Network Coding for Vertical Handoffs Between LTE and IEEE 802.11n: An Energy Perspective

Wireless networks are evolving into a unique heterogeneous scenario. Moreover, mobile terminals with multiple wireless interfaces have the ability to roam between different access networks. Allowing seamless and efficient vertical handoffs is becoming a key requirement for future wireless environments. We discuss the application of recent kind of network codes called batched sparse (BATS) codes on HARD vertical handoffs between LTE and IEEE 802.11n to reduce packet loss and to increase performances. The first part of our analysis demonstrates a reduction of packet loss by applying network coding. However, the second part shows that the redundancy of the codes increases the energy per bit consumed by mobile terminals.