Abstract: Generally stated, a method for performing soft-handoff within a wireless communication system 100 is described herein. The wireless communication system 100 includes, inter alia, a mobile station 104, a first base station 102 in communication with said mobile station via a first communication resource 120, and a second base station 106 with a corresponding second communication resource 130. In a first preferred embodiment, a determination is made that the first communication resource 120 is no longer necessary. The wireless communication system 100 verifies that the second base station 106 has acquired the mobile station 104 via the second communication resource 130. If the second base station 106 has yet to acquire the mobile station 104 on the second communication resource 130, the wireless communication system 100 will override the normal power control mechanisms, increasing the mobile station's 104 transmit power, thereby mitigating the opportunity for an orphan condition to develop.

Abstract: A method of reducing an audio gap in a signal connection with a communication unit during handoff in a cellular communication system is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a temporary signal connection with the communication unit from a mobile switching center (MSC) of a source base site, through the source base site to a handoff target base site and establishing a trunk connection from the MSC of the source base site to a MSC of the target base site. The method further includes the step of interconnecting, at the target base site, the temporary signal connection, trunk connection, and communication unit; and re-routing the signal connection with the communication unit through the trunk connection.

Abstract: A method of reducing an audio gap in a signal connection with a communication unit during handoff in a cellular communication system is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a temporary signal connection with the communication unit from a mobile switching center (MSC) of a source base site, through the source base site to a handoff target base site and establishing a trunk connection from the MSC of the source base site to a MSC of the target base site. The method further includes the step of interconnecting, at the target base site, the temporary signal connection, trunk connection, and communication unit; and re-routing the signal connection with the communication unit through the trunk connection.