MIH/SDN-Based Vertical Handover Approach for 5G Mobile Networks

Mobile communication systems are witnessing an ongoing-increase in connected devices and new types of services. This considerable increase has led to an exponential augmentation in mobile data traffic volume. Ultra-densification is a key solution aimed at satisfying the emerging requirements in next-generation 5G networks. However, the deployment of a high number of small cells and mobile nodes on the 5G networks poses challenges for the mobility management, including frequent, unnecessary and ping-pong handovers, with additional problems related to increased delay and total failure of the handover process. In this article, a novel optimized vertical handover approach is proposed to find the optimal network to connect with a good quality of service. This approach cooperates Media Independent Handover and Software-Defined Networking for seamless vertical handover. Simulation results validate the efficiency of our proposal.