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Explain the purpose of the handover parameter in Ericsson's 5G system.

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In mobile communication systems, a handover (also known as handoff) is the process of transferring an ongoing call or data session from one cell (base station) to another without interrupting the communication. This is crucial for maintaining a seamless connection as a user moves through different areas covered by different cells.

Here's a general technical explanation of the purpose of handover parameters:

  1. Radio Resource Management (RRM): Handover parameters play a crucial role in the Radio Resource Management of a mobile network. RRM is responsible for optimizing the usage of available radio resources, ensuring efficient communication, and maintaining the quality of service for users.
  2. Signal Strength and Quality: Handover decisions are often based on factors such as signal strength, signal quality, and interference. The handover parameter helps define thresholds or criteria that, when met, trigger a handover from one cell to another.
  3. Mobility Management: The handover process is closely tied to mobility management. As a mobile device moves, the network needs to adapt to ensure that the connection remains stable and provides an acceptable level of service. Handover parameters are configured to manage handovers effectively based on the mobility characteristics of the users.
  4. Load Balancing: In a multi-cell network, handover parameters can be used for load balancing purposes. The system may decide to hand over users from a heavily loaded cell to a less loaded one to distribute the traffic more evenly across the network.
  5. Latency and Packet Loss Mitigation: Handovers are designed to be as seamless as possible to minimize latency and packet loss during the transition. The handover parameters are configured to ensure that the handover process is triggered at the right time to maintain the quality of communication.
  6. Handover Types: Different handover types exist, such as soft handover and hard handover. The parameters may be set to determine which type of handover is appropriate for specific scenarios.