Title: A cross-layering based autonomic approach for QoS support in heterogeneous wireless networks

Authors: Tara Ali Yahiya, Kaouthar Sethom, Guy Pujolle, Andre-Luc Beylot

Addresses: Computer Science Laboratory, University of Pierre et Marie Curie, 104 Avenue du President Kennedy, 75016 Paris, France. ' Computer Science Laboratory, University of Pierre et Marie Curie, 104 Avenue du President Kennedy, 75016 Paris, France. ' Computer Science Laboratory, University of Pierre et Marie Curie, 104 Avenue du President Kennedy, 75016 Paris, France. ' ENSEEIHT, IRIT Laboratory, 2, rue C. Camichel, BP 7122, F-31071 Toulouse Cedex 7, France

Abstract: Future network environments will be heterogeneous and mobile terminals will have the opportunity to dynamically select among many different access technologies. Therefore, it is important to provide service continuity in case of vertical handoffs when terminals change the access technology. Two important wireless access technologies are WLAN (wireless local access networks) and WMAN (wireless metropolitan access networks) networks. In this article, we address several challenges related to a seamless integration of those technologies. We highlight important aspects for designing WLAN/WMAN interworking architecture on the basis of IEEE 802.21 framework. Then, we address important quality of service (QoS) issues for such interworked systems like degree of QoS support provided by the technologies, QoS mapping and signalling for vertical handoff. We combine concepts of autonomic computing in the design of the framework in order to use intelligence to provide flexibility, accessibility and transparency to the mobile users.

Keywords: vertical handoffs; IEEE 802.21; service continuity; wireless LANs; local area networks; WLAN; wireless MANs; metropolitan area networks; WMAN; wireless networks; QoS support; quality of service; autonomic computing; mobile terminals; cross-layering.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCNDS.2008.020713

International Journal of Communication Networks and Distributed Systems, 2008 Vol.1 No.3, pp.312 - 329

Published online: 12 Oct 2008 *

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