Optimization of handover algorithms in 3GPP long term evolution system

Handover in LTE is purely hard handover. The use of break-before-connect handovers reduces the complexity of the LTE network architecture. However, the hard handover may result in data being lost. A Handover algorithm is needed for making handover decision. This decision may vary over time, depending on user´s mobility. Many handover algorithms have been proposed. In this work, we optimized three well known handover algorithms in the LTE system. Simulation results show that this optimization outperforms non-optimized algorithms by minimizing the average number of handovers per UE per second while maximizing average system throughput.