Analysis of handoff algorithms using both bit error rate (BER) and relative signal strength

Analyzes the performance of handoff algorithms using both bit error rate and relative signal strength measurements. This extends the analysis carried out previously where only signal strength measurements are used. The algorithm considered performs a handoff if the relative signal strength of the new base station exceeds the signal strength from the present base station by a certain hysteresis level and if the current BER performance is not adequate. The model is validated by comparing its performance with the simulations. The choice of the various design parameters-hysteresis margin, BER threshold parameter, and the effect of number of samples required to estimate the BER is discussed