A comparison between MIPv6 and cross layer movement detection mechanisms

Abstract

MIPv6 is the envisaged mobility management protocol for 4G networks. MIPv6 would allow the prevalent wireless devices to change their point of attachment across heterogeneous networks. However MIPv6 violates 4G service requirements since the protocol does not inherently feature seamless roaming capabilities. MIPv6’s movement detection mechanism causes hard handover which leads to packet loss and handover delay. In contrast to MIPv6, cross layer mechanisms are more efficient in providing soft handover capabilities. Cross layer techniques break the boundaries between the layers in the protocol stack by facilitating inter-layer communication. As a result cross layer mechanisms are able to sense overall performance degradation in the protocol stack, allowing for faster movement detection and ultimately seamless roaming. A comparison between the movement detection mechanisms of MIPv6 and a cross layer scheme is carried out. Verification through simulation proves that the cross layer’s movement detection mechanism fairs better than MIPv6’s Router Discovery protocol.