Reliable and Secure Vertical Handover Strategy in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks

Abstract

As wireless communication technologies continue to evolve, ensuring reliable and secure vertical handover in heterogeneous wireless networks becomes crucial. Vertical handover refers to the seamless transition of a mobile terminal across different types of access networks, ensuring uninterrupted service for the end user. With the increasing prevalence of wireless access technologies and the capability of mobile terminals to connect to multiple networks simultaneously, vertical handover in heterogeneous wireless networks has become one of the critical issues in future wireless/mobile networks. In recent years, numerous research papers have focused on developing efficient and reliable strategies for vertical handover. These strategies aim to enhance the quality of service for end users by ensuring a smooth and secure transition between different networks. One of the important factors to consider in developing a reliable and secure strategy for vertical handover is the decision-making process. This process involves determining the optimal time and network to perform a handover, taking into account various factors such as network quality, available resources, network policies, and user preferences. According to Kassar et al., there are several decision-making strategies that have been proposed for vertical handover in heterogeneous wireless networks. Kassar et al. provides an overview of these strategies in their work. Kassar et al. highlight the significance of vertical handover decision strategies in heterogeneous wireless networks. These decision-making strategies aim to ensure a seamless transition for mobile terminals, allowing them to maintain a high-quality connection while moving between different types of access networks. One such strategy proposed in the literature is the use of a link connection breakdown probability during the network selection process. This strategy considers the probability of a connection breaking down during a vertical handover decision and incorporates it into the network selection process. By factoring in this probability, the decision-making algorithm can prioritize networks with higher reliability and minimize potential disruptions for the end user.