Using minimization of maximal regret for interface selection in a heterogeneous wireless network

Abstract

Integration of various wireless access technologies have pushed the evolution of mobile clients (MC) to be equipped with multiple interfaces for simultaneously accessing different network technologies. In these heterogeneous wireless networks (HWNs), MCs (and the underlying network) must be able to quickly and dynamically adapt to varying network conditions so as to satisfy required communication constraints. However, unlike their machine counterparts, MCs tend to have very vague and uncertain demands. This paper focuses on imprecise and dynamic nature of the MC's demands, while fulfilling multiple - often contradicting - constraints. The problem of uncertain decision making is considered by utilizing techniques from the multiple criteria decision making area. At each MC, an enhanced minimization of maximal regret (MMR) ranks available network interfaces and this maps imprecise user constraints to ranked interfaces.