Evaluation of Handoff Drop Call Rate in GSM Network in Delta State with Dynamic Cut off Channel Allocation Scheme

Abstract

This study aims at evaluating Handoff drop call rate in GSM Network using dynamic Cut off Channel Allocation Scheme by evaluating different Mobile Network Operators, MNOs, and comparing with Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC)’s Key Performance Indicator (KPI). A hybrid handoff algorithm was developed to reduce drop calls, analyze the performance of the hybridized handoff algorithm; and compare the simulated results of the hybridized algorithm with that of the existing Mobile network operators, MNOs. The current handoff failure and drop call rates of the best mobile communication network in Nigeria was evaluated and was discovered that the existing Hand off failure rate HFR per cell was 5% and the drop call rate DCR was 10%. These were above the NCC maximum target of 2%. These defects account for the unacceptable drop call rates experienced and thus negatively impact on the quality of service QoS. An optimal solution was provided by developing an enhanced and highly sensitive handoff algorithm from two different algorithms - the Entire Channel Allocation, and the Fixed Channel Allocation - while putting the Modified Reserved Channel Scheme with Guard Channel, and the Fuzzy handoff initiation method into consideration. A software known as Netbeans 7.2 was interfaced with Octave 5.1.0 and used to simulate the developed algorithm. The programme trial was made to run repeatedly for 1200s. Our simulation results indicated HFR of 3% as against 5% from that of the existing network, and DCR of 6% as against the 10% from the network. In further comparing the existing DCR with that obtained from our simulation, an average of 40% dropped calls reduction was realized. This implied that the algorithm reduced drop calls thereby enhancing connectivity and mobility management through the minimization of handoff failures.