Handover - mobile network transition explained

Handover

In the realm of cellular networks, handover stands as a crucial process, ensuring seamless connectivity for mobile devices in motion. Let's dive deeper into the world of handover and explore its pivotal role in telecommunications.

Understanding Handover in Cellular Networks

Handover, also known as handoff, is a fundamental process in telecommunication and mobile communication systems. It facilitates the smooth transition of cellular transmission, whether voice or data, from one base station (cell site) to another, all while maintaining uninterrupted connectivity for mobile users. This dynamic process is essential for ensuring continuous communication sessions and uninterrupted data services for mobile devices, especially in scenarios where they are constantly on the move.

Exploring the Two Types of Handover

1. Hard Handover

Hard handover involves the release of the channel in the source cell before the channel in the target cell is engaged.
In this type of handover, the connection to the source cell is terminated just before or simultaneously with the establishment of the connection to the target cell.
Also referred to as "break before making" handover, hard handover ensures a swift transition between cells, albeit with a brief interruption in connectivity.

2. Soft Handover

Soft handover differs from hard handover in that it allows the source cell to remain active and operate in parallel with the target cell for a period.
During soft handover, the connection to the target cell is established before the connection to the source cell is terminated.
This parallel connection between multiple cells enhances service quality, especially in areas with poor coverage, by providing redundancy and improving signal strength.

The Impact of Handover on Mobile Transmission

Handover plays a vital role in optimizing mobile transmission, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient data sessions for users on the move. By facilitating swift transitions between base stations, handover minimizes disruptions in communication, enhances network reliability, and improves the overall user experience.

Summary

In cellular networks, base stations have a limited reach, to achieve connectivity between mobile devices – which are mostly on the move – handover is necessary. Handover or hand off is a process in telecommunication and mobile communication in which cellular transmission (voice or data) is transferred from one base station (cell site) to another without losing connectivity to the cellular transmission. Handover is a core element in deploying mobile transmission as it creates data sessions or connects phone calls between mobile devices which are constantly on the move.

There are two types of handover. Soft handover and hard handover.

Hard handover: hard handover is one in which the channel source cell is released before the channel in the target is engaged. In this type of handover, the connection to the source is broken just before or along with when the connection to the target is made. It is also called break before making handover.
Soft handover: soft handover is one in which the source cell is retained and works in parallel with the target cell for a while. In this case, connection to the target cell is established before connection to the source is broken. Soft handover allows a parallel connection between several channels to provide better service. It is very effective in areas with poor coverage.