This thesis proposes a new multi-homing mobile architecture for future heterogeneous network environment. First, a new multi-homed mobile architecture called Multi Network Switching enabled Mobile IPv6 (MNS-MIP6) is proposed which enables a Mobile Node (MN) having multiple communication paths between itself and its Correspondent Node (CN) to take full advantage of being multi-homed. Multiple communication paths exist because MN, CN, or both are simultaneously attached to multiple access networks. A new sub layer is introduced within IP layer of the host’s protocol stack. A context is established between the MN and the CN. Through this context, additional IP addresses are exchanged between the two. Our MNS-MIP6 architecture allows one communication to smoothly switch from one interface/communication path to another. This switch remains transparent to other layers above IP. Second, to make communication more reliable in multi-homed mobile environments, a new failure detection and recovery mechanism called Mobile Reach ability Protocol (M-REAP) is designed within the proposed MNS-MIP6 architecture. The analysis shows that our new mechanism makes communication more reliable than the existing failure detection and recovery procedures in multi-homed mobile environments. Third, a new network selection mechanism is introduced in the proposed architecture which enables a multi-homed MN to choose the network best suited for particular application traffic. A Policy Engine is defined which takes parameters from iv the available networks, compares them according to application profiles and user preferences, and chooses the best network. The results show that in multi-homed mobile environment, load can be shared among different networks/interfaces through our proposed load sharing mechanism. Fourth, a seamless handover procedure is introduced in the system which enables multi-homed MN to seamlessly roam in a heterogeneous network environment. Layer 2 triggers are defined which assist in handover process. When Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) on a currently used active interface becomes low, a switch is made to a different active interface. We show through mathematical and simulation analysis that our proposed scheme outperforms the existing popular handover management enhancement scheme in MIPv6 networks namely Fast Handover for MIPv6 (FMIPv6). Finally, a mechanism is introduced to allow legacy hosts to communicate with MNS-MIP6 MNs and gain the benefits of reliability, load sharing and seamless handover. The mechanism involves introducing middle boxes in CN’s network. These boxes are called Proxy-MNS boxes. Context is established between the middle boxes and a multi-homed MN.

"The recent years have seen the innovative system integration of a great many actuator technologies, such as point force actuators for space vehicle applications and the use of single fire actuators; such as pyrocharges to guide a free falling bomb to it’s target. The inherent limitations of these developments, such as nonlinear behavior under extreme environments and/or prolonged/repeated usage leading to a relaxation time component between firing of actuators and inherent system power limitations, have resulted in greater need for sophisticated control algorithms that allow for optimal switching between various actuators in any given embedded configuration so as to achieve the best possible performance of the system. The objective of this investigation is to offer a proof of concept experimental verification of a real time control algorithm, which switches between online piezoelectric actuators, employed for vibration control in an aluminum beam with fixed boundary conditions. In this investigation at a given interval of time, only one actuator is activated and the rest are kept dormant. The reason is to demonstrate the better vibration alleviation characteristics realized in switching between actuators depending on the state of the system, over the use of a single actuator that is always in fire mode. This effect is particularly pronounced in controlling systems affected by spatiotemporal disturbances. The algorithm can be easily adapted for various design configurations or system requirements. The optimality of switching is with respect to the minimal cost of an LQR performance index that corresponds to each actuator. Computer simulations with repeatable disturbance profiles, revealed that this algorithm offered better performance over the non-switched case. Performance measures employed were the time varying total energy norm of the dynamic system and position traces at any particular location on the beam. This algorithm was incorporated on a dSPACE rapid prototyping platform along with suitable hardware. Experimental and simulation results are discussed. "