A vertical Media-Independent Handover decision algorithm across Wi-Fi™ and WiMAX™ networks

The hybrid networks of Wi-Fi and WiMAX networks can provide high data rate and enhanced multimedia services, but it is challenging to obtain optimized handover decision based dynamic QOS information. Users can improve their perceived QOS by using the terminal-controlled handover decision in a single device equipped with multiple radio interfaces. The IEEE 802.21 aims at providing a framework that defines Media Independent Handover (MIH) mechanism that supports seamless handover across heterogeneous networks. In this paper, we propose a handover decision algorithm using MIH services in Wi-Fi and WiMAX networks with QOS provision. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm provides smaller handover times and lower dropping rate than the basic vertical handover method.