Patent ID: 6549780
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
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; detecting the presence of signal strength adjusted to compensate for signal roll-off in said signals from said adjacent service areas and applying a compensation value to signal strength for each adjusted signal to obtain a non-adjusted value; 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; confirming that said forward link channel for said second service area is operating according to a preselected minimum quality level; and disengaging use by said user terminal of the forward link for said first service area upon confirmation of said preselected minimum quality level.