Application of MADM Method VIKOR for vertical handoff in heterogeneous wireless networks

A key technical challenge in heterogeneous wireless networks (HWNs) is the support of vertical handoff. It allows mobile users to switch connections among networks. In this paper, we propose and evaluate the application of VIKOR for vertical handoff. VIKOR is a Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) method which makes decisions based on an aggregating function representing closeness to the ideal solution. We conducted simulation experiments to compare the performance of VIKOR for vertical handoff with other decision schemes such as SAW, TOPSIS, and WMC. We considered voice, data, and cost-constrained connections. Our results show that VIKOR is able to obtain satisfactory to excellent performance in the four different types of connections being considered. Copyright © 2012 The Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers.

Heterogeneous wireless networks; MADM methods; Network selection; Vertical handoff Decision making; Heterogeneous networks; Heterogeneous wireless network; Ideal solutions; MADM methods; Mobile users; Multiple attribute decision making; Network selection; Technical challenges; Vertical handoff; Wireless networks

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