Handoff in Wireless Communication
1. Introduction to Handoff
In wireless communication, a "handoff" (also called "handover") occurs when a mobile
device moves from one cell or coverage area of a network to another. The goal of handoff is
to maintain an ongoing call or data session without interruption as the device moves. This
process is crucial in cellular networks to ensure a seamless user experience, especially when
the user is on the move, such as during a call while driving or walking.
2. Why Handoff is Necessary
As mobile users move, they may leave the range of one cell tower and enter the range of
another. To maintain continuous communication, the network must transfer the connection
from one tower to another without dropping the call or losing the data session. This transfer is
what we refer to as a handoff.
3. Types of Handoffs
There are several types of handoffs in wireless communication:
Hard Handoff: In a hard handoff, the connection to the current cell tower is broken
before the connection to the new one is established. It is often described as a "break-
before-make" process. Hard handoffs are used in systems where the mobile device
cannot be connected to two base stations at the same time, such as in early versions of
CDMA and GSM networks.
Soft Handoff: In contrast to a hard handoff, a soft handoff involves the mobile device
connecting to the new cell tower before disconnecting from the current one, ensuring
there is no break in communication. This "make-before-break" approach is used in
networks like CDMA, where the mobile device can be connected to multiple towers
simultaneously.
Softer Handoff: This is a special case of soft handoff that occurs within the same
cell, typically when a mobile device is switching between different sectors (or
antennas) of the same cell tower.
Horizontal Handoff: This type of handoff occurs when a mobile device moves
between different cells within the same network technology (e.g., from one 4G tower
to another 4G tower).
Vertical Handoff: In this case, the handoff occurs between different types of
networks (e.g., moving from a 4G LTE network to a Wi-Fi network). This is often
used to provide better coverage or to offload traffic from cellular networks.
4. Handoff Process
The handoff process typically involves the following steps:
1. Measurement: The mobile device constantly measures the signal strength from
nearby cell towers. When the signal strength from the current tower drops below a
certain threshold, the device begins searching for a stronger signal from another
tower.
2. Decision: The network or the mobile device decides if a handoff is necessary based
on the signal measurements. If the signal from a neighbouring cell tower is stronger,
the decision to hand off is made.
3. Execution: The network or device executes the handoff. In a hard handoff, the current
connection is terminated, and a new connection is established with the stronger tower.
In a soft handoff, the device maintains connections with both towers until the handoff
is complete.
4. Completion: The old connection is released (if applicable), and the mobile device
continues its communication session with the new cell tower.
5. Challenges in Handoff
Handoff can present several challenges:
Timing: If the handoff process is not completed quickly enough, the call or data
session can be dropped. On the other hand, premature handoffs can lead to
unnecessary network traffic and inefficiency.
Interference: During a soft handoff, the mobile device is connected to two or more
towers simultaneously, which can sometimes cause interference and degrade the
quality of the connection.
Resource Management: The network must carefully manage its resources to handle
handoffs efficiently, especially in areas with high user density, like urban centres.
6. Importance of Handoff in Modern Networks
In modern cellular networks, handoff is crucial for providing users with uninterrupted service
as they move across different locations. It plays a significant role in ensuring quality of
service (QoS), reducing dropped calls, and providing consistent data speeds. With the rise of
mobile internet use and the expansion of 5G networks, efficient handoff mechanisms are
more important than ever.
7. Conclusion
Handoff is a fundamental aspect of wireless communication that allows mobile devices to
stay connected as users move from one location to another. Whether through hard, soft, or
vertical handoffs, the goal is to maintain seamless communication, ensuring that users
experience uninterrupted calls and data sessions. Understanding handoff processes and their
challenges is key to appreciating how modern wireless networks operate smoothly across vast
areas.
