Abstract
The integration of a multitude of wireless networks is expected to lead to the emergence of the fourth generation (4G) of wireless technologies. Under the motivation of increasing the levels of user satisfaction while maintaining seamless connectivity and a satisfactory level of QoS, we design a novel cross-layer architecture that provides context-awareness, smart handoff and mobility control in heterogeneous wireless IP networks. We develop a Transport and Application Layer Architecture for vertical Mobility with Contextawareness (Tramcar). Tramcar presents a new approach to vertical handoff decisions, which is not exclusively based on network characteristics but also on higher level parameters which fall in the application and transport layers. Tramcar is tailored for a variety of different network technologies with different characteristics and has the ability of adapting to changing environment conditions and unpredictable background traffic. Furthermore, Tramcar allows users to identify and prioritize their preferences. Tramcar is a smart and practical system, which is more capable of dealing with 4G challenges. Simulation results demonstrate that Tramcar increases user satisfaction levels and network throughput under rough network conditions and reduces overall handoff latencies.