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Enhanced HO Performance
Enhanced HO Performance
I. Introduction
The work presented in this paper is based on an in-depth study performed by the authors after
evaluating handover algorithms in cellular networks. This data has lead to conclusions about
the current problems and the necessity of using new more capable algorithms. Subsequently
proposal for a new Location-Aided Handover algorithm is evaluated and presented in the
following sections. This paper is organized as follows: Section II describes the existing
handover procedure in cellular networks. Moreover current statistical data are presented in
order to realize the current situation and the need of optimization of handover procedure.
Emphasis has been given therefore to the limitations and problems of the current handover
procedure. Section III includes the description of the proposed Handover Procedure, based on
the location data. The benefits of the new algorithm are presented, as well as the two cases,
where it can be used. This section also presents the logical flow-chart of the LAH concept.
Section IV describes the simulative study that will be carried out, in order to prove the value
of the new algorithm. Furthermore, the necessary data are presented as well as the different
modules of the simulator. The future outcome of the new algorithm is also presented, which is
crosschecked and compared with existing handover statistics. Finally, conclusions as well as
acknowledgement to a European project that deals with the Location Aided Handover
algorithm complete this paper.
the SACCH assigned to each communication, are available for each connection. The
repetition duration of the SACCH produces a fixed time grid of 480 ms in which the
measurement reports occur. In Figure 1 the measured RXLEVs from the serving BTS and
from a neighbor one (NC1), according to the measurement reports submitted during a call, are
shown. The horizontal axis represents the number of measurement reports. Obviously the
handover procedure consider a set of parameters in such a way to avoid shortcomings. On the
other hand, it is not possible to have a safe handover execution in cases like the one shown in
Figure 1, since the location and direction of user as well as the area characteristics are not
known. In many cases the execution takes place and after a couple of measurement reports the
handover procedure is triggered again.
procedure (decision and execution, respective cause counted) is undertaken by the responsible
BSC and the MSC is informed by a Handover Performed message.
An in-depth statistical evaluation shows that, there are several shortcomings in the normal
handover procedure. The major ones are the following:
High failure of handovers, due to an insufficient planning in certain areas.
Far-away-cell, where subscribers are served from a BTS that is far away from the cell
where the user is located
Ping-pong effect, the repeated handover between two base stations caused by rapid
fluctuations in the received signal strengths from both base stations.
Unnecessary handover often leads to increased signaling traffic, which can result in
traffic congestion in the call-setup procedure of other subscribers intending to set up calls.
All this statistical data prove that the current handover procedure in GSM networks is not
optimized. As a result, the necessity for creation of a new handover algorithm is obvious.
MGIS
LS
BSC
MSC
are several neighbors to choose for target cell, the information of location may help to make
the optimal choice. Another example is the special "far-away cell" problem, which has been
observed in hilly areas by a lot of mobile operators. The mobile may be connected with a faraway umbrella cell and the other cells close to the mobile are not allocated as neighbors to the
connected cell. In this case the location information could be used to determine the correct
target cell for handover avoiding the restrictions of the neighbor assignments.
Since handover is one of the major parameters that usually influence the stability of a cellular
network, the maintenance of accurate location-related information in the MGIS can lead to a
more effective adjustment of the handover parameters and the algorithm itself. As a result,
some working assumptions on the available location accuracy will have to be made. These
assumptions will be established based on a location techniques evaluation. Standard methods,
such as the E-OTD, TOA and GPS-assisted will be considered. Also techniques not yet under
standardization, such as the database correlation method will be investigated.
The major benefits from the above described use of the MGIS data for efficient handover
procedures are to decrease signaling traffic, avoid drop calls, increase speech quality, solve
several planning shortcomings and enable seamless handovers for high data-rate users in
UMTS by providing a mechanism for resource allocation in the target cell.
III.II. System Architecture
Taking into account the algorithm, which has been described in the previous section, we have
designed a LAH logical diagram, based on a general cellular handover architecture. The
flowchart in Figure 4 is a general description of the procedures that have to be taken into
account for combining the location information with the handover measurements to avoid the
undesirable effects of current algorithm. For the study and enhancement of the handover
performance, simulation tools will be used and implemented.
Initialize area/simulator
MGIS
WAIT for HO
Ping pong
detection ?
YES
far-away-cell
detection ?
YES
HO decision
LS
HO decision
Lock user
The work described in this paper proves that network parameters, coming from position
location of mobile terminal will play a significant role for the improvement of the handover
procedure. The LAH Algorithm will show the importance of MGIS & LS for the handover
improvement. From this study we expect to observe increased network stability, decreased
signaling traffic and additionally redundant handovers will be avoided. This will result in an
optimized network in terms of mobility management.
V. Conclusions
In this paper we deal with the issue of the enhancement of handover performance in cellular
systems based on position location of mobile terminals. We analyze the handover mechanism
importance, the current mishap and we present real network data and statistics. Based on this
analysis, we are currently implementing a new location-based handover algorithm, which can
result in an optimized and stable cellular network. This LAH algorithm will be available as a
simulator implementation during the project. The commercialization of the algorithm involves
implementation in the MSC and other mobile network components. However, the first
indications of our study lead us to the conclusion that intelligent handover will minimize
signaling overhead and system errors related to trivial handover decisions, increasing user
satisfaction.
Acknowledgement
This work has been performed in the framework of the project IST CELLO, which is partly
funded by the European Community. The Author(s) would like to acknowledge the
contributions of their colleagues from VTT Information Technology, Cosmote Mobile
Telecommunications S. A., Center for PersonKommunikation, Elisa Communications
Corporation, Motorola S.p.A, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems / National
Technical University of Athens, Teleplan AS.
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