A new hand-off algorithm using fuzzy logic [micro-cellular environment]

The cellular industry is moving towards smaller cell sizes in order to increase channel reuse. The advent of the micro-cell has presented some problems to conventional hand-off algorithms. The main issues are: (i) the need for a more reliable hand-off algorithm in the region on the cell boundary where the signals from adjacent base stations (BSs) overlap and (ii) the need to find a solution to the Manhattan Street Corner Effect where the signal level may drop off up to 15 dB when a mobile station (MS) turns a corner. A search for a solution to these issues has lead to the motivation for using fuzzy logic. A fuzzy logic approach to controlling hand-off in a micro-cellular environment is presented. The fuzzy control is being offered as an alternative to the standard hand-off algorithm(s). The fuzzy hand-off algorithm utilizes the received signal strength (RSSI) and distance measurements. These inputs were mapped using fuzzy rules to an output hand-over factor. The hand-over factor was used to determine the hand-off initiation