Performance Optimization of WiMAX Mobile Networks with a Predictive Handover Process

Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) is one of the most promising technologies for the next generation networks as it provides high data rates at medium and long range with full support of mobility. The technology is based on IEEE 802.16 standards and amendments specifying the MAC and PHY layers for fixed, nomadic, portable and mobile access. High speed mobility scenarios require low delay handover so as not to degrade end-to-end QoS indicators, such as delay time or data loss, that are significantly more affected. The WiMAX Forum Network Working Group aims to provide methods for controlled transition of the MS between BSs without significant loss of data or decreased QoS. It has been observed that prediction-based methods reduce handover latency and by the way the packets loss rate. In this paper we use the linear regression model to build a predictive hard handover algorithm that predict the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) value and advertize the MS to trigger the scanning procedure and the handover process operations reducing so the total handover latency and packets loss rate. The numerical analysis and simulation results show that the proposed method significantly reduces the handover latency and the packets loss rate.