A handover algorithm for broadband wireless access system on railway

For the broadband wireless access system of the railway system, because the trains move forward on the railroad in a fixed direction under a regular path, the mobile stations on the railway trains can only choose the approaching neighboring base stations as unique target base station candidates. This is different from the typical broadband wireless access systems. Using the IEEE 802.16e handover algorithm, a simplified, modified handover procedure is proposed to reduce the memory consumption of paused data buffer during the cell re-selection process and shorten the handover operation time during the handover process.

I. Introduction

WiMAX is the next generation telecommunications technology to provide high date rate wireless transmission. This technology is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard [1][2]. Typically, WiMAX can deliver 70Mbps over 50 kilometers, and operates at higher bit rate or over longer distance but not both. The IEEE 802.16e standard adds handover (HO) procedures between base stations (BSs) to support mobility and QoS level. WiMAX will appropriately provide a wireless alternative to cable for last mile mobile broadband access in suburban areas. WiMAX can support the broadband wireless transmission on railway systems to provide a low-cost and high data rate solution.