Network selection algorithm based on link quality parameters for heterogeneous wireless networks

Next generation wireless networks consist of heterogeneous access technologies. In order to provide global ubiquitous communication, it is required to provide a framework in which user can move across multiple access interfaces while maintaining its ongoing communication at perceived quality of service. Given the scenario of multiple access networks, it is further required to select the optimum network out of multiple candidate networks to meet the requirements of the ongoing session. The selection of optimum network in such heterogeneous environment is generally based on network conditions and user preference. In this paper, we propose an algorithm for network selection based on averaged received signal strength, outage probability and distance. The proposed algorithm comprises of two stages. Assuming that network conditions are dominant in network selection, in first stage, overlapping region is identified through distance estimation. Network selection algorithm based on averaged received signal strength plus outage is invoked in second stage to select the optimum network. Numerical results are obtained through a simulation model of two disparate networks – GSM and UMTS. It has been shown that the proposed algorithm offers 68% improved performance in terms of network selection rate.