Handover in Mobile WiMAX

WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a core technology based on IEEE 802.16 standard for Broadband Wireless Access (BWA). One of the major consideration for Mobile WiMAX is seamless handoff or handover. Cellular-based standards have the facility of voice call even via internet but to deal handover with mobility is a challenging task. Many services like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), etc. require the presence of seamless connection to connect with near and dear one. Dealing handover is always a challenging topic for wireless technologies. Mobile WiMAX introduces the most significant new feature, mobility to support handovers. Handover delay originates during data transmission but it should be less than a threshold time duration according to WiMAX forum standard for real time applications. This chapter includes WiMAX technology, its architecture, handover schemes and improvements in mobility for handover schemes with QualNet Network Simulator.