Multiple-call handover decisions using fuzzy MCGDM in heterogeneous wireless networks

Abstract

A number of algorithms have been proposed for making vertical handover decisions in heterogeneous wireless networks (HWNs). These algorithms are designed for selecting the most suitable radio access technology (RAT) for just a single handoff call from a multimode terminal, during vertical handovers. Multimode terminals for next generation wireless networks have the capability to simultaneously support two or more different classes of calls on a single RAT. Different classes of calls have different characteristics. Thus, there is a problem of selecting the most suitable RAT for a group of handoff calls from a multimode terminal in HWNs. This paper focuses on the problem of making vertical handover decisions for multiple classes of calls from a multimode terminal in HWNs, and proposes an algorithm for selecting the most suitable RAT for a single or multiple vertical-handoff calls in HWNs. The proposed algorithms uses fuzzy multiple criteria group decision making (FMCGDM) technique to select the most appropriate RAT for handoff call(s) in heterogeneous wireless network. Some numerical results are presented to illustrate the proposed RAT selection algorithm.