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MIH Media Independent Handover

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Introduction

Media Independent Handover (MIH) is a communication protocol used in wireless networks to enable the seamless handover of network resources from one network to another without disrupting the communication flow. The protocol allows wireless devices to detect when a network with better connectivity becomes available and automatically switch to that network without causing any disruption to the ongoing data transfer. MIH is an essential protocol for future wireless networks as it enables devices to switch between different wireless networks seamlessly.

Background

The wireless communication industry has witnessed tremendous growth over the last decade with the emergence of various wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks. These technologies operate on different wireless frequencies, each with its unique characteristics, coverage range, and bandwidth. However, as wireless networks continue to expand, the issue of seamless handover between networks has become a significant challenge. For example, when a device moves out of the range of a Wi-Fi network, it may need to switch to a cellular network to continue the communication flow.

Media Independent Handover (MIH) was developed to address the issue of seamless handover between different wireless networks. The protocol was developed by the IEEE 802.21 working group to provide a framework for the seamless handover of wireless networks.

How MIH Works

MIH provides a framework for communication between different wireless networks. The protocol is designed to work independently of the wireless technology used in the networks, hence the term "media independent." The protocol consists of two main components: the MIH function and the MIH user.

The MIH function is responsible for providing network information to the MIH user. The MIH function is implemented at the network layer and is responsible for collecting and processing network information such as network availability, network load, and network quality of service (QoS). The MIH function communicates with the MIH user through a standardized interface known as the MIH service access point (MIH-SAP).

The MIH user, on the other hand, is responsible for making the handover decision based on the information provided by the MIH function. The MIH user is implemented at the application layer and communicates with the MIH function through the MIH-SAP interface. The MIH user uses the network information provided by the MIH function to decide when to initiate a handover between different wireless networks.

The MIH protocol supports two types of handover: vertical handover and horizontal handover. Vertical handover involves switching between networks that operate on different wireless technologies, such as switching from a Wi-Fi network to a cellular network. Horizontal handover, on the other hand, involves switching between networks that operate on the same wireless technology, such as switching between different Wi-Fi networks.

Benefits of MIH

MIH provides several benefits to wireless networks, including:

  1. Seamless Handover: MIH enables seamless handover between different wireless networks, ensuring that ongoing communication is not disrupted.
  2. Network Selection: MIH allows devices to select the network with the best connectivity and QoS based on predefined parameters, such as network availability and load.
  3. Efficient Network Utilization: MIH ensures that wireless networks are utilized efficiently by enabling devices to switch to the most suitable network based on the available resources.
  4. Improved User Experience: MIH improves the user experience by ensuring that devices remain connected to the network with the best connectivity and QoS.
  5. Reduced Network Congestion: MIH reduces network congestion by enabling devices to switch to less congested networks.

Challenges of MIH

Despite the benefits of MIH, the protocol also poses some challenges, including:

  1. Interoperability: MIH requires interoperability between different wireless networks, which may be a challenge due to the differences in the wireless technologies used.
  2. Standardization: MIH requires standardization to ensure that different devices and networks can communicate seamlessly. However, standardization can be challenging due to the various wireless technologies and protocols used in different networks.
  3. Security: MIH requires security mechanisms to ensure that handover information is not intercepted or manipulated by unauthorized parties.
  4. Scalability: As wireless networks continue to expand, MIH must be scalable to support the increasing number of devices and networks.
  5. Complexity: MIH is a complex protocol that requires specialized knowledge and expertise to implement and maintain.

Applications of MIH

MIH has several applications in wireless networks, including:

  1. Mobile Networks: MIH is widely used in mobile networks to enable seamless handover between different cellular networks and Wi-Fi networks.
  2. Smart Homes: MIH is used in smart home applications to enable devices to switch between different wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi and Zigbee, seamlessly.
  3. Industrial Automation: MIH is used in industrial automation applications to enable devices to switch between different wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, based on the network availability and QoS.
  4. Autonomous Vehicles: MIH is used in autonomous vehicles to enable seamless handover between different cellular networks and Wi-Fi networks as the vehicle moves from one coverage area to another.

Conclusion

Media Independent Handover (MIH) is a critical protocol for the seamless handover of wireless networks. MIH enables devices to switch between different wireless networks without disrupting the ongoing communication flow, ensuring that users remain connected to the network with the best connectivity and QoS. MIH provides several benefits, including improved network utilization, efficient network selection, and improved user experience. However, MIH also poses some challenges, including interoperability, standardization, security, scalability, and complexity. MIH has several applications in wireless networks, including mobile networks, smart homes, industrial automation, and autonomous vehicles.