In next‐generation networks, users can optimize the choice with seamless transfer of different access technologies to maximize cost saving and improve quality of service. In such heterogeneous wireless environments, users equipped with multimode wireless devices that can access rich media services via one or more access networks. These networks may differ in terms of monetary cost, coverage range, technology, available bandwidth, energy usage and so on. The new challenge faced by network operators is to ensure users always connect to the best available network, whenever they want and wherever they are or another word to stay Always‐Best‐Connected. Therefore, a new intelligent method is proposed here to optimize vertical handover in selection processes to ensure Always‐Best‐Connected in heterogeneous wireless networks. The proposed solution identifies a new game network selection model for choosing the best connections from different candidate wireless networks. The selected network should satisfy the typical user demands. The proposed selection model is implemented by using the non‐cooperative game model. The proposed solution is evaluated through in‐depth analysis and simulation‐based testing. Results clearly prove that the proposed solution exhibits the highest performance compared with other solutions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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SUMMARYNetwork selection mechanisms have a significant role in guaranteeing the QoS for users in a heterogeneous wireless networks environment. These mechanisms allow the selection of an optimal wireless network to satisfy the needs of users. Users are provided with the opportunity to select from multiple connectivity opportunities available all over various wireless networks. Furthermore, the network operators themselves can execute active selection strategies that facilitate proper decision making, in which user preferences are considered. This study proposes a new noncooperative competing game-theoretic model and strategy space based on user preference. This model can solve network selection problems and capture the inter-linkages of decisions taken by various networks. A generalized simple additive weighting method is incorporated into the framework of noncooperative game theory. In addition, the utility function is employed to assess the usefulness of the system. Simulation results and analysis illustrate the efficacy of the suggested model in attaining optimum network utility for heterogeneous wireless networks while optimizing user satisfaction.

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