long-Term Evolution. The modeling approach developed in this paper can be exploited to model other location management schemes.