Topology-aware handover parameterization for radio link failures reduction in dynamic ON/OFF small-cell networks

Abstract

In this work, we propose a topology-aware mobility robustness optimization algorithm to reduce radio link failures (RLFs) in dynamic ON/OFF small-cell networks. Heterogeneous traffic patterns enable network operators to implement a cell ON/OFF strategy for energy reduction in beyond fifth-generation networks, as base stations are the most energy-consuming devices in the cellular network. The cell ON/OFF strategy dynamically changes the network topology (cell coverage) over time, often leading to improper handover parameter settings in the new network topology. The proposed algorithm compares the current and previous network topologies and, based on their similarity, initializes handover parameters for the new topology using previously stored settings. The concept of angle of incidence is utilized to determine the geometric and directional relationships between cells, enabling the algorithm to identify symmetrical sub-topologies. Geometric features, including the angle of incidence and Euclidean distances, that represent cell topology are used to compare the similarity of network topologies. Through simulations, we demonstrate that the proposed algorithm significantly reduces R LFs when the network topology changes due to cell ON/OFF, compared to other algorithms.