Handovers between heterogeneous networks in pervasive systems

Pervasive systems need to adapt computing applications or their computing environment if the applications are facing quality of service (QoS) changes (caused by a variety of reasons including mobility of users or users changing their devices). One possible adaptation is vertical handover which can redirect applications´ communication streams between network interfaces on one device or between network interfaces on different devices while continuing the applications. In this paper we describe a solution for vertical handovers which is suitable for future pervasive systems. The solution utilizes context information regarding user devices, user location, network environment, and user perceived application QoS which are evaluated to make decisions about vertical handovers.