Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for performing a handoff in a wireless communication system. The method includes executing a downlink fast power control when a Received Signal Strength (RSS) of a serving Base Station (BS) is less than a threshold; calculating a mean of RSSs subject to the downlink fast power control, and comparing the calculated mean with the threshold; and performing the handoff to a neighbor BS when the mean of the RSSs is less than the threshold.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for storing a security key in a mobile communication terminal. In the method, the security key is generated randomly. The generated security key is encrypted in a predetermined encryption scheme. The encrypted security key is stored in the mobile communication terminal. Therefore, even if the stored security keys are read by hacking or memory dump, it is impossible to detect the accurate security keys.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for performing a handoff in a wireless communication system. The method includes executing a downlink fast power control when a Received Signal Strength (RSS) of a serving Base Station (BS) is less than a threshold; calculating a mean of RSSs subject to the downlink fast power control, and comparing the calculated mean with the threshold; and performing the handoff to a neighbor BS when the mean of the RSSs is less than the threshold.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for storing a security key in a mobile communication terminal. In the method, the security key is generated randomly. The generated security key is encrypted in a predetermined encryption scheme. The encrypted security key is stored in the mobile communication terminal. Therefore, even if the stored security keys are read by hacking or memory dump, it is impossible to detect the accurate security keys.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for a handoff decision in a mobile communication system. The method includes comparing a threshold value with a measured Received Signal Strength (RSS) of a serving base station, and if the threshold value is greater than the measured RSS, operating a handoff timer; calculating an approximate RSS using the RSS, which has experienced a forward link power control, and a handoff weight, and comparing the threshold value with the approximate RSS. If the approximate RSS is less than the threshold value, a handoff is performed. Thus, an accurate channel state is considered to determine whether to handoff.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for controlling a bell sound in a portable terminal having a hard disc drive. The apparatus copies and stores a part of an MP3 (MPEG-1, Audio Layer-3) file in a memory when the MP3 file stored in the hard disc drive is set as the bell sound. Then, when the MP3 file stored in the hard disc drive is intended to be output as the bell sound, the apparatus first outputs the corresponding MP3 file stored in the memory. Next, when it is possible to access the hard disc drive, the apparatus reads and outputs sound source data synchronously with the sound source data, which are output before accessing the hard disc drive, from the hard disc drive. Thus, in the case where the MP3 file stored in the hard disc drive is to be output as the bell sound when a call is received in a portable terminal, it is possible to instantly output the corresponding MP3 file as the bell sound without a time delay necessary for accessing the hard disc drive.