On the parameters optimization in handover algorithms

This paper investigates the performance of handover algorithms used in microcellular F-TDMA radio networks such as GSM. A very general simulation tool has been developed within the framework of a cooperation between the University of Bologna and Italtel SpA. The tool allows the evaluation of network performance in the context of a multicell scenario taking log-normal shadowing, co-channel interference, user mobility, uplink and downlink power levels, cell sectorization and proper frequency planning into account; different handover algorithms can be investigated by considering not only power levels, but also several quantities related to the grade of service and transmission quality. In this paper, handover algorithms based on measured power levels and timing constraints are addressed; the average number of handovers per call is considered as performance measure in order to stress the impact of co-channel interference on the efficiency of the algorithm. Moreover, the concept of outage probability is introduced to investigate handover parameters optimization.