Collaborative handover support in a heterogeneous wireless environment for real-time communication in mobile learning

Due to the thriving of mobile network and portable device, distance learning is evolved from desktop computer to mobile device. Real-time handover is a very important capability for mobile learning devices since the interruptions caused by handover make learners feel frustrated and lose their interests, which in turn resulting in less engagement in mobile learning. In this paper, we propose a collaborative seamless handover approach, called LCSH, suitable for real-time communications between heterogeneous wireless environments. LCSH takes not only spatial factors into account but also the potential benefits of collaborative work given by adjacent mobile nodes which can be identified by the spatial location information. Simulations show that LCSH consistently outperforms existing handover policies and significantly extends mobile clients’ uninterrupted communication.