A heterogeneous network selection algorithm based on network attribute and user preference

Mobile terminals are often in the dynamic environment of heterogeneous networks. For some reasons, they need to switch between different networks, namely vertical handover. At this moment, it is a very crucial issue for the mobile terminal to select the best suitable one rapidly from all detected alternative networks on condition that the selection result can avoid the ping-pong effect as much as possible. This paper proposes a heterogeneous network selection algorithm based on the combination of network attribute and user preference. Taking full account of user preferences for each candidate network and the actual situation of heterogeneous networks, the algorithm combines three typical MADM methods, namely FAHP, Entropy and TOPSIS. We first use FAHP to calculate the subjective weights of network attributes and the subjective utility values of all alternatives for four typical traffic classes, and then use Entropy and TOPSIS to respectively get the objective weights of network attributes and the objective utility values of all alternatives. Finally, according to the comprehensive utility value of every candidate network and a threshold, the most appropriate network, whose comprehensive utility value is maximum and greater than the corresponding value of the current network of the mobile terminal, is selected to access. The proposed algorithm not only avoids the one-sided nature of a single algorithm, but also dynamically adjusts the proportion of each algorithm in the final result according to the actual requirements. Simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm can accurately select the optimal access network, significantly reduce the number of vertical handovers and provide the required QoS and QoE in terms of the quantified benefit from vertical handoff, compared with three existing hybrid algorithms.