Client controlled network selection

It is likely that an ensemble of overlapping heterogeneous wireless networks will be required to provide ubiquitous data communications. In this scenario, the mobile user's choice of network will directly affect the applications' performance. The paper examines this decision, and proposes that it is made by the client application by considering network characteristics and cost. This is facilitated by a modified version of SCTP (stream control transmission protocol). Using simulation results, we show that a marked improvement in application performance is possible by monitoring the available networks, and making the appropriate selection.