Channel-based connectivity management middleware for seamless integration of heterogeneous wireless networks

Abstract

This paper presents a middleware architecture for the adaptable management of heterogeneous wireless resources. The main application of the proposed architecture is the optimal utilization of multiple wireless access networks, in particular integrated WLAN and 3G environment. The architecture is based on the adaptive maintenance of communication channel during its creation as well as I/O operation. We present our architecture and describe an implementation of a system based on the architecture. Experiments were performed in a GPRS-WLAN integrated environment. Performance metrics were measured and analyzed.