EVM as generic QoS trigger for heterogeneous wieless overlay network

TL;DR

This paper proposes using Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) as a universal QoS trigger for vertical handover decisions in heterogeneous 4G wireless networks, aiming for seamless session transfer and improved user experience.

Contribution

It introduces EVM as a novel, effective QoS metric for VHO in OFDM-based wireless systems, with analytical insights and comparative analysis against traditional metrics.

Findings

EVM effectively characterizes wireless link quality for VHO decisions.

EVM correlates with traditional metrics like SNR and BER, showing promise as a universal QoS trigger.

EVM provides detailed insights into modulation errors affecting OFDM systems.

Abstract

Fourth Generation (4G) Wireless System will integrate heterogeneous wireless overlay systems i.e. interworking of WLAN/ GSM/ CDMA/ WiMAX/ LTE/ etc with guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) and Experience (QoE).QoS(E) vary from network to network and is application sensitive. User needs an optimal mobility solution while roaming in Overlaid wireless environment i.e. user could seamlessly transfer his session/ call to a best available network bearing guaranteed Quality of Experience. And If this Seamless transfer of session is executed between two networks having different access standards then it is called Vertical Handover (VHO). Contemporary VHO decision algorithms are based on generic QoS metrics viz. SNR, bandwidth, jitter, BER and delay. In this paper, Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) is proposed to be a generic QoS trigger for VHO execution. EVM is defined as the deviation of inphase/ quadrature (I/Q) values from ideal signal states and thus provides a measure of signal quality. In 4G Interoperable environment, OFDM is the leading Modulation scheme (more prone to multi-path fading). EVM (modulation error) properly characterises the wireless link/ channel for accurate VHO decision. EVM depends on the inherent transmission impairments viz. frequency offset, phase noise, non-linear-impairment, skewness etc. for a given wireless link. Paper provides an insight to the analytical aspect of EVM & measures EVM (%) for key management subframes like association/re-association/disassociation/ probe request/response frames. EVM relation is explored for different possible NAV-Network Allocation Vectors (frame duration). Finally EVM is compared with SNR, BER and investigation concludes EVM as a promising QoS trigger for OFDM based emerging wireless standards.