Microcellular handoff control using robust prediction techniques

A new handoff schedule based on user mobility patterns and signal strength prediction for microcellular wireless networks is proposed. The signal strength prediction is based on the least mean square (LMS) adaptation algorithm and user mobility pattern is determined by a heuristic next-cell prediction technique. The handoffs previously performed can be used to predict the next visited cell of the user, once adequate information regarding past mobility patterns are available. In addition, signal strength-based prediction on the selected next-cell can aid in reduction of unnecessary handoffs to neighboring cells, not in the routine path of the user. Results show a significant reduction in the mean number of handoffs by the proposed combined prediction scheme.