SDN-based vertical handover decision scheme for 5G networks

The fifth generation (5G) is expected to fulfil the future users' needs of mobile users by proving them with the best connection while serving high data traffic volume with increased number of connected devices. The mobility of users is still a critical problem in the emerging 5G networks, especially in heterogeneous access networks where Received Signal Strength (RSS)-based handover (HO) decision will no more be reliable due to the diversity of co-existing aceess networks. Also, using a Quality of Service (QoS)- based HO decision with the traditional HO schemes will cause high complexity in the network, additional delay and signalling. This paper will propose a new Vertical Handover Decision (VHD) in 5G networks using the Software Defined Networking (SDN) paradigm. With the use of SDN, control plane and data plane are separated thus the HO decision can be made at the SDN controller (SDN-C). A performance study is conducted where we compare the SDN-based QoS solution to RSS-based solution and show the enhancement brought by the SDN in function of different performance parameters.