Analysis and Computer Simulation of Handoff Decision in 4G Networks

Abstract

This paper focuses on the analysis and computer simulation of handoff
decision in 4G networks. Everyone around the world would like to be
connected seamlessly anytime anywhere through the best network. The
4G wireless system must have the capacity to provide high data
transfer rates, quality of services and seamless mobility. In 4G, there
are a large variety of heterogeneous networks. Vertical handoffs pose
a great challenge in communication channels thereby making life
unbearable for subscribers in 4G wireless networks. The key
performance indicators were used to determine the call setup rate,
drop call rate, handover success rate and traffic channel congestion of
the characterized networks. The experimental test bed technique using
TCP proxy method was employed in this paper. The test-bed was
operated using network discovery for the mobile node, which was
performed based on router advertisements. The data was collected
from MTN Nigeria, Ikeja-Lagos Network control office which covers
cluster A and B. The results obtained shows that when the real loads
was 60.606, 83.789 and 75.294, the simulated loads was 62.252,
81.841 and 76.343. Again, when the real handover failure rate was
1.405, 1.788 and 5.439, the simulated handover failure rate was
0.020, 0.009 and 0.012 respectively. It is concluded that when the
mean call setup success rate values for all the cells in the two clusters
were compared most of the cells were able to achieve NCC
recommendation.