Handover management in next generation networks: a cross layer solution

Abstract

The next generation networks are envisioned to integrate varied access technologies offering varied services to the user nodes. To provide for seamless connectivity handover management in such heterogeneous network is a problem that exists. The link layer-based handover management protocols that currently exist neglect the varying network layer conditions effecting handover operations. To address this issue, in this paper a cross layer Noise Resilient Reduced Registration Time Care-of Mobile IP (NR_RRTC: MIP) protocol for handover management is discussed. The NR_RRTC: MIP incorporates a network layer-based handover decision making algorithm and a link layer-based handover execution algorithm. The experimental study presented in this paper proves that the cross layer approach reduces handover latencies and improves network performance.