Optimized Access Network Selection in a Combined WLAN/LTE Environment

Abstract

Multimode terminals equipped with multiple radio access technologies are becoming increasingly popular. At the same time, network operators and service providers seek opportunities to deliver seamless services cost effectively, leveraging a variety of radio access technologies using both licensed and unlicensed spectrum. In order to standardize the operations of such complex environments 3GPP is currently working on IP flow mobility and mobile data offload solutions. This article proposes and evaluates a new access network selection procedure in such a combined WLAN/LTE environment. The proposed solution takes not only parameters available in the mobile node and its current and candidate access networks into account, but performs an optimization on the heterogeneous wireless network level as well. An optimization model based on an approximate solution to the wellknown bin packing problem is presented. Also, there is a signaling scheme for distribution handling presented. Results from simulations performed in OPNET Modeler show improvements compared to basing handover decisions on locally available information only.

Application-based Network Selection Algorithm in Integrated LTE-WLAN Systems

“…Karl and Christer [11] proposed and evaluated a new access method for network selection in a combined LTE/WLAN network. Their proposed approach takes all available UE parameters, network resource in use and available candidate chosen into the account.…”

QoS Study in an USRP Private LTE Network

“…Andersson and Åhlund [1] proposed a prototype elevating multimedia quality of experience (QoE) using statistical and prediction learning. In conclusion, it was determined and evaluated an access network selection system for mobile nodes in a combined WLAN/LTE environment.…”

Mobile VoIP user experience in LTE

“…Also, a model optimizing multimedia quality of experience (QoE) using prediction and statistical learning was proposed [14]. Finally, an access network selection mechanism for mobile nodes in a combined WLAN/LTE environment was proposed and evaluated [15]. VoIP performance in terms of user-perceived quality of service was the main parameter being optimized.…”