WQLB: WiMAX QoS Aware Load Balancing Protocol

Mobile Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (Mobile WiMAX) is a wireless access technology based on IEEE 802.16e. The two most important concepts are introduced in the MAC layer of Mobile WiMAX networks, handover and load balancing. In this paper, we have focused on balancing the load of the system, using handover mechanisms suggested by mobile WiMAX. The proposed algorithm, WQLB, concentrates on controlling the system load and keeping it in a balanced state by using a handover process. Also, the algorithm is designed to utilize resources efficiently, supporting QoS. As load definition is an essential criterion in load balancing algorithms, we have suggested a new load model for mobile WiMAX networks. Simulation results show efficient resource consumption and a higher degree of QoS support through the entire network. In general, as the proposed load balancing algorithm is QoS aware, it can be a very e?cient way to release resources in the network and a fairness load distribution takes place.