Evaluation of handoff algorithms using a call quality measure with signal based penalties

This paper proposes a new Call Quality Measure based on mobile signal strength measurements to evaluate performance of handoff algorithms in wireless cellular networks. The proposed measure allows the quantification of the impact of the handoff algorithms of performance. Using the proposed measure we compare existing handoff algorithms to identify the trade-off between signal quality and required number of handoffs. Our results indicate that a handoff method based on a threshold with 2 dB hysteresis provides better performance compared to the conventional wisdom of 3 dB hysteresis. We provide a benchmark value for handoff algorithms based on an off-line heuristic method using the new measure. Our benchmark shows that there is substantial room for improvement of the existing handoff algorithm.