A minimum cost handover algorithm for mobile satellite networks

For mobile satellite networks, an appropriate handover scheme should be devised to shorten handover delay with optimized application of network resources. By introducing the handover cost model of service, this article proposes a rerouting triggering scheme for path optimization after handover and a new minimum cost handover algorithm for mobile satellite networks. This algorithm ensures the quality of service (QoS) parameters, such as delay, during the handover and minimizes the handover costs. Simulation indicates that this algorithm is superior to other current algorithms in guaranteeing the QoS and decreasing handover costs.