Implementation of 802.21 for Seamless Handover Across Heterogeneous Networks

Abstract

MIH (Media Independent Handover)[1] is the standard technology of IEEE 802.21. It gives seamless handover to mobile terminals that have multiple wireless interfaces. Recently, many mobile terminals having multiple wireless interfaces are emerging on the market. Thus, the handover technology, which makes it possible to hand-over between heterogeneous networks, is attracting the attention of network operators. In this article, we explain IEEE 802.21 framework and its laboratory implementation and compare between IEEE 802.21-based handover and non-802.21-based handover. We performed laboratory experiments on handover between IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) access networks and IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) using MIH Functions. We also analyzed and compared 802.21-assisted handover and non-802.21-assisted handover.