Cross-System Handover Execution in the context of an Event-based Distributed Virtual Testbed

The paper discusses the constituent software modules of a Virtual Distributed Testbed (VDT) which enables cross-system operation and interworking among clusters simulating different Radio Access Technologies (RATs). The heart module of VDT is the Central Controller whose role is to manage and control the individual simulation clusters. The communication among the VDT modules is achieved by the exchange of SOAP messages that implement events. Motivated by cross-system vertical handovers, the paper presents how such a handover is feasible in terms of VDT and which events are necessary for its realization. Although the implementation discussed herein concerns UMTS, IEEE 802.11 and Composite Radio Network simulation clusters, the future incorporation of other RAT clusters is straightforward.