Heterogeneous Network Handover Using 3GPP ANDSF

In this paper, we propose an improved IP-based handover scheme, named the Heterogeneous Network Handover by using 3GPP ANDSF (HNH3A for short) for S-PMIPv6 where S-PMIPv6 is a MIPv6 family protocol developed in one of our previous studies, and ANDSF (standing for Access Network Discovery and Selection Function) is an entity within an evolved packet core (EPC) of the system architecture evolution (SAE) for 3GPP compliant mobile networks. The purpose of using the ANDSF is to assist user equipment (UE) to discover non-3GPP access networks, such as WiFi or WIMAX. The HNH3A can help the handover among mobile WiMAX (i.e., Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), 3GPP (i.e., 3rd Generation Partnership Project) family (including 3GPP systems, 3G LTE and 4G LTE-A) and WiFi based on existing handover techniques among the three heterogeneous networks. The analytical results demonstrate that the HNH3A can effectively mitigate handover delays and handover signaling costs.