An Efficient Mobility Management Scheme for 5G Network Architectures

Fifth generation (5G) networks use heterogeneous network access technologies to support Mobile Nodes (MNs) with multiple services with different Quality of Service (QoS) constraints. In a 5G architecture, an MN can use Massive Multiple Input Multipole Output (MMIMO) antennas to obtain access to increased telecommunication resources. In these environments the need to support service continuity of MNs is a key issue. Therefore, the design of efficient mobility management schemes for 5G infrastructures is needed. In this paper, a novel mobility management scheme for 5G systems is proposed. Whenever the perceived Quality of Service (QoS) becomes less than a predefined threshold, Vertical Handover (VHO) is initiated. Subsequently, network selection is performed, considering the energy level of the MN. Finally, a MIH-enhanced FPMIPv6 handover approach is performed to achieve service continuity of the MNs. The proposed scheme is applied to a 5G architecture which includes LTE-A Pro FD-MIMO Macrocell, LTE-A and 802.16 WiMAX Femtocells, as well as 802. 11p WAVE Road Side Units (RSUs). Performance evaluation shows that the suggested method ensures the Always Best Connection (ABC) principle. Also, the time that the MN remains functional is increased since it selects networks with decreased energy requirements when its energy level becomes low. Furthermore, the signaling cost of the proposed scheme is lower than the one observed from the use of other mobility management protocols.