Optimizing Network Performance in Multihoming Environments

Future Internet will be based in heterogeneous infrastructures with a large landscape of access technologies. Moreover, the terminals are being equipped with multiple interfaces, enabling the simultaneous connection to the different available technologies. In such multihoming environments, the traffic control mechanisms will require complex operations, as it is now possible to implement the concept of “always best connected” (ABC), using the devices and access technologies that best suit communications needs, users and networks. This paper presents a performance study of a traffic control mechanism that is able to perform context-aware and personalized network selection, using context and preferences, network and terminal characteristics, to determine the best access connection for each terminal and service. The results show the benefits of using such an algorithm in the network, mainly in terms of QoS in these multiservice technologies, and address the influence of specific criteria and constraints considered in the decision process.