handoff management in 4g networks
Next generation wireless and mobile communication systems integrate different wireless networks; each network is optimized for some specific services and coverage area to satisfy the demands of various network users. A widespread vision of the fourth generation (4G) mobile networks includes coexistence of current wireless technologies such as WLAN, WiMAX, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). Different technologies will be bound together into a single network and the IP will be the glue. In the new generations of wireless networks, seamless mobility across heterogeneous networks will be supported. The major problem that faces next generation wireless networks is vertical handoff management. The existing handoff management protocols are not sufficient to guarantee handoff support that is transparent to the applications in NGWS. In this paper we propose the cross-layer networking approach, where the physical layer information is shared with the network layer to enhance the vertical handoff performances.
cross-layer next generation wireless systems mobility management vertical handover