Handoff in cellular systems

Handoff is an essential element of cellular communications. Efficient hando ff algorithms are a cost-effective way of enhancing the capacity and QoS of cellular systems. This article presents different aspects of handoff and d iscusses handoff related features of cellular systems. Several system deplo yment scenarios that dictate specific handoff requirements are illustrated. An account of handoff-related resource management tasks of cellular system s is given. Implementation of the handoff process is explained. Several mec hanisms for evaluation of handoff-related system performance are described.