Vertical Handover and Load Balancing Decision Algorithms for Heterogeneous Cellular-WLAN Networks

Multi-access and heterogeneous wireless communications are one of the solutions for providing generalized mobility and improved user experience. This paper proposes Vertical Handover (VHO) and Load Balancing (LB) decision algorithms for heterogeneous network architectures which integrate cellular networks and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). The cellular-WLAN VHO and LB decisions are taken based on parameters which characterize both the coverage and traffic load. Computer simulations performed in realistic scenarios show that the proposed VHO algorithm ensures better performance compared to “classical” ones and that the LB mechanism can significantly offload the congested cellular networks when WLAN connectivity is available.