Abstract 8 In this paper we investigate the potentiality and the benefits of a soft Vertical Handover (VHO) mechanism, 9 compared with the traditional hard approach. More specifically, we present an analytical scheme for seamless service 10 continuity in a heterogeneous network environment, modeled by means of a multi-dimension Markov chain. The call 11 blocking probabilities, as well as the soft and hard vertical handover probabilities, are computed for specific networks 12 (i.e., UMTS and WLAN). 13 We propose a soft/hard VHO technique working either as (i) a Mobile Controlled Handover, on the basis of 14 a reward and cost model, which consider the data rate and the bandwidth allocation, or (ii) as a simple Network 15 Controlled Handover scheme, by assuming a probabilistic approach as the handover decision metric. Simulation 16 results validate the benefits of the proposed handover algorithm when operating in soft mode, which outperforms the 17 traditional hard approach in terms of network performance and limitation of unwanted and unnecessary handovers. 18 Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed approach is proven with respect to other single and multi-parameter VHO 19 techniques, by extensive simulations. 20 Heterogeneous wireless networks, mobility, handover, Markov chains. 22
In REF , the authors investigated the potentiality and benefits of a novel vertical-handover algorithm for which both hard and soft handovers are exploited in a dual-mode configuration, and it was compared with the traditional hard approach.
A hybrid (N/M)CHO soft/hard vertical handover technique for heterogeneous wireless networks
Ad Hoc Networks
Ad Hoc Networks
Computer Science