Abstract
This paper introduces a novel network selection approach for heterogeneous networks (HetNets) that aims to minimize the energy consumption of user equipment (UE) while ensuring the Quality of Service (QoS) for various applications, including voice communication, video streaming, and data transmission. Key QoS parameters, such as throughput, latency, and reliability, are dynamically considered to ensure optimal network performance. We propose a network selection mechanism based on the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process ( FAHP ), which utilizes a Dynamic Pairwise Comparison Matrix (D-PCM) to intelligently assign weights to network criteria, facilitating the selection of the most energy-efficient network in a HetNet. FAHP offers greater flexibility through fuzzy evaluation, enabling more accurate and adaptive decision-making compared to the traditional Analytical Hierarchy Process ( AHP ), which relies on precise values in the comparison matrix. By incorporating the inherent uncertainty of network conditions and fluctuations in user QoS demands, our FAHP method accounts for user satisfaction levels across different QoS parameters when selecting the most energy-efficient network. To validate our FAHP -based proposed mechanism, we develop a criteria-based network simulator that evaluates the available QoS across all networks in HetNets. We evaluate our proposed mechanism against two AHP -based algorithms: one designed to optimize QoS and the other focused on enhancing energy efficiency, as well as the conventional Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and VIekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje (VIKOR) algorithms. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, achieving an 11% reduction in energy consumption for video communication, a 33%reduction for image transmission using a sigmoid function-based satisfaction scale, and a 54% reduction for audio transmission with an exponential function-based satisfaction scale.