Performance of UMTS/WLAN Integration at Hot-Spot Locations Using OPNET

Due to the many benefits provided by both the Third-Generation (3G) mobile networks and the IEEE 802.11 Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), it is desirable to integrate both types of networks. While studies specifying generic integration architectures are abundant, there are little or no studies that are dedicated for applications performance over such heterogeneous networks. Using simulations, this paper evaluates the performance of two 3G/WLAN integration schemes: loose and open coupling, together with two mobility management schemes: Mobile IP and mobile Stream control Transmission Protocol (mSCTP) for an airport as a typical example of a hot-spot location. In addition, the evaluation is carried out for a wide range of application mixes consisting of FTP, HTTP and multimedia.