A handoff procedure refers to the process where a mobile device seamlessly transitions its connection from one base station to another without interrupting the call or data session.
Example Scenario
Traveling from Place A to Place B:
While traveling, a user may experience a momentary dip in mobile signal strength.
This dip usually lasts for 2-3 seconds and then normalizes.
Explanation of Signal Behavior
Signal Strength Dynamics:
When a user (User X) is in area A, their mobile device connects to Base Station A, which provides a strong signal.
As User X moves away from Base Station A, the signal strength decreases gradually.
Upon nearing the boundary of Area A, the connection to Base Station A begins to weaken.
Simultaneously, as the user approaches Area B, Base Station B starts to strengthen its signal to the device.
Transition Process
At the Boundary:
At the border between Area A and Area B, both Base Station A and Base Station B have an equal hold on User X’s device.
As User X crosses into Area B, the signal from Base Station A decreases rapidly while the signal from Base Station B increases.
Call Continuity:
During this transition, the call remains active.
Base Station A hands over the call to Base Station B seamlessly.
Conclusion
This entire handoff process occurs so quickly that the user typically does not notice any disruption in their service.