Handover Algorithm and Parameters ISSUE1.00

WCDMA Handover Algorithm and Parameters N-1
WCDMA Handover
Algorithm and
Parameters
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Foreword
z Why mobile system need handover?
The mobility of UE
Load Balance
Any others?
Copyright © 2009 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. Page2
z Handover is a basic function of the cellular mobile network. The purpose of handover is to
ensure that a UE in CELL_DCH state is served continuously when it moves.
z With the development of WCDMA network, more and more users join in the system.
Using Handover can achieve load balance between carriers and fully utilizes system
resources.
z HCS: Hierarchical Cell Structure.

z Handover types supported by UMTS:

References
z 3GPP TS 23.122: Non Access Stratum functions related to Mobile Station
(MS) in idle mode
z 3GPP TS 24.008: Mobile radio interface layer 3 specification; Core Network
Protocols - Stage 3
z 3GPP TS 25.304: UE Procedures in Idle Mode and Procedures for Cell
Reselection in Connected Mode
z 3GPP TS 25.331: RRC Protocol Specification
z 3GPP TS 23.060: General Packet Radio Service (GPRS); Service description
z 3GPP TS 25.931: UTRAN Functions, Examples on Signalling Procedures

Objectives
z Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
Explain the features of each handover
Describe the procedures of each handover
Perform the parameters setting of each handover

The Basic Concepts of Handover

z Active set z Maximum ratio combination
z Monitored set z Selective combination
z Detected set z Soft handover gain
z Radio link (RL) z PCPICH
z Radio link set (RLS)
z Active set: A set of cells simultaneously involved in a specific communication service

between the UE and the UTRAN.
z Monitored set: A set of cells included in the CELL_INFO_LIST, but do not belong to the
active set.
z Detected set: A set of cells detected by the UE, and do not included in the CELL_INFO_LIST.
z RL: Radio link between NodeB and UE.
z RLS: All radio links from the same NodeB consist of a radio link set.
z Combination way: For soft handover, the uplink signals are combined in RNC. The RNC will
select one best signal to process. We call this selective combination. For softer handover,
the uplink signals are combined in the RAKE receiver of NodeB. It is maximum ratio
combination.
z Soft handover gain: Please refer to the WCDMA Coverage Planning course.
z PCPICH: Primary Common Pilot Channel. UE measures the signal strength of PCPICH for
handover decision.

Contents
1. Intra-Frequency Handover
2. Inter-Frequency Handover
3. Inter-RAT Handover

Contents
1. Intra-Frequency Handover Overview
2. Intra-Frequency Handover Procedure
3. Signaling Procedures for Intra-Frequency Handover

Intra-Frequency Handover Types

z The carrier frequencies of the current cell and target cell are the same:
Intra-frequency soft handover
Intra-frequency hard handover
z Intra-frequency handover is of the following two types:

Intra-frequency soft handover: means that multiple radio links are connected to the
UE at the same time.

Intra-frequency hard handover: means that only one radio link is connected to the
UE at the same time.

Intra-Frequency Handover Types (Cont.)

z Comparison between soft handover and hard handover:
Item Soft Handover Hard Handover
The number of RLs in

Several One
active set during handover
Interruption during
No Yes
handover
Only happened Can be happened in Intra-

The frequencies of cells between Intra- frequency cells or Inter-frequency
frequency cells cells
z The maximum number of RL in the active set is 3 by default. And This parameter can be
changed in the RNC. But this function need the UE to support. Normally, the active set
supported by UE is fixed 3 and can not be changed.

Intra-Frequency Soft Handover

z The types of intra-frequency soft handover are as follows:
Intra-NodeB soft handover (also known as softer handover)
Intra-RNC inter-NodeB soft handover
Inter-RNC soft handover
z Intra-frequency soft handover is characterized by the function that the UE can be

connected to multiple Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) access points at
the same time. Addition and/or release of radio links are controlled by the ACTIVE SET
UPDATE procedure.
z The HO_INTRA_FREQ_SOFT_HO_SWITCH parameter in the SET UCORRMALGOSWITCH
command is used to determine whether to enable both soft handover and softer handover.
When the switch is on, the cells on the RNC can active the soft handover. When the RNC
receives reports on the events 1A, 1B, 1C, or 1D, associated addition, removal, and
replacement of handover cell of the soft handover are initiated. By default, this switch is
set to ON.

Intra-Frequency Soft Handover (cont.)

z Comparison between soft handover and softer handover:
Item Softer Handover Soft Handover
When the UE is in the overlapped When the UE is in the overlapped

Scenario coverage area of two neighboring coverage area of two neighboring
cells of a NodeB with combined RLs cells of different NodeBs
Uplink signal Using maximum-ratio combination Using selection combination
Downlink
Using maximum-ratio combination Using maximum-ratio combination
signal
Resource use Occupying less Iub bandwidth Occupying more Iub bandwidth
z During softer handover, the uplink signaling are combined in NodeB by maximum ratio
combination, but during soft handover they are combined in RNC by selective combination.
z Compare to later one, the maximum ratio combination can get more gain. So the
performance of maximum ratio combination is better.
z Since softer handover is completed in NodeB, it do not consume more transport resource
of Iub.

Intra-Frequency Hard Handover

z Intra-frequency hard handover:
No Iur interface
Iur interface is congested
High-speed Best Effort (BE) service Handover
Soft handover fails
z Compared with soft handover, intra-frequency hard handover uses fewer resources. The
scenarios of intra-frequency hard handover are as follows:
No Iur interface is present between RNCs. In this scenario, intra-frequency hard
handover instead of soft handover can be performed between two RNCs.

The Iur interface is congested between RNCs. In this scenario, also intra-frequency
hard handover instead of soft handover can be performed between two RNCs.
There is a high-speed Best Effort (BE) service. Compared with soft handover, intra-
frequency hard handover is used to save downlink bandwidth for a high-speed BE

service.
The intra-frequency soft handover fails and intra-frequency hard handover is
allowed. When intra-frequency soft handover fails because of a congestion

problem of the target cell, the RNC tries an intra-frequency hard handover with a
lower service bit rate.
z The HO_INTRA_FREQ_HARD_HO_SWITCH parameter in the SET UCORRMALGOSWITCH
command is used to determine whether to enable intra-frequency hard handover. When
the switch is on (default configuration), the RNC is allowed to initiate the intra-frequency
hard handover. The RNC initiates the intra-frequency hard handover in the following cases:
When the BE service is set up in the DCH, the bit rate of the BE service or
combined services exceeds the rate threshold of DL soft handover.

SOFT_HANDOVER_SWITCH is turned off, the UE reports event 1D.

Contents

Intra-Frequency Handover Procedure
Measurement Decision
Execution
z The intra-frequency handover procedure is divided into three phases: handover

measurement, handover decision, and handover execution.
z After the UE transits to the CELL_DCH state in connected mode during a call, the RNC
sends a MEASUREMENT CONTROL message to instruct the UE to take measurements and
report the measurement event results. Upon the reception of an event report from the UE,
the RNC makes a handover decision and performs the corresponding handover.

Contents

1. Intra-Frequency Handover Measurement
2. Intra-Frequency Handover Decision and Execution
3. Neighboring Cell Combination Algorithm

Intra-Frequency Handover
Measurement
z Measurement control:
UE UTRAN
MEASUREMENT CONTROL
z The MEASUREMENT CONTROL message carries the following information:

Event trigger threshold
Hysteresis value
Event trigger delay time
Neighboring cell list

Measurement (Cont.)
z Measurement report:
UE UTRAN
MEASUREMENT REPORT

Measurement (Cont.)
z Measurement model in the WCDMA system:
z L3 filtering formula:
Fn = (1 − α ) × Fn −1 + α × M n
z Measurement model in the WCDMA system:

A: measurement value of the physical layer
B: measurement value obtained after layer-1 filtering. The value is weighted by the
layer 3 filtering coefficient.

C: measurement value obtained after layer 3 filtering. This value is controlled by
the higher layer. Filtering coefficient C is applicable to event reports and periodic
reports.
C': another measurement value. C' and C are measured in the same way.
D: measurement report message of Uu.
Parameters (a) include the layer 3 filtering system and Parameters (b) include the
measurement report configuration.

z L3 filtering formula:
Fn: measurement value obtained after the nth filtering
Fn-1: measurement value obtained after the (n-1)th filtering
Mn: measurement value of the nth physical layer
α = 1/2(k/2): k is determined by the parameter which is the layer 3 filtering
coefficient of intra-frequency handover measurement

When α is set to 1, k = 0 and layer 3 filtering is not performed.

Parameters of Intra-Frequency
Measurement
z IntraFreqMeasQuantity
Parameter name: Intra-freq Measure Quantity
Recommended value: CPICH_EC/NO
z FilterCoef
z Parameter name: Intra-freq meas L3 filter coeff
z Recommended value: D3, namely K=3
z IntraFreqMeasQuantity
Content: This parameter specifies the intra-frequency measurement quantity. It
defines the reference measurement quantity for the UE to report event 1x.
Value range: CPICH_EC/NO, CPICH_RSCP
Physical value range: CPICH_EC/NO, CPICH_RSCP
z FilterCoef
Content: This parameter specifies the intra-frequency measurement L3 filter
coefficient. The larger the value of this parameter, the stronger the smoothing
effect and the higher the anti-fast-fading capability, but the lower the signal
tracing capability and the greater the possibility of call drops. If the value of this
parameter is too small, unnecessary soft handover or the ping-pong handover may
occur.
Value range: D0, D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8, D9, D11, D13, D15, D17, D19
Physical value range: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19
z Set these parameters through SET UINTRAFREQHO/ADD UCELLINTRAFREQHO/MOD
UCELLINTRAFREQHO.

Measurement Events
Event Description
A primary CPICH enters the reporting range. This indicates that the quality of a
1A cell is close to the quality of the best cell in the active set. A relatively high
combined gain can be achieved when the cell is added to the active set.
A primary CPICH leaves the reporting range. This indicates that a cell has a lower
1B quality than the best cell in the active set. The cell has to be deleted from the
active set.
A non-active primary CPICH becomes better than an active primary CPICH. This
indicates that the quality of a cell is better than the quality of the worst cell in
1C
the active set. The RNC replaces a cell in the active set with a cell in the
monitored set.
1D The best cell changes.
RAN10.0 provides the solution to the issue of how to add an HSUPA cell in a
DCH active set to an E-DCH active set. Event 1J is added to the 3GPP protocol.
1J
This event is triggered when a non-active E-DCH but active DCH primary CPICH
becomes better than an active E-DCH primary CPICH.

Measurement Events (Cont.)
z 1A event
Event 1A is triggered on the basis of the following formula:
NA
M New + CIONew ≥ W × (∑ M i ) + (1 − W ) × M Best − ( R1a − H1a / 2)
i =1
z MNew is the measurement value of the cell in the reporting range.

z CIONew is equal to the sum of CIO and CIOOffset, which adjusts the cell boundary in the
handover algorithms. To facilitate handover in neighboring cell configuration, the
parameter is set as a positive value; otherwise, the parameter is set as a negative value.
z W represents Weighted factor, which is determined by the parameter Weight. The total
quality of the best cell and the active set is specified by W.
z Mi is the measurement value of a cell in the active set.
z NA is the number of cells not forbidden to affect the reporting range in the active set. The
parameter CellsForbidden1A indicates whether adding the cell to the active set affects the
relative threshold of event 1A.
z MBest is the measurement value of the best cell in the active set.
z R1a is the reporting range or the relative threshold of soft handover. The threshold
parameters of the CS non-VP service, VP service, and PS service are as follows:
IntraRelThdFor1ACSVP
IntraRelThdFor1ACSNVP
IntraRelThdFor1APS
z H1a represents 1A hysteresis, the hysteresis value of event 1A.

z A: signal quality curve of the best cell in the active set
z B: signal quality curve of a cell in the monitored set
z C: curve of Th1A
z The above figure shows the triggering of event 1A. In this procedure, the default
parameter values are used.
z If the signal quality of a cell that is not in the active set is higher than Th1A for a period of
time specified by TrigTime1A (that is, Time to trigger in the figure), the UE reports event
1A.
z Th1A = (CPICH Ec/No of the best cell in the active set) - (reporting range for event 1A)
z If Weighted factor > 0, then Th1A = (general signal quality of all the cells in the active set)
- (reporting range for event 1A).
z Reporting range for event 1A is equal to the value of IntraRelThdFor1ACSVP,
IntraRelThdFor1ACSNVP, or IntraRelThdFor1APS.

Handover (Cont.)
z CIO
Parameter name: Cell oriented Cell Individual Offset
Recommended value: 0, namely 0dB
z CIOOffset
Parameter name: Neighboring cell oriented CIO
z CIO
Content: This parameter works with the Neighboring cell oriented CIO. It is used
for intra- or inter-frequency handover decisions. The larger the sum, the higher the
handover priority of the neighboring cell. The smaller the sum, the lower the
handover priority of the neighboring cell. Usually it is configured to 0.
Value range: -20~20
Physical value range: -10~10; step: 0.5
Physical unit: dB
Set this parameter through ADD UCELLSETUP/MOD UCELLSETUP.

z CIOOffset
Content: This parameter defines the neighboring cell oriented cell individual offset.
The set value functions in combination of the cell oriented CIO. Their sum is added
to the measurement quantity before the UE evaluates whether an event has
occurred. In handover algorithms, this parameter is used for moving the border of
a cell.
Value range: -20~20
Physical value range: -20~20; step: 1

Physical unit: dB
Set this parameter through ADD UINTRAFREQNCELL/MOD UINTRAFREQNCELL.

Handover (Cont.)
z IntraRelThdFor1ACSNVP
Parameter name: CS non VP service 1A event relative THD
z IntraRelThdFor1ACSVP
Parameter name: VP service 1A event relative THD
z IntraRelThdFor1APS
Parameter name: PS service 1A event relative threshold
z IntraRelThdFor1ACSNVP/IntraRelThdFor1ACSVP/IntraRelThdFor1APS
Content: These parameters specify the CS non-VP/VP and PS services relative
threshold of event 1A. The higher the threshold is, the more easily the target cell
joins the active set, the harder the call drops, the larger the ratio of the UE involved
in soft handover is, but the more the use of forward resources is. The lower the
threshold is, the more difficult the target cell joins the active set. Thus the
communication quality and the smooth handover cannot be guaranteed.
Value range: 0~29
Physical value range: 0~14.5; step: 0.5
Physical unit: dB
UCELLINTRAFREQHO.

Handover (Cont.)
z Hystfor1A
Parameter name: 1A hysteresis
z TrigTime1A
Parameter name: 1A event trigger delay time
Recommended value: D320, namely 320ms
z Weight
Parameter name: Weighted factor
Recommended value: 0
z Hystfor1A
Content: This parameter specifies the hysteresis value for event 1A. The value of this
parameter correlates with slow fading. The larger the value of this parameter, the less
possibility of ping-pong effect or wrong decision. But the event might not be triggered in
time.
Value range: 0~15
Physical unit: dB
z TrigTime1A
Content: This parameter specifies the time delay to trigger event 1A. The value of this
parameter correlates with slow fading. The larger the value of this parameter, the lower the
incorrect decision probability, but the slower the response of the event to measurement
signal change.
Value range: D0, D10, D20, D40, D60, D80, D100, D120, D160, D200, D240, D320, D640,
D1280, D2560, D5000
Physical value range: 0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 160, 200, 240, 320, 640, 1280, 2560,
5000
Physical unit: ms
z Weight
Content: This parameter is used to define the soft handover relative threshold based on the
measured value of each cell in the active set. The greater the parameter value, the higher
the soft handover relative threshold. When this value is set to 0, the soft handover relative
threshold is determined only by the best cell in the active set.
Value range: 0~20
Physical value range: 0~2; step: 0.1
UCELLINTRAFREQHO.

z 1A event report mode:
Event trigger report
Event to periodical report
z The report mode of 1A is event trigger report.

z Generally the event 1A is reported only once. However, to avoid measurement report loss,
the event 1A reporting can be turned to periodical reporting.

Handover (Cont.)
z ReportIntervalfor1A
Parameter name: 1A event to periodical rpt period
z PeriodMRReportNumfor1A
Parameter name: 1A event to periodical rpt number
Recommended value: D16
z ReportIntervalfor1A
Content: This parameter specifies the reporting period of event 1A. That is, event
1A is reported at each reporting interval. Usually, event 1A is reported only once.

Nevertheless, if the cell, where event 1A is reported, does not join the active set in
a specified period of time, the UE can change the reporting of event 1A into
periodical mode to avoid missing of measurement reports. The event 1A of this cell
is reported for PeriodMRReportNumfor1A times with the reporting interval as the
set value.
Value range: NON_PERIODIC_REPORT, D250, D500, D1000, D2000, D4000,
D8000, D16000
Physical value range: NON_PERIODIC_REPORT, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000,
16000
Physical unit: ms
z PeriodMRReportNumfor1A
Content: This parameter specifies the number of reporting times of event 1A for
periodical reporting. When the actual reporting times exceeds the set value, the
periodical reporting ends.
Value range: D1, D2, D4, D8, D16, D32, D64, INFINITY
Physical value range: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, INFINITY

UCELLINTRAFREQHO.

z 1B event
Event 1B is triggered on the basis of the following formula:
NA
M Old + CIOOld ≤ W × (∑ M i ) + (1 − W ) × M Best − ( R1b + H1b / 2)
i =1
z MOld is the measurement value of the cell that becomes worse.

z CIOOld is equal to the sum of CIO and CIOOffset, which is the offset between the cell in
the reporting range and the best cell in the active set.
z W represents Weighted factor, used to weight the quality of the active set. The total
quality of the best cell and the active set is specified by the parameter Weight.
z Mi is the measurement value of a cell in the active set.
z NB is the number of cells not forbidden to affect the reporting range in the active set. The
parameter CellsForbidden1B indicates whether adding the cell to the active set affects the
relative threshold of event 1B.
z R1b is the reporting range or the relative threshold of soft handover. The threshold
parameters of the CS non-VP service, VP service, and PS services are as follows:
IntraRelThdFor1BCSVP
IntraRelThdFor1BCSNVP
IntraRelThdFor1BPS
z H1b is the hysteresis value of event 1B, which is determined by the parameter Hystfor1B.

z B: signal quality curve of the worst cell in the active set
z C: curve of Th1B
z The above figure shows the triggering of event 1B. In this procedure, the default
z If the signal quality of a cell in the active set is lower than Th1B for a period of time
specified by TrigTime1B (Time to trigger in the figure), the UE reports event 1B.
z Th1B = (CPICH Ec/No of the best cell in the active set) - (reporting range for event 1B)
z If Weight > 0, then Th1B = (general signal quality of all the cells in the active set) -
(reporting range for event 1B).
z Reporting range for event 1B is equal to the value of IntraRelThdFor1BCSVP,
IntraRelThdFor1BCSNVP, or IntraRelThdFor1BPS.
z Configuration rule and restriction:
The value of IntraRelThdFor1BCSNVP has to be larger than that of
IntraRelThdFor1ACSNVP.
The value of IntraRelThdFor1BCSVP has to be larger than that of
IntraRelThdFor1ACSVP.
The value of IntraRelThdFor1BPS has to be larger than that of IntraRelThdFor1APS.

Handover (Cont.)
z IntraRelThdFor1BCSNVP
Parameter name: CS non VP service 1B event relative THD
z IntraRelThdFor1BCSVP
Parameter name: VP service 1B event relative THD
z IntraRelThdFor1BPS
Parameter name: PS service 1B event relative threshold
z IntraRelThdFor1BCSNVP/IntraRelThdFor1BCSVP/IntraRelThdFor1BPS
Content: These parameters specify the CS non-VP/VP and PS services relative
threshold of event 1B. The lower the threshold is, the more easily the event 1B is
triggered. The higher the threshold is, the harder the event 1B is triggered.
Value range: 0~29
Physical unit: dB
UCELLINTRAFREQHO.

Handover (Cont.)
z Hystfor1B
Parameter name: 1B hysteresis
z TrigTime1B
Parameter name: 1B event trigger delay time
z Hystfor1B
Content: This parameter specifies the hysteresis value for event 1B. The value of
this parameter correlates with slow fading. The larger the value of this parameter,
the less possibility of ping-pong effect or wrong decision. But the event might not
be triggered in time.
Value range: 0~15
Physical unit: dB
z TrigTime1B
Content: This parameter specifies the time delay to trigger event 1B. The value of
the lower the incorrect decision probability, but the slower the response of the
event to measurement signal change.
Value range: D0, D10, D20, D40, D60, D80, D100, D120, D160, D200, D240,
D320, D640, D1280, D2560, D5000

Physical value range: 0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 160, 200, 240, 320, 640,
1280, 2560, 5000

Physical unit: ms

UCELLINTRAFREQHO.

z 1C event
Event 1C is triggered on the basis of the following formula:
M New + CIONew ≥ M InAS + CIOInAS + H1c / 2
z MNew is the measurement value of the cell in the reporting range.

z CIONew is the cell individual offset value of the cell in the reporting range. It is equal to
the sum of CIO and CIOOffset, which is the offset between the cell in the reporting range
and the best cell in the active set.
z MInAS is the measurement value of the worst cell in the active set.
z H1c is the hysteresis value of event 1C, which is determined by the parameter Hystfor1C.


z B: signal quality curve of a cell in the active set
z C: signal quality curve of the worst cell in the active set
z D: signal quality curve of a cell in the monitored set
z E: curve of Th1C
z The above figure shows the triggering of event 1C. In this procedure, the default
z If the signal quality of a cell not in the active set is higher than Th1C for a period of time
specified by TrigTime1C (Time to trigger in the figure), the UE reports event 1C, as shown
in the figure.
z Th1C = (CPICH Ec/No of the worst cell in the active set) + (Hystfor1C/2)
z The UE reports event 1C for qualified cells after the number of cells in the active set
reaches the maximum value. The maximum number of cells in the active set can be set by
the MaxCellInActiveSet parameter.

Handover (Cont.)
z Hystfor1C
Parameter name: 1C hysteresis
z TrigTime1C
Parameter name: 1C event trigger delay time
z Hystfor1C
Content: This parameter specifies the hysteresis value for event 1C. The value of
Value range: 0~15
Physical unit: dB
z TrigTime1C
Content: This parameter specifies the time delay to trigger event 1C. The value of
D320, D640, D1280, D2560, D5000

1280, 2560, 5000

Physical unit: ms

UCELLINTRAFREQHO.

z 1C event report mode:
z The report mode of 1C is event trigger report.

z Generally the event 1C is reported only once. However, to avoid measurement report loss,
the event 1C reporting can be turned to periodical reporting.

Handover (Cont.)
z ReportIntervalfor1C
Parameter name: 1C event to periodical rpt period
z PeriodMRReportNumfor1C
Parameter name: 1C event to periodical rpt number
z ReportIntervalfor1C
Content: This parameter specifies the number of reporting times of event 1C for
periodical reporting. That is, event 1C is reported at each reporting interval. Usually,
event 1C is reported only once. Nevertheless, if the cell, where event 1C is reported,
does not join the active set in a specified period of time, the UE can change the
reporting of event 1C into periodical mode to avoid missing of measurement
reports. The event 1C of this cell is reported for PeriodMRReportNumfor1C times
with the reporting interval as the set value.
D8000, D16000
16000
Physical unit: ms
z PeriodMRReportNumfor1C
Content: This parameter specifies the number of reporting times of event 1C for

UCELLINTRAFREQHO.

z 1D event
Event 1D is triggered on the basis of the following formula:
M NotBest + CIONotBest ≥ M Best + CIOBest + H1d / 2
z MNotBest is the measurement value of a cell that is not the best cell.
z CIONotBest is equal to the sum of CIO and CIOOffset, which is the offset between the cell
in the reporting range and the best cell in the active set.
z CIOBest is the cell individual offset value of the best cell. This parameter is not used for
event 1D.
z H1d is the hysteresis value of event 1D, which is determined by the parameter Hystfor1D.

z B: signal quality curve of a cell in the active set or the monitored set
z C: curve of Th1D
z The above figure shows the triggering of event 1D. In this procedure, the default
z If the signal quality of a cell not in the active set is higher than Th1D for a period of time
specified by TrigTime1D (Time to trigger in the figure), the UE reports event 1D.
z Th1D = (CPICH Ec/No of the best cell in the active set) + (Hystfor1D/2)

Handover (Cont.)
z Hystfor1D
Parameter name: 1D hysteresis
z TrigTime1D
Parameter name: 1D event trigger delay time
z Hystfor1D
Content: This parameter specifies the hysteresis value for event 1D. The value of
Value range: 0~15
Physical unit: dB
z TrigTime1D
Content: This parameter specifies the time delay to trigger event 1D. The value of
D320, D640, D1280, D2560, D5000

1280, 2560, 5000

Physical unit: ms

UCELLINTRAFREQHO.

z 1J event
Event 1J is triggered on the basis of the following formula:
M New + CIONew ≥ M InAS + CIOInAS + H1J / 2
z MNew is the measurement result of the cell not in the E-DCH active set but in the DCH
active set.
z CIONew and CIOInAS refer to the offset of each cell.
z MInAS is the measurement result of the cell in the E-DCH active set with the lowest
measurement result.
z H1J is the hysteresis parameter for event 1J and is determined by Hystfor1J.

z A: signal quality curve of a cell in the E-DCH active set
z B: signal quality curve of the worst cell in the E-DCH active set
z C: signal quality curve of a cell not in the E-DCH active set but included in DCH active set
z D: signal quality curve of a cell not in the E-DCH active set but included in DCH active set
z The above figure shows the triggering of event 1J. In this procedure, the hysteresis and the
cell individual offsets for all cells equal 0.
z If the signal quality of a cell not in the E-DCH active set is higher than Th1J for a period of
time specified by TrigTime1J (Time to trigger in the figure), the UE reports event 1J.
z Th1J = (CPICH Ec/No of the worst cell in the active set) + (Hystfor1J/2)
z The first measurement report is sent when primary CPICH D becomes better than primary
CPICH B. The "cell measurement event result" of the measurement report contains the
information of primary CPICH D and CPICH B.
z On the assumption that the E-DCH active set has been updated after the first
measurement report (E-DCH active set is now primary CPICH A and primary CPICH D), the
second report is sent when primary CPICH C becomes better than primary CPICH A. The
"cell measurement event result" of the second measurement report contains the
information of primary CPICH C and primary CPICH A.

The characteristics of 1J event:

z 3GPP define the maximum DCH active set size is 6 and the maximum E-DCH active set size
is 4.
z The DCH active set covers the E-DCH active set or they are the same.
z The best cell in E-DCH active set should be the same as that in DCH active set.
z Uplink channel type of UE is decided by the best cell in DCH active set:
Uplink channel is E-DCH if the best cell in DCH active set supports HSUPA.
Uplink channel is DCH if the best cell in DCH active set can NOT support HSUPA.
Processing procedure of 1J event:

z The UE reports 1J event if it find a non-active E-DCH but active DCH cell PCICH becomes
better than an active E-DCH PCIPCH.
z RNC will add the target cell into E-DCH active set if the E-DCH active set is NOT full.
z RNC will perform replace procedure if the E-DCH active set is full.

Handover (Cont.)
z Hystfor1J
Parameter name: 1J hysteresis
z TrigTime1J
Parameter name: 1J event trigger delay time
z MaxEdchCellInActiveSet
Parameter name: Max number of cell in EDCH active set
z Hystfor1J
Content: This parameter specifies the hysteresis value for event 1J. The value of this parameter
correlates with slow fading. The larger the value of this parameter, the less possibility of ping-pong
effect or wrong decision. But the event might not be triggered in time.
Value range: 0~15
Physical unit: dB
Set this parameter through SET UINTRAFREQHO/ADD UCELLINTRAFREQHO/MOD
UCELLINTRAFREQHO.
z TrigTime1J
Content: This parameter specifies the time delay to trigger event 1J. The value of this parameter
correlates with slow fading. The larger the value of this parameter, the lower probability of incorrect
decision, but the slower the response of event to the change of measured signals.
Value range: D0, D10, D20, D40, D60, D80, D100, D120, D160, D200, D240, D320, D640, D1280,
D2560, D5000
Physical value range: 0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 160, 200, 240, 320, 640, 1280, 2560, 5000
Physical unit: ms
Set this parameter through SET UINTRAFREQHO/ADD UCELLINTRAFREQHO/MOD
UCELLINTRAFREQHO.
z MaxEdchCellInActiveSet
Content: This parameter determines the maximum number of links in the EDCH active set. When the
RNC acts as the SRNC, the number of links in the EDCH active set for all the UEs under the RNC
cannot exceed the parameter value. If the parameter value is too large, a lot of resources on the
RAN side will be occupied as the same data is transferred over multiple EDCH links in macro diversity,
thus affecting the system performance. If this parameter value is too small, insufficient combination
gain can be achieved in macro diversity by the EDCH, which causes excessive retransmissions and
affects the UE speed.
Value range: 1~4
Physical value range: 1~4; step: 1
Set this parameter through SET UHOCOMM.

z 1J event report mode:
z The report mode of 1J is event trigger report.

z Generally the event 1J is reported only once. However, to avoid measurement report loss, the
event 1J reporting can be turned to periodical reporting.

Handover (Cont.)
z ReportIntervalfor1J
Parameter name: 1J event to periodical rpt period
z PeriodMRReportNumfor1J
Parameter name: 1J event to periodical rpt number
z ReportIntervalfor1J
Content: This parameter specifies the number of reporting times of event 1J for
periodical reporting. That is, event 1J is reported at each reporting interval. Usually,
event 1J is reported only once. Nevertheless, if the cell, where event 1J is reported,
does not join the EDCH active set in a specified period of time, the UE can change
the reporting of event 1J into periodical mode to avoid missing of measurement
reports. The event 1J of this cell is reported for PeriodMRReportNumfor1J times
with the reporting period as the set value.
D8000, D16000
16000
Physical unit: ms
z PeriodMRReportNumfor1J
Content: This parameter specifies the number of reporting times of event 1J for

UCELLINTRAFREQHO.

Contents


Intra-Frequency Handover Decision and

Execution
z The intra-frequency handover decision and execution procedure
depends on the different measurement events that the RNC
receives:
1A Event
1B Event
1C Event
1D Event
1J Event
Event Decision and Execution
When receiving an event 1A report, the RNC decides whether to add a

cell.
For event 1A, the UE can report more than one cell in the event list in one
measurement report. These cells are in the list of the MEASUREMENT
1A CONTROL message, and they are sequenced in descending order of
measurement quantity. For the cells in the list, the RNC adds the radio
link to the active set only if the number of cells in the active set does not
reach the maximum value. This operation is not required if the number of
cells in the active set reaches a specified value.
When receiving an event 1B report, the RNC decides whether to delete a

cell. For event 1B, if there is more than one radio link in the active set, the
1B
RNC decides whether to delete a radio link. This operation is not required
if there is only one radio link in the active set.
When receiving an event 1C report, the RNC decides whether to change

the worst cell. For event 1C, the UE reports a list that contains good cells
1C and the cells to be replaced, and sequences the cells in descending order
by measurement quantity. After receiving the list from the UE, the RNC
replaces the bad cells in the active set with the good cells in the list.

As stipulated in related protocols, an event 1D report includes

information about only one cell. This cell can be listed in an active set or
a monitored set. The RNC learns that the quality of this cell is better
than that of the serving cell and takes one of the following actions: If
the reported cell is in the active set, the RNC decides whether to change
the best cell or reconfigure measurement control. If the reported cell is
in the monitored set, then: If the number of cells in the active set has
1D
not reached the maximum value, the RNC adds the cell to the active set.
If the number of cells in the active set has reached the maximum value,
the RNC replaces the worst cell in the active set with the reported cell.
The best cell is changed to the reported cell. The RNC determines
whether the intra-frequency hard handover scenarios are applicable. If
any scenario is applicable, the RNC performs an intra-frequency hard
handover.
When receiving an event 1J report with information about the good

cells and the cells to be replaced, the RNC proceeds as follows: If the
current number of cells in the E-DCH active set is smaller than the value
of MaxEdchCellInActiveSet, the uplink of the cell where event 1J is
1J triggered is reconfigured to E-DCH. If the current number of cells in the
E-DCH active set is equal to the value of MaxEdchCellInActiveSet, the
RNC searches the measurement report for the non-serving E-DCH with
the lowest measured quality in the E-DCH active set. Then, the uplink of
the cell where event 1J is triggered is reconfigured from DCH to E-DCH.

Handover (Cont.)
z MaxCellInActiveSet
Parameter name: Max number of cell in active set
z SHOQualmin
Parameter name: Min quality THD for SHO
Recommended value: -24, namely -24dB
z MaxCellInActiveSet
Content: This parameter specifies the maximum number of cells in the active set.
This parameter can achieve the balance between the signal quality in the SHO area
and the performance of the system. The more cells the active set contains, the
larger macro diversity gain the user obtains in the SHO area, and the smaller the
intra-frequency interference is. But in this case, the user occupies resources of
several cells, which increases the amount of data to be processed by the system
and lowers the system performance.
Value range: 1~6
z SHOQualmin
Content: When the RNC receives events 1A, 1C and 1D, the target cell can be
added to the active set only when CPICH Ec/No of the target cell is higher than this
absolute threshold.
Value range: -24~0
Physical unit: dB

UCELLINTRAFREQHO.

Rate Reduction After an SHO Failure

z If the radio link addition for a soft handover fails, the rate reduction is
triggered for R99 NRT (Non Real Time) services to increase the
probability of a successful soft handover
1A,1C,1D is received by RNC
Execute admission control in target cell
No
Admission succeed? Estimation
Yes Rate Reduction
Execution
Execute Handover

Estimation Procedure for Rate

Reduction
z If the RNC receives a 1A, 1C, or 1D measurement report, the RNC tries to add the
corresponding cell to the active set. If the addition fails, the RNC performs the estimation
procedure for rate reduction.

Estimation procedure for rate reduction:

z Step 1:
The RNC evaluates whether the measurement quantity of the cell failing to be
admitted meets the condition of rate reduction.

If the condition is met, the RNC performs a rate reduction process for the
access service immediately, as described in the next page Procedure of
Rate Reduction Execution.
If the condition is not met, the RNC performs the step 2.
The condition of rate reduction is as follows: Mnew > Mbest_cell -
RelThdForDwnGrd
Mnew is the CPICH Ec/No measurement value of the cell failing to be
admitted.
Mbest_cell is the CPICH Ec/No measurement value of the best cell in the
active set.
RelThdForDwnGrd is configured through the parameter Relative threshold
of SHO failure.
z Step 2:
The RNC evaluates whether the number of SHO failures in the cell exceeds the
Threshold number of SHO failure.
If the number of SHO failures in the cell is smaller than the ShoFailNumForDwnGrd:
If the timer has not been started, the RNC starts it.
If the timer has been started, the RNC increments the SHO failure counter
by one.
The timer length is set through the parameter ShoFailPeriod.
The SHO failure counter of a cell is used to record the number of SHO failures in
this cell. For each UE, the RNC records the number of SHO failures in three cells at
most. For SHO failures in any other cells, the RNC does not record the number.
Before the SHO failure evaluation timer expires, no action is taken and the RNC
waits for the next measurement report period.
When the SHO failure evaluation timer expires, the RNC sets the SHO failure
counter of the corresponding cell to 0 and ends the evaluation.
If the number of SHO failures in the cell is larger than or equal to the parameter
ShoFailNumForDwnGrd, the RNC performs a rate reduction process for the access
service.

Handover (Cont.)
z RelThdForDwnGrd
Parameter name: Relative threshold of SHO failure
z ShoFailPeriod
Parameter name: Max evaluation period of SHO failure
Recommended value: 60, namely 60s
z ShoFailNumForDwnGrd
Parameter name: Threshold number of SHO failure
z RelThdForDwnGrd
Content: This parameter specifies the threshold of immediate rate reduction after
the soft handover failure.

Value range: -29~29
Physical value range: -14.5~14.5; step: 0.5
Physical unit: dB
z ShoFailPeriod
Content: This parameter specifies the maximum evaluation period of the soft
handover failure. When the rate reduction evaluation is performed on a cell that
fails to join the active set, the evaluation timer is started. If the cell cannot fulfill the
condition of rate reduction before the timer expires, the evaluation and rate
reduction retry on the cell will not be performed.
Value range: 0~120
Physical unit: s
z ShoFailNumForDwnGrd
Content: This parameter specifies the threshold number of the soft handover
failures. This parameter determines the reporting times of the events from the cell
that fails to join the active set in soft handover, to trigger the rate reduction of the
active set and the attempt to join the active set.
Value range: 0~63
z Set these parameters through SET UINTRAFREQHO.

Procedure of Rate Reduction Execution
z The RNC performs a rate reduction process for the access service. The method of
determining the access rate after the rate reduction is the same as that described in rate
negotiation of load control course.
z After the rate reduction succeeds, the RNC immediately attempts to add this cell to the
active set without measurement:
If the cell succeeds in admitting the UE, the RNC adds the radio link and sets the
SHO failure counter of the cell to 0 and ends the execution.

If the cell fails to admit the UE, the RNC starts the Period of penalty timer for SHO
failure after down rate to avoid an increase in the rate triggered by DCCC within
the period. Also in this period, the RNC sets the SHO failure counter of the cell to 0
and ends the execution.

Handover (Cont.)
z DcccShoPenaltyTime
Parameter name: Period of penalty timer for SHO failure after
down rate
z DcccShoPenaltyTime
Content: This parameter defines the length of penalty timer for SHO failure after
rate reduction in the active set. When the rate reduction in the active set is
performed which triggers the increase of SHOs in the target cell, if the target cell
fails to join the active again, the RNC starts the penalty timer for SHO failure. This
parameter defines the length of the penalty timer. Before the timer expires, the
rate increasing in the active set is prohibited, but rate reduction is not prohibited.
Value range: 0~255
Physical unit: s
Set this parameter through SET UINTRAFREQHO.

Contents


Neighboring Cell Combination

Algorithm
Cell A Cell B Cell C
Cell A, Cell B and Cell C

are in active set. Cell A
is the best cell. Cell B
Ec/No is greater than
Cell C.
Cell A Cell B Cell C A B C
Firstly, the cells in Secondly, the After that, the Finally, the
the active set are neighboring cells neighboring cells of neighboring cells of
added. of cell A are added. cell B are added. cell C are added.
z After the active set is updated, the RNC updates the neighboring cell list by using the
neighboring cell combination algorithm according to the status of the active set. This list
includes the new intra-frequency, inter-frequency, and inter-RAT neighboring cells. The
combination methods of intra-frequency handover, inter-frequency handover, and inter-
RAT handover are the same.
z The neighboring cell combination result is contained in the MEASUREMENT CONTROL
message and sent to the UE, which instructs the UE to perform intra-frequency, inter-
frequency, and inter-RAT measurement and handover procedures.
z The number of inter-frequency neighboring cells is configured as follows:
A maximum of 32 intra-frequency neighboring cells are configured.
A maximum of 32 single-carrier inter-frequency neighboring cells are configured.
A maximum of 64 multi-carrier inter-frequency neighboring cells are configured.
A maximum of 32 inter-RAT neighboring cells are configured.

Neighboring cell combination switch:

z HO_MC_NCELL_COMBINE_SWITCH is the neighboring cell combination switch.
If the switch is set to ON, measurement objects are chosen from the neighboring
cells of all the cells in the active set.

If the switch is set to OFF, measurement objects are chosen from the neighboring
cells of the best cell.

Neighboring cell combination procedure:
z After obtaining the intra-frequency neighboring cells of each cell in the active set, the RNC
calculates the union neighboring cell set of the intra-frequency cells, which is referred as
Sall, by using the following method. This method can also be used to generate the Sall of
inter-frequency or inter-RAT cells.
The intra-frequency, inter-frequency, and inter-RAT neighboring cells of each cell in
the current active set are obtained.

The RNC sequences the cells in the active set in descending order of CPICH Ec/No
according to the latest measurement report (event 1A, 1B, 1C, or 1D) from the UE.
The best cell is based on event 1D, whereas other cells are based on the latest
measurement report.
The cells in the active set are added to Sall.
The neighboring cells of the best cell in the active set are added to Sall. NprioFlag
(the flag of the priority) and Nprio (the priority of the neighboring cell), which are
set for each neighboring cell, are used to change the order of adding the
neighboring cells to Sall.
The neighboring cells of other cells in the active set are added to Sall in descending
order by CPICH Ec/No values of these cells in the active set. The neighboring cells
of the same cell in the active set are added according to Nprio and the number of
repeated neighboring cell is recorded.
If there are more than 32 intra-frequency neighboring cells in Sall, delete the
repeated neighboring cells whose number in Sall is less. The top 32 neighboring
cells are grouped into the final Sall.

Parameters of Neighboring Cell

Combination Algorithm
z HO_MC_NCELL_COMBINE_SWITCH
Parameter name: Neighboring Cell Combination Switch
Recommended value: ON
z NprioFlag
Parameter name: The flag of the priority
Recommended value: FALSE
z Nprio
Parameter name: the priority of the neighboring cell
Recommended value: None
z HO_MC_NCELL_COMBINE_SWITCH
Content: When the switch is on, the neighboring cell combined algorithm is used
during the delivery of the objects to be measured. When the switch is off, the best
cell algorithm is used.
Value range: ON, OFF
Physical value range: 1, 0
Set this parameter through SET UCORRMALGOSWITCH.
z NprioFlag
Content: Priority identifier of neighboring cells. TRUE indicates that the
neighboring cell priority is valid in the algorithm of neighboring cell combination.
FALSE indicates that the neighboring cell priority is invalid, and, in the algorithm of
neighboring cell combination, the cell with invalid priority is the last one to be
considered as the measurement object.
Value range: FALSE, TRUE
Physical value range: FALSE, TRUE
Set the upper two parameters through ADD UINTRAFREQNCELL/MOD
UINTRAFREQNCELL / ADD UINTERFREQNCELL/MOD UINTERFREQNCELL / ADD
U2GNCELL/MOD U2GNCELL.
z Nprio
Content: Priority of neighboring cells. The lower the priority, the easier it is for the
neighboring cell to be delivered as the measurement object. For example, it is
more possible for a neighboring cell of priority 1 than a cell of priority 2 to be
delivered as the measurement object.
Value range: 0~31
Set the upper two parameters through ADD UINTRAFREQNCELL/MOD
UINTRAFREQNCELL / ADD UINTERFREQNCELL/MOD UINTERFREQNCELL / ADD
U2GNCELL/MOD U2GNCELL.

Contents

Signaling Procedures for Intra-

Frequency Handover
z There are five types of signaling procedures for intra-
frequency handover:
Intra-NodeB Intra-Frequency Soft Handover
Intra-RNC Inter-NodeB Intra-Frequency Soft Handover
Inter-RNC Intra-Frequency Soft Handover
Intra-RNC Inter-NodeB Intra-Frequency Hard Handover
Inter-RNC Intra-Frequency Hard Handover

Intra-NodeB Intra-Frequency Soft

Handover

Intra-RNC Inter-NodeB Intra-Frequency

Soft Handover

Inter-RNC Intra-Frequency Soft

Handover

Intra-RNC Inter-NodeB Intra-Frequency

Hard Handover

Inter-RNC Intra-Frequency Hard

Handover

Contents

Contents
1. Inter-Frequency Handover Overview
2. Inter-Frequency Handover Procedure
3. Signaling Procedures for Inter-Frequency Handover

Inter-Frequency Handover Types

z The carrier frequency of the current cell and target cell are
different
z Based on the triggering causes of handover, inter-frequency

handover can be categorized into four types:
Coverage-based inter-frequency handover
QoS-based inter-frequency handover
Load-based inter-frequency handover
Speed-based inter-frequency handover
z Coverage-based inter-frequency handover:

If a moving UE leaves the coverage of the current frequency, the RNC needs to
trigger the coverage-based inter-frequency handover to avoid call drops.

z QoS-based inter-frequency handover:
According to the Link Stability Control Algorithm, the RNC needs to trigger the
QoS-based inter-frequency handover to avoid call drops.

z Load-based inter-frequency blind handover:
To balance the load between inter-frequency con-coverage cells, the RNC chooses
some UEs and performs the inter-frequency blind handover according to user
priorities and service priorities.
z Speed-based inter-frequency handover:
When the Hierarchical Cell Structure (HCS) applies, the cells are divided into
different layers according to coverage. The macro cell has a larger coverage and a
lower priority, whereas the micro cell has a smaller coverage and a higher priority.
Inter-frequency handover can be triggered by the UE speed estimation algorithm of
the HCS. To reduce frequent handovers, the UE at a higher speed is handed over
to a cell under a larger coverage, whereas the UE at a lower speed is handed over
to a cell under a smaller coverage.
z The InterFreqHOSwitch parameter in the ADD UCELLHOCOMM command is used to
chooses the inter-frequency measurement control parameters to implement handover
measurement based on coverage, QoS and speed.
z The HO_INTER_FREQ_HARD_HO_SWITCH parameter in the SET UCORRMALGOSWITCH
command is used to determine whether to allow load-based inter-frequency handover.

Contents
1. Coverage-based Inter-Frequency Handover
2. QoS-based Inter-Frequency Handover
3. Load-based Inter-Frequency Handover
4. Speed-based Inter-Frequency Handover
5. Blind Handover based on Event 1F
6. Inter-Frequency anti-Ping-Pong
7. Inter-Frequency Handover Retry

Coverage-based Inter-Frequency
Handover
z In the triggering phase:

The RNC requests the UE to measure through an inter-frequency measurement
control message. If the CPICH Ec/No or CPICH RSCP of the current cell is lower
than the corresponding threshold, the UE reports event 2D.
z In the measurement phase:
The RNC sends an inter-frequency measurement control message to the UE,
requesting the NodeB and UE to start the compressed mode. The RNC also
requests the UE to perform the inter-frequency measurement.
In this phase, the method of either periodical measurement report or event-
triggered measurement report can be used.

z In the decision phase:
After the UE reports event 2B, the RNC performs the handover. Otherwise, the UE
periodically generates measurement reports, and the RNC makes a decision after
evaluation.
z In the execution phase:
The RNC executes the handover procedure.

Handover - Triggering Phase
z Triggering event:
2D event:
The estimated quality of the currently used frequency is below a
certain threshold
2F event:
The estimated quality of the currently used frequency is above a
certain threshold
z When the estimated quality or strength of the currently used frequency is below a certain
threshold, 2D event will be triggered. Then RNC will initiate the compressed mode to start
inter-frequency measurement.
z During compressed mode, if the estimated quality of the currently used frequency is above
a certain threshold, 2F event will be triggered. Then RNC will stop the compressed mode.

Compressed Mode
z Purpose
Measure the inter-frequency cell or inter-RAT cell under FDD mode
z Categories
Downlink compressed mode
Uplink compressed mode
z Realization Methods
SF/2
Higher layer scheduling
z Compressed mode control is a mechanism whereby certain idle periods are created in
radio frames during which the UE can perform measurements on other frequencies. The
UE can carry out measurements in the neighboring cell, such as GSM cell and FDD cell on
other frequency. If the UE needs to measure the pilot signal strength of an inter-frequency
WCDMA or GSM cell and has one frequency receiver only, the UE must use the
compressed mode.
z Each physical frame can provide 3 to 7 timeslots for the inter-frequency or inter-RAT cell
measurement, which enhances the transmit capability of physical channels but reduces the
volume of data traffic.
z In DL, during compressed mode, UE receiver can test signal from other frequency. In order
to avoid the effect cause by UE transmitter, compressed mode is also used in UL.
z The compressed mode includes two types, spreading factor reduction (SF/2) and high layer
approaches. The usage of type of compressed mode is decided by the RNC, according to
spreading factor used in uplink or downlink.

Handover Events
z 2D event:
QUsed ≤ TUsed2d - H2d/2
z QUsed is the measured quality of the used frequency.

z TUsed2d is the absolute quality threshold of the cell that uses the current frequency. Based
on the service type and measurement quantity, this threshold can be configured through
one of the following parameters:
InterFreqCSThd2DEcN0
InterFreqR99PsThd2DEcN0
InterFreqHThd2DEcN0
InterFreqCSThd2DRSCP
InterFreqR99PsThd2DRSCP
InterFreqHThd2DRSCP
z H2d is the event 2D hysteresis value set through the parameter HystFor2D.
z After the conditions of event 2D are fulfilled and maintained until the TimeToTrig2D is
reached, the UE sends the event 2D measurement report message.
z Any of the Ec/No and RSCP measurement result can trigger the 2D event.

Parameters of Inter-Frequency
Handover
z InterFreqCSThd2DEcN0
Parameter name: Inter-freq CS measure start Ec/No THD
z InterFreqR99PsThd2DEcN0
Parameter name: Inter-freq R99 PS measure start Ec/No THD
z InterFreqHThd2DEcN0
Parameter name: Inter-freq H measure start Ec/No THD
z InterFreqCSThd2DEcN0
Content: Threshold to trigger inter-frequency measurement with measurement
quantity of Ec/No for CS domain services.

Value range: -24~0
Physical unit: dB
z InterFreqR99PsThd2DEcN0

quantity of Ec/No for PS domain non-HSPA services.
Value range: -24~0
Physical unit: dB
z InterFreqHThd2DEcN0

quantity of Ec/No for PS domain HSPA services.
Value range: -24~0
Physical value range: -24~0; step : 1
Physical unit: dB
z Set these parameters through ADD UCELLINTERFREQHOCOV/ MOD

UCELLINTERFREQHOCOV/ SET UINTERFREQHOCOV.

Handover (Cont.)
z InterFreqCSThd2DRSCP
Parameter name: Inter-freq CS measure start RSCP THD
Recommended value: -95, namely -95dBm
z InterFreqR99PsThd2DRSCP
Parameter name: Inter-freq R99 PS measure start RSCP THD
z InterFreqHThd2DRSCP
Parameter name: Inter-freq H measure start RSCP THD
z InterFreqCSThd2DRSCP
quantity of RSCP for CS domain services.
Value range: -115~-25
Physical value range: -115~-25; step: 1
Physical unit: dBm
z InterFreqR99PsThd2DRSCP
quantity of RSCP for PS domain non-HSPA services.
Physical unit: dBm
z InterFreqHThd2DRSCP
quantity of RSCP for PS domain HSPA services.
Physical unit: dBm
z Set these parameters through ADD UCELLINTERFREQHOCOV/MOD
UCELLINTERFREQHOCOV/SET UINTERFREQHOCOV.

Handover (Cont.)
z HystFor2D
Parameter name: 2D hysteresis
z TimeToTrig2D
Parameter name: 2D event trigger delay time
z HystFor2D
Content: Hysteresis value for the event 2D. The value of this parameter correlates
with slow fading. The larger the value of this parameter, the smaller probability of
ping-pong effect or wrong decision, but event 2D might not be triggered in time.
Value range: 0~29
Physical unit: dB
z TimeToTrig2D

Content: Time delay to trigger event 2D. The value of this parameter correlates
with slow fading. The larger the value of this parameter, the lower probability of
incorrect decision, but the slower the response of event 2D to the change of
measured signals.
D320, D640, D1280, D2560, D5000

1280, 2560, 5000

Physical unit: ms


Handover Events (Cont.)
z 2F event
Event 2F is triggered on the basis of the following formula:
QUsed ≥ TUsed2f + H2f/2

z TUsed2f is the absolute quality threshold of the cell that uses the current frequency. Based
one of the following parameters:
InterFreqCSThd2FEcN0
InterFreqR99PsThd2FEcN0
InterFreqHThd2FEcN0
InterFreqCSThd2FRSCP
InterFreqR99PsThd2FRSCP
InterFreqHThd2FRSCP
z H2f is the event 2F hysteresis value set through the parameter HystFor2F.
z After the conditions of event 2F are fulfilled and maintained until the parameter
TimeToTrig2F is reached, the UE reports the event 2F measurement report message.
z Any of Ec/No and RSCP measurement result can trigger the 2F event.
z Conditions of event 2F are as follows: TUsed2d - H2d/2 < TUsed2f + H2f/2, for example,
(InterFreqCSThd2DEcN0–HystFor2D/2) < (InterFreqCSThd2FEcN0+ HystFor2F/2).

Handover (Cont.)
z InterFreqCSThd2FEcN0
Parameter name: Inter-freq CS measure stop Ec/No THD
z InterFreqR99PsThd2FEcN0
Parameter name: Inter-freq R99 PS measure stop Ec/No THD
z InterFreqHThd2FEcN0
Parameter name: Inter-freq H measure stop Ec/No THD
z InterFreqCSThd2FEcN0
Content: Threshold to stop inter-frequency measurement with measurement
quantity of Ec/No for CS domain services.

Value range: -24~0
Physical unit: dB
z InterFreqR99PsThd2FEcN0

quantity of Ec/No for PS domain non-HSPA services.
Value range: -24~0
Physical unit: dB
z InterFreqHThd2FEcN0

quantity of Ec/No for PS domain HSPA services.
Value range: -24~0
Physical unit: dB


Handover (Cont.)
z InterFreqCSThd2FRSCP
Parameter name: Inter-freq CS measure stop RSCP THD
z InterFreqR99PsThd2FRSCP
Parameter name: Inter-freq R99 PS measure stop RSCP THD
z InterFreqHThd2FRSCP
Parameter name: Inter-freq H measure stop RSCP THD
z InterFreqCSThd2FRSCP
quantity of RSCP for CS domain services.
Physical unit: dBm
z InterFreqR99PsThd2FRSCP
quantity of RSCP for PS domain non-HSPA services.
Physical unit: dBm
z InterFreqHThd2FRSCP
quantity of RSCP for PS domain HSPA services.
Physical unit: dBm

Handover (Cont.)
z HystFor2F
Parameter name: 2F hysteresis
z TimeToTrig2F
Parameter name: 2F event trigger delay time
z HystFor2F
Content: Hysteresis value for the event 2F. The value of this parameter correlates
with slow fading. The larger the value of this parameter, the smaller probability of
ping-pong effect or wrong decision, but event 2F might not be triggered in time.
Value range: 0~29
Physical unit: dB
z TimeToTrig2F

Content: Time delay to trigger the event 2F. The value of this parameter correlates
incorrect decision, but the slower the response of event 2F to the change of
measured signals.
D320, D640, D1280, D2560, D5000

1280, 2560, 5000

Physical unit: ms


Handover - Measurement Phase
UE RNC
Measurement report (2D)
Physical Channel Recfg (CM)
Physical Channel Recfg Complet (CM)
Measurement control (RSCP)
Measurement control (Ec/No)
z When the UE enters the compress mode, RNC will trigger the inter-frequency handover
measurement by two additional measurement control signaling, so as to request UE test
inter-frequency neighbor cell.
z In this Measurement control message, RNC should inform the UE inter-frequency
measurement parameter, including neighbor list and reporting mode as well.

Handover - Measurement Phase (Cont.)
UE RNC UE RNC
Measurement report
Measurement report Measurement report (2B)
Measurement report
Handover
Handover
Periodical Reporting Event Reporting
z The measurement report mode of inter-frequency handover is configured through the

parameter InterFreqReportMode. By default, periodically reporting is recommended.
z The advantage of periodical measurement report is that if the handover fails, the RNC
reattempts the handover to the same cell after receiving the periodical measurement
report from the UE. This increases the probability of the success of inter-frequency
handover.
z Based on the measurement control message received from the RNC, the UE periodically
reports the measurement quality of the target cell. Then, based on the measurement
report, the RNC makes the handover decision and performs handover.
z If the reporting mode is periodically reporting: UE test the Inter-frequency neighbor RSCP
and Ec/No.
z If the reporting mode is event trigger reporting: UE test the Inter-frequency neighbor RSCP
and Ec/No, and current cell Ec/No or RSCP.

Handover (Cont.)
z InterFreqReportMode
Parameter name: Inter-frequency measure report mode
Recommended value: Periodical reporting
z PrdReportInterval
Parameter name: Inter-frequency measure periodical rpt period
z InterFreqMeasTime
Parameter name: Inter-freq measure timer length
z InterFreqReportMode
Content: This parameter specifies the inter-frequency measurement report mode.
Value range: PERIODICAL_REPORTING(Periodical reporting), EVENT_TRIGGER(Event trigger)
Physical value range: Periodical reporting, Event trigger
z PrdReportInterval
Content: This parameter specifies the interval of the inter-frequency measurement report.
Value range: NON_PERIODIC_REPORT(Non periodical reporting), D250, D500, D1000,
D2000, D3000, D4000, D6000, D8000, D12000, D16000, D20000, D24000, D28000,
D32000, D64000
Physical value range: NON_PERIODIC_REPORT, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 6000,
8000, 12000, 16000, 20000, 24000, 28000, 32000, 64000
Physical unit: ms
z InterFreqMeasTime
Content: Timer length for inter-frequency measurement. After inter-frequency
measurement starts, if no inter-frequency handover is performed when this timer expires,
the inter-frequency measurement and the compressed mode (if started) are stopped. The
value 0 indicates the timer is not to be enabled.
Value range: 0~512
Physical unit: s
z Set these parameters through ADD UCELLINTERFREQHOCOV/ MOD UCELLINTERFREQHOCOV/ SET
UINTERFREQHOCOV.

Coverage-based Inter-Frequency Handover

- Decision Phase
z The coverage-based inter-frequency handovers are categorized
into two types according to the following two measurement
report modes:
periodical measurement report mode
event-triggered measurement report mode
z Each mode corresponds to a different decision and execution

procedure


- Decision Phase (Cont.)
z Periodical measurement report mode:
RNC decide whether both the CPICH Ec/No value and CPICH RSCP value
of the pilot signal of the target cell meet the requirement of inter-
frequency handover. The evaluation formula is listed below:
Mother_Freq + CIOother_Freq ≥ Tother_Freq + H/2
Start the hard handover time-to-trigger timer, which is configured

through the parameter TimeToTrigForPrdInterFreq
If Mother_Freq + CIOother_Freq < Tother_Freq - H/2, stop the timer
Select the cells in sequence, that is, from high quality cells to low quality
ones, to initiate inter-frequency handover in the cells where the hard
handover time-to-trigger timer expires
z Mother_Freq is the CPICH Ec/No or CPICH RSCP measurement value of the target cell
reported by the UE. Both of the two measurement values of the inter-frequency cell must
satisfy the formula.
z CIOother_Freq is the cell individual offset value of the target cell. It is equal to the sum of
CIO and CIOOffset.
z Tother_Freq is the decision threshold of inter-frequency hard handover. Based on the
service type and measurement quantity, this threshold can be configured through one of
the following parameters:
TargetFreqCsThdEcN0
TargetFreqR99PsThdEcN0
TargetFreqHThdEcN0
TargetFreqCsThdRscp
TargetFreqR99PsThdRscp
TargetFreqHThdRscp
These thresholds are the same as the quality threshold of event 2B.
z H is the inter-frequency hard handover hysteresis value set through the parameter
HystForPrdInterFreq.


z Each cell in the measurement report shall be evaluated as mentioned previously. When the
hard handover time-to-trigger timers of more than one cell expire at the same time, the
latest measurement report is used for selecting the best inter-frequency neighboring cell
for handover. For example, the cell with the highest CPICH RSCP in the latest
measurement report is selected, as shown in the above figure.

Handover (Cont.)
z CIO
z CIOOffset
z CIO
Content: This parameter works with the Neighboring cell oriented CIO. It is used
for intra- or inter-frequency handover decisions. The larger the sum, the higher the
handover priority of the neighboring cell. The smaller the sum, the lower the
handover priority of the neighboring cell. Usually it is configured to 0.
Value range: -20~20
Physical value range: -10~10; step: 0.5
Physical unit: dB
Set this parameter through ADD UCELLSETUP/MOD UCELLSETUP.

z CIOOffset
Content: This parameter defines the neighboring cell oriented cell individual offset.
The set value functions in combination of the cell oriented CIO. Their sum is added
to the measurement quantity before the UE evaluates whether an event has
occurred. In handover algorithms, this parameter is used for moving the border of
a cell.
Value range: -20~20

Physical unit: dB
Set this parameter through ADD UINTERFREQNCELL/MOD UINTERFREQNCELL.

Handover (Cont.)
z HystForPrdInterFreq
Parameter name: HHO hysteresis
z TimeToTrigForPrdInterFreq
Parameter name: HHO period trigger delay time
Recommended value: 0, namely 0ms
z HystForPrdInterFreq
Content: Hysteresis for inter-frequency hard handover in periodical report mode.
This parameter is used to estimate the inter-frequency handover at the RNC. The
larger the value of this parameter, the stronger the capability of resisting signal
fluctuation. Thus, the ping-pong effect can be resisted, but the speed of the
handover algorithm to respond to signal change becomes lower, and therefore
event 2B might not be triggered in time.
Value range: 0~29
Physical unit: dB
z TimeToTrigForPrdInterFreq
Content: Hysteresis for inter-frequency hard handover in periodical report mode.
This parameter is used to estimate the inter-frequency handover at the RNC. The
larger the value of this parameter, the stronger the capability of resisting signal
fluctuation. Thus, the ping-pong effect can be resisted, but the speed of the
handover algorithm to respond to signal change becomes lower, and therefore
event 2B might not be triggered in time.
Value range: 0~64000
Physical unit: ms


z Event-triggered measurement report mode:
After receiving the event 2B measurement report, the RNC starts
the following procedure:
Add all the pilot cells that trigger event 2B to a cell set and arrange the
cells according to the measurement quality of CPICH_Ec/No in
descending order
Select the cells in turn from the cell set to perform inter-frequency
handover


z 2B event:
The estimated quality of the currently used frequency is below a
certain threshold and the estimated quality of a non-used
frequency is above a certain threshold
Event 2B is triggered on the basis of the following formula:
QNoused ≥ TNoused2b + H2b/2
QUsed ≤ TUsed2b - H2b/2
z QNoused is the measured quality of the cell that uses the other frequencies.
z H2b is the event 2B hysteresis value set through the parameter HystFor2B.
z TNoused2b is the absolute quality threshold of the cell that uses the other frequencies.
Based on the service type and measurement quantity, this threshold can be configured
through one of the following parameters:
TargetFreqCsThdEcN0
TargetFreqR99PsThdEcN0
TargetFreqHThdEcN0
TargetFreqCsThdRscp
TargetFreqR99PsThdRscp
TargetFreqHThdRscp
z TUsed2b is the absolute quality threshold of the cell that uses the current frequency.
z After the conditions of event 2B are fulfilled and maintained until the parameter
TimeToTrig2B is reached, the UE reports the event 2B measurement report message.

TUsed2b is set in the following way:

z Based on the service type and measurement quantity, this threshold can be configured
through one of the following parameters:
If event 2D with the CPICH RSCP value is received by the RNC:
TUsed2b of event 2B with the CPICH RSCP value can be:

UsedFreqCSThdRSCP
UsedFreqR99PsThdRSCP
UsedFreqHThdRSCP
TUsed2b of event 2B with the CPICH Ec/No value is configured as the
maximum value 0dB.
According to 3GPP specifications, TUsed2b of event 2B with the CPICH
Ec/No value should be configured as the maximum value 0dB. If the event
2F with the CPICH Ec/No value is received by the RNC and TUsed2b of
event 2B with the CPICH Ec/No value is modified, TUsed2b is reset to 0dB.
If event 2D with the CPICH Ec/No value is received by the RNC:
TUsed2b of event 2B with the CPICH Ec/No value can be:
UsedFreqCSThdEcN0
UsedFreqR99PsThdEcN0
UsedFreqHThdEcN0
TUsed2b of event 2B with the CPICH RSCP value is configured as the
maximum value –25 dBm.
According to 3GPP specification, TUsed2b of event 2B with the CPICH
RSCP value should be configured as the maximum value -25dBm. If event
2F with the CPICH RSCP value is received by the RNC and TUsed2b of event
2B with the CPICH RSCP value is modified, TUsed2b is reset to -25 dBm.

Handover (Cont.)
z TargetFreqCsThdEcN0
Parameter name: Inter-freq CS target frequency trigger Ec/No THD
z UsedFreqCSThdEcN0
Parameter name: Inter-freq CS Used frequency trigger Ec/No THD
z TargetFreqCsThdEcN0
Content: Threshold of the target frequency for triggering inter-frequency
measurement with measurement quantity of Ec/No for CS domain services. For CS

domain services, if the value of inter-frequency measure report mode is set to
EVENT_TRIGGER, this parameter is used to set the measurement control of event
2B. One of the necessary conditions for triggering event 2B can be met only when
the quality of the target frequency is higher than this threshold. If the value of
inter-frequency measure report mode is set to PERIODICAL_REPORTING, this
parameter is used to evaluate inter-frequency handovers at the RNC. .
Value range: -24~0
Physical unit: dB
z UsedFreqCSThdEcN0
Content: Threshold of used frequency quality for triggering inter-frequency
measurement with measurement quantity of Ec/No for CS domain services. For CS

domain services, if the value of inter-frequency measure report mode is set to
EVENT_TRIGGER, this parameter is used to set the measurement control of event
2B. One of the necessary conditions can be met only when the quality of the used
frequency is lower than this threshold.
Value range: -24~0
Physical unit: dB


Handover (Cont.)
z Recommended values of 2B event:
Objective Target Cell Used Cell
CS Ec/No threshold -12, namely -12dB -12, namely -12dB
PS Ec/No threshold -12, namely -12dB -12, namely -12dB
H Ec/No threshold -12, namely -12dB -12, namely -12dB
CS RSCP threshold -92, namely -92dBm -92, namely -92dBm
PS RSCP threshold -92, namely -92dBm -92, namely -92dBm
H RSCP threshold -92, namely -92dBm -92, namely -92dBm


Handover (Cont.)
z HystFor2B
Parameter name: 2B hysteresis
z TimeToTrig2B
Parameter name: 2B event trigger delay time
z HystFor2B
Content: Hysteresis value for the event 2B. The value of this parameter correlates
with slow fading. The larger the value of this parameter, the stronger the capability
of resisting signal fluctuation. Thus, the ping-pong effect can be resisted, but the
speed of the handover algorithm to respond to signal change becomes lower, and
therefore event 2B might not be triggered in time.
Value range: 0~29
Physical unit: dB
z TimeToTrig2B

Content: Time delay to trigger event 2B. The value of this parameter correlates
incorrect decision, but the slower the response of event 2B to the change of
measured signals.
D320, D640, D1280, D2560, D5000

1280, 2560, 5000

Physical unit: ms


Contents

QoS-based Inter-Frequency Handover

If the service quality of the current cell deteriorates, the link stability control
algorithm makes a handover measurement decision.
z Besides the triggering step, the rest 3 steps are the same with coverage-based inter-
frequency handover.
z Link stability control algorithm:
When the uplink transmit power of the UE or downlink transmitted code power of
the NodeB exceeds the associated threshold:
for AMR, a fixed sequence of rate downsizing, inter-frequency handover,
and then inter-RAT handover are performed;
for VP, Inter-handover handover are performed;
for BE service, rate downsizing, inter-frequency handover, and then inter-
RAT handover are performed according to the configured sequence.

Handover (Cont.)
z UlQosAmrInterFreqHoSwitch
Parameter name: InterFreq HO For Switch For Uplink AMR
Recommended value: NO
z DlQosAmrInterFreqHoSwitch
Parameter name: InterFreq HO For Switch For Downlink AMR
z UlQosAmrInterFreqHoSwitch
Content: Inter-frequency handover switch of link stability control for UL QoS of
AMR services. When the parameter is set to YES, inter-frequency handover can be
performed for AMR services to ensure the QoS.
Value range: NO, YES
Physical value range: No, Yes
z DlQosAmrInterFreqHoSwitch
Content: Inter-frequency handover switch of link stability control for DL QoS of
AMR services. When the parameter is set to YES, inter-frequency handover can be
performed for AMR services to ensure the QoS.
z Set these parameters through SET UQOSACT.

Handover (Cont.)
z UlQosVpInterFreqHoSwitch
Parameter name: InterFreq HO Switch For Uplink VP
z DlQosVpInterFreqHoSwitch
Parameter name: InterFreq HO Switch For Downlink VP
z UlQosVpInterFreqHoSwitch
Content: Inter-frequency handover switch of link stability control for UL QoS of VP
services. When the parameter is set to YES, inter-frequency handover can be

performed for VP services to ensure the QoS.
z DlQosVpInterFreqHoSwitch
Content: Inter-frequency handover switch of link stability control for DL QoS of VP
services. When the parameter is set to YES, inter-frequency handover can be

performed for VP services to ensure the QoS.

Handover (Cont.)
z BeUlAct1/BeUlAct2/BeUlAct3
Parameter name: First/Second/Third Action For BE Uplink QOS
Recommended value: RateDegrade/InterFreqHO/InterRatHO
z BeDlAct1/BeDlAct2/BeDlAct3
Parameter name: First/Second/Third Action For BE Downlink QOS
Content: The first/second/third action selected by the QoS control algorithm when
the UL QoS of BE service deteriorates. If QoS action is RateDegrade, then the rate
will be downsized to the full coverage rate according to 3-rates rule.
Value range: None, RateDegrade, InterFreqHO, InterRatHO
Physical value range: None, RateDegrade, InterFreqHO, InterRatHO
the DL QoS of BE service deteriorates. If QoS action is RateDegrade, then the rate

Handover (Cont.)
z DLQosMcTimerLen
Parameter name: Down Link Qos Measure timer length
z ULQosMcTimerLen
Parameter name: Up Link Qos Measure timer length
z DLQosMcTimerLen
Content: Timer length for downlink QOS measurement. This parameter controls
the time lengths for the inter-frequency and inter-RAT measurement based on QOS.
After inter-frequency or inter-RAT measurement starts, if no inter-frequency
handover is performed when this timer expires, the measurement is stopped, and
the compressed mode is deactivated, if any. If this parameter is set to 0, this
indicates that the timer will not be started.
Value range:0~512
Physical unit: s
z ULQosMcTimerLen
Content: Timer length for uplink QOS measurement. This parameter controls the
time lengths for the inter-frequency and inter-RAT measurement based on QOS.
After inter-frequency or inter-RAT measurement starts, if no inter-frequency
handover is performed when this timer expires, the measurement is stopped, and
the compressed mode is deactivated, if any. If this parameter is set to 0, this
indicates that the timer will not be started.
Value range:0~512
Physical unit: s
z Set these parameters through ADD UCELLQOSHO/ MOD UCELLQOSHO/ SET UQOSHO.

Contents

Load-based Inter-Frequency Handover
z The load-based inter-frequency handover suits best in the case of the co-sited cells
covering the same area.
The Load Reshuffling (LDR) module directly determines whether the current cell is
overloaded and whether an inter-frequency handover needs to be performed. The

LDR module provides the target cell information for the current cell, and the RNC
performs the handover procedure.
The RNC decides to trigger an inter-frequency blind handover if the conditions are
met.
If the inter-frequency blind handover can be triggered, the RNC enters the
decision phase.
If the inter-frequency blind handover cannot be triggered, the RNC does
not perform the handover.
After the inter-frequency handover is triggered, the RNC chooses a decision
algorithm according to whether the conditions of direct blind handover are met.
If the conditions of direct blind handover are met, the RNC performs an
inter-frequency blind handover.
If the conditions of direct blind handover are not met, the RNC initiates a

measurement, and then, if all the conditions are met, the RNC performs the
handover.
The RNC performs the blind handover according to the decision result.

Load-based Inter-Frequency Handover -

Triggering Phase
z Current cell
Heavy load
z Target cell
Light load
Blind handover flag is true
z Target user
User with lower integrated priority
z Based on the service ARP, traffic class, channel type (R99 or HSPA), RNC will choose the
users with lower priority to execute handover.
z The target cell of this inter-frequency handover is only the blind handover neighbor with
light load, which is indicated by the BlindHOFlag.

Handover (Cont.)
z BlindHOFlag
Parameter name: Blind handover flag
Recommended value: False
z BlindHOFlag
Content: Flag of target cell for blind handovers. This parameter indicates whether
the neighboring cell is the target cell for blind handovers. If the value is TRUE, blind
handovers can be performed to the neighboring cell.
Set this parameter through ADD UINTERFREQNCELL/ MOD UINTERFREQNCELL.

Load-based Inter-Frequency Handover -

Decision Phase
z Step 1: Based on the handover state, the RNC determines how to trigger
an inter-frequency blind handover:
Perform direct blind handover, go to step 2
Perform conditional blind handover, go to step 3
Do not perform blind handover
z Step 2: The RNC check whether the conditions of direct blind handover
are met or not. If yes, UE perform direct blind handover. Otherwise, go to
step 3
z Step 3: The RNC check whether the conditions of conditional blind
handover are met or not. If yes, UE perform conditional blind handover.
Otherwise, not perform blind handover
z Step 1:
If the UE is not in soft handover state, the UE directly performs inter-frequency
blind handover based on load.
If the UE is in soft handover state, the UE operates based on the following
conditions:
If the HO_ALGO_LDR_ALLOW_SHO_SWITCH is set to ON, the RNC
determines whether the cell that triggers LDR is the best cell.
If this cell is the best cell, the RNC initiates an intra-frequency
measurement for inter-frequency blind handover based on load.
If this cell is not the best cell, the RNC does not initiate an inter-
frequency blind handover based on load.
If the HO_ALGO_LDR_ALLOW_SHO_SWITCH is set to OFF, the RNC does
not initiate an inter-frequency blind handover based on load.
z Step 2:
According to the parameter BlindHOQualityCondition, the RNC executes:
If the value of the parameter of a cell is -115dBm, the RNC performs direct
blind handover to this cell.
If there is no such cell with the parameter value -115dBm, the RNC initiates
an intra-frequency measurement for conditional blind handover.
If the neighboring cells have the same BlindHOQualityCondition value, the
RNC chooses any one of them.

z Step 3:
The inter-frequency cells with the same coverage area have the same CPICH RSCP
values. By measuring the CPICH RSCP of the cell, the quality of the cells with the
same coverage area can be determined, which increases the probability of
successful blind handover.
1. The RNC initializes the timer of intra-frequency measurement for blind handover.
The timer is specified by internal algorithm and need not be configured.
2. The RNC initiates a periodical intra-frequency measurement. The measurement
report mode is set to periodical report.
The reporting period is BlindHOIntrafreqMRInterval.
The number of measurement reports is BlindHOIntrafreqMRAmount.
The intra-frequency handover measurement quantity is CPICH RSCP.
The list of measured cells contains only the cells that trigger LDR.
3. After receiving from the UE the intra-frequency measurement reports for
conditional blind handover, the RNC checks whether the following condition is met:
CPICH RSCP of the cell in the measurement report ≥ BlindHOQualityCondition
If the condition is met, the RNC increments the counter of the number of
intra-frequency measurement reports for blind handover by 1.
If the condition is not met, the RNC does not perform a blind handover to
the cell that triggers LDR and stops intra-frequency measurement for blind
handover.
4. When the counter reaches the value of BlindHOIntrafreqMRAmount, the RNC
initiates a blind handover to the cell that triggers LDR.
5. If the counter does not reach this value, the RNC waits for the next intra-
frequency measurement report from the UE.
6. If the timer of intra-frequency measurement for blind handover expires, the RNC
does not perform a blind handover to the cell that triggers LDR and stops intra-
frequency handover measurement for blind handover.

Handover (Cont.)
z HO_ALGO_LDR_ALLOW_SHO_SWITCH
Parameter name: HandOver switch
z BlindHOQualityCondition
Parameter name: Blind handover condition
z HO_ALGO_LDR_ALLOW_SHO_SWITCH
Content: When the switch is on, the LDR inter-frequency handover is allowed
during soft handover.

z BlindHOQualityCondition
Content: Blind handover condition. If the value is not -115, the handover is defined
as Conditional Blind HO, which is used for the inter-frequency neighboring cells of
the same coverage. If the value is -115, the handover is defined as Direct Blind HO,
which is used for the inter-frequency neighboring cells of larger coverage.
Physical unit: dBm
Set this parameter through ADD UINTERFREQNCELL/ MOD UINTERFREQNCELL.

Handover (Cont.)
z BlindHOIntrafreqMRInterval
Parameter name: Intrafrequency measurement report interval of
blind HO
z BlindHOIntrafreqMRAmount
Parameter name: Intrafrequency measurement report amount of
blind handover
Recommended value: D2, namely 2 times
z BlindHOIntrafreqMRInterval
Content: This parameter specifies the intra-frequency measurement report interval of blind
handover. It determines the intra-frequency measurement reporting interval of Load
Reshuffling (LDR) blind handover. The smaller the value of this parameter, the smaller the
intra-frequency measurement reporting interval, and the smaller the time for intra-
frequency measurement. But the greater the influence of signal fluctuation, which can
result in wrong handover. On the contrary, the larger the value of this parameter, the
longer the intra-frequency measurement reporting interval, and the less the influence of
signal fluctuation, which can improve the possibility of successful blind handover. But if the
time for intra-frequency measurement becomes long, the handover may not be performed
timely.
Value range: D250, D500
Physical unit: ms
z BlindHOIntrafreqMRAmount
Content: This parameter is used in the algorithm of the load reshuffling (LDR) intra-
frequency blind handover. This parameter defines how many measurement reports are
needed for making the blind handover decision. The RNC starts blind handover only if the
UE continuously reports adequate intra-frequency measurement reports that meet the
quality requirements of blind handover. During the measurement process, if the UE reports
an unqualified measurement report, the process ends. And the RNC does not start blind
handover on the target cell.
Value range: D1, D2, D4, D8
Physical value range: 1, 2, 4, 8
z Set these parameters through SET UINTRAFREQHO.

Contents

Speed-based Inter-Frequency Handover

The RNC receives the handover request according to the HCS speed estimation.
The handover based on HCS speed estimation is of two types: handover from the
macro cell to the micro cell and handover from the micro cell to the macro cell. For
different types of handover, the RNC acts differently.
z In the measurement and decision phases:
If the handover is performed from a macro cell to a micro cell, the RNC sends an
inter-frequency measurement control message. After the UE reports event 2C, the
RNC performs the handover decision. For inter-RAT handover, the UE reports event
3C.
If the handover is performed from a micro cell to a macro cell, the RNC directly
performs blind handover, ignoring the measurement procedure.

The RNC initiates a handover procedure.
If the handover is performed from a micro cell to a macro cell and the target cell of
blind handover is configured (through the parameter BlindHOFlag), the RNC

performs blind handover to the target cell.
If the blind handover fails or the handover is performed from a macro cell to a
micro cell, the RNC starts the inter-frequency (or inter-RAT) measurement
procedure. If the inter-frequency measurement mode is employed, the RNC
performs the inter-frequency handover procedure to the cell with the best quality
after receiving event 2C from the UE.

Decision of Micro Cell to Macro Cell

Handover
z The RNC selects the neighboring cells with a lower HCSPrio to generate a cell
set. If there are neighboring cells with several candidate frequencies, then the
RNC selects one of the frequencies randomly
z The RNC searches for neighboring cells for blind handover according to
BlindHOFlag
z The RNC chooses a neighboring cell whose BlindHOQualityCondition value is

the smallest for blind handover
z The RNC determines whether the target cell supports the current service. If
the target cell does not support the current service, the RNC does not
perform the blind handover

Decision of Macro Cell to Micro Cell

Handover
z Add all the pilot cells that trigger event 2C to a cell set and
arrange the cells according to the measurement quality in
descending order
z Select the cells in turn from the cell set to perform inter-
frequency handover
z Event 2C is only used in Speed-based inter-frequency handover.

z After RNC believe the UE is in low-speed state, RNC will start handover from the macro cell
to the micro cell. The RNC triggers compressed mode firstly, then sends an inter-frequency
measurement control message for 2C event to start the inter-frequency measurement
procedure.

Decision of Macro Cell to Micro Cell

Handover (Cont.)
z 2C event:
The estimated quality of a non-used frequency is above a certain
threshold
QNoused ≥ TNoused2c + H2c/2
z QNoused is the measured quality of the cell that uses the other frequencies.
z TNoused2c is the absolute quality threshold of the cell that uses the other frequencies,
namely, InterFreqNCovHOThdEcN0.
z H2c is the event 2C hysteresis value Hystfor2C.
z After the conditions of event 2C are fulfilled and maintained until the parameter
TrigTime2C is reached, the UE reports the event 2C measurement report message.
z 2C Event only takes the CPICH Ec/No as the measurement quantity.

Handover (Cont.)
z InterFreqNCovHOThdEcN0
Parameter name: Inter-freq measure target frequency trigger
Ec/No THD
z Hystfor2C
z TrigTime2C
z InterFreqNCovHOThdEcN0
Content: Threshold of signal quality of the target frequency for triggering inter-frequency
measurement. This parameter is used to set measurement control on the event 2C. The event 2C is
triggered when the signal quality of the target frequency is above this threshold.
Value range: -24~0
Physical unit: dB
z 2C hysteresis
Content: Hysteresis value for the event 2C. The value of this parameter correlates with slow fading.
The larger the value of this parameter, the stronger the capability of resisting signal fluctuation. Thus,
the ping-pong effect can be resisted, but the speed of the handover algorithm to respond to signal
change becomes lower, and therefore event 2C might not be triggered in time.
Value range: 0~29
Physical unit: dB
z TrigTime2C
Content: Time delay to trigger the event 2C. The value of this parameter correlates with slow fading.
The larger the value of this parameter, the lower probability of incorrect decision, but the slower the
response of event 2C to the change of measured signals. .
Value range D0, D10, D20, D40, D60, D80, D100, D120, D160, D200, D240, D320, D640, D1280,
D2560, D5000
Physical value range: 0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 160, 200, 240, 320, 640, 1280, 2560, 5000
Physical unit: ms
z Set these parameters through ADD UCELLINTERFREQHONCOV/ MOD UCELLINTERFREQHONCOV/ SET
UINTERFREQHONCOV.

Contents

Blind Handover based on Event 1F

z Blind handover in inter-frequency handover:
Load-based handover
Speed-based handover from micro cell to macro cell
1F event triggered inter-frequency handover
z 1F event is a intra-frequency measurement event, like as 1A,1B,1C,1D.

z Events 1A,1B,1C,1D are used to trigger intra-frequency handover, however event 1F only
trigger inter-frequency or Inter-RAT blind handover.
z When there is only one cell in the active set, the RNC performs inter-frequency blind
handover after receiving event 1F.
z When the UE is in soft handover state, the procedure of blind handover decision and
execution based on event 1F is as follows:
The RNC determines whether the cell that reports event 1F is the best cell. If the
cell is not the best cell, the RNC does not initiate a blind handover.
If the cell is the best cell, and the CPICH_RSCP of the cell is smaller than or equal to
BlindHORSCP1FThreshold, the RNC searches for neighboring cells for blind

handover according to BlindHOFlag.
If there are many neighboring cells, the RNC chooses a neighboring cell whose
BlindHOQualityCondition value is smallest for blind handover.

If the neighboring cells have the same BlindHOQualityCondition value, the RNC
chooses any one of them.

Blind Handover based on Event 1F (Cont.)

z 1F event:
A PCPICH becomes worse than an absolute threshold
MOld ≤ T1f - H1f/2
z MOld is the measurement value of the cell that becomes worse.

z T1f is an absolute threshold. It is set through the parameter IntraAblThdFor1FRSCP or
IntraAblThdFor1FecNo.
z H1f is the event 1F hysteresis value set through the parameter Hystfor1F.
z After the conditions of event 1F are fulfilled and maintained until the parameter
TrigTime1F is reached, the UE reports the event 1F measurement report message.

Handover (Cont.)
z IntraAblThdFor1FecNo
Parameter name: 1F event absolute EcNo threshold
z IntraAblThdFor1FRSCP
Parameter name: 1F event absolute RSCP threshold
• IntraAblThdFor1FecNo
Content: This parameter specifies the Ec/No absolute threshold of event 1F in the SHO
algorithm, corresponding to the guarantee signal strength with QoS of basic service. The
emergency blind handover is a special occasion that requires on-site measurements on the
scope of the pilot strength of the best cell at the location where the blind handover is
triggered. Generally, this function need not be started, so the parameter is set to the lowest
value by default, indicating that the blind handover is not triggered. The larger the set value
is, the more easily the event 1F can be triggered. The smaller the set value is, the more
difficultly the event 1F can be triggered.
Value range: -24~0
Physical unit: dB
z IntraAblThdFor1FRSCP
Content: This parameter specifies the RSCP absolute threshold of event 1F in the SHO
algorithm, corresponding to the guarantee signal strength with the QoS of basic service.
The emergency blind handover is a special occasion that requires on-site measurements on
the scope of the pilot strength of the best cell at the location where the blind handover is
triggered. Generally, this function need not be started, so the parameter is set to the lowest
value by default, indicating that the blind handover is not triggered. The larger the set value
is, the more easily the event 1F can be triggered. The smaller the set value is, the more
difficultly the event 1F can be triggered.
Physical value range: -115~-25 ; step: 1
Physical unit: dBm
• Set these parameters through SET UINTRAFREQHO/ADD UCELLINTRAFREQHO/MOD
UCELLINTRAFREQHO.

Handover (Cont.)
z Hystfor1F
Parameter name: 1F hysteresis
z TrigTime1F
Parameter name: 1F event trigger delay time
z BlindHORSCP1FThreshold
Parameter name: 1F event blind handover trigger condition
z Hystfor1F
Content: This parameter specifies the hysteresis value for event 1F. The value of this parameter
correlates with slow fading. The larger the value of this parameter, the less possibility of ping-pong
effect or wrong decision. But the event might not be triggered in time.
Value range: 0~15
Physical unit: dB
• TrigTime1F
Content: This parameter specifies the time delay to trigger 1F. The value of this parameter correlates
with slow fading. The larger the value of this parameter, the lower the incorrect decision probability,
but the slower the response of the event to measurement signal change.
Value range: D0, D10, D20, D40, D60, D80, D100, D120, D160, D200, D240, D320, D640, D1280,
D2560, D5000
Physical value range: 0,10,20,40,60,80,100,120,160,200,240,320,640,1280,2560,5000
Physical unit: ms
• BlindHORSCP1FThreshold
Content: This parameter specifies the quality threshold for the event 1F reported cell to trigger blind
handover. This parameter defines the lowest quality threshold of the emergency blind handover. The
blind handover is implemented only if the signal quality in the cell, which reports event 1F, exceeds
the specified threshold. Otherwise, the report will be discarded. This parameter is set to raise the
possibility of successful blind handover. If the signal quality in the cells that report event 1F are all
very poor, this indicates that the user is located at the edge of coverage area. Under this condition,
if the blind handover is initiated rashly, the possibility of call drop increases.
Physical unit: dBm
• Set these parameters through SET UINTRAFREQHO/ADD UCELLINTRAFREQHO/MOD UCELLINTRAFREQHO.

Contents

Inter-Frequency anti-Ping-Pong
z When a coverage-based inter-frequency handover or an inter-
frequency blind handover based on event 1F occurs, the RNC
starts the timer specified by IFAntiPingpangTimerLength for the
UE
z When a non-coverage-based inter-frequency handover is
triggered, first, the RNC determines whether the timer specified
by IFAntiPingpangTimerLength expires
If the timer does not expire, the RNC cancels the handover
If the timer expires, the RNC performs the handover
z After an inter-frequency handover based on coverage or an inter-frequency blind handover

based on event 1F occurs, the RNC starts the anti-ping-pong algorithm to prevent frequent
switching between inter-frequency handovers triggered by different causes.

Handover (Cont.)
z IFAntiPingpangTimerLength
Parameter name: The timer length of anti pingpong NCOV
interfreq handover
z IFAntiPingpangTimerLength
Content: After the coverage based handover succeeds, to avoid the handover of
the UE to another frequency due to the following factors: overload, speed

estimation, MBMS channel reselection, and QoS, frequent handovers occur. The
RNC will start the inter-frequency non-coverage based anti-ping-pong timer and
prohibit the handover or measurement caused by the previous factors before the
timeout of the timer. The larger this parameter, the better effect the anti-frequent
handover. This, however, will affect the management policy of the cell or the
quality of service felt by the users; the smaller this parameter, the more frequent
the inter-frequency handover.
Value range: 0~120
Physical unit: s
Set this parameter through SET UHOCOMM.

Contents

Inter-Frequency Handover Retry

z If an inter-frequency handover based on event-triggered
measurement report mode fails, the RNC initiates the inter-
frequency handover attempt according to an inter-frequency
retry algorithm:
After the inter-frequency handover fails, the retry timer for the cell
is started
After the retry timer expires, the UE makes a handover attempt to
the cell again until the retry number exceeds the maximum
allowed retry number. If the handover succeeds or two new event
2B/2C reports are received, the periodical retry is stopped
z For the inter-frequency handover based on coverage or QoS, the following two
parameters determine the retry period and the maximum number of retry times:
Retry timer: PeriodFor2B
Maximum number of retry times: AmntOfRpt2B
z For the inter-frequency handover based on speed, the following two parameters
determine the retry period and the maximum number of retry times:
Retry timer: PeriodFor2C
Maximum number of retry times: AmntOfRpt2C

Handover (Cont.)
z PeriodFor2B
Parameter name: 2B event retry period
z AmntOfRpt2B
Parameter name: 2B event retry max times
Recommended value: 4, namely 4 times
z PeriodFor2B
Content: 2B event retry period. This parameter defines the length of the event 2B
retry period. The smaller the value of this parameter, the more frequent the
handover retry due to inter-frequency handover failure, and the faster the UE to be
successfully handed over to the target cell whose load is restored, thus lowering
the probability of call drops. In this case, however, frequent handover retry brings
more load to the RNC system.
Value range: 1~64
Physical unit: ms
z AmntOfRpt2B
Content: Maximum number of times for event 2B retry. This parameter defines the
number of times for event 2B retry when the measurement control is valid. The
larger the value of this parameter, the larger the number of times for inter-
frequency handover retry, and the higher probability for the UE to be successfully
handed over to the target cell whose load is restored. After the maximum number
of times for event 2B retry, the RNC sends the inter-frequency measurement
control message again to hand over the UEs to the other cells of this frequency. If
the measurement control message is released, the retry will be immediately
stopped.
Value range: 0~63
Physical value range: 0~62, 63: Infinity; step: 1
z Set these parameters through SET UINTRERFREQHOCOV/ ADD UCELLINTERFREQHOCOV/

MOD UCELLINTERFREQHOCOV.

Handover (Cont.)
z PeriodFor2C
Parameter name: 2C event retry period
z AmntOfRpt2C
Parameter name: 2C event retry max times
z PeriodFor2C
Content: Retry period for the event 2C. This parameter defines the length of the
event 2C retry period. The smaller the value of this parameter, the more frequent
the handover retry due to inter-frequency handover failure, and the faster the UE
to be successfully handed over to the target cell whose load is restored. In this case,
however, frequent handover retry brings more load to the RNC system.
Value range: 1~64
Physical unit: ms
z AmntOfRpt2C
Content: Maximum retry times of the event 2C. This parameter defines the number
of times for event 2C retry when the measurement control is valid. The larger the
value of this parameter, the larger the number of times for inter-frequency
handover retry, and the higher probability for the UE to be successfully handed
over to the target cell whose load is restored. When the retry times reaches the
maximum value, the RNC stops the retry process. Or if the measurement control
message is released, the retry will be immediately stopped.
Value range: 0~63
z Set these parameters through SET UINTRERFREQHONCOV/ ADD

UCELLINTERFREQHONCOV/ MOD UCELLINTERFREQHONCOV.

Contents

Signaling Procedures for Inter-

Frequency Handover
z Intra-RNC inter-frequency handover:

Signaling Procedures for Inter-

Frequency Handover (Cont.)
z Inter-RNC inter-frequency handover:

Contents

Contents
1. Inter-RAT Handover Overview
2. Inter-RAT Handover Procedure
3. Signaling Procedures for Inter-RAT Handover

Inter-RAT Handover Scenarios
z Inter-RAT handover refers to the handover performed between 3G network and 2G

network. Inter-RAT handover provides continuous coverage, load sharing, and HCS
services, which fully utilizes the existing 2G network resources and thus reduces operator's
cost.
z In this handover, however, GSM and UMTS dual-mode UEs (MSs) are required, and both
the GSM MSC and the GSM BSS must be upgraded.

Inter-RAT Handover Types

z Based on the triggering causes of handover, inter-frequency
handover can be categorized into five types:
Coverage-based 3G to 2G handover
QoS-based 3G to 2G handover
Load-based 3G to 2G handover
Service-based 3G to 2G handover
Speed-based 3G to 2G handover
z Coverage-based 3G to 2G handover:
The coverage of the 3G network is incontinuous at the initial stage. On the border
of the coverage, the poor signal quality of the 3G network triggers the 3G-to-2G
measurement. If the signal quality of the 2G network is good enough and all the
services of the UE are supported by the 2G network, the coverage-based 3G to 2G
handover is triggered.
z QoS-based 3G to 2G handover:
According to the Link Stability Control Algorithm, the RNC needs to trigger the
QoS-based 3G to 2G handover to avoid call drops.
z Load-based 3G to 2G handover:
If the load of the 3G network is heavy and all the RABs of the UE are supported by
the 2G network, the load-based 3G to 2G handover is triggered.
z Service-based 3G to 2G handover:
Based on layered services, the traffic of different classes is handed over to different
systems. For example, when an Adaptive Multi Rate (AMR) speech service is
requested, this service can be handed over to the 2G network.
z Speed-based 3G to 2G handover:
The principles of the 3G-to-2G handover based on HCS speed estimation are
similar to those of inter-frequency handover.

Inter-RAT Handover Preconditions

z Before handover, the RNC checks whether all the following
preconditions for the 3G to 2G handover are met:
2G cell capability
Service capability
UE capability
Service handover indicator
z 2G cell capability:
2G cell capability is configured through the parameter RATCELLTYPE. This
parameter indicates whether the cell supports the GSM, GPRS, or EDGE.
For more detailed information, please refer to the ADD UEXT2GCELL command.
z Service capability:
The required 2G capability (Req2GCap) specifies the capability of 2G cells required
by inter-RAT handover. This indicates whether the service is supported by the GSM,
GPRS, or EDGE.
For more detailed information, please refer to the ADD UTYPRABBASIC command.
z UE capability:
Upon the reception of the UE capability information message, the RNC decides
whether to start the inter-RAT measurement. The information indicates whether

the UE supports the GSM, GPRS, or EDGE.

z Service handover indicator:

The IE service handover indicator indicates the CN policy for the service handover to the 2G
network. This IE is indicated in the Radio Access Bearer (RAB) assignment signaling assigned
by the CN, or in the following table configured in the RNC by default.
The algorithm switch HoSwitch: HO_INTER_RAT_RNC_SERVICE_HO_SWITCH decides
whether the service attribute of inter-RAT handover is based on the RNC or the CN.
If the switch is set to on, the service attribute of inter-RAT handover is based on
the parameter configured on the RNC side.
If the switch is set to off, the service attribute of inter-RAT handover is first based
on the CN when the indicator is contained in the RAB assignment signaling
assigned by the CN. If the CN does not allocate a service indicator, the service
attribute of inter-RAT handover is based on the RNC side.
For more detailed information, please refer to the SET UCORRMALGOSWITCH
command.
Through the SHIND parameter, the service handover indicators are set as follows:
HO_TO_GSM_SHOULD_BE_PERFORM: means that the handover to the 2G
network is performed when 2G signals are available.
HO_TO_GSM_SHOULD_NOT_BE_PERFORM: means that the handover to the 2G
network is performed when 3G signals are weak but 2G signals are strong.
HO_TO_GSM_SHALL_NOT_BE_PERFORM: means that the handover to the 2G
network is not performed even when 3G signals are weak but 2G signals are
strong.
For more detailed information, please refer to the ADD UTYPRABBASIC command.
CN Max Service Handover Required 2G

Traffic Class
Domain Rate Indicator Capability
HO_TO_GSM_SHOULD_N
CS CONVERSATIONAL 12.2k GSM
OT_BE_PERFORM
HO_TO_GSM_SHALL_NOT
CS CONVERSATIONAL 64k GSM
_BE_PERFORM
HO_TO_GSM_SHOULD_N
PS INTERACTIVE 64k GPRS
OT_BE_PERFORM
HO_TO_GSM_SHOULD_N
PS INTERACTIVE 384k EDGE
OT_BE_PERFORM
HO_TO_GSM_SHOULD_N
PS BACKGROUND 64k GPRS
OT_BE_PERFORM
HO_TO_GSM_SHOULD_N
PS BACKGROUND 384k EDGE
OT_BE_PERFORM
HO_TO_GSM_SHALL_NOT
PS BACKGROUND >384k EDGE
_BE_PERFORM

Inter-RAT Handover Rules

z Rules for coverage-based and QoS-based 3G to 2G Handover:
Service handover indicator:
HO_TO_GSM_SHOULD_BE_PERFORM
HO_TO_GSM_SHOULD_NOT_BE_PERFORM
Three types of capability:

Refer to the following table
Cell UE Capability Service Capability (Required by 2G)

Capability
EDGE GPRS GSM
EDGE EDGE Allowed Allowed Allowed
GPRS Allowed Allowed Allowed
GSM Not allowed Not allowed Allowed
Not supported Not allowed Not allowed Not allowed
by 2G
GPRS EDGE Allowed Allowed Allowed
GPRS Allowed Allowed Allowed
by 2G
GSM EDGE Not allowed Not allowed Allowed
GPRS Not allowed Not allowed Allowed
by 2G

Inter-RAT Handover Rules (Cont.)

z Rules for Load-based 3G to 2G Handover:
Service handover indicator:
HO_TO_GSM_SHOULD_NOT_BE_PERFORM

Refer to the following table
Cell UE Capability Service Capability (Required by 2G)

Capability
EDGE GPRS GSM
EDGE EDGE Allowed Allowed Allowed
GPRS Not allowed Allowed Allowed
Not supported by 2G Not allowed Not allowed Not
allowed
GPRS EDGE Not allowed Allowed Allowed
GPRS Not allowed Allowed Allowed
allowed
GSM EDGE Not allowed Not allowed Allowed
GPRS Not allowed Not allowed Allowed
allowed

Inter-RAT Handover Rules (Cont.)

z Rules for service-based 3G to 2G Handover
Service Handover Indicator

Refer to the table of load-based handover
Service switch
z To perform the service-based 3G to 2G handover, the RNC must turn on the related
switches for services in the CS and PS domains.
When a single CS service is initially set up by the UE, the RNC allows the 3G to 2G
service-based handover if CSServiceHOSwitch is set to on.

When a single PS service is initially set up by the UE, the RNC allows the service-
based 3G-to-2G handover if PSServiceHOSwitch is set to on.

For the CS and PS combined services, no service-based handover is triggered.
For more detailed information, please refer to the ADD UCELLHOCOMM command.

Contents
1. Coverage-based Inter-RAT Handover
2. QoS-based Inter-RAT Handover
3. Load-based Inter-RAT Handover
4. Service-based Inter-RAT Handover
5. UMTS to GSM Multimedia Fallback
6. NACC and PS Handover
7. UMTS to GSM Handover Retry

Coverage-based Inter-RAT Handover

The RNC requests the UE to measure through an inter-RAT measurement control
message. If the CPICH Ec/No or CPICH RSCP of the current cell is lower than the
corresponding threshold, the UE reports event 2D.
The RNC sends an inter-RAT measurement control message to the UE, requesting
the NodeB and UE to start the compressed mode. The RNC also requests the UE to
perform the inter-RAT measurement.
In this phase, the method of either periodical measurement report or event-
triggered measurement report can be used.

After the UE reports event 3A, the RNC performs the handover. Otherwise, the UE
periodically generates measurement reports, and the RNC makes a decision after
evaluation.
The RNC executes the handover procedure.

Coverage-based Inter-RAT Handover -

Triggering Phase
z Triggering event:
2D event:
The estimated quality of the currently used frequency is below a certain
threshold
2F event:
The estimated quality of the currently used frequency is above a certain
threshold
z When the estimated quality or strength of the currently used frequency is below a certain
threshold,2D event will be triggered. Then RNC will initiate the compressed mode to start
inter-RAT handover measurement.
z During compressed mode, if the estimated quality or strength of the currently used
frequency is above a certain threshold, 2F event will be triggered. Then RNC will stop the
compressed mode.


Events
z 2D event:
QUsed ≤ TUsed2d - H2d/2
z QUsed is the measurement value of the cell at the currently used frequency.
z TUsed2d is the absolute quality threshold of the cell at the currently used frequency. Based
InterRATCSThd2DEcN0
InterRATR99PsThd2DEcN0
InterRATHThd2DEcN0
InterRATCSThd2DRSCP
InterRATR99PsThd2DRSCP
InterRATHThd2DRSCP
z H2d is the event 2D hysteresis value set through the parameter HystFor2D.
z When the conditions for event 2D are met and maintained in time-to-trigger specified by
the parameter TimeToTrig2D, the UE sends the measurement report of event 2D.
z Any of the Ec/No and RSCP measurement result can trigger the 2D event.

Parameters of Inter-RAT Handover

z Recommended values of 2D event:
Parameter Recommended Value
InterRATCSThd2DEcN0 -14, namely -14dB
InterRATR99PsThd2DEcN0 -15, namely -15dB
InterRATHThd2DEcN0 -15, namely-15dB
InterRATCSThd2DRSCP -100, namely -100dBm
InterRATR99PsThd2DRSCP -110, namely -110dBm
InterRATHThd2DRSCP -110, namely -110dBm
HystFor2D 4, namely 2dB
TimeToTrig2D D320, namely 320ms
z The parameters for inter-RAT handover 2D are similar with inter-frequency handover.
z Set above parameters through ADD UCELLINTERRATHOCOV/ MOD
UCELLINTERRATHOCOV/ SET UINTERRATHOCOV.


Events (Cont.)
z 2F event:
QUsed ≥ TUsed2f + H2f/2
z TUsed2f is the absolute quality threshold of the cell at the currently used frequency. Based
InterRATCSThd2FEcN0
InterRATR99PsThd2FEcN0
InterRATHThd2FEcN0
InterRATCSThd2FRSCP
InterRATR99PsThd2FRSCP
InterRATHThd2FRSCP
z H2f is the event 2F hysteresis value set through the parameter HystFor2F.
z When the conditions for event 2F are met and maintained in time-to-trigger specified by
TrigTime2F, the UE sends the measurement report of event 2F.
z Any of Ec/No and RSCP measurement result can trigger the 2F event.
z Conditions of event 2F are as follows: TUsed2d - H2d/2 < TUsed2f + H2f/2, for example,
(InterRATCSThd2DEcN0–HystFor2D/2) < (InterRATCSThd2FEcN0+ HystFor2F/2).


(Cont.)
z Recommended values of 2F event:
Parameter Recommended Value
InterRATCSThd2FEcN0 -12, namely -12dB
InterRATR99PsThd2FEcN0 -13, namely -13dB
InterRATHThd2FEcN0 -13, namely-13dB
InterRATCSThd2FRSCP -97, namely -97dBm
InterRATR99PsThd2FRSCP -107, namely -107dBm
InterRATHThd2FRSCP -107, namely -107dBm
HystFor2F 4, namely 2dB
TimeToTrig2F D1280, namely 1280ms
z The parameters for inter-RAT handover 2F are similar with inter-frequency handover.
z Set above parameters through ADD UCELLINTERRATHOCOV/ MOD

Interoperability between Inter-RAT and

Inter-Frequency Handover
z Inter-frequency measurement:
2D, 2F event
Inter-frequency neighboring cell Measure

inter-frequency
neighbor?
z Inter-RAT measurement:
2D, 2F event
Inter-RAT neighboring cell
Measure inter-
RAT neighbor?
z During the coverage-based and QoS-based 3G to 2G handover, the measurements on

both inter-frequency and inter-RAT neighboring cells can be made, which enables the cells
to provide continuous coverage and high quality.
z The preconditions for the measurements are as follows:
Both inter-frequency and inter-RAT neighboring cells are available.
InterFreqRATSwitch is set to SIMINTERFREQRAT.
z If InterFreqRATSwitch is set to:

Inter-frequency measurement (INTERFREQ), the RNC allows the UE to perform only
this type of measurement.

Inter-RAT measurement (INTERRAT), the RNC allows the UE to perform only this
type of measurement.
Concurrent inter-frequency and inter-RAT measurement (SIMINTERFREQRAT), the
RNC allows the UE to perform both types of measurement at the same time.
z During the concurrent inter-frequency and inter-RAT measurement, the values of the
parameter CoexistMeasThdChoice for event 2D are chosen as follows:
When the value COEXIST_MEAS_THD_CHOICE_INTERFREQ is chosen, the inter-
frequency measurement threshold for event 2D is used.

When the value COEXIST_MEAS_THD_CHOICE_INTERRAT is chosen, the inter-RAT
measurement threshold for event 2D is used.


(Cont.)
z InterFreqRATSwitch
Parameter name: Inter-freq and Inter-RAT coexist switch
Recommended value: SIMINTERFREQRAT
z CoexistMeasThdChoice
Parameter name: InterFreq and InterRat coexist measure threshold
choice
Recommended value: COEXIST_MEAS_THD_CHOICE_INTERFREQ
z InterFreqRATSwitch
Content: Cell-level switch for inter-frequency and inter-RAT handover.
INTERFREQ: only measuring inter-frequency cells and performing inter-frequency handover.
INTERRAT: only measuring GSM cells and performing inter-RAT handover .
SIMINTERFREQRAT: measuring both inter-frequency and inter-RAT cells, performing inter-
frequency or inter-RAT handover according to the type of the cell that first meets the
handover decision condition.
Value range: INTERFREQ, INTERRAT, SIMINTERFREQRAT
Physical value range: Inter-frequency handover only, Inter-RAT handover only, Inter-
frequency and Inter-RAT handover
z CoexistMeasThdChoice
Content: Type of event 2D/2F measurement thresholds when inter-frequency and inter-RAT
measurements coexist.
COEXIST_MEAS_THD_CHOICE_INTERFREQ: choosing the inter-frequency oriented
parameters as event 2D/2F measurement thresholds for inter-frequency measurement.
COEXIST_MEAS_THD_CHOICE_INTERRAT: choosing the inter-RAT oriented parameters as
event 2D/2F measurement thresholds for inter-RAT measurement.
Value range: COEXIST_MEAS_THD_CHOICE_INTERFREQ,
COEXIST_MEAS_THD_CHOICE_INTERRAT
Physical value range: Choosing the inter-frequency oriented parameters, Choosing the
inter-RAT oriented parameters
z Set these parameters through SET UHOCOMM/ ADD UCELLHOCOMM/ MOD UCELLHOCOMM.


Measurement Phase
UE RNC
Measurement report (2D)
Physical Channel Recfg (CM)
Physical Channel Recfg Complet (CM)
Measurement control (RSCP or Ec/No)
z When the UE enters the compressed mode, RNC will trigger the inter-RAT handover
measurement by one measurement control signaling, so as to request UE test inter-RAT
neighbor cell.
z In this Measurement control message, RNC should inform the UE inter-RAT measurement
parameters, including neighbor list and reporting mode as well.


Measurement Phase (Cont.)
UE RNC UE RNC
Measurement report
Measurement report Measurement report (3A)
Measurement report
Handover
Handover
Periodical Reporting Event Reporting
z The measurement report mode of inter-RAT handover is configured through the parameter
InterRatReportMode. By default, periodically reporting is recommended.
z Based on the measurement control message received from the RNC, the UE periodically
reports the measurement quality of the target cell. Then, based on the measurement
report, the RNC makes the handover decision and performs handover.
z If the reporting mode is periodically reporting: UE only test the Inter-RAT neighbor RSSI
only.
z If the reporting mode is event trigger reporting: UE test the Inter-RAT neighbor RSSI and
current cell Ec/No or RSCP:
In coverage-based 3G to 2G handover, the event 3A measurement quantity is set
through the parameter MeasQuantityOf3A.

In QoS-based 3G to 2G handover, the event 3A measurement quantity is set
through the parameter UsedFreqMeasQuantityForQos3A.


(Cont.)
z InterRatReportMode
Parameter name: Inter-RAT report mode
Recommended value: PERIODICAL_REPORTING
z InterRATPeriodReportInterval
Parameter name: Inter-RAT period report interval
z InterRatReportMode
Content: Inter-RAT measurement report mode.
When PERIODICAL_REPORTING is selected, you can infer that periodical inter-RAT

measurement report is adopted; when EVENT_TRIGGER is selected, you can infer
that event-triggered inter-RAT measurement report is adopted.
Value range: PERIODICAL_REPORTING, EVENT_TRIGGER
Physical value range: Periodical reporting, Event trigger
z InterRATPeriodReportInterval
Content: Interval that the UE reports inter-RAT measurement results to the RNC. In
periodical report mode, the interval between two reports is the configured value.
That is, the UE submits reports at intervals of the configured time.
D4000, D6000, D8000, D12000, D16000, D20000, D24000, D28000, D32000,

D64000
Physical value range: Non periodical reporting, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000,
6000, 8000, 12000, 16000, 20000, 24000, 28000, 32000, 64000

Physical unit: ms
z Set these parameters through ADD UCELLINTERRATHOCOV/ MOD



(Cont.)
z InterRATMeasTime
Parameter name: Inter-RAT measure timer length
z MeasQuantityOf3A
Parameter name: 3A Measure Quantity
Recommended value: Auto, namely based on the 2D
z InterRATMeasTime
Content: Timer length for inter-RAT measurement. After inter-RAT measurement starts, if
no inter-RAT handover is performed when this timer times out, the inter-RAT measurement
is stopped. In addition, the compressed mode is deactivated, if any; If the value is 0, you
can infer that the inter-RAT measurement timer is not started.
Value range: 0~512
Physical unit: s
z MeasQuantityOf3A
Content: Measurement quantity used in coverage-based inter-RAT measurement in event
3A-triggered reporting mode.
CPICH_Ec/No indicates that the Ec/No measurement quantity is used for event 3A
measurement. The physical unit is dB.
CPICH_RSCP indicates that the RSCP measurement quantity is used for event 3A
measurement. The physical unit is dBm.
AUTO indicates that the Ec/N0 measurement quantity is used for event 3A measurement if
RNC receives the Ec/No 2D firstly; the RSCP measurement quantity is used for event 3A
measurement if RNC receives the RSCP 2D firstly.
This parameter can be configured only when InterRatReportMode is set to EVENT_TRIGGER.
Value range: CPICH_EC/NO, CPICH_RSCP, AUTO
Physical value range: CPICH_EC/NO, CPICH_RSCP, AUTO
z Set these parameters through ADD UCELLINTERRATHOCOV/ MOD UCELLINTERRATHOCOV/ SET
UINTERRATHOCOV.


Decision Phase
z The coverage-based and QoS-based 3G to 2G handover is
categorized into two types according to the following two
measurement report modes:
Periodical measurement report mode
Event-triggered measurement report mode
z Each mode corresponds to a different decision and execution

procedure


Decision Phase (Cont.)
RNC decide whether the quality of 2G cells meets the conditions of inter-
RAT handover. The evaluation formula is listed below:
Mother_RAT + CIOother_RAT ≥ Tother_RAT + H/2
Start the evaluation of the cells that meet the quality requirement and
start the time-to-trigger timer. If the measurement report meet the
following formula and time-to-trigger timer does not expire, stop the
time-to-trigger timer
Mother_RAT + CIOother_RAT < Tother_RAT - H/2
Select the cells in sequence, that is, from high quality cells to low quality
ones, to initiate 3G to 2G handover in the cells where the handover time-
to-trigger timer expires
z Mother_RAT is the measurement result of inter-RAT handover (RSSI) received by the RNC.
z CIOother_RAT is the cell individual offset value of the target cell. It is equal to the sum of
CIO and CIOOffset.
z Tother_RAT is the decision threshold of inter-RAT hard handover.Based on the service type
and measurement quantity, this threshold can be configured through the following
parameters:
TargetRatCsThd
TargetRatR99PsThd
TargetRatHThd
z These thresholds are the same as the quality threshold of event 3A.
z H is the inter-RAT handover hysteresis value set through HystforInterRAT.
z The length of the time-to-trigger timer is configured through the parameter
TimeToTrigForVerify (with BSIC acknowledged, and it is the default setting) or the
parameter TimeToTrigForNonVerify (with BSIC unacknowledged).


(Cont.)
z CIO
z CIOOffset
z CIO
Content: This parameter is used for the inter-RAT handover decision in
combination with the neighboring cell oriented CIO. The larger the sum, the higher
the handover priority of the GSM cell. The smaller the sum, the lower the handover
priority of the GSM cell. The parameter is generally set to 0.
Value range: -50~50
Physical unit: dB
Set this parameter through ADD UEXT2GCELL/ MOD UEXT2GCELL.

z CIOOffset
Content: This parameter is used for decision making for the inter-RAT handover.
The larger the value of the parameter, the higher the handover priority of the GSM
cell. The smaller the value of the parameter, the lower the handover priority of the
GSM cell.
Value range: -50~50

Physical unit: dB
Set this parameter through ADD U2GNCELL/ MOD U2GNCELL.


(Cont.)
z HystforInterRAT
Parameter name: Inter-RAT hysteresis
z TimeToTrigForVerify
Parameter name: Time to trigger for verified GSM cell
z TimeToTrigForNonVerify
Parameter name: Time to trigger for non-verified GSM cell
z HystforInterRAT
Content: Hysteresis value for inter-RAT measurement periodical reports. This parameter aims to
prevent the mis-decision caused by unexpected jitters of signals during inter-RAT handover decisions.
The HystforInterRAT and the inter-RAT handover decision threshold determine whether to trigger
inter-RAT handovers.
Value range: 0~15
Physical value range: 0~15; step: 0.5
Physical unit: dB
z TimeToTrigForVerify
Content: Time delay for triggering handovers to GSM cells with verified BSIC. During the period of
time specified by this parameter, if the signal quality in a neighboring GSM cell satisfies inter-RAT
handover conditions and the neighboring GSM cell is verified, an inter-RAT handover is triggered.
Value range: 0~64000
Physical unit: ms
z TimeToTrigForNonVerify
Content: Time delay for triggering handovers to GSM cells with non-verified BSIC. During the period
of time specified by this parameter, if the signal quality in a neighboring GSM cell satisfies inter-RAT
handover conditions and the neighboring GSM cell is not verified, an inter-RAT handover is triggered.
When the value of this parameter is 65535, the RNC does not perform inter-RAT handovers to non-
verified GSM cells.
Value range: 0~64000, 65535
Physical value range: 0~64000, 65535; step: 1
Physical unit: ms
z Set this parameter through ADD UCELLINTERRATHOCOV/ MOD UCELLINTERRATHOCOV/ SET
UINTERRATHOCOV.


z Event-triggered measurement report mode:
After receiving the event 3A measurement report of 2G cells, the
RNC performs the following decision and execution procedures:
Put all the 2G cells that trigger event 3A into a cell set and arrange the
cells according to the measurement quality in descending order
Select the cells in sequence from the cell set to perform inter-RAT
handover


z 3A event:
The estimated quality of the currently used UTRAN frequency is
below a certain threshold and the estimated quality of the other
system is above a certain threshold
Event 3A is triggered on the basis of the following formula:
QOtherRAT + CIOOtherRAT ≥ TOtherRAT + H3a/2
QUsed ≤ TUsed - H3a/2
z TUsed is the absolute quality threshold of the cell that uses the current frequency.
z MOtherRAT is the measurement value of the cell (in another RAT) in the reporting range.
z CIOOtherRAT is the cell individual offset value of the cell (in another RAT) in the reporting
range which is equal to the sum of CIO and CIOOffset.
z TOtherRAT is the absolute inter-RAT handover threshold. Based on different service types
(CS , PS domain R99 service, or PS domain HSPA service), this threshold can be configured
through the following parameters:
TargetRatCsThd
TargetRatR99PsThd
TargetRatHThd
z H3a is 3A hysteresis, the hysteresis value of event 3A.

z When the conditions for event 3A are met and maintained in time-to-trigger specified by
TrigTime3A the UE sends the measurement report of event 3A.


(Cont.)
z UsedFreqCSThdEcN0
Parameter name: Inter-RAT CS Used frequency trigger Ec/No THD
z TargetRatCsThd
Parameter name: Inter-RAT CS handover decision THD
Recommended value: 16, namely -95dBm
z UsedFreqCSThdEcN0
Content: Threshold of used frequency quality for triggering inter-RAT measurement
with measurement quantity of Ec/No for CS domain services. For CS domain
services, when Ec/No is used as the measurement quantity for inter-RAT
measurement, this parameter is used to set measurement control on the event 3A.
The event 3A is triggered, when the quality of the currently used UTRAN frequency
is below this threshold and the TargetRatCsThd is reached.
Value range: -24~0
Physical unit: dB
z TargetRatCsThd
Content: Quality requirement for the inter-RAT cell during an inter-RAT handover
with CS domain services. For CS domain services, if the value of
InterRatReportMode is set to EVENT_TRIGGER, this parameter is used to set the
measurement control of event 3A. One of the necessary conditions for triggering
event 3A can be met only when the quality of the target frequency is higher than
this threshold; if the value of InterRatReportMode is set to
PERIODICAL_REPORTING, this parameter is used to evaluate inter-RAT coverage
handovers at the RNC. Note that the value 0 means the physical value is smaller
than -110 dBm.
Value range: 0~63
Physical value range: Lower than -110, -110~-48 (1: -110; 2: -109; ...; 63: -48 )
Physical unit: dBm
z Set these parameters through ADD UCELLINTERRATHOCOV/ MOD



(Cont.)
z Recommended values of 3A event:
Used cell Target cell
CS Ec/No threshold: -12, namely -12dB

CS threshold: 16, namely -95dBm
PS Ec/No threshold: -13, namely -13dB
H Ec/No threshold: -13, namely -13dB PS threshold: 16, namely -95dBm
CS RSCP threshold: -97, namely -97dBm
PS RSCP threshold: -107, namely -107dBm

H threshold: 16, namely -95dBm
H RSCP threshold: -107, namely -107dBm
z Set these parameters through ADD UCELLINTERRATHOCOV/MOD

UCELLINTERRATHOCOV/SET UINTERRATHOCOV.


(Cont.)
z Hystfor3A
Parameter name: 3A hysteresis
z TrigTime3A
Parameter name: 3A event trigger delay time
z Hystfor3A
Content: Hysteresis value for the event 3A. The value of this parameter correlates with slow
fading. The larger the value of this parameter, the stronger the capability of resisting signal
fluctuation. Thus, the ping-pong effect can be avoided, but the speed of the handover
algorithm to respond to signal change becomes lower. If the inter-RAT handover hysteresis
is set to an excessively high value, the GSM cell to which the UE is handed over must be of
good quality. Therefore, the conditions for triggering the inter-RAT handover decision are
hard to be satisfied, and the call drop rate increases.
Value range: 0~15
Physical unit: dB
z TrigTime3A
Content: Time delay to trigger the event 3A. The value of this parameter correlates with
slow fading. The larger the value of this parameter, the lower the incorrect decision
probability, but the slower the response of the event 3A to measurement signal change.
Value range: D0, D10, D20, D40, D60, D80, D100, D120, D160, D200, D240, D320, D640,
D1280, D2560, D5000
Physical value range: 0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 160, 200, 240, 320, 640, 1280, 2560,
5000
Physical unit: s
z Set these parameters through ADD UCELLINTERRATHOCOV/ MOD UCELLINTERRATHOCOV/ SET
UINTERRATHOCOV.

Contents

QoS-based Inter-RAT Handover

If the service quality of the current cell deteriorates, the link stability control
algorithm makes a handover measurement decision.
z Besides the triggering step, the rest 3 steps are similar with coverage-based inter-RAT
handover.
z In QoS-based 3G to 2G handover, the event 3A measurement quantity is set through the
parameter UsedFreqMeasQuantityForQos3A.


(Cont.)
z UlQosAmrInterRATHoSwitch
Parameter name: InterRAT HO For Switch For Uplink AMR
z DlQosAmrInterRATHoSwitch
Parameter name: InterRAT HO For Switch For Downlink AMR
z UlQosAmrInterRATHoSwitch
Content: Inter-RAT handover switch of link stability control for UL QoS of AMR
services. When the parameter is set to YES, inter-RAT handover can be performed
for AMR services to ensure the QoS.
z DlQosAmrInterRATHoSwitch
Content: Inter-RAT handover switch of link stability control for DL QoS of AMR
services. When the parameter is set to YES, inter-RAT handover can be performed
for AMR services to ensure the QoS.


(Cont.)
Parameter name: First/Second/Third Action For BE Uplink QOS
Parameter name: First/Second/Third Action For BE Downlink QOS
the UL QoS of BE service deteriorates. If QoS action is RateDegrade, then the rate
the DL QoS of BE service deteriorates. If QoS action is RateDegrade, then the rate


(Cont.)
z DLQosMcTimerLen/ULQosMcTimerLen
Parameter name: Down/UP Link Qos Measure timer length
z UsedFreqMeasQuantityForQos3A
Parameter name: 3A Used-Freq Measure Quantity for Qos
Recommended value: CPICH_RSCP
z DLQosMcTimerLen/ULQosMcTimerLen
Content: Timer length for downlink/uplink QOS measurement. This parameter
controls the time lengths for the inter-frequency and inter-RAT measurement
based on QOS. After inter-frequency or inter-RAT measurement starts, if no inter-
frequency handover is performed when this timer expires, the measurement is
stopped, and the compressed mode is deactivated, if any. If this parameter is set to
0, this indicates that the timer will not be started.
Value range:0~512
Physical unit: s
z UsedFreqMeasQuantityForQos3A
Content: This parameter configures the used frequency measurement quantity to
trigger the inter-RAT measurement for the purpose of Qos-based handover. The
parameter is valid when the event reporting mode is selected for inter-RAT.
CPICH_Ec/NO: the measurement quantity used for event 2D and 2F, with unit of
dB
CPICH_RSCP: the measurement quantity used for event 2D and 2F, with unit of
dBm .
Value range: CPICH_EC/NO, CPICH_RSCP
Physical value range: CPICH_EC/NO, CPICH_RSCP
z Set these parameters through ADD UCELLQOSHO/ MOD UCELLQOSHO/ SET UQOSHO.

Contents

Load-based Inter-RAT Handover

When the load of the 3G cell that the UE accesses is higher than the related
threshold, the Load Reshuffling (LDR) algorithm makes a handover decision.

The RNC enables the compressed mode and starts the inter-RAT handover
measurement.
After the UE reports event 3C, the RNC makes a handover decision.

The RNC initiates a handover procedure.


(Cont.)
z InterRATMeasTime
Parameter name: Inter-RAT measure timer length
z InterRATMeasTime
Content: Timer length for inter-RAT measurement. After inter-RAT measurement
starts, if no inter-RAT handover is performed when this timer times out, the inter-
RAT measurement is stopped. In addition, the compressed mode is deactivated, if
any; If the value is 0, you can infer that the inter-RAT measurement timer is not
started.
Value range: 0~512
Physical unit: s
Set this parameter through ADD UCELLINTERRATHONCOV/ MOD
UCELLINTERRATHONCOV/ SET UINTERRATHONCOV.

Load-based Inter-RAT Handover -

Decision Phase
z 3C event:
The estimated quality of other system is above a certain threshold
MOtherRAT + CIOOtherRAT ≥ TOtherRAT + H3c/2
z Event 3C is used for load-based/service-based/speed-based inter-frequency handover.

z MOtherRAT is the measurement value of the cell (in another RAT) in the reporting range,
namely GSM RSSI.
z CIOOtherRAT is the cell individual offset value of the cell (in another RAT) in the reporting
range, which is equal to the sum of CIO and CIOOffset.
z TOtherRAT is the absolute inter-RAT handover threshold. Based on different service types
(CS , PS domain service), this threshold can be configured through the following
parameters:
InterRATNCovHOCSThd
InterRATNCovHOPSThd
z H3c is 3C hysteresis, the hysteresis value of event 3C.

z When the conditions for event 3C are met and the delay requirement specified by the
TrigTime3C parameter can be satisfied, the UE sends the measurement report of event 3C.


(Cont.)
z InterRATNCovHOCSThd
Parameter name: Inter-RAT CS handover decision THD
z InterRATNCovHOPSThd
Parameter name: Inter-RAT PS handover decision THD
z InterRATNCovHOCSThd
with CS domain services. This parameter is used to set measurement control on the
event 3C. The event 3C is triggered when the signal quality of the target frequency
is above this threshold. Note that the value 0 indicates that the physical value is
smaller than -110 dBm.
Value range: 0~63
Physical unit: dB
z InterRATNCovHOPSThd
with PS domain services. This parameter is used to set measurement control on the
event 3C. The event 3C is triggered when the signal quality of the target frequency
is above this threshold. Note that the value 0 indicates that the physical value is
smaller than -110 dBm.
Value range: 0~63
Physical unit: dB
z Set these parameters through ADD UCELLINTERRATHONCOV/ MOD



(Cont.)
z Hystfor3C
z TrigTime3C
z Hystfor3C
Content: Hysteresis value for the event 3C. The value of this parameter correlates
with slow fading. The larger the value of this parameter, the stronger the capability
of resisting signal fluctuation. Thus, the ping-pong effect can be avoided, but the
speed of the handover algorithm to respond to signal change becomes lower. If
the inter-RAT handover hysteresis is set to an excessively high value, the GSM cell
to which the UE hands over must be of good quality. Therefore, the conditions for
triggering the inter-RAT handover decision are hard to be satisfied, and the call
drop rate increases. .
Value range: 0~15
Physical unit: dB
z TrigTime3C
Content: Time delay to trigger the event 3C. The value of this parameter correlates
with slow fading. The larger the value of this parameter, the lower the incorrect
decision probability, but the slower the response of the event 3C to measurement
signal change.
Value range D0, D10, D20, D40, D60, D80, D100, D120, D160, D200, D240,
D320, D640, D1280, D2560, D5000
1280, 2560, 5000
Physical unit: ms
z Set these parameters through ADD UCELLINTERRATHONCOV/ MOD

Load-based Inter-RAT Handover -

Execution Phase
z After receiving the event 3C measurement report of 2G cells,
the RNC performs the following handover decision and
execution procedure:
Put all the 2G cells that trigger event 3C into a cell set and arrange
the cells according to the measurement quality in descending
order
Select the cells in sequence from the cell set
z To avoid the impact of the UE (in long-term measurement of compressed mode) on the
radio network, the parameter InterRATHOAttempts is set to restrict the maximum
attempts of the 3G to 2G load-based or service-based handover. The parameter indicates
the handover attempts made to the same cell or different cells. If the number of attempts
exceeds the parameter value, the RNC does not initiate the handover.

z The load status between the source cell and the target cell can be acquired by
interchanging load information between a 3G cell and a 2G cell during the load-based and
service-based 3G-to-2G handover. Thus, whether to further conduct the handover can be
determined to avoid the 2G cell overload and possible handover to the congested cell.
z The procedure for load information interchanging between the 3G source cell and 2G
target cell is described as follows:
1. When the RNC sends a RELOCATION REQUIRED message to the 3G CN, If the
switch SndLdInfo2GsmInd is set to on, the RELOCATION REQUIRED message

includes the Old BSS To New BSS Information IE that includes the load information
of the 3G source cell.
If the switch SndLdInfo2GsmInd is set to off, then the RELOCATION REQUIRED
message does not include the Old BSS To New BSS Information IE.
2. When the RNC receives the RELOCATION COMMAND message from the 2G CN,
If the switch NcovHoOn2GldInd is set to on, the RNC obtains the load information
of the 2G target cell by reading the Inter-System Information Transparent
Container IE, which is included in the RELOCATION COMMAND message.
If the 2G load is lower than CSHOOut2GloadThd (for CS service), or if the
2G load is lower than PSHOOut2GloadThd (for PS service), the RNC
continues the inter-RAT handover procedure; otherwise, the RNC returns
the Relocation Cancel message to the CN to cancel this inter-RAT handover
and makes another handover attempt to the next candidate cell generated
in the cell list based on inter-RAT measurement.
If the Inter-System Information Transparent Container IE, is not included in
the RELOCATION COMMAND message, the load information of the 2G
target cell is not considered and this inter-RAT handover is continued.
If the switch NcovHoOn2GldInd is set to off, the RNC continues the inter-RAT
handover procedure without considering the thresholds.


(Cont.)
z SndLdInfo2GsmInd
Parameter name: Send Load Info to GSM Ind
z NcovHoOn2GldInd
Parameter name: NCOV Reloc Ind based on GSM cell load
z SndLdInfo2GsmInd
Content: When it is set to on, the RNC sends UMTS cell load information to the GSM
during the non-coverage based system relocation in or out process. When it is set to off,
the RNC does not send UMTS cell load information to the GSM during the system
relocation in or out process. This parameter is designed for the UMTS network to cooperate
with the GSM network. When the UE is handed over from the UMTS network to the GSM
network, the RNC normalizes the load information of the best cell and sends it to the GSM
network. Then, the GSM network determines whether to accept or reject the handover
request. This switch is only effective in CS domain, the RNC does not send UMTS cell load
information to the GSM in PS domain.
Physical value range: ON, OFF
z NcovHoOn2GldInd
Content: When this parameter is set to on, and when the load of the GSM cell exceeds the
related threshold, the RNC will stop the non-coverage based inter-RAT handover; when this
parameter is set to off, the RNC will do reversely. This parameter determines whether to
stop the non-coverage based handover from the UMTS network to the GSM network
according to the load information of the GSM cell. When the GSM network can provide its
load information to the UMTS network, the RNC determines whether to send the non-
coverage based handover to the GSM cell according to the load information of the GSM
cell and the load threshold of the GSM cell set in the UMTS cell. This parameter is invalid
for the GSM network that cannot provide its load information to the UMTS network.
z Set these parameter through SET UINTERRATHONCOV.


(Cont.)
z CSHOOut2GloadThd
Parameter name: CS domain Reloc GSM load THD
Recommended value: 80, namely 80%
z PSHOOut2GloadThd
Parameter name: PS domain Reloc GSM load THD
Recommended value: 60, namely 60%
z CSHOOut2GloadThd
Content: CS domain Relocation GSM load THD. This parameter specifies the CS
domain relocation GSM load threshold. When the GSM load policy is used, that is,
when NcovHoOn2GldInd is set to on, the CS domain inter-system relocation out
process will be stopped if the GSM system send its cell load to the RNC and the cell
load exceeds the CS domain Reloc GSM load THD. Otherwise, the RNC does not
stop the CS domain inter-system relocation out process.
Value range: 0~100
Physical value range: 0~100%; step: 1
Physical unit: %
z PSHOOut2GloadThd
Content: PS domain Relocation GSM load THD. This parameter specifies the PS
domain relocation GSM load threshold. When the GSM load policy is used, that is,
when NcovHoOn2GldInd is set to on, the PS domain inter-system relocation out
process will be stopped if the GSM system send its cell load to the RNC and the cell
load exceeds the PS domain Reloc GSM load THD. Otherwise, the RNC does not
stop the PS domain inter-system relocation out process.
Value range: 0~100
Physical value range: 0~100%; step: 1
Physical unit: %
z Set these parameter through SET UINTERRATHONCOV.


(Cont.)
z InterRATHOAttempts
Parameter name: Inter-RAT handover max attempt times
z InterRATHOAttempts
Content: The maximum number of attempts to perform non-coverage-based inter-
RAT handovers. This parameter specifies the maximum number of attempts for the
RNC to perform inter-RAT handovers after a non-coverage-based inter-RAT
handover failure. The handover attempts should involve the target cells that have
not been tried but satisfy the handover conditions.
Value range: 1~16
Physical value range: 1~16
Set this parameter through ADD UCELLINTERRATHONCOV/ MOD

Contents

Service-based Inter-RAT Handover

When a service is established, the RNC requests the handover to the GSM based
on the service type and service handover indicator assigned by the CN.
z The rest 3 phases are similar with the load-based inter-RAT handover.


(Cont.)
z CSServiceHOSwitch
Parameter name: Inter-RAT CS handover switch
Recommended value: OFF
z PSServiceHOSwitch
Parameter name: Inter-RAT PS handover switch
z CSServiceHOSwitch/PSServiceHOSwitch
Content: Indicating whether the cell allows CS/PS service inter-RAT handover.
Service handover refers to the handover attribute and related parameter

configuration on the network side for each service. When a service is established,
the related measurements and inter-RAT handover are immediately triggered.
These two switches are enabled only for service handover; generally, they are
disabled by default. Note that the service handover is enabled only when the
handover attribute is set to HO_TO_GSM_SHOULD_BE_PERFORM and CS/PS
service inter-RAT handover is set to ON. Both conditions are mandatory. For hybrid
services, the service handover is not triggered.
Set these parameters through ADD UCELLHOCOMM/ MOD UCELLHOCOMM.

Contents

UMTS to GSM Multimedia Fallback
z VP service: z AMR service:

Speech Speech
Video
WCDMA GSM
VP AMR AMR
z Compared with the traditional speech service of the GSM, the VP service of the UMTS can
transmit not only speech services between the calling party and the called party, but also
the images and videos captured by both parties. Since the actual implementation is limited
by terminals and networks, the VP service sometimes carries only speech and may fail to
transmit images or videos. In this scenario, the Service Change and Unrestricted Digital
Information Fallback (SCUDIF) provides the fallback mechanism that changes a video call to
a common speech call.
z Fallback is initiated when both of the following occasions are met:
The RNC decides to send an inter-RAT handover request after receiving periodical
measurement reports of event 1F, 3A, or 3C.

The service is combined with a VP, and the "Alternative RAB Parameters" in the
RAB ASSIGNMENT message is a valid AMR speech format.

UMTS to GSM Multimedia Fallback

(Cont.)
z Procedure of multimedia fallback:
z Procedure of service change:

The CN sends the SRNC a RANAP RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message to set up
the VP service.
During 3G to 2G handover, the SRNC sends a RANAP RAB MODIFY REQUEST
message to change the VP service to the AMR speech service. In the 3GPP R6
protocol, the information element (IE) Alternative RAB Configuration Request is
also added to the RAB MODIFY REQUEST message, which enables the RNC to
request the CN to change the VP service to the AMR speech service.
The MSC initiates the Bearer Capability (BC) negotiation with the UE.
After the negotiation, the RNC is requested to perform service change.
z When the multimedia fallback ends, the RNC decides whether to perform the 3G to 2G
handover according to the current measurements reported by the UE.
z The CN initiates the RAB reconfiguration to request both parties to perform the
multimedia fallback. The single VP service falls back to the single AMR speech service. The
multi-RAB service combined with VP falls back to the multi-RAB service combined with
AMR. If the multimedia fallback succeeds, that is, the video phone in the service falls back
to speech successfully, the inter-RAT handover is initiated. Otherwise, the inter-RAT
handover fails.

Contents

NACC
z NACC: Network Assisted Cell Change
Cell reselect
to 2G Reduce inter-RAT
handover delay
3G coverage
2G coverage
z The Network Assisted Cell Change (NACC) function can efficiently reduce the delay of
UMTS-to-GSM handover.
z Some services have requirements for the delay. If the handover takes too long, TCP may
start slowly or data transmission of the service stream may be interrupted due to the
overflow of the UE buffer. The introduction of NACC enables the system information
exchange between different BSSs, or between BSS and RAN. Thus the inter-system delay,
especially inter-system delay in PS domains, can be reduced. With NACC, the RNC sends
the UE a cell change order, which contains the GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN)
system information, when the 3G-to-2G handover in the PS domain is triggered.

RAN Information Management (RIM)

UE SRNC SGSN BSC
RRC MEASUREMENT REPORT

WITH GERAN BEST CELL DIRECT INFORMATION TRANSFER
(RAN IFORMATION REQUEST)
RAN INFORMATION
REQUEST
RAN INFORMATION
DIRECT INFORMATION
TRANSFER (RAN
INFORMATION REPORT)
CELL CHANGE ORDER FROM

UTRAN ( (P)SI )
z RNC acquires GERAN (P)SI information by RIM procedure:

After the SRNC receives a measurement report from the UE, the UE is reselected to
the GERAN cell according to the decision.

The SRNC sends a RAN INFORMATION REQUEST message to the SGSN.
The SGSN forwards the message to the corresponding BSS.
The BSS sends a GERAN SI/PSI message to the SRNC via the SGSN. RAN
INFORMATION message can either be On-demand (single report) or On-

modification (multiple reports).
The SGSN forwards the report message to the SRNC through Iu interface.
RNC sends cell change order message with GERAN (P)SI information to UE.


(Cont.)
z HO_INTER_RAT_PS_3G2G_CELLCHG_NACC_SWITCH
Parameter name: PS 3G to 2G Cell change order NACC Switch
z SuppRIMFlag
Parameter name: Inter-RAT cell support RIM indicator
z HO_INTER_RAT_PS_3G2G_CELLCHG_NACC_SWITCH
Content: When the switch is ON, the NACC function is supported during the PS
inter-RAT handover from the 3G network to the 2G network in the cell change
order process. When the switch is OFF, the NACC function is not supported. When
HO_INTER_RAT_PS_3G2G_RELOCATION_SWITCH is ON, this switch is useless.
When the NACC function is supported, the UE skips the reading procedure as the
SI/PSI of the target cell is provided after the UE accesses the 2G cell. Thus, the
delay of inter-cell handover is reduced.
Value range: OFF, ON
Physical value range: OFF, ON
z SuppRIMFlag
Content: Identifying whether the inter-RAT cell supports RIM. (RIM is used to
obtain the SI/PSI information of the inter-RAT cell.) For the details of RIM process,
refer to the 3GPP TS 25.901 protocol.
Set this parameter through ADD UEXT2GCELL/ MOD UEXT2GCELL .

PS Handover
z PS handover introduced in 3GPP R6 and like the CS inter-RAT
handover
PS HO Reduce inter-RAT
to 2G handover delay
3G coverage
PS HO
to 3G
2G coverage

PS Handover (Cont.)
UE s-RNC CN t-BSS
25.413 RELOCATION REQUIRED

48.018 PS-HANDOVER-REQUEST
<48.018 Source BSS to Target BSS
Transparent Container: 25.331 INTER < 48.018 Source BSS to target BSS
RAT HANDOVER INFO> transparent Container: 25.331 INTER
RAT HANDOVER INFO>
48.018 PS-HANDOVER-REQUEST-ACK
25.413 RELOCATION COMMAND
25.331 HANDOVER FROMUTRAN <48.018 Target BSS to Source BSS
COMMAND <48.018 Target BSS to Source BSS Transparent Container: 44.060 PS
< 25.331 GERANA/Gb mode message Transparent Container: 44.060 PS Handover Command>
list/ Single GERANA/Gb mode Handover Command >
message : 44.060 PS Handover
Command >
z PS handover is different from NACC or normal cell change function, with which the
relocation procedure between 3G and 2G is applied, just like the CS inter-system handover.
z The difference between PS handover and CS handover is that some new IE are added in
the corresponding messages to support PS handover. For example, “GERAN System
Information” is added in the Handover From UTRAN Command to support UE accessing to
GERAN cell.


(Cont.)
z HO_INTER_RAT_PS_3G2G_RELOCATION_SWITCH
Parameter name: PS 3G to 2G HO Switch
z SuppPSHOFlag
Parameter name: Inter-RAT cell support PS HO indicator
z HO_INTER_RAT_PS_3G2G_RELOCATION_SWITCH
Content: When the switch is on, the PS inter-RAT handover from the 3G network
to the 2G network is performed in the relocation process. When the switch is not
on, the PS inter-RAT handover from the 3G network to the 2G network is
performed in the cell change order process.
Value range: OFF, ON
Physical value range: OFF, ON
z SuppPSHOFlag
Content: Identifying whether the inter-RAT cell supports PS HO. TRUE indicates
that the inter-RAT cell is able to perform the handover procedure with relocation.
FALSE indicates that the cell is unable to do so.
Set this parameter through ADD UEXT2GCELL/ MOD UEXT2GCELL .

Contents

UMTS to GSM Handover Retry

z In case of inter-RAT handover failure, if the cause of the failure is not
a configuration failure and the retry timer expires, the UE makes
handover attempts to the cell again until the retry number exceeds
the maximum retry number
z The inter-RAT handover retry algorithm works in the following two

signaling procedures:
Signaling procedure for Iu relocation
Signaling procedure for service-based handover on the Uu interface
z The retry timer and maximum retry number for coverage-based and QoS-based inter-RAT
handover are:
PeriodFor3A
AmntOfRpt3A
z The retry timer and maximum retry number for load-based and service-based inter-RAT
handover are:
PeriodFor3C
AmntOfRpt3C

Signaling procedure for Iu relocation:

z The RELOCATION REQUIRED message is initiated on the Iu interface.
z If the RNC receives the RELOCATION PREPARATION FAILURE message, the inter-RAT
handover fails.
If the cause of the failure is one of the following configuration failure, the RNC
does not make a handover retry to the cell.

Relocation Failure in Target CN/RNC or Target System, or
Relocation not supported in Target RNC or Target System, or
Relocation Target not allowed
Otherwise, the related retry timer for the cell is started. After the retry timer
expires, the UE makes handover attempts to the cell again until the retry number
exceeds the maximum retry number.
z If the RNC receives the RELOCATION COMMAND message, the handover on the Uu
interface continues.
z If the handover succeeds or the new event 3A or 3C report is received, the periodical retry
is stopped.
Signaling procedure for Service-based handover on the Uu interface:
z For CS services or CS and PS combined services, the HANDOVER FROM UTRAN signaling
procedure on the Uu interface is performed only when the handover based on CS services
is made.
z For a PS service or combined PS services, the CELL CHANGE ORDER FROM UTRAN or
HANDOVER FROM UTRAN signaling procedure on the Uu interface is performed.
z If the HANDOVER FROM UTRAN FAILURE or CELL CHANGE ORDER FROM UTRAN FAILURE
message is received, the handover on the Uu interface fails.
z If the "Inter-RAT handover failure cause" in HANDOVER FROM UTRAN FAILURE message is
"Configuration unacceptable", or if the "Inter-RAT change failure cause" in CELL CHANGE
ORDER FROM UTRAN FAILURE message is "Configuration unacceptable", the RNC does
not make a handover retry to the cell.
z Otherwise, the related retry timer for the cell is started. After the retry timer expires, the
UE makes a handover attempt to the cell again until the retry number exceeds the
maximum number.
z If the handover succeeds or the new event 3A or 3C report is received, the periodical retry
is stopped.


(Cont.)
z PeriodFor3A
Parameter name: 3A event retry period
z AmntOfRpt3A
Parameter name: 3A event retry max times
z PeriodFor3A
Content: Retry period for the event 3A. This parameter defines the length of the
event 3A retry period. The smaller the value of this parameter, the more frequent
the handover retry due to inter-RAT handover failure, and the faster the UE to be
Value range: 1~64
Physical unit: ms
z AmntOfRpt3A
Content: Maximum retry times of the event 3A. This parameter defines the number
of times for event 3A retry when the measurement control is valid. The larger the
value of this parameter, the larger the number of times for inter-RAT handover
retry, and the higher probability the UE is successfully handed over to the target
cell whose load is restored. When the retry times reaches the maximum value, the
RNC stops the retry process. Or if the measurement control message is released,
the retry will be immediately stopped.
Value range: 0~63
z Set these parameters through ADD UCELLINTERRATHOCOV / MOD

UCELLINTERRATHOCOV / SET UINTERRATHOCOV.


(Cont.)
z PeriodFor3C
Parameter name: 3C event retry period
z AmntOfRpt3C
Parameter name: 3C event retry max times
z PeriodFor3C
Content: Retry period for the event 3C. This parameter defines the length of the
event 3C retry period. The smaller the value of this parameter, the more frequent
the handover retry due to inter-RAT handover failure, and the faster the UE to be
Value range: 1~64
Physical unit: ms
z AmntOfRpt3C
Content: Maximum retry times of the event 3C. This parameter defines the number
of times for event 3C retry when the measurement control is valid. The larger the
value of this parameter, the larger the number of times for inter-RAT handover
retry, and the higher probability the UE is successfully handed over to the target
cell whose load is restored. When the retry times reaches the maximum value, the
RNC stops the retry process. Or if the measurement control message is released,
the retry will be immediately stopped.
Value range: 0~63
z Set these parameters through ADD UCELLINTERRATHOCOV / MOD

UCELLINTERRATHOCOV / SET UINTERRATHOCOV.

Contents

Signaling Procedures for CS Inter-RAT

Handover
z The above figure shows the signaling procedures for the 3G-to-2G handover in the CS
domain. The 2G messages shown in the figure are for your reference only.

Signaling procedures for CS inter-RAT handover:

z 1. The SRNC sends the 3G MSC a RANAP message RELOCATION REQUIRED if the
condition of Inter-RAT outgoing handover is met.
z 2. As indicated in the received message, the 3G MSC forwards this request to the 2G MSC
on the MAP/E interface through a MAP message PREPARE HANDOVER.
z 3. The 2G MSC forwards the request to the BSC. The message shown in the figure is for
reference only and is subject to the actual condition of the GSM.
z 4. The BSC responds to this request. The message shown in the figure is for reference only
and is subject to the actual condition of the GSM.
z 5. Once the initial procedures are completed in the 2G MSC/BSS, the 2G MSC returns a
MAP/E message PREPARE HANDOVER RESPONSE.
z 6. The 3G MSC sends the SRNC a RANAP message RELOCATION COMMAND.
z 7. The SRNC sends the UE an RRC message HANDOVER FROM UTRAN through the
existing RRC connection. This message may include information from one or several other
systems.
z 8. The BSC performs handover detection. The figure does not show such procedures as
GSM BSS synchronization. The message shown in the figure is for reference only and is
subject to the actual condition of the GSM.
z 9. The UE sends the BSC a HANDOVER COMPLETE message.
z 10. The BSC sends the MSC a HANDOVER COMPLETE message. The message shown in the
figure is for reference only and is subject to the actual condition of the GSM.
z 11. After detecting the UE in the coverage area of the GSM, the MSC sends the CN a
MAP/E message SEND END SIGNAL REQUEST.
z 12. The CN sends the former SRNC an IU RELEASE COMMAND message, requesting the
former SRNC to release the allocated resource.
z 13. After the bearer resource is released in the UMTS, the former SRNC sends the CN an IU
RELEASE COMPLETE message.
z 14. After the call ends, the CN sends the MSC a MAP/E message SEND END SIGNAL
RESPONSE.

Signaling Procedures for PS Inter-RAT

Handover
z For a UE in idle mode or connected mode, if the SGSN changes with the shift of the
system that the UE accesses from 3G network to 2G network, the inter-SGSN handover
will be performed.
z The handover procedures are different in the following two cases:
When the UE is in CELL_DCH state:
The 3G to 2G handover in the PS domain is triggered after the UTRAN sends a
CELL CHANGE ORDER FROM UTRAN message.

When the UE is in CELL_FACH, CELL_PCH, or URA_PCH state:
The 3G to 2G handover in the PS domain is triggered through the cell reselection.
z The above figure shows an example of handover for the UE in CELL_FACH, CELL_PCH, or
URA_PCH state. When the UE is in idle mode, the cell reselection procedure does not
include the elementary procedures marked "UE CONNECTED" in figure.

Signaling procedures for PS inter-RAT handover:

z 1. The UE in CELL_DCH state or the UTRAN (when the UE is in CELL_FACH state) decides
to initiate an Inter-RAT handover in the PS domain to hand over the UE to a new GSM cell
and stop the data transmission between the UE and the network.
z 2. The UE sends a ROUTING AREA UPDATE REQUEST message to the 2G SGSN. The
Update Type in the message indicates RA update, combined RA/LA update, or combined
RA/LA update with IMSI attach. The BSS adds the CGI including the RAC and LAC of the
cell to the received message before forwarding the message to a new 2G SGSN.
z 3. The new 2G SGSN sends an SGSN CONTEXT REQUEST message to the old 3G SGSN to
obtain the MM and PDP contexts. The old 3G SGSN validates the old P-TMSI Signature. If
the old P-TMSI Signature is valid, the old 3G SGSN starts a timer. Otherwise, the old 3G
SGSN responds with an error cause.
z 4. If the UE stays in connected mode before handover, the old 3G SGSN sends an SRNS
CONTEXT REQUEST message. After receiving this message, the SRNS buffers the DPUs,
stops sending the PDUs to the UE, and sends an SRNS CONTEXT RESPONSE message to
the old 3G SGSN.
z 5. The old 3G SGSN sends an SGSN CONTEXT RESPONSE message to the 2G SGSN,
including the MM and PDP contexts.
z 6. The security functions can be executed.
z 7. The new 2G SGSN sends an SGSN CONTEXT ACKNOWLEDGE message to the old 3G
SGSN. This informs the old 3G SGSN that the new 2G SGSN is ready to receive the PDUs
belonging to the activated PDP contexts.
z 8. The old 3G SGSN sends a DATA FORWARD COMMAND message to the SRNS. The
SRNS starts a data-forwarding timer and sends the buffered PDUs to the old 3G SGSN.
z 9. The old 3G SGSN tunnels the GTP PDUs to the new 2G SGSN. In the PDUs, the
sequence numbers in the GTP header remain unchanged.
z 10. The new 2G SGSN sends an UPDATE PDP CONTEXT REQUEST message to each related
GGSN. Each GGSN sends an UPDATE PDP CONTEXT RESPONSE message after updating its
PDP context fields.
z 11. The new 2G SGSN sends an UPDATE GPRS LOCATION message, requesting the HLR to
modify the SGSN number.
z 12. The HLR sends a CANCEL LOCATION message to the old 3G SGSN. The old 3G SGSN
responds with a CANCEL LOCATION ACK message. After the timer expires, the old 3G
SGSN removes the MM and PDP contexts.
z 13. The old 3G SGSN sends an IU RELEASE COMMAND message to the SRNS. After the
data-forwarding timer expires, the SRNS responds with an IU RELEASE COMPLETE
message.
z 14. The HLR sends an INSERT SUBSCRIBER DATA message to the new 2G SGSN. The 2G
SGSN constructs an MM context and PDP contexts for the UE and returns an INSERT
SUBSCRIBER DATA ACK message to the HLR.
z 15. The HLR sends an UPDATE GPRS LOCATION ACK message to the new 2G SGSN.

z 16. If the association has to be established, the new 2G SGSN sends a LOCATION UPDATE
REQUEST message to the VLR. The VLR stores the SGSN number for creating or updating
the association.
z 17. If the subscriber data in the VLR is marked as not confirmed by the HLR, the new VLR
informs the HLR. The HLR cancels the old VLR and inserts subscriber data in the new VLR.
1. The new VLR sends an UPDATE LOCATION message to the HLR.
2. The HLR cancels the data in the old VLR by sending a CANCEL LOCATION
message to the old VLR.
3. The old VLR acknowledges the message by responding with a CANCEL
LOCATION ACK message.
4. The HLR sends an INSERT SUBSCRIBER DATA message to the new VLR.
5. The new VLR acknowledges the message by responding with an INSERT
SUBSCRIBER DATA ACK message.
6. The HLR responds with a UPDATE LOCATION ACK message to the new VLR.
z 17. The new VLR allocates a new TMSI and responds with a LOCATION UPDATE ACCEPT
message to the 2G SGSN.
z 18. The new 2G SGSN checks the presence of the MS in the new RA. If all checks are
successful, the new 2G SGSN constructs the MM and PDP contexts for the MS. A logical
link is established between the new 2G SGSN and the UE. The 2G SGSN responds to the
UE with a ROUTING AREA UPDATE ACCEPT message.
z 19. The UE acknowledges the new P-TMSI by returning a ROUTING AREA UPDATE
COMPLETE message, including all PDUs successfully sent to the UE before the routing area
update procedure.
z 20. The new 2G SGSN sends a TMSI REALLOCATION COMPLETE message to the new VLR
if the UE confirms the VLR TMSI.
z 21. The 2G SGSN and the BSS perform the BSS PACKET FLOW CONTEXT procedure.

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WCDMA Handover Algorithm and Parameters N-1

Copyright © 2009 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.

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z Handover types supported by UMTS:

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 Describe the procedures of each handover

 Perform the parameters setting of each handover

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The Basic Concepts of Handover

z Monitored set z Selective combination

z Detected set z Soft handover gain

z Radio link (RL) z PCPICH

z Radio link set (RLS)

z Active set: A set of cells simultaneously involved in a specific communication service

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2. Intra-Frequency Handover Procedure

3. Signaling Procedures for Intra-Frequency Handover

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Intra-Frequency Handover Types

 Intra-frequency hard handover

z Intra-frequency handover is of the following two types:

UE at the same time.

UE at the same time.

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Intra-Frequency Handover Types (Cont.)

Item Soft Handover Hard Handover

The number of RLs in

Only happened Can be happened in Intra-

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Intra-Frequency Soft Handover

 Intra-RNC inter-NodeB soft handover

 Inter-RNC soft handover

z Intra-frequency soft handover is characterized by the function that the UE can be

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Intra-Frequency Soft Handover (cont.)

Item Softer Handover Soft Handover

When the UE is in the overlapped When the UE is in the overlapped

Uplink signal Using maximum-ratio combination Using selection combination

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Intra-Frequency Hard Handover

 Iur interface is congested

 High-speed Best Effort (BE) service Handover

 Soft handover fails

handover instead of soft handover can be performed between two RNCs.

frequency hard handover is used to save downlink bandwidth for a high-speed BE

allowed. When intra-frequency soft handover fails because of a congestion

combined services exceeds the rate threshold of DL soft handover.

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2. Intra-Frequency Handover Procedure

3. Signaling Procedures for Intra-Frequency Handover

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Intra-Frequency Handover Procedure

z The intra-frequency handover procedure is divided into three phases: handover

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2. Intra-Frequency Handover Procedure

2. Intra-Frequency Handover Decision and Execution

3. Neighboring Cell Combination Algorithm

3. Signaling Procedures for Intra-Frequency Handover

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z The MEASUREMENT CONTROL message carries the following information:

 Event trigger delay time

Describe the procedures of each handover

Perform the parameters setting of each handover

Intra-frequency hard handover

Intra-RNC inter-NodeB soft handover

Inter-RNC soft handover

Iur interface is congested

High-speed Best Effort (BE) service Handover

Soft handover fails

Event trigger delay time

Neighboring cell list

D: measurement report message of Uu.

Fn-1: measurement value obtained after the (n-1)th filtering

Mn: measurement value of the nth physical layer

α = 1/2(k/2): k is determined by the parameter which is the layer 3 filtering

Recommended value: CPICH_EC/NO

Recommended value: 0, namely 0dB

Recommended value: 0, namely 0dB

Physical value range: -20~20; step: 1

Recommended value: D4000, namely 4000ms

Recommended value: D16

Physical value range: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, INFINITY

Recommended value: 0, namely 0dB

Recommended value: D640, namely 640ms

Physical value range: 0~7.5; step: 0.5

Recommended value: 8, namely 4dB

Recommended value: D640, namely 640ms

Physical value range: 0~7.5; step: 0.5

Recommended value: D4000, namely 4000ms

Recommended value: D16

Physical value range: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, INFINITY