Optimization of handover scanning procedure in WiMAX networks with relay stations

This paper proposes an optimization of management messages and their exchange during a scanning procedure of mobile station's neighborhood in WiMAX based networks with relay stations. The scanning procedure allows a mobile station to obtain information about handover target access stations. In IEEE 802.16e standard, where the relay stations are not considered, the exchange of requested information for handover execution is done among base stations and backbone network. When taking into account the relay stations, a new wireless interface among the base stations and relay stations emerged. Thus, a new communication scheme over the radio interface has to be proposed and optimized in order to reduce the management information overhead and to maximize the user data throughput.