Learn By Share (LBS) – An Effective Handoff Algorithm for IEEE 802.11

Need of channel transformation arises as a mobile node moves from the range of one access point (AP) to the range of another access point. The process of transforming an active session from one channel to another channel of another cell is known as Handoff. In cellular telephony, the network is organized in such a way that it allows seamless Handoff. During seamless handoff, the user does not feel any service breakage. Seamless handoff, also known as soft Handoff, is possible in cellular telephony networks due to the availability of centralized controller and the interface between networks of different service providers. Opposite to cellular telephony networks, WiFi networks are operative in a small range. The WiFi network in the neighborhood of a mobile node may have centralized or decentralized controllers with or without any interface between them. This results in handoff with service breakage. This service break is large enough to degrade the quality of video and other services. This paper proposes a new algorithm known as Learn by Share (LBS). Old algorithm requires new resources in the form of Bandwidth, Channel or Time whereas LBS algorithm proposed in this paper uses already available data and resource. Thus LBS reduces handoff delay by optimized use of Network resources.