Network Selection in Heterogeneous Wireless Environment Using Decision Making Algorithms-topsis and Promethee

Forthcoming wireless environment is a fusion of numerous networks with diverse technologies deployed by individual operators. In such an environment, innovative network selection methodologies are required not only to provide “always best connected” service to mobile users but also to maximize network operator’s revenue. To fulfill such requirements, multiple attributes from each network are to be systematically assessed. Consequently network selection becomes an issue of multiple attribute decision making (MADM). Various MADM algorithms have been proposed for use in network selection decision process. This paper compares the performance of PROMETHEE (Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations) an outranking MADM algorithm with TOPSIS (Technique for order of Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), a classical MADM algorithm in selecting the best network in a heterogeneous wireless environment. It also analyzes the effect of PROMETHEE and TOPSIS algorithms on ranking abnormality and mobile terminal distribution among the networks during handoff. A combination of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Entropy method is used to assign weights to the decision criteria. Simulation results show that PROMETHEE algorithm outperforms TOPSIS in network selection decision making.