An Integrated Framework for Seamless Soft Handoff in Ad Hoc Networks

Abstract

We present an integrated architecture for seamless soft handoff in mobile ad hoc networks, where various managers residing on multiple layers are proposed to tackle handoff issues in a cross-layer and cooperative manner. At the link adaptation layer, the virtual interface provides link transparency to the upper layers and session management is handled at the interface manager. At the network layer, most IP-based ad hoc routing protocols can be accommodated. At the transport layer, the transport manager is instructed by the interface manager to adapt the transmission rate according to the new wireless link. Finally, at the application layer, the security manager handles various aspects of security concerns. Simulation results show that our approach can deliver low packet loss, low latency, and smooth handoff solutions with minimum packet overhead. Further, our research on IEEE 802.21 reveals that current Media Independent Handover (MIH) may serve as a component in our integrated architecture. In conclusion, our work represents the first complete solution that provides seamless soft handoff in ad hoc networks with minimum service disruption.

Optimal Usage of Multiple Network Connections

“…There are many studies that consider the situation where there are multiple network connections available [1,3,6,7,8,12]. In these studies the aim is to choose a network connection to be used in data transmission.…”

“…We, however, use multiple network connections simultaneously and our aim is to select a network connection for each component of the data in such a way that the costs and the time used in transferring are minimized. The optimization method we propose in this paper can be used, for example, within the framework presented in [7] or within other similar frameworks. The framework proposed in [7] includes a virtual network interface that hides the actual physical channels among which the used network connection is selected.…”

“…The optimization method we propose in this paper can be used, for example, within the framework presented in [7] or within other similar frameworks. The framework proposed in [7] includes a virtual network interface that hides the actual physical channels among which the used network connection is selected. Below the virtual in-terface there are a policy manager and an interface manager which together make the selection.…”

Seamless Soft Handoff in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

“…[1], we compare our seamless handoff scheme with two other reroute mechanisms: Reconnect Reroute and Preventive Reroute, under different networking and handoff scenarios.…”

“…A seamless handoff is defined as a handoff scheme that provides continuous end-to-end data service with low latency and minimum packet loss in the face of any link outage or handoff event. 1 1-4244-1513-06/07/$25.00 © 2007 IEEE The design of our approach is aimed at achieving the following objectives. First, we need to deliver low latency and low packet loss handoff, making the switch between links as seamless as possible for disruption-intolerant applications.…”