{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Coverage and capacity based inter-frequency handover in multi-layer networks.
{Author}: Yin Z;
{Journal}: Heliyon
{Volume}: 10
{Issue}: 4
{Year}: 2024 Feb 29
{Factor}: 3.776
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26225
{Abstract}: Multi-layer networks which consist of high-frequency cells and low-frequency cells in the same coverage area, can ensure capacity and coverage simultaneously. However, the existing handover algorithms in multi-layer networks result in the waste of spectrum resources. In this paper, we propose a new handover algorithm to address this gap. To ensure coverage and capacity, the proposed algorithm utilizes inter-frequency handover based on coverage and user throughput, encourages inter-frequency handover but suppresses intra-frequency handover. We provide a theoretical basis for this algorithm, whose superior performance has been verified by our simulations. Compared with the traditional algorithms, the proposed algorithm balances the load ratio between high-frequency cells and low-frequency cells from 30/90 to 60/80; Meanwhile, the proposed algorithm increases user throughput by at least 54.3% for the handover users; Moreover, the proposed algorithm increases the average signal interference plus noise ratio by about 1.5 dB for the high-frequency cells and 5 dB for the low-frequency cells, which gives rise to the increase in system capacity for 10.5% and 11.57% for downlink and uplink, respectively; Besides, the proposed algorithm decreases call blocking ratio by 38% and end-to-end delay by 5.82%.