Efficient scanning algorithm for integrated mobile and nomadic systems: a hierarchical approach

We consider a wireless communication environment in which a large number of local area cells are deployed within the coverage of wide area cells. In this environment, a scanning operation to detect a suitable local area cell for handoff can degrade the performance of a mobile station, because repeated scanning trials are likely to cause disruption of service and require considerable consumption of power. Therefore, we propose and analyze a hierarchical scanning algorithm that is capable of providing MS-specific neighbor cell information. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can significantly reduce the number of scanning trials required to detect a suitable local area cell for handoff.