Maximizing user satisfaction based on mobility in heterogeneous mobile multimedia communication networks

Future wireless/mobile system is expected to have heterogeneous wireless overlay networks for ubiquitous multimedia communication. In a such network environment, mobile users are likely to try to get attached to higher bandwidth network as bandwidth-hungry multimedia applications are increasing. However, the users have to perform vertical handoff to lower bandwidth network, as high bandwidth network become unavailable due to various reasons (such as its limited coverage, network congestion, etc.). In this paper, we discuss the problem of vertical handoff from a user's perspective. For this purpose, we formulate user satisfaction as a function of bandwidth utility and handoff latency. Then, we investigate the effect of call holding time, user movement probability, etc. on the satisfaction that a user derives from the use of network service for multimedia applications. In addition, based on the evaluation, we present an algorithm for selecting a wireless network, which maximizes the effective user satisfaction.