Network selection algorithm for heterogeneous wireless networks based on service characteristics and user preferences

Next generation heterogeneous wireless networks (HWNs) will integrate various wireless access technologies, such as cellular networks, wireless local area network (WLAN), and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), in order to support quality of service (QoS) requirements of various services. To connect mobile users to the best wireless network continuously, network selection has become a hotspot for research in HWNs. This paper designs a network selection algorithm based on service characteristics and user preferences. First, utility functions are used to calculate the utility value of each network attribute for different services. Next, the entropy method and the fuzzy-analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) are used to calculate the objective weight and subjective weight of network attributes respectively, with FAHP specifically being used to calculate the user preference values of services for candidate networks. Finally, simple additive weighting (SAW), multiplicative exponent weighting (MEW), and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) are used according to network attribute utility values and weights to calculate the score of each candidate network. These scores are converted into a comprehensive score for the candidate network based on such user preferences, thus obtaining the ranking of candidate networks. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can allow users to choose the most suitable network to access according to different service characteristics while reducing the number of network handovers.