Efficient handover signalling for microcellular environments using packet access mechanism

Future microcellular systems will require distributed network architecture and decentralised control to manage the large number of inter-cell handovers associated with the mobility of wireless terminals. Packet networks with autonomous routing and mobile initiated handovers represent the appropriate architecture for microcellular networks. A new handover strategy for microcellular environments is investigated. Handover signalling is diverted from the fixed part of the network to the air interface using PRMA++, the packet access mechanism proposed for operation within the RACE-ATDMA project for third generation wireless cellular networks. In this paper, handover delays in a GSM network are evaluated, using both fixed channel allocation (FCA) and dynamic channel allocation (DCA). The new strategy utilises the statistical multiplexing characteristic of the packet access mechanism to route handover signalling between current and candidate base stations (BS) via the radio interface instead of the public land mobile network (PLMN). Results show a faster handover procedure and improved spectral efficiency as compared to existing systems.