On utility models for access network selection in wireless heterogeneous networks

ldquoAlways Best Connectedrdquo (ABC) is a fundamental and challenging dimension of the fourth generation heterogeneous wireless networks. In order to enable the ABC, access network selection is obviously the key issue. In this paper, we analyze, adapt and consolidate the utility theory to define an appropriate decision mechanism in the frame of the access network selection. A thorough study of the existing proposed utility models is carried out and the limits of these methods are highlighted. Subsequently, we propose new single-criterion and multi-criteria utility forms to best capture the user satisfaction and sensitivity facing up to a bundle of access network characteristics. Mathematical proofs and numerical analysis confirm the suitability and the effectiveness of our proposed models.