An efficient handoff algorithm based on received signal strength and wireless transmission loss in hierarchical cell networks

Compared with the macrocell systems, the femtocell systems allow users to obtain broadband service with high data rate by using lower costs of transmit power, operation and capital expenditure. Traditional handoff algorithms used in macrocells cannot well satisfy the mobility of users efficiently in hierarchical macro/femto cell networks. In this paper based on the received signal strength (RSS) and wireless transmission loss, a new handoff algorithm in hierarchical cell networks called RWTL-HO is proposed, which considers the discrepancy in transmit power between macrocell and femtocell base stations. The simulation results show that compared with the conventional algorithm, the proposed algorithm improves the utilization of femtocells by doubling the number of handoffs; and in comparison with the handoff algorithm based on combining the RSSs from both macro and femto cell base stations, reduces half the number of redundant handoffs.