Optimization scheme for mobile users performing vertical handoffs between IEEE 802.11 and GPRS/EDGE networks

The next generation wireless networks are characterised by anywhere, anytime connectivity, enhanced data services and higher data rates to enduser. New technologies such as IEEE 802.11 WLAN, Bluetooth, HIPERLAN/2, GPRS/EDGE, cdma2000 and WCDMA aim to achieve this. To facilitate new services, and make them flexible and bandwidth efficient, vertical roaming of mobile nodes is a tempting possibility for operators. Benchmarks and metrics are needed to assess these issues. The need for qualitative and quantitative results for these parameters in a real time situation is critical. One such scenario is the effect on the network performance by means of effective throughput and handoff latency perceived by the mobile user, with increasing number of active users or network load. This paper presents simulation results for mean throughput and handoff delay obtained in vertical handoff and horizontal handoff in IEEE 802.11 and GPRS/EDGE networks. An optimization scheme for mobile users performing vertical handoffs is presented with analysis.