Abstract: A method for handing off handset in a mobile communication network that defines at a base station (110) an adjusted handover boundary (106) different from a default handover boundary (104) between the base station (110) and a different base station (116). Handover adjustment parameters can be conveyed (120) within messages to user equipment (UE) (112) within range (124) of the base station. The handover adjustment parameters can provide specifics for handover permitting the user equipment (UE) (120) receiving the messages to perform handover operations (166) in accordance with the adjusted handover boundary (106) instead of the default handover boundary (104). The handover adjustment parameters can increment the cell individual offset (CIO) (212) when adjusting for “too late” (210) handover conditions. The handover adjustment parameters decrease the cell individual offset (CIO) (222) when adjusting for “too early” (220) handover conditions.

Abstract: A base station (109) of a cellular communication system (100) comprises an RNC interface (301) which receives a radio link handover initiation message for a radio link from a radio network controller (113). A switch delay processor (309) determines a handover switch delay and a characteristics processor (311) sets a characteristic of a radio link handover acknowledge message in response to the handover switch delay. A message generator (313) generates a radio link handover acknowledge message and transmits this to the radio network controller (113). The radio network controller (113) comprises an RNC handover controller (125) which determines a radio link handover switch time in response to the characteristic. A better timing of the radio link handover may be achieved. The invention may e.g.

Abstract: A base station (109) of a cellular communication system (100) comprises an RNC interface (301) which receives a radio link handover initiation message for a radio link from a radio network controller (113). A switch delay processor (309) determines a handover switch delay and a characteristics processor (311) sets a characteristic of a radio link handover acknowledge message in response to the handover switch delay. A message generator (313) generates a radio link handover acknowledge message and transmits this to the radio network controller (113). The radio network controller (113) comprises an RNC handover controller (125) which determines a radio link handover switch time in response to the characteristic. A better timing of the radio link handover may be achieved. The invention may e.g.