Performance of MSCTP Protocol in Vertical Handover Case Between IEEE 802.16e and IEEE 802.11e Networks

Currently, the vertical handover between different technologies presents a real challenge to overcome; the service interruptions during handover pose a real problem to users. In this paper we focus on this problem, and we propose the MSCTP protocol characterized by its multi-homing technique, as vertical handover mechanism between the IEEE 802.16e and the IEEE 802.11e networks, in order to reduce the latency and the interruption during the handover process. For that, we will propose an interconnection model between the two networks, and we will compare by simulations based on the QoS metrics, the results obtained with the current protocol for the L3 handover: Proxy-MIP and those with our recommended protocol for the vertical handover case: MSCTP. Concerning the mobility scenario, we will track a mobile station movement between IEEE 802.16e and IEEE 802.11e networks, and using VoIP traffic for the communication with a correspondent node localized in the external network.