The authors propose a user-centric seamless handover (HO) scheme, which is a kind of a vertical HO from a new perspective, toward a next generation network where heterogeneous access networks converge. The users' experience-oriented scheme allows users to enjoy the optimal service quality for real-time applications in respective access networks. In addition, the scheme sustains on-going sessions during the vertical HO. The proposed scheme consists of two methods -- the bicasting of Different Quality-level Streams (DiffQS) and the Delay Difference Absorption (DDA) method. Initially, the authors propose two plausible methods for the SIP-based bicasting of DiffQS. This document introduces a SIP-capable network element named the HO Assistive Server (HOAS). HOAS controls bicasting of DiffQS and provides users with the optimal service quality for real-time applications via respective access networks as well as avoiding packet loss during HO. The DDA method is also proposed to prevent a service interruption and smoothly continue a real-time service during HO. Evaluation results show that the scheme achieves the seamless service continuity from the users' perspective for HO between cellular and high-speed wireless access via the implementation of a prototype system.

Despite the recent advances in personal communication devices and access network technology, users still face problems such as high device maintenance costs, complication of inter-device cooperation, illegal access to devices, and leakage of personal information. Consequently, it is difficult for users to construct a secure network with local as well as remote personal devices. We propose a User-driven Service Creation Platform (USCP), which enables users to construct a secure private network using a simple and intuitive approach that leverages the authentication mechanism in mobile phone networks. USCP separates signaling and data paths in a flat, virtual network topology. In this paper, we describe the basic design of USCP, the current implementation, and system evaluations.