Game-Theory Based User Centric Network Selection with Media Independent Handover Services and Flow Management

Abstract

Future envisions universal and uninterrupted access to information owing to the widespread use of heterogeneous wireless technologies. The integration of heterogeneous wireless technologies and existence of multi-mode terminals enable users get associated to the best available networks according to user preferences over different application specific requirements, prices and network technologies. In this paper we present the user-centric network selection decision mechanism, where negotiation between users and network operators is carried out using game-theoretic approach. We model the utility functions of users and network operators. We also discuss the truth telling behavior of network operators in terms of offered prices and service quality. The proposed approach builds on IEEE 802.21 standard. Session Initiation Protocol(SIP) and Mobile Internet Protocol (MIPv6) based flow management solutions are given, the later approach is implemented using OPNET modeller simulator. The performance of our approach is compared with Long-term contractual approach in terms of users throughput, users cost, operators revenue and call blocking probability.

Game Theory-Based Network Selection: Solutions and Challenges

“…Fig. 3 illustrates a classification of the existing approaches into three broad categories based on the interaction between players: users vs. users (non-cooperative [29] - [35] and cooperative [36]), networks vs. users (non-cooperative [37] - [41] and cooperative [42]), and networks vs. networks (non-cooperative [43] - [49] and cooperative [50] - [54]). It is noticeable that most related works formulate the problem as non-cooperative games.…”

“…The interaction between networks and users is studied by Khan et al in [37] - [39]. The authors model the network selection problem as a non-cooperative auction game which has three components: bidders, sellers, and an auctioneer.…”

“…Some of the proposed solutions probe the user for some required settings that are transformed afterwards into weightings for the networks parameters [43]. The solution proposed in [37] integrates a GUI in the user's mobile terminal in order to collect the user preferences on the following inputs: Service request class (Data, Video, Voice); Service preferred quality (Excellent, Good, Fair); and Service price preferences (Always Cheapest, Maximum service price). Asking the user for data can be annoying or even invasive to the user as the decision mechanism is no longer transparent.…”

A new handoff management system for heterogeneous wireless access networks

“…The study on the impact of the static parameters of RAT selection on the performance of the network has a special significance in the design of HHMS. For example, the study of the load distribution of wireless networks has been always presented under the assumption that the MTs always select BS with the least load . An HHMS should balance traffic in all cells, whether of the same or different network types .…”

Survey Paper: Location Management in CDMA Network

“…Hence, this sense of timing management can be used to estimate the distance of MS from BS. It provides a slight increase in accuracy but this accuracy comes in multiples of 550 meters because the adjustment or advancement of signal burst is made as a multiple of 550 meters [19][20].…”