Performance comparison and analysis on MIPv6, fast MIPv6 bi-casting and Eurecom IPv6 soft handover over IEEE802.11b WLANs

We propose to evaluate, analyse and compare Eurecom IPv6-based soft-handover, IETF fast-MIPv6-bicasting handover and basic MIPv6 handover over IEEE 802.11 radio networks. We show through simulations that fast handover exploits layer 2/3 interactions and data duplication to reduce the overall handoff latency and packet loss. On the other hand, it introduces more layer 3 control load. Comparatively, Eurecom IPv6 soft handover for mobile IP-devices with multiple interfaces, suppresses handover latency, data loss, and is more capable in reducing average end to end delays. We identify the causes behind each handover performance and therefore devise a set of guidelines for further development of adaptive-handover-control algorithms across all-IP networks that guarantee different levels of service for applications.