A Smart Handover Decision Algorithm Using Location Prediction for Hierarchical Macro/Femto-Cell Networks

To reduce the number of unnecessary handover in hierarchical macro/femto-cell networks, it is necessary to avoid macro → femto cell handovers of temporary femtocell visitors who stay in the femtocell for a relatively short time. In this paper, we propose a smart handover decision algorithm exploiting future mobility pattern prediction scheme to prevent macro → femto cell handovers of such temporary femtocell visitors. Our simulation result shows that the proposed algorithm effectively reduces the number of unnecessary handovers.