Inter-System Handover Parameter Optimization

With WCDMA networks being deployed in Europe and throughout the world, one of the big challenges is to make cell reselection and handover between WCDMA and GSM work smoothly. In this paper, we highlight different strategies for inter-system handover, discuss the impact of intra-frequency handover parameters on inter-system handover performance, and study inter-system handover parameter settings by processing field measurement data collected in different networks. Optimization trade-offs are illustrated with examples and a recommended set of parameters that led to significant reductions in call drop rates in commercial WCDMA networks is provided.