Performance analysis of hierarchical wireless systems

For future usage of services and applications, it would be beneficial to be able to use only one terminal for their communication needs. The intention is also that the terminal should stay connected even if it has to change technology, system and/or operator. This means that a user will need to have a terminal, which can use different types of wireless systems. As well as that the systems have the opportunity to make seamless handovers not only intratechnology but also intertechnology. The future wireless networks should have transparent roaming, meaning consistent service availability, across networks. This paper also analyses how the progress and extension of the WLAN technology, affects the operators and the users of mobile applications and services. The analyze shows that the total number of handovers will decrease making it easier for both operators and users. At the same time the usage of WLAN technology, with the proposed enhanced user behavior, could increase hundredfold. A moderate extension of the WLAN coverage from 20 to 30 percent of city coverage, greatly effects the time a user utilize the WLAN.