Handoff algorithms based on fuzzy classifiers

One method to increase capacity in mobile communications systems is to decrease the cell size or service area. However, due to this area reduction, a mobile will pass through more cells during a call. To maintain the reliability of the system, the success rate of call transfers must increase as the cell area diminishes, preventing a ping-pong effect. Hence new and better handoff algorithms must be developed. Fuzzy classifier schemes are proposed in this paper in order to select the base stations that will best serve mobiles in a typical cellular system. The performance of handoff algorithms based on different classification techniques is discussed and evaluated through digital simulation. The results show better cell definition than the conventional handoff approach. For large-variance propagation channels, a reduction in the handoff number can be achieved. The applicability of the proposed methodology is also discussed.