The advent of LTE, marking the fourth generation in cellular network technology, has revolutionized the telecommunications landscape, bringing forth substantial enhancements in efficiency, data rates, latency, cost-effectiveness, capacity, and coverage. As a successor to the third-generation (G3) networks, LTE, or Long-Term Evolution, has become the cornerstone of modern telecommunications infrastructure in many countries. This study delves into the critical aspect of handovers or handoffs in cellular communication, specifically addressing the seamless transfer of data packets between channels within the same network.
Categorizing Base Transceiver Station (BTS) antennas and managing handovers at border points stand as pivotal challenges within GSM groups and LTE networks. In certain indoor environments like offices and residential areas, handovers may be deemed unnecessary in regions with stronger signals than the source station. However, at points like exit doors, where signal strength diminishes, handovers become imperative. The identification and mitigation of unnecessary handovers pose a significant question for network experts. Determining whether it is feasible to recognize and manage these unessential handovers optimally, considering the geographic location of the node and signal strength, has been a longstanding inquiry.
Addressing the complexity of implementing large-scale networks in real-time scenarios, this research highlights the invaluable role of simulators. Simulators serve as instrumental tools for network developers to comprehend the intricacies of network structures and ascertain their real-time deployability and economic feasibility. Evaluating various network simulation languages such as NS-2, NS-3, OMNET++, PeerSim, JiST, and OPNET, this study aims to guide network simulator developers in selecting the most suitable tool for their specific needs.
The focus shifts to NS-3 as a powerful and promising tool for simulating LTE network structures and diverse handover scenarios. In light of Sinclair et al.'s work in 2013, we explore the capabilities of NS-3 in implementing LTE networks and simulating intricate handover scenarios. The study provides insights into the potential of NS-3 as a comprehensive solution for network developers, offering a platform to assess and optimize LTE networks while addressing the critical issue of handovers.
