Fast handover refers to a mechanism used in wireless communication systems to minimize the latency during the handover process, ensuring a smoother transition when a mobile device moves from one cell or access point to another. The main objective is to speed up the handover procedure so that the disruption in service is barely noticeable, if at all, to the end-user.
Key features of fast handover:
- Prediction: The system anticipates the user’s movement based on various parameters (like speed and direction) and initiates the handover process before the device reaches the edge of the current cell’s coverage area.
- Resource Reservation: Before the actual handover happens, resources (like bandwidth) in the target cell are reserved in advance, ensuring the mobile device can immediately access the necessary services after the handover.
- Parallel Processes: Several handover-related processes run simultaneously rather than sequentially to speed up the entire procedure.
- Reduced Signal Scanning: Instead of the mobile device scanning all available networks, the system provides a shortlist of best candidates, reducing the time needed for selection.
Fast handover techniques are especially crucial for real-time applications like voice calls or video streaming, where even minimal disruptions can significantly degrade the user experience.