Using cross-layer metrics to improve the performance of end-to-end handover mechanisms

Network centric handover solutions for all IP wireless networks usually require modifications to network infrastructure which can stifle any potential rollout. This has led researchers to begin looking at alternative approaches. Endpoint centric handover solutions do not require network infrastructure modification, thereby alleviating a large barrier to deployment. Current endpoint centric solutions capable of meeting the delay requirements of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) fail to consider the Quality of Service (QoS) that will be achieved after handoff. The main contribution of this paper is to demonstrate that QoS aware handover mechanisms which do not require network support are possible. This work proposes a Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) based handover solution for VoIP called Endpoint Centric Handover (ECHO). ECHO incorporates cross-layer metrics and the ITU-T E-Model for voice quality assessment to accurately estimate the QoS of candidate handover networks, thus facilitating a more intelligent handoff decision. An experimental testbed was developed to analyse the performance of the ECHO scheme. Results are presented showing both the accuracy of ECHO at estimating the QoS and that the addition of the QoS capabilities significantly improves the handover decisions that are made.