Probabilistic estimation of comprehensive utility based on user preference and network condition for network selection in future in HetNet

Abstract

One of key difficulties in designing vertical handover strategy in ultra-dense heterogeneous networks is selecting network. This work has proposed hybrid network selection model based on context-aware information by integrating fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), Improved CRiteria Importance Through Inter-criteria Correlation (CRITIC), and techniques for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) techniques. Improved CRITIC and TOPSIS techniques are used to compute objective criteria weight and utility based on network conditions and various service requirements, whereas FAHP techniques compute subjective criteria weight and utility based on user preference. Finally, network is chosen as candidate based on comprehensive utility and its threshold. The model shows that, if comprehensive utility follows normal, lognormal, gamma, and gamma distributions, then conversational, streaming, interactive, and background traffic will get better access to network. In comparison to competing models, our model reduces ping-pong effect, and unnecessary handovers, and improves quality of service, and network stability.