MDHO (Macro Diversity Handover)

Last updated on Apr 28, 2023

MDHO (Macro Diversity Handover) is a technique used in cellular networks to improve network coverage and capacity. In a cellular network, a cell is the basic unit of coverage, and each cell is served by a base station. A mobile device communicates with a base station to establish a connection and transfer data. However, as the mobile device moves away from the base station, the signal strength decreases, leading to poor call quality and dropped calls. To address this issue, cellular networks use handover techniques to transfer the mobile device's connection from one base station to another.

Handover is the process of transferring an ongoing call or data session from one base station to another. In a typical handover, the mobile device communicates with the target base station and sends a request to transfer the connection. The target base station verifies the availability of resources and accepts the handover request. The source base station then transfers the connection to the target base station, and the mobile device continues the call or data session without interruption.

However, in some situations, the handover process may fail due to various reasons, such as low signal strength or congestion in the network. To overcome these challenges, cellular networks use macro diversity techniques such as MDHO.

MDHO is a handover technique that involves transferring the connection of a mobile device to multiple base stations simultaneously. This technique enables the mobile device to communicate with multiple base stations simultaneously, providing a more robust and reliable connection.

MDHO is particularly useful in areas where the network coverage is weak or congested, such as in urban areas with high user density. In such scenarios, the mobile device can communicate with multiple base stations simultaneously, which improves the signal strength and reduces the chances of dropped calls.

The MDHO technique involves three main components:

Macro Diversity Controller (MDC)
Source Base Station (SBS)
Target Base Station (TBS)

The Macro Diversity Controller (MDC) is the central entity responsible for coordinating the handover process. The MDC receives information about the network conditions and the status of the mobile devices from the base stations. Based on this information, the MDC determines the optimal handover strategy for each mobile device.

The Source Base Station (SBS) is the base station that currently serves the mobile device. The SBS detects the weak signal strength and initiates the handover process by sending a request to the MDC. The SBS also sends information about the mobile device's connection status and network conditions to the MDC.

The Target Base Station (TBS) is the base station that is expected to serve the mobile device after the handover. The TBS receives the handover request from the MDC and verifies the availability of resources. Once the TBS accepts the handover request, the MDC instructs the SBS to transfer the mobile device's connection to the TBS.

The MDHO technique involves two types of handovers:

Soft Handover: In a soft handover, the mobile device communicates with both the SBS and the TBS simultaneously. The SBS and TBS exchange data with each other to ensure that the mobile device receives a consistent and reliable connection.
Hard Handover: In a hard handover, the mobile device's connection is transferred from the SBS to the TBS. The mobile device stops communicating with the SBS and starts communicating with the TBS.

The MDHO technique offers several benefits over traditional handover techniques. Some of these benefits are:

Improved network coverage: MDHO improves the network coverage by enabling the mobile device to communicate with multiple base stations simultaneously.
Reduced call drops: MDHO reduces the chances of call drops by providing a more robust and reliable connection.
Increased capacity: MDHO increases the network capacity by distributing the load between multiple base stations. This reduces the congestion in the network and improves the overall network performance.
Seamless handover: MDHO provides a seamless handover experience for the mobile device, with no interruption or degradation in the call or data session.
Cost-effective: MDHO is a cost-effective solution as it reduces the need for additional infrastructure and equipment.

MDHO has some limitations and challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its effectiveness. Some of these challenges are:

Complexity: MDHO is a complex technique that requires sophisticated algorithms and network infrastructure. Implementing MDHO requires significant investment in resources and expertise.
Interference: MDHO may face interference issues due to the simultaneous communication with multiple base stations. This interference can degrade the signal quality and reduce the overall network performance.
Compatibility: MDHO requires compatible hardware and software in both the mobile device and the base stations. Not all mobile devices or base stations may support MDHO, limiting its effectiveness.
MDHO (Macro Diversity Handover) is a technique used in cellular networks to improve network coverage and capacity. In a cellular network, a cell is the basic unit of coverage, and each cell is served by a base station. A mobile device communicates with a base station to establish a connection and transfer data. However, as the mobile device moves away from the base station, the signal strength decreases, leading to poor call quality and dropped calls. To address this issue, cellular networks use handover techniques to transfer the mobile device's connection from one base station to another.
Handover is the process of transferring an ongoing call or data session from one base station to another. In a typical handover, the mobile device communicates with the target base station and sends a request to transfer the connection. The target base station verifies the availability of resources and accepts the handover request. The source base station then transfers the connection to the target base station, and the mobile device continues the call or data session without interruption.
However, in some situations, the handover process may fail due to various reasons, such as low signal strength or congestion in the network. To overcome these challenges, cellular networks use macro diversity techniques such as MDHO.
MDHO is a handover technique that involves transferring the connection of a mobile device to multiple base stations simultaneously. This technique enables the mobile device to communicate with multiple base stations simultaneously, providing a more robust and reliable connection.
MDHO is particularly useful in areas where the network coverage is weak or congested, such as in urban areas with high user density. In such scenarios, the mobile device can communicate with multiple base stations simultaneously, which improves the signal strength and reduces the chances of dropped calls.
The MDHO technique involves three main components:
Macro Diversity Controller (MDC)
Source Base Station (SBS)
Target Base Station (TBS)

The MDHO technique involves two types of handovers:

Soft Handover: In a soft handover, the mobile device communicates with both the SBS and the TBS simultaneously. The SBS and TBS exchange data with each other to ensure that the mobile device receives a consistent and reliable connection.
Hard Handover: In a hard handover, the mobile device's connection is transferred from the SBS to the TBS. The mobile device stops communicating with the SBS and starts communicating with the TBS.

The MDHO technique offers several benefits over traditional handover techniques. Some of these benefits are:

Improved network coverage: MDHO improves the network coverage by enabling the mobile device to communicate with multiple base stations simultaneously.
Reduced call drops: MDHO reduces the chances of call drops by providing a more robust and reliable connection.
Increased capacity: MDHO increases the network capacity by distributing the load between multiple base stations. This reduces the congestion in the network and improves the overall network performance.
Seamless handover: MDHO provides a seamless handover experience for the mobile device, with no interruption or degradation in the call or data session.
Cost-effective: MDHO is a cost-effective solution as it reduces the need for additional infrastructure and equipment.

MDHO has some limitations and challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its effectiveness. Some of these challenges are:

Complexity: MDHO is a complex technique that requires sophisticated algorithms and network infrastructure. Implementing MDHO requires significant investment in resources and expertise.
Interference: MDHO may face interference issues due to the simultaneous communication with multiple base stations. This interference can degrade the signal quality and reduce the overall network performance.
Compatibility: MDHO requires compatible hardware and software in both the mobile device and the base stations. Not all mobile devices or base stations may support MDHO, limiting its effectiveness.
Latency: MDHO may increase latency as the mobile device communicates with multiple base stations simultaneously. This can result in delays in data transfer and degrade the user experience.

In conclusion, MDHO is a technique used in cellular networks to improve network coverage and capacity. It enables the mobile device to communicate with multiple base stations simultaneously, providing a more robust and reliable connection. MDHO offers several benefits over traditional handover techniques, including improved network coverage, reduced call drops, increased capacity, seamless handover, and cost-effectiveness. However, MDHO has some limitations and challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its effectiveness, including complexity, interference, compatibility, and latency.

MDHO may increase latency as the mobile device communicates with multiple base stations simultaneously. This can result in delays in data transfer and degrade the user experience.