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HOO (HandOver Optimisation)

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Introduction

Mobile networks are designed to provide seamless connectivity to the users by allowing them to switch from one cell to another. This switching process is known as handover or handoff. Handover is an essential operation in mobile networks to ensure the continuity of the communication service. The HandOver Optimisation (HOO) is a process used to improve the quality of service (QoS) during handover, reducing the impact of call drop, packet loss, and delay. In this article, we will discuss the HOO process, its goals, and its benefits.

HandOver Optimisation

Handover optimisation (HOO) is a process designed to improve the performance of handover procedures in mobile networks. The goal of HOO is to reduce the probability of call drops, packet loss, and delay during handover. HOO is implemented in the network to improve the QoS by optimising handover parameters and algorithms. The HOO process involves monitoring the performance of handover operations, analysing the data collected, and modifying the handover parameters and algorithms based on the analysis.

HOO Goals

The primary goal of HOO is to improve the QoS by optimising the handover process. The HOO process aims to achieve the following goals:

  1. Minimise call drops: Call drops are a significant issue during handover. HOO aims to reduce the number of call drops during handover by optimising handover parameters and algorithms.
  2. Minimise packet loss: Packet loss is another significant issue during handover. HOO aims to minimise packet loss by optimising the handover parameters and algorithms.
  3. Reduce delay: Delay is the time taken to establish a connection during handover. HOO aims to reduce the delay by optimising the handover parameters and algorithms.
  4. Improve network capacity: HOO aims to improve the network capacity by optimising the handover parameters and algorithms. A more efficient handover process can result in a higher network capacity.
  5. Increase user satisfaction: HOO aims to increase user satisfaction by providing a seamless handover experience. A smooth handover experience results in higher user satisfaction.

HOO Process

The HOO process involves the following steps:

  1. Data Collection: The first step in the HOO process is to collect data. The data collected includes handover parameters, handover success rates, call drops, packet loss, and delay. The data is collected from various sources such as network elements, mobile devices, and performance management systems.
  2. Analysis: The next step is to analyse the data collected. The data is analysed to identify the handover issues, such as high call drops, high packet loss, and high delay.
  3. Optimisation: Based on the analysis, the handover parameters and algorithms are optimised. The optimisation process involves modifying the handover parameters and algorithms to improve the handover performance.
  4. Testing: After the optimisation process, the handover performance is tested. The testing process involves simulating handover scenarios and measuring the performance of the handover process.
  5. Implementation: Once the testing is completed successfully, the optimised handover parameters and algorithms are implemented in the network.

HOO Benefits

The HOO process provides several benefits to the mobile network operators (MNOs) and users. Some of the benefits of HOO are:

  1. Improved QoS: The primary benefit of HOO is improved QoS. HOO optimises the handover process, reducing the probability of call drops, packet loss, and delay during handover.
  2. Better Network Utilisation: HOO improves the network capacity, resulting in better network utilisation. A more efficient handover process can handle more calls and data traffic.
  3. Higher User Satisfaction: HOO provides a seamless hand over experience, resulting in higher user satisfaction. Users expect a seamless handover experience, and HOO delivers that by reducing the probability of call drops, packet loss, and delay during handover.
  4. Cost Savings: HOO can result in cost savings for MNOs by reducing the need for network infrastructure and maintenance. A more efficient handover process can handle more traffic, resulting in less network infrastructure needed.
  5. Competitive Advantage: HOO can provide MNOs with a competitive advantage over other mobile network operators. A seamless handover experience is an essential factor for users when choosing a mobile network operator.

Challenges in HOO

There are several challenges in implementing HOO. Some of the challenges are:

  1. Complex Network Architecture: Mobile networks are complex, and the implementation of HOO requires a deep understanding of the network architecture. HOO needs to be implemented carefully to ensure that it does not impact the existing network architecture.
  2. Limited Resources: HOO requires significant resources such as time, money, and manpower. Implementing HOO can be a challenging task for MNOs with limited resources.
  3. Compatibility Issues: HOO requires compatibility with different mobile devices and network elements. Compatibility issues can arise during the implementation of HOO, resulting in delays and additional costs.
  4. Interference: Interference can impact the handover process and the implementation of HOO. Interference can result in signal degradation and reduce the effectiveness of HOO.

Conclusion

Handover optimisation is a process designed to improve the performance of handover procedures in mobile networks. HOO aims to reduce the probability of call drops, packet loss, and delay during handover. The HOO process involves monitoring the performance of handover operations, analysing the data collected, and modifying the handover parameters and algorithms based on the analysis. HOO provides several benefits to MNOs and users, such as improved QoS, better network utilisation, higher user satisfaction, cost savings, and a competitive advantage. However, implementing HOO can be a challenging task due to the complex network architecture, limited resources, compatibility issues, and interference. Overall, HOO is a critical process in mobile networks that helps to ensure seamless connectivity for users.