Context-Aware Handover Based on Active Network Technology

Abstract

Abstract. Context-aware computing can play a major role to improve the services of mobile networking systems. In this paper, we focus on optimizing handover decisions based not only on the signal quality, but also on the knowledge about the context of mobile devices and networks. Since context information and context processing evolves fast, we propose a flexible, integrated approach for context management, which can adapt in several ways. Our architecture encompasses active platforms in network nodes and mobile devices, distributed context management components on these platforms, and service deployment for network services. This flexible architecture is able to actively deploy different handover services. It can manage different kinds of context information and allow mobile devices to be always connected to the most suitable access network. Our architecture is validated in a prototype implementation.

Combining data naming and context awareness for pervasive networks

“…Moreover, it has been shown the advantages of using context-awareness to improve networking operations in mobile systems, such as handover [37]. However, existing data-centric networking proposals are in general agnostic of the context of sources, consumers and forwarders of data.…”

A flexible handover mechanism for seamless service continuity in heterogeneous environments

“…Dynamic parameters include current user's location and current traffic and QoS network parameters. A more extended classification is presented in [8] where context information is also categorized as static within a cell, including the list of reachable APs at the MT or the potential next AP at the network. The useful information is studied in a higher perspective and includes more dynamic parameters (current application and device status) and static network parameters (charging models).…”

“…service continuity with enhanced policy mechanisms for handovers, etc.) [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14].…”

Dynamic context bindings : infrastructural support for context-aware applications

“…Similarly, Bradley and Dunlop (Bradley and Dunlop 2003) define that the scope of context includes the user and his applications. Wei et al (Wei, Farkas et al 2003) define context as any information concerning user's mobile device and its capabilities, as well as the networks used and their characteristics. Gray and Salber (Gray and Salber 2001) indicate that context is spatio-temporal information concerning a user, to indicate the importance of time and location for context.…”