GRA Based Network Selection in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks

4G wireless networks will integrate heterogeneous technologies such as Wireless LAN and third generation (3G) cellular networks and have the capability to offer various services at any time as per user requirements, anywhere with seamless interoperability at affordable cost. One important challenge in such a heterogeneous wireless environment is to enable network selection mechanisms in order to keep the mobile users always best connected anywhere and at any time. In this paper, a multi-criteria access network selection algorithm is proposed in Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access–Wireless Fidelity environment, in order to facilitate the provision of high quality services and at the same time to satisfy different types of user service level agreements. Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and grey relational analysis (GRA) methods are applying for optimal access network selection. The proposed methodology combines the AHP to decide the relative weights of criteria set according to network’s performance, as well as the GRA to rank the network alternatives. The advantages of the GRA method are that the results are based on the original data, the calculations are simple and straightforward, and finally it is one of the best methods to make decision under heterogeneous wireless network environment.