Network Selection Issue in Heterogeneous Wireless Environment

Network selection is one of the key issues in heterogeneous wireless networks. However, very few efforts have been made on both algorithm and management of network selection to satisfy the individual requirements of every single user, so as to attract customers in the future user centric business mode. This paper takes the following steps toward addressing this problem: 1) a novel user preference oriented network selection algorithm (UPNS) is proposed, by combining entropy theory and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process algorithm (FAHP); 2) a service level agreement (SLA) management model is designed for network selection control in heterogeneous wireless environment, mainly including the general function descriptions and a management model instance based on UPNS. Application scenario of the UPNS based instance is simulated. Results show its efficiency in satisfying users' individuality and maintaining user satisfaction.