Interworking between WLANs and 3G networks: TCP challenges

A scheme for enhancing the TCP performance when a handoff occurs within a heterogeneous mobile network is proposed. Currently, the research on the interworking between 3G cellular networks and a WLAN is actively being conducted. To integrate these two technologies, there are many issues such as the network architecture, mobility management, and security which should he solved. Implementing a seamless handoff between WLAN and 3G networks is an essential issue. In this paper, we present some issues to develop a network that supports interworking between WLANs and 3G cellular networks, especially focusing on the TCP challenges. We examine a TCP performance during an intersystem handoff between a WLAN and a 3G cellular network and discuss some problems that the current TCP experiences during intersystem handoff and propose some schemes to improve TCP performance.