A combined path-extension and rerouting handoff scheme for wireless ATM networks

In this paper, a new handoff scheme for wireless ATM networks in a linear environment is proposed. In this scheme, all cells are connected to its neighboring cells by permanent virtual circuits (PVCs), and to the access switch (AS) by switched virtual circuits (SVCs) which are only for new calls. Some carefully chosen cells, called rerouting cells, are also connected to the AS by PVCs. In summary if a mobile roams to an ordinary neighboring cell, its traffic path is simply elongated by a PVC connecting the old and new cells. If a mobile roams to a rerouting cell, its traffic path is rerouted to a PVC between the AS and rerouting cell. By using PVCs for handoff calls, we can guarantee fast and seamless handoff. At the same time, our scheme improves the path efficiency by limiting the maximum number of hops that a path can be extended. Also, allowing path rerouting at suitable times means the network resources are more efficiently utilized