Thursday 23 January 2025
The quest for seamless connectivity on the move has long been a challenge in vehicular networks. With the rise of hybrid networks combining both infrastructure-based and ad-hoc technologies, researchers have been working to develop efficient methods for switching between these different modes to ensure reliable communication. A recent study published by Zeeshan Hameed Mir et al. sheds light on a novel approach to Quality-of-Service (QoS) aware radio access technology (RAT) selection in hybrid vehicular networks.
The problem of RAT selection is complex, as it requires balancing the need for efficient use of resources with the need to meet the varying demands of different applications. In traditional wired networks, this challenge has been addressed through load balancing and traffic engineering techniques. However, the dynamic nature of wireless networks, where nodes are constantly moving and connectivity is interrupted, makes these approaches less effective.
Mir et al.’s solution lies in a novel algorithm that takes into account not only network load but also the QoS requirements of individual applications. The algorithm, called QoS-aware RAT selection, uses a combination of metrics to determine when to switch between IEEE 802.11p-based ad-hoc networks and LTE-based cellular networks.
In the proposed system, the Distributed Radio Resource Management (DRRM) entity at each vehicle monitors network load and adjusts beaconing frequency adaptively to reduce congestion. When the load becomes too high, the DRRM entity initiates a vertical handover (VHO) to the LTE interface, allowing for more efficient use of resources.
The researchers evaluated their algorithm through simulations, comparing it with other approaches such as periodic RAT selection and no BFA. The results show that the QoS-aware RAT selection mechanism achieved significant improvements in packet delivery ratio, latency, and application-level throughput or goodput.
One of the key benefits of this approach is its ability to reduce the number of VHOs, which can be costly in terms of latency and data throughput. By locally resolving network load issues through beaconing frequency adaptation, the algorithm minimizes the need for VHOs, resulting in improved overall performance.
The study’s findings have important implications for the development of future vehicular networks, where seamless connectivity is critical for safety-critical applications such as autonomous driving and advanced traffic management systems. By developing more efficient RAT selection algorithms like QoS-aware RAT selection, researchers can help pave the way for a safer, more reliable, and more connected transportation infrastructure.
Cite this article: “QoS-Aware Radio Access Technology Selection in Hybrid Vehicular Networks”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Vehicular Networks, Hybrid Networks, Quality-Of-Service, Radio Access Technology, Load Balancing, Traffic Engineering, Wireless Networks, Distributed Radio Resource Management, Vertical Handover, Autonomous Driving.
