Patent ID: 7933600

Claim:
A handover method for a cellular communications system, wherein transceiving of user data is performed over a first radio link between a mobile station and a first base station, the method comprising the steps of: preparing a second radio link for transceiving of user data between the mobile station and a second base station without activating the second radio link to transceive user data, the preparing step including the steps of: setting up a dedicated control channel from the second base station to the mobile station; transmitting control data from the second base station to the mobile station on the control channel; synchronizing a receiver chain in the mobile station to the second base station by receiving the control data; and synchronizing a receiver chain in the second base station to the mobile station by receiving transmissions from the mobile station on the first radio link; deciding to hand over the transceiving from the first to the second base station; handing over the transceiving from the first to the second base station; and immediately transceiving user data on the already prepared second radio link.