Handovers in wireless ATM: an in-band signaling solution

This paper describes protocols based on in-band signaling for two common handover procedures in wireless ATM networks. First, the network architecture and the handover reference model are introduced, explaining the rationale and advantages of using in-band signaling for handover procedures. Then, the protocols for the hard, connected, network initiated handover, and the hard, disconnected, mobile initiated handover are described. These two handover types are chosen because they are good representatives of what can be considered a 'normal' handover procedure and an 'emergency' handover procedure, to be performed when the radio channel deteriorates so suddenly, that the mobile terminal remains without any connection toward the network. Finally, the possibility of extending the protocols to other handover types is discussed.