Comparative performance analysis of dynamic load distribution algorithms in a multi-AP wireless network

With the increased deployment of WLAN access points (AP), the importance of IEEE 802.11x standard network is also increasing. Mass deployment of WLANs offers the advantage of increased QoS support for multimedia traffic by using an intelligent vertical handover technique combined with an advanced admission control algorithm. In this paper we analyze the performance of three different dynamic load distribution algorithms which can be used in a multi-AP based heterogeneous wireless network. Two of the algorithms are based on prediction technique and the third one is a reactive algorithm. In all cases, QoS-based vertical handover is initiated only after QoS degradation of a station is detected. All three algorithms are simulated using OPNET to compare their performances.