Patent ID: 6507740
Filing Date: 2003-01-14
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
A method of handing off a cellular communication between a mobile unit and a base station within a cellular network, said communication having a signal strength and signal quality measurable at said mobile unit, said method including the steps of:scanning the radio environment at the mobile unit to evaluate signal strength conditions of the present and alternative channels in the radio environment; scanning the radio environment at the mobile unit to evaluate signal quality conditions of the present and alternative channels in the radio environment, wherein said signal quality is derived from at least one link quality indicator; determining a dynamic threshold based at least in part on a signal strength value and whether said mobile unit is participating in an off-hook communication or a standby communication, and variably adjusting the dynamic threshold based at least in part on the signal quality of the present communication and whether said signal quality is below or at a maximum or minimum value; and handing off the communication to one of said alternative channels if the difference between the signal strength of the present communication and one of said alternative channels measured at the mobile unit exceeds said dynamic threshold.