Fast MIP Handover Amelioration in Wireless Networks by Cross-layer Solution

Mobile IP allows a mobile node to maintain a continuous connectivity to the Internet when moving from one access point to another. However, due to the link switching operations packets designated to mobile nodes can be delayed or lost during the handover period. This paper presents a two-layer solution to improve the handover performance both at the Link Layer and the Network Layer in the context of Mobile IP over wireless networks. At the Network Layer, we use a new function named Extended Handover Control Function (EHCF) which allow us to delete the DAD operation. At the Link Layer, a neighbor graphical prediction approach (NGP) reduces the probe latency. Moreover, the EHCF can buffer the packets during the handover process in order to decrease the packet loss. With an analytical model and some OPNET simulations, we show in this paper that our solution allows to provide low latency, low packet loss to the standard handover of Mobile IPv6.