Fast predicted handover in IEEE 802.16 networks

The handover procedure can have a negative impact on the quality of service due to the short break in the connection. This paper proposes a modification of the hard handover procedure to enable reduction of the handover interruption time by exploiting the results of a handover prediction. The prediction of handover allows performing a part of handover procedure in advance to the interruption of a connection caused by the handover. The simulation results show that the proposed handover procedure fulfils requirements on the handover interruption according to the originating IEEE 802.16m standard for a wide range of frame durations. Moreover, the proposed technique outperforms conventional handover and all well-known proposals shortening the handover interruption as well. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.