Intelligent network access and inter-system handover control in heterogeneous wireless networks for smart space environments

Abstract

The next generation of mobile networks supports not just the simple mobile connectivity but also the access in the evolving smart space environments. It is expected that these systems utilise multiple radio access technologies, seamlessly integrated to form a heterogeneous wireless access network, thus enabling total ubiquitous computing. On the arrival of a service request from a smart space user or device, the network operator must assign one of the available access networks. Selecting the network that has the highest probability of providing the best quality of service (QoS) for a particular service type is an important consideration for overall network stability and QoS provisioning. In this paper, we present the aspects of intelligent radio resource management based on policy based call admission control to select the best available network and fuzzy logic based inter-system handover control. The admission controller admits a new user based on the current load and service mix in each available network. The fuzzy logic controller focuses on inter-system handover initiation so as to maintain satisfactory QoS to the end user, while limiting excessive inter-system handover attempts.