Integrated MIP-SIP for IMS-based WiMAX-UMTS vertical handover

Nowadays, the current trend is to integrate mobile WiMAX with 3G networks to meet the growing demand for high-speed connectivity and ubiquitous coverage. The design and implementation of seamless integration architecture for heterogeneous networks is a challenging task, as it requires comprehensive effort to provide mobile user with seamless experience while switching between access networks. In order to realize seamless vertical handover (VHO) with QoS support, an IMS-based integration architecture for mobile WiMAX and UMTS is proposed with a VHO mechanism using integrated MIP-SIP protocols to provide transparent mobility and QoS at minimum signaling cost on both user terminal and IMS network.