A multi-objective model-based vertical handoff algorithm for heterogeneous wireless networks

The emergence of 5G communication systems will not replace existing radio access networks but will gradually merge to form ultra-dense heterogeneous networks. In heterogeneous networks, the design of efficient vertical handoff (VHO) algorithms for 5G infrastructures is necessary to improve quality of service (QoS) and system resource utilization. In this paper, an optimized algorithm based on a multi-objective optimization model is proposed to solve the lack of a comprehensive consideration of user and network impacts during the handoff process in existing VHO algorithms. The Markov chain model of each base station (BS) is built to calculate a more accurate value of the network state that reflects the network performance. Then, a multi-objective optimization model is derived to maximize the value of the network state and the user data receiving rate. The multi-objective genetic algorithm NSGA-II is finally employed to turn the model into a final VHO strategy. The results of the simulation for the throughput and blocking rate of networks demonstrate that our algorithm significantly increases the system throughput and reduces the blocking rate compared to the existing VHO strategies.