Abstract—The handoff problem in ad hoc networks needs to be treated through an integrated multi-layer approach, due to its major differences with respect to the counterpart in infrastructure-based networks. In this paper, an integrated framework through the cross layer approach is presented to deal  with  the  handoff  problem in  heterogeneous  wireless networks with multiple interfaces. Further, extensive study has been conducted to evaluate our proposed handoff solution through simulation,  emulation with  real  wireless hardware in the loop, and hardware tests using commercial- off-the-shelf Android phones and GSM base station systems. It has been shown through our study that transparent user application  can  be  achieved  using  our  handoff  approach with low latency, minimum packet losses and only necessary control overhead.

Index   Terms—seamless   handoff;   MANET;   cross   layer design; wireless heterogenity; cellular network

Cite: Hui Zeng, Jason H. Li, Subir Das, Anthony McAuley, John Lee, Thomas Stuhrmann, and Mario Gerla , "An Integrated Multi-layer Approach for Seamless," Journal of Communications, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 16-28, 2011. Doi: 10.4304/jcm.6.1.16-28