Context Awarw Mobile Initiated Handoff for Performance Improvement in IEEE 802.11 Networks

TL;DR

This paper proposes a mobile-initiated handoff scheme in IEEE 802.11 networks where mobile nodes trigger handoffs to less loaded access points, aiming to improve overall network performance and reduce congestion.

Contribution

It introduces a novel load-aware handoff mechanism where mobile nodes initiate handoffs with AP assistance to balance load and enhance performance.

Findings

Improved throughput during high load conditions

Reduced delay for mobile nodes

Enhanced overall network efficiency

Abstract

IEEE 802.11 is a widely used wireless LAN standard which offers a good bandwidth at low cost In an ESS, multiple APs can co-exist with overlapping coverage area. A mobile node connects to the AP from which it receives the best signal. Changes in traffic to and from different MNs occur over time. Load imbalance may develop on different APs. Throughput and delay of the different flows passing through the APs, where the load has increased beyond certain limit, may degrade. Different MNs associated to the overloaded APs will experience performance degradation. Overall performance of the ESS will also drop. In this paper we propose a scheme where MNs experiencing degraded performance will initiate action and with assistance from the associate AP perform handoff to less loaded AP within its range to improve performance.