An adaptive policy-based vertical handoff algorithm for heterogeneous wireless networks

The next generation of wireless networks is envisioned as convergence of heterogeneous radio access networks. Since technologies are becoming more collaborative, a possible integration between IEEE 802.16 based network and previous generation of telecommunication systems (2G, ..., 3G) must be considered. A novel quality function based vertical handoff (VHO) algorithm, based on proposed velocity and average receive power estimation algorithms is discussed in this paper. The short-time Fourier analysis of received signal strength (RSS) is employed to obtain mobile speed and average received power estimates. Performance of quality function based VHO algorithm is evaluated by means of measure of quality of service (QoS). Simulation results show that proposed quality function, brings significant gains in QoS and more efficient use of resources can be achieved.