Global Path-Cache Technique for Fast Handoffs in WLANs

This paper proposes a technique called Global Path-Cache (GPC) that provides fast handoffs in WLANs. GPC maintains a history of mobile stations' mobility patterns in a network to assist in the prediction of the next point-of-attachment. GPC properly captures the dynamic behavior of the network and mobile stations, and provides accurate next AP predictions. Our simulation study shows that GPC virtually eliminates the need to scan for APs during handoffs and results in much better overall handoff delay compared to existing methods.