WiMax-based Handovers in Next Generation Networks
Nadine Akkari
Journal of Networking Technology, Vol. 4, No. 1, 2013.
DOI: 
Link: http://www.dline.info/jnt/fulltext/v4n1/3.pdf
Abstract:
Next generation networks will combine various access technologies to enable users to roam freely from one access network to another which is referred as Vertical handovers. Vertical handovers mobility management in next generation all-IP networks is the key factor that determines vertical handovers (HO) performance. Mobility management is generally based on mobility protocols that perform the handovers either horizontally (within the same access network) or vertically (between different access technologies). In this context, many solutions were proposed to provide seamless vertical handovers between WLAN and WiMax networks. These solutions aimed to perform the HO with minimum QoS degradation based on either the coupling architecture method, the mobility management protocol or the handover decision process. Our solution is based on the handover decision process that will make use of the emerging WiMax technology in order to guide the vertical handover to the suitable destination network in terms of network availability and service provisioning. As users in WLAN networks may initiate handovers for better connectivity, WiMax network will be considered as the default destination network that will guide the handover according to the HO context requirements. Our approach consists of adding a context Adjustment Unit CAU to the WiMax Connectivity Service Network CSN to guide the handover, according to the HO context requirements, either horizontally or vertically.