Handoff counting in hierarchical cellular system with overflow scheme

In mobile computing scenario, the number of handoff (called as handoff counting) is very important for the signalling network design and traffic load analysis. In this paper, we study the handoff counting characteristics in terms of probability mass function (pmf) and statistical moments in the hierarchical cellular system applying overflow scheme under the general cell residence time and general call holding time distribution. The analytical result and the algorithm for the evaluation of handoff counting are, respectively, presented for the cases whether or not the Laplace–Stieltjes Transform of call holding time exists. The numerical results reveal that as the call holding time is heavy-tailed, the handoff counting follows the heavy-tailed tendency. In addition, the handoff counting pmf as well as the average value shows a significant different pattern with the utilization of different call holding time distribution. 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.