The Optimization of Inter cell Handover Dynamics in a GSM Network

Abstract

Efficient Handover mechanism in a GSM network is one of the parameters critical to GSM network service quality (QoS) and customer satisfaction. Ongoing calls are being transferred through the process of handover from one cell to another as the users move through the coverage areas of the cellular systems. This research focuses on analyzing and optimizing intercell handover dynamics in Airtel Network in Kano. A three months call record sample data was used. Average call drop rate per cell was predicted to be six (6%). An optimal solution was provided using dynamic cutoff priority channel allocation scheme, this improves performance of handover dynamics when simulated. An object oriented simulation technique was employed using a JAVA variant NETBEANS 6.1 because of its moderate system resource requirement, fast and responsive user interface. The result shows that handover failure rate was reduced by an average of Ninety percent (90%) for varying loads. System validation was achieved by comparing the real and simulated load characteristics which produced striking similarities with a correlation coefficient of 0.9122.