NDIST - An Efficient RSSI Filtering Mechanism for Handoff Algorithms in Dense Networks

• Helga D. Balbi CEFET/RJ
• Diego Passos UFF / ISEL
• Luiz C. S. Magalhães UFF
• Célio V. N. Albuquerque UFF

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/sbrc.2024.1472

Abstract

In dense wireless networks, handoffs are common. The criteria to trigger them are not defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard, being specific to each manufacturer’s implementation. Current handoff implementations often use RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) as a performance metric and commonly result in association instability, a known issue referred to as the “ping-pong effect”. To address this effect, we propose NDIST, a RSSI filtering mechanism designed to enhance association stability with minimal delay in handoff triggering. Comparative tests demonstrate that NDIST improves stability without causing a significant increase in delay.

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