An Evaluation for High-Speed Handoffs in 802.11-based Data Networks

Handoffs in 802.11-based wireless networks are a critical requirement in today's data networks. The speed at which these handoffs occur is much too slow to enable users to maintain a network session without the loss of connectivity. However, GSM, and other cellular networks, are currently capable of handling handoffs at vehicular rates of travel while still maintaining an existing session. The architectures of both networks are examined and then a limited number of inadequacies of 802.11-based handoffs were examined and contrasted to the performance that currently exists in GSM networks. Spectrum management and a method to integrate these two technologies are not discussed in this paper