13/08/2025, 15:12 Handover in LTE along with in-depth call flow understanding - Techlteworld

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Handover in LTE along with in-depth call

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Handover is the process of transferring an active communication session for a UE from one
eNodeB to another, ensuring seamless mobility and service continuity. Unlike legacy technologies
(e.g., GSM), LTE employs a hard handover mechanism, meaning that the UE breaks its connection
with the source eNodeB before establishing it with the target.

Handover in LTE is crucial for:

Seamless voice and data service during mobility

Load balancing across cells
Radio link quality optimization
Inter-technology (Inter-RAT) mobility

Types of LTE Handovers

LTE supports three main handover categories based on frequency and technology:

There are three types of Handovers in LTE:

Intra-Frequency Handover-Occurs between cells operating on the same carrier

frequency. It is typically faster and less complex due to reuse of the same
frequency context.
Inter-Frequency Handover-Takes place when a UE moves between cells operating
on different frequencies. This requires measurement gaps to switch and evaluate
alternate frequencies.
Inter-RAT Handover-Inter-Radio Access Technology (Inter-RAT) handover enables
mobility across LTE and other technologies like UMTS, GSM, or even NR (in later
releases).

Examples:

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LTE to WCDMA/UMTS (for CS fallback)

LTE to GSM (for coverage fallback)
LTE to Wi-Fi (with ANDSF support)

Intra-Frequency Handover

An Intra-Frequency Handover occurs when the UE transitions from one LTE cell to another, both
operating on the same EARFCN.

When a handover occurs between two different cells belonging to the same eNodeB and operating
on the same frequency, it is still called an Intra-Frequency Handover.

Key Characteristics:

No frequency re-tuning is needed by the UE.

Measurement reports are generated without measurement gaps because the UE
can simultaneously monitor neighbouring cells while being connected to the
serving cell.

Example Use Case:

A UE moving across a city served by a single LTE frequency (e.g., 1800 MHz) where multiple
eNodeBs use the same frequency but different PCI (Physical Cell IDs).

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Handover Trigger: Typically initiated based on Event A3: “Neighbour cell becomes offset better than
serving cell.”

Inter-Frequency Handover

An Inter-Frequency Handover occurs when a UE transitions between LTE cells operating on

different frequencies (different EARFCNs).

Why It’s Needed:

Load balancing across frequency layers (e.g., moving heavy traffic from 1800 MHz
to 800 MHz)
Coverage improvement (low-frequency bands provide better penetration in
buildings)
Mobility optimization in multi-layer LTE deployments

Measurement Events Used:

Event A4: “Neighbour cell becomes better than a threshold.”

Event A5: “Serving cell becomes worse than threshold1 AND neighbour becomes
better than threshold2.”

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Inter-RAT Handover

An Inter-RAT Handover is a mobility event where the UE transitions between LTE and other radio
access technologies such as:

UMTS/WCDMA (3G)
GSM (2G)
Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11)
5G NR (from LTE anchor)

When is it Triggered:

LTE coverage is poor or unavailable

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Legacy network (2G/3G) provides better signal or fallback services

CS fallback is required for voice (in LTE networks without VoLTE)
Preferred access or policy rules (e.g., Wi-Fi preferred indoors)

Measurement Events Used:

Event B1: “Inter-RAT neighbour cell becomes better than a threshold”

Event B2: “Serving cell becomes worse than threshold1 AND Inter-RAT neighbour
becomes better than threshold2”

Handover Categorization Based on Core Network Involvement

LTE supports two principal handover architectures depending on whether or not the EPC actively
participates in the handover signalling and data path management.

The LTE handover procedure enables seamless transfer of a UE’s connection between eNodeBs
while maintaining an active session. This ensures uninterrupted service and optimal performance
as the UE moves through the network.

The Procedure involved

1. Measurement and Evaluation

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UE continuously measures signal quality (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ) of the serving and
neighbouring cells.
These measurements are reported to the serving eNodeB periodically or when
configured events (e.g., A3, A5) are triggered.
The serving eNodeB evaluates the measurement reports to assess if handover
conditions are met.

2. Handover Decision

The serving eNodeB compares the received measurements with preconfigured

thresholds and offsets.
If the target cell has better radio conditions (based on triggers like A3, A5), a
handover decision is made.
The decision considers other factors such as cell load, mobility patterns, and
handover hysteresis.

3. Handover Preparation

The serving eNodeB sends a Handover Request message to the target eNodeB via
the X2 or S1 interface.
The message includes UE context, bearer information, and radio parameters.
The target eNodeB allocates necessary resources and replies with a Handover
Request Acknowledge.
RRC Connection Reconfiguration message is prepared and buffered for the UE.

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4. Handover Execution

The serving eNodeB sends an RRC Connection Reconfiguration command to the

UE with details of the target cell.
UE detaches from the serving cell and synchronizes with the target cell based on
provided configuration.
UE sends RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete to the target eNodeB.
The data path is updated by the EPC (SGW/PGW) if using S1-based HO.

5. Handover Completion

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After successful synchronization, the target eNodeB becomes the new serving cell
for the UE.
Buffered and ongoing downlink data is forwarded from the old eNodeB to the new
one (via X2 or S1).
UE resumes its communication session with no user-perceivable interruption.
The handover context is released at the source eNodeB to free up resources.

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X2-Based Handover

An X2-Based Handover is a procedure where the source and target eNodeBs communicate directly
over the X2 interface to manage the handover. The EPC (MME and SGW) plays only a minor role —
mainly involved in the path switch after the handover is complete.

Intra-LTE handovers within the same operator network.

Both eNodeBs are connected to the same MME and SGW.
X2 interface is available and active.
X2 interface configured between eNodeBs (direct IP link or via S1-based tunnel).
Target and source eNodeBs must trust each other (configured security context).
UE remains within the same Tracking Area or MME pool.

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S1-Based Handover

An S1-Based Handover is used when the X2 interface is not available or cannot be used (e.g., in
inter-vendor or inter-operator deployments). In this case, all handover signalling and context
transfer is routed via the EPC, involving both the MME and the SGW.

X2 interface not present or blocked.

Inter-MME handovers (target eNodeB is served by a different MME).
Inter-PLMN handovers (e.g., during roaming).
Inter-RAT handovers, e.g., LTE → UMTS/GSM.
Multi-vendor environments without X2 interconnection.
S1-MME interface must be available for both source and target eNodeBs.
Target eNodeB must support the same bearer configurations.
EPC handles bearer modifications and UE context transfer.

Comparison: X2 vs S1 Handover

LTE Measurement Events (3GPP TS 36.331)

LTE relies on measurement events to determine when a handover or reconfiguration should be

triggered. These event-based triggers are used by the UE to monitor signal quality and report when
certain conditions are met. These reports enable the network to make mobility decisions
dynamically and efficiently.

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Event A1 – “Serving cell becomes better than threshold”

UE triggers this event when the RSRP/RSRQ of the serving cell becomes better than a predefined
threshold.

Indicates good radio conditions; no need to consider handovers.

Use Case:

Stop unnecessary measurements of neighbouring cells.

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Saves UE power and reduces measurement overhead.

Example:
If a UE moves closer to the serving cell and its signal becomes strong (e.g., better than −95 dBm),
Event A1 is triggered.

Event A2 – “Serving cell becomes worse than threshold”

Triggered when the serving cell’s signal strength drops below a set threshold.

Initiates measurement of neighbouring cells or inter-RAT cells.

Use Case:

Prepare for possible handover or cell reselection.

Used in poor signal areas, e.g., building interiors.

Example:
When RSRP of the serving cell drops below −110 dBm.

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Event A3 – “Neighbour becomes offset better than serving”

A neighbouring cell’s signal becomes better than the serving cell’s by a defined offset (e.g., 3 dB).

UE reports when a neighbouring cell is significantly better, to trigger a handover.

Use Case:

Intra-frequency or inter-frequency handovers.

Example:
When Neighbour Cell = −96 dBm and Serving Cell = −100 dBm with offset = 3 dB.

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Event A4 – “Neighbour becomes better than an absolute threshold”

A neighbouring cell’s RSRP/RSRQ exceeds a predefined absolute threshold.

Checks availability of good neighbour cells, regardless of serving cell strength.

Use Case:

Mainly used in inter-frequency handover scenarios.

Example:
Neighbour RSRP crosses −100 dBm absolute threshold.

Event A5 – “Serving worse than threshold1 AND Neighbour better than threshold2”

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Dual condition:

Serving cell becomes worse than threshold1

Neighbour becomes better than threshold2

UE only reports when both degradation and better alternative exist.

Use Case:

Advanced inter-frequency handovers.

Prevents ping-pong handovers.

Example:
Serving RSRP < −110 dBm & Neighbour RSRP > −100 dBm.

Event A6 – “Neighbor becomes better than serving by offset”

A Secondary Cell (SCell) becomes better than the Primary Cell (PCell) by a given offset.

Used to add or remove SCells for Carrier Aggregation.

Use Case:

Enhancing throughput by activating additional downlink carriers.

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Example:
When SCell RSRP is better than PCell by 5 dB.

Event B1 – “Inter-RAT Neighbor becomes better than threshold”

A neighbour cell from a different RAT (e.g., 3G, GSM, NR) exceeds a set threshold.

Enables measurement reporting for inter-RAT mobility.

Use Case:

LTE to WCDMA/GSM/NR for load balancing, coverage fallback.

Example:
WCDMA RSRP > −102 dBm triggers B1.

Event B2 – “Serving < T1 AND Inter-RAT Neighbour > T2”

Dual-condition for inter-RAT:

Serving LTE cell < threshold1

Inter-RAT cell > threshold2

Indicates need for handover to a different RAT (e.g., for CS fallback or coverage).

Use Case:

LTE to GSM or UMTS (e.g., for voice services if no VoLTE).

LTE to NR during ENDC deactivation.

Example:
Serving RSRP < −110 dBm & GSM RSRP > −102 dBm.

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X2 Handover Call flow

X2 handover in LTE enables direct mobility between eNodeBs using the X2 interface without
involving the MME during handover signalling. It ensures faster and more efficient handovers,
reducing latency and preserving user experience.

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