Management framework for multiple-interface cooperation in multihomed terminal

Abstract

Next generation network architecture features heterogeneous wireless access networks in which diverse access technologies, such as Wi-Fi, WiMAX, Bluetooth, UMTS, are deployed to offer ubiquitous services for the users. These access technologies differ in terms of coverage, frequency, capacity, and QoS support mechanisms. Given that a user’s device is a multihomed one, preserving connectivity to any of the networks has been a challenge in the situation where user roams from one access network to another. This is further complicated by the existence of ongoing applications which vary in their QoS requirements. During the life time of application session, handover may be required if the user perceives any degradation in the prevailing connection and finds better support using another network interface. Regardless of whether any QoS support exists and is deployed within the network, the smart device is still required in order to optimize the user’s connection.