Generalized fixed channel assignment with hand-off priority in micro-cellular communication systems

Overlapping coverage areas of nearby base stations arise naturally in cellular communication systems, especially in small-cell high-capacity micro-cellular configurations. A generalized fixed channel assignment scheme with priority for hand-off calls is considered. An analytically tractable model is developed for a linear array of cells, such as those that might be used along a highway. A suitable state characterization is identified which allows the problem to be treated in the framework of multi-dimensional birth-death processes. The effects of shadow fading are included. Overall performance characteristics that are computed account for both signal availability and channel availability. Theoretical performance characteristics show blocking probability, forced termination probability, carried traffic and hand-off activity.