A Framework for Analyzing Path Optimization Schemes for Inter-Switch Handoff in Wireless ATM Networks

Path optimization is required for those connection rerouting schemes where the path after an inter-switch handoff is not optimal. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of three path optimization schemes (namely: exponential, periodic, and Bernoulli) for the two-phase inter-switch handoff protocol. Using analytical modeling and simulation, we determine the optimal operating point and the minimum expected cost for each scheme. We also study the effect of the relative change of the expected cost when the estimates of the average call duration or the mean time between inter-switch handoff are inaccurate. Results indicate that the Bernoulli scheme provides the lowest expected cost per call, while the periodic scheme is relatively insensitive to the changes of the average call duration.