Sign in Subscribe

MOB_HO-IND Handover Indication message

Last updated on 


The MOB_HO-IND Handover Indication message is a protocol message used in wireless telecommunications systems. It is used to notify a mobile station (MS) that it is required to perform a handover to another base station (BS) due to a change in the radio link quality. This message is part of the Mobile Application Part (MAP) protocol used in Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks.

A handover is necessary when a mobile station is moving out of the coverage area of the current base station, or if there is a degradation of the quality of the radio link between the mobile station and the base station. In such cases, it becomes necessary to switch the connection to another base station that can provide a better quality of service.

The MOB_HO-IND Handover Indication message is sent from the old serving base station (SBS) to the new serving base station (NBS) via the Mobile Switching Centre (MSC). The message is used to inform the mobile station that a handover is required and to provide the necessary information to facilitate the handover process.

The MOB_HO-IND Handover Indication message consists of several fields that contain different types of information. These fields are as follows:

  1. Message Type: This field indicates the type of message, which in this case is MOB_HO-IND.
  2. Transaction ID: This field contains a unique identifier that is used to match the response message with the original request message.
  3. IMSI: This field contains the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) of the mobile station.
  4. Old BSSAP-ID: This field contains the Base Station System Application Part (BSSAP) identifier of the old serving base station.
  5. Old BSS Area: This field contains the BSS area identifier of the old serving base station.
  6. New BSSAP-ID: This field contains the BSSAP identifier of the new serving base station.
  7. New BSS Area: This field contains the BSS area identifier of the new serving base station.
  8. Layer 3 Information: This field contains Layer 3 information that is required for the handover process.

The IMSI field is used to identify the mobile station that is required to perform the handover. The old BSSAP-ID and old BSS Area fields are used to identify the current serving base station, while the new BSSAP-ID and new BSS Area fields are used to identify the new serving base station.

The Layer 3 Information field is used to provide the necessary information for the handover process. This information includes the measurement reports that were used to determine that a handover is required, as well as any other relevant information about the mobile station or the radio link quality.

Once the MOB_HO-IND Handover Indication message is received by the new serving base station, the handover process can begin. The new serving base station will send a Handover Request message to the mobile station, which contains the necessary information for the mobile station to switch to the new serving base station. The mobile station will then send a Handover Command message to the old serving base station, indicating that it is ready to perform the handover.

Once the handover is complete, the mobile station will be connected to the new serving base station, and communication can continue without interruption.

In summary, the MOB_HO-IND Handover Indication message is an important protocol message used in wireless telecommunications systems to facilitate handovers between base stations. This message is used to inform the mobile station that a handover is required and to provide the necessary information to facilitate the handover process. By using this message, the handover process can be performed quickly and efficiently, ensuring that the mobile station remains connected to the network without any interruption in service. This is particularly important for real-time communication services such as voice and video calls, where interruptions or dropped calls can significantly impact the user experience.

One of the key benefits of the MOB_HO-IND Handover Indication message is that it enables seamless handovers between base stations. This is achieved by providing the necessary information about the mobile station and the radio link quality to the new serving base station, allowing it to prepare for the handover and ensure that there is no interruption in service. This is particularly important in high-speed environments such as moving vehicles, where the handover process must be completed quickly to avoid service disruption.

Another benefit of the MOB_HO-IND Handover Indication message is that it enables efficient use of network resources. By facilitating handovers between base stations, the message ensures that mobile stations are always connected to the base station that can provide the best quality of service. This helps to improve network efficiency and reduce network congestion, ensuring that all users receive a high-quality service.

The MOB_HO-IND Handover Indication message is also important for ensuring network security. By providing information about the mobile station and the radio link quality, the message enables the network to monitor and control the use of resources. This helps to prevent unauthorized access to the network and ensure that the network is used only by authorized users.

Overall, the MOB_HO-IND Handover Indication message is an important protocol message used in wireless telecommunications systems. It is used to facilitate handovers between base stations, ensuring that mobile stations remain connected to the network without interruption in service. By providing the necessary information to the new serving base station, the message enables seamless handovers, improves network efficiency, and enhances network security.