Improved query efficiency of hierarchical MIIS servers in heterogeneous networks by caching (HMSHNc)

The rapid development of wireless network technologies has been trending toward seamless heterogeneous networks. Consequently, for seamless mobility in heterogeneous networks, query efficiency when accessing neighboring networks is an issue of major concern. IEEE 802.21 MIH (Media-Independent Handover) deals with handovers in heterogeneous networks. It provides MIIS (Media Independent Information Service) servers at the network layer which assist mobile nodes query neighbor network information, enhancing network performance. But this leads to higher network costs. This paper proposes Hierarchical MIIS Servers in Heterogeneous Networks by Caching (HMSHNc), in which a hierarchical network classifies the stored information by network level (class) and distributes the location of the MIIS server cache to reduce query cost and to improve query efficiency.