A new access selection strategy in heterogeneous wireless networks based on traffic distribution

Abstract

Today, we are in a world where several radio networks arise: we speak about mobile networks, wireless networks (IEEE 802.11, .15, .16, .20, .21...), networks of sensors, radio-frequency identification networks (RFID) and more generally networks of ldquoThings connected via radio interfacerdquo. In this heterogeneous environment, a user with a multi-interface terminal can have access to the networks of various technologies with a continuous connectivity; this is the notion of always best connected (ABC). Access selection is the key functional block in ABC networks, that's why the selection decision of a network must be based on several criteria or parameters and must be made in a dynamic way. This paper presents a new algorithm of selection based on the QoS needs of the user, by taking into consideration a better traffic distribution between the various networks of the same operator.