Performance evaluation of L2 handover mechanisms, for Inter-Radio Access Networks

B3G networks will provide seamless data handover between different radio access technologies (RAT). In a near future, the WLAN access will be integrated in GPRS and UMTS radio access networks (RAN). During their communications, the subscribers will be able to switch automatically between the two technologies. In that case, their previous data transfer need to be re-established in the new RAT. This process must be carried out while minimizing the breakdown time and the data loss. This paper intends to evaluate the performances of handover policies between GPRS/UMTS and WLAN RAT and to propose adapted data handover strategies at layer two