Ping-pong reduction for handover process using adaptive hysteresis margin: A methodological approach

Abstract

The technology, Long Term Evolution (LTE) developed by 3rd Generation Partnership Project is considered an improved standard in mobile communications when compared to previously attained network standards. LTE with prospects of decreased latency levels and support of downlink and uplink transmission at data rates exceeding 100Mbps and 50Mbps, an effective handover framework needs to be put in place to improve quality of service rendered to the network users and decrease wastage of network resources. This study examines several works carried out on a handover criteria (hysteresis margin) needed for designing an effective handover framework. This margin is based on the received signal strength between both target and serving eNodeBs, and its proper determination amongst other advantages mitigates the rate of unnecessary and repeated handover (ping-pong effect). The model presented in this research integrates the artificial neural network (ANN) mechanism into the determination of hysteresis margin in the LTE handover process which is to minimize handover delay and ping-pong taking into consideration the speed of the user equipment (UE).