Patent ID: 6233456
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
A method for performing handoff between adjacent service areas in a wireless communication system that transfers communication signals using at least one central communications station which establishes geographical service areas for user terminals operating within the system, comprising the steps of:detecting a physical transition of a user terminal between a first service area and a second adjacent service area, each established by said one central communications station, by detecting signal strength for signals from said adjacent service areas;requesting a forward link channel for use by said user terminal in said second service area, while said user terminal also communicates using said first service area for forward link communications, when a detected signal strength for the second adjacent service area at least equals that of said first service area;inspecting values for at least one pre-selected communication parameter, and prohibiting execution of said requesting step when a minimum change in value has not occurred for said parameter since a new forward link channel was previously requested for said user terminal;confirming that said forward link channel for said second service area is operating according to a pre-selected minimum quality level; anddisengaging use by said user terminal of the forward link for said first service area upon confirmation of said pre-selected minimum quality level.