A Multi-Hop Routing Mechanism Based on Fuzzy Estimation for Heterogeneous Wireless Networks

The integration cellular networks, wireless local area networks (WLANs), and the new paradigm of mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) is the trend for next generation mobile networks. And the multi-hop routing mechanism is an open and challenge issue in this area. In this paper, a multi-hop routing mechanism with fuzzy estimation of links for heterogeneous wireless networks (HWNs) is proposed. The mechanism comprises neighbor discover, gateway discover and route discovery, which supports the mobile hosts (MHs) outside of the service area to access BS/AP by multi-hop route. The quality of links is addressed and evaluated by comprehensive fuzzy estimation approach based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Furthermore, the route maintenance overhead is also analyzed and discussed. Simulations reveal that the proposed routing mechanism can effectively provide valid route and improve the quality of service and performance in HWNs.