Abstract: A system for preventing interference to a first network by a second network where the first network includes a first cell and one or more cells neighboring the first cell. The system includes a scanner for scanning the first network for identifying information associated with a neighboring cell. The network switching device associated with the first network is in communication with the scanner and receives information including a frequency allocated to the neighboring cell and transmits the information to the scanner. The system further includes a controller in communication with the scanner and a memory device coupled to the controller. The memory device includes a table having frequencies allocated for use by the any one of the neighboring cells and the controller retrieves the allocated frequencies stored in the table and bars the allocated frequencies from being used by the second network.

Abstract: A cellular network configuration tool is described that performs frequency assignments for use in a cellular network. The channels are assigned in accordance with input configuration data such as a channel separation matrix, geographic data, and requested channel assignments for each sector included in the cellular network being configured. The configuration is performed in accordance with predetermined constraints and criteria and quality of service input. The tool uses frequency assignment techniques to perform the channel assignments in accordance with varying constraints and criteria.

Abstract: A process of maintaining access information between wireless hotspots is disclosed. A logon request from a wireless portable device is received by a first access point of a first wireless hotspot and use of the first access point by the wireless portable device is authenticated to establish an access session. Then, information related to the access session is passed to a shared register accessible by a plurality of wireless hotspots and the access session is monitored to determine whether a disconnect by the wireless portable device occurs. Additionally, when the wireless portable device moves from a coverage area of the first wireless hotspot to one coverage area of one of the plurality of wireless hotspots, the information related to the access session may be used to facilitate access to the one of the plurality of wireless hotspots by the wireless portable device.

Abstract: To avoid interference with the reverse link of a base station within an underlay area, a described method determines when to redirect and handover a mobile terminal that is still communicating on an adjacent carrier with a border base station within an overlay area but is within the coverage area of the base station in the underlay area.

Abstract: A method for changing over to different frequency in a cellular phone system, in which lowering the probability generating a call drop and decreasing the power consumption when the moving velocity of a mobile communication terminal connecting a micro-cell becomes high can be realized. A judging threshold value Th_HO using at the changing over to the different frequency is changed corresponding to the moving velocity of the mobile communication terminal. When the moving velocity of the mobile communication terminal connecting to a micro-cell becomes high, the judging threshold value Th_HO is changed to be a small value, and the probability changing over to the different frequency is made to be high, and it makes easy for the mobile communication terminal to connect to a macro-cell. With this, the probability generating the call drop can be decreased.

Abstract: Location-based grouping according to the present invention enables grouping of wireless network subscribers (S1–S4) based on their location within a coverage area (24, 26) and offering services based on their respective group affiliations. Specifically, the location-based grouping defines a plurality of zones (Z1–Z3), identified by coordinates, within a network coverage area (24, 26) and assigns a dynamic network subscriber group number to each zone. The location-based grouping of the present invention requires that a service provider (14) maintain both a static network subscriber group database containing network-wide subscriber subscription parameters and a dynamic network subscriber group database containing zone-specific network subscriber subscription parameters, and that a network subscriber (S1–S4) register when the network subscriber enters into one of the plurality of zones (Z1–Z3) within the network coverage area (24, 26).

Abstract: In a wireless communication system having sometimes mobile subscriber units and a plurality of fixed network devices located at cell sites, a multimode acquisition protocol is provided at each subscriber unit which first senses whether the subscriber unit is static or mobile from the nature and quality of the communication links with nearby network devices and then enables an acquisition protocol suited to either static mode or mobile mode. In a specific embodiment, the protocol initiates procedures to change acquisition mode from static to mobile upon failure of the subscriber unit to sense three consecutive scheduled polling packets sent by a linked network device or upon loss of communication with any locally-known network device or upon failure to transmit 25 consecutive data packets. In such case, the procedure is initiated to determine whether it is appropriate to switch to a mobile mode for purposes of acquisition.

Abstract: A method for controlling power of a mobile station by a base station in a multilayered communication system is disclosed. In the present invention, a base station serving a picocell does not lower a transmission signal power of a mobile station within a soft handoff region between a macrocell and a picocell. Thus, the mobile station can transmit signals at a sufficient level of transmission power to successfully execute a soft handoff.

Abstract: A direct retrying method in a CDMA system based on macro diversity is provided. The conditions for direct retrying are determined. The number of the cells, which are previously requested for an admission, is obtained. The cells are determined by using the cell information designed by a cell network as an auxiliary decision. The selected cells having the same coverage are re-divided to obtain different sets of the cells. One cell set is selected from the different cell sets as a target cell set of the direct retrying, and the resources are requested from all of the cells in the target cell set of the direct retrying. If the admission of one cell is successful, the direct retrying is successful. The method significantly increases a success rate of direct retrying, decreases the number of the frequency switching times after the mobile station enters a dedicated channel, and optimizes the system performance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cellular radio network and a method for increasing traffic carrying capacity in a cellular network. The operating frequency spectrum of the cellular network has been divided in such a way that typically both regular frequencies and super-reuse frequencies are employed in each cell. The regular frequencies use a conventional frequency reuse pattern to provide seamless overall coverage. A very tight frequency reuse pattern is used for the super-reuse frequencies to provide additional capacity.

Abstract: A method for providing a local cordless-type service comprises the steps of receiving subscriber neighborhood zone selection input so that a mobile telephone equipped subscriber may place or receive calls for a fixed rate, for example, per month without having to pay radio frequency air time charges any time they are located within their selected subscribed-to zones. If the subscribed-to zones are adjacent to one another and the mobile subscriber roams from one zone to another, the subscriber may continue their free call uninterrupted and without paying air time charges. However, when the subscriber roams outside their subscribed-to zones they may be switched from the present local cordless-type services to conventional personal communications services and pay air time charges. However for an active call, no air-time charges are incurred as the user transitions between the cellular/DPCS environment and the local cordless service environment.

Abstract: A communication system and associated method are provided, wherein a quality of service is detected in the communication system, coordination reorganization is performed in order to reorganize coordination functionalities for available stations in the communication system, the previous two steps are repeated for various coordination organizations in the communication system, the various qualities of service detected in the various coordination organizations are analyzed, and a coordination organization is selected on the basis of this analysis, whereupon communication is affected with an external communication system which uses the same transmission medium as the communication system.

Abstract: A method for performing channel configuration in a cellular radio network for office use located in the operating area of a macro cell network, and a cellular radio network employing the method are disclosed. A logical control channel to be transmitted on a physical channel of a macro cell in the macro cell network is selected as the channel to be tested. A base station of the cellular radio network for office use and terminals in the coverage area of the base stations in the cellular radio network for office use are directed to use the channel to be tested. A connection is established by remote control between two or more terminals through the serving base stations on the channel being tested, and a measurement report is made concerning the quality of the connection. The base stations are directed to use the channels guaranteeing the best range.

Abstract: The code space associated with the communication system is divided into at least two subspaces where each subspace is assigned to a different mode of operation. In one mode, such as a voice mode, each user is given full time access to a portion of the subspace associated with that mode of operation. In a second mode, such as a data mode, each user uses the entire subspace associated with that mode on a time shared basis. Additionally, in-sector handoffs from one Walsh code to another are used to more efficiently distribute the code space.

Abstract: A control technique for a communication system in which a microcell base station is co-located with a macrocell base station. The microcell base station tracks hot spots as they move within the macrocell. The microcell base station may utilize a two-dimensional (2-D) antenna array, which is co-located with the macro cell antenna. The two-dimensional antenna is steerable in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The size of the microcell coverage area depends upon the distance from the cell site antenna as well as the dimensionality of the array, which determines the angular spread of the beam. Filter tap weights may be adjusted to point the beam to any desired location in the macrocell. The orthogonality between the macrocell and the microcell may be obtained either in the frequency domain or in the code domain, depending upon the system in which it is implemented.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and storage mediums executed by a computer and storing the method, for expanding cell coverage in mobile communication system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: a) shifting a preamble window by delaying a transmission signal in order to catch a first call access signal from a mobile station at a remote distance; and b) delaying a second call access signal from a mobile station at a short distance in order to catch the second call access signal.

Abstract: A portable telephone allowing easy and accurate estimation of its moving speed at the moment when an incoming call is received is disclosed. A moving status detector is provided which detects a moving status of the portable telephone based on measured reception signal strengths, each of which is measured on a sequentially selected one of N neighboring radio channels that are previously designated by the base station at a timing other than a communication timing of the designated radio channel in response to receipt of a call setup signal for an incoming call from the base station using the designated radio channel.

Abstract: Efficient paging control is achieved in a communication system that selectively provides one of communication services implemented by integrating a plurality of communication systems. Before transmitting a downlink signal to a terminal, a gateway requests each of the communication systems to transmit a paging signal to the terminal. Receiving the paging signals transmitted from the communication systems, the terminal selects a communication system A with the lowest communication cost in accordance with communication cost information contained in the paging signal. The terminal sends a request for connection to the selected communication system A. As a result, the communication system A transmits the downlink signal to the terminal.

Abstract: A Bluetooth private network comprises Bluetooth access points, each functioning as a base station in each of Bluetooth piconets, a gateway for functioning as an interface between a public network and the Bluetooth private network, sending a beacon signal to each of the Bluetooth devices in local Bluetooth networks to locate the Bluetooth device and a router for functioning as an interface between each of said Bluetooth access points. The Bluetooth device has a power measuring device therein that measures output power signals of a plurality of Bluetooth access points. When the Bluetooth device is moving from one piconet to another, the Bluetooth device compares the power signals received from two Bluetooth access points and links to the Bluetooth access point with the power signal that exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A mobile communication system includes a plurality of base stations and a mobile station communicating with the base station through a wireless channel. The system comprises a part which measures an amount of information transferred between the base station and the mobile station and a comparator which compares the measured amount of information with first and second threshold values corresponding to a currently used wireless channel. A wireless channel changeover part changes the current wireless channel to a wireless channel with a transmission capability higher or lower than that of the current wireless channel when the measured amount of information is above the first threshold value or below the second threshold value, respectively.

Abstract: Telecommunications network decision making (such as call admission and call congestion control) utilizes as input, not only information in the cell where the call is setup, but also cell condition information from cells which neighbor the cell where the call is setup. The cell condition information from neighboring cells is obtained even in situations in which the neighboring cell is controlled by another exchange, e.g., another radio network controller (RNC). In an illustrated embodiment, the cell condition information utilized by the decision making includes measured data taken over at least a multi-connection portion of cell, one example of which is radio interference information. The cell condition information utilized in the network decision making is transmitted between exchanges (e.g., between radio network controllers [RNCs] using common channel signaling.

Abstract: Typically it is expensive to add cable within an existing multiple dwelling units (MDUs) such as blocks of flats to provide additional services such as broadband internet access, video on demand and video telephony. The present invention provides a broadband wireless access system especially suited to MDUs. A base station modulates radio frequency carrier signals with data to be transmitted in the system, and these signals are directed along a distribution network to a plurality of antennas which provide WLANs for subscriber equipment within the MDU.

Abstract: This is a method and system for determining an enhanced cell coverage locating a mobile terminal in a cellular mobile communication system. The overall range of the mobile communication system is divided into a plurality of pixels, and then a pixel map including all pixels is constructed. One antenna with a shortest distance to each pixel is set as a serving antenna, and the nearest antenna to a pixel is found. This pixel then belongs to the cell of this antenna, in which the distance therebetween is smallest and all pixels belonging to a cell constitutes a pixel coverage of this cell. A rectangular area is then constructed covering the pixel coverage, and a smallest circle cover this rectangular area is constructed as the enhanced cell coverage of the antenna. Thereby, the system provider may provide require information to the mobile terminal in that coverage.

Abstract: Wireless sensor platforms (10), when deployed, can ascertain whether they can meaningfully participate in communications with more than one cluster (22, 23) of such devices. When true, such multi-cluster platforms can serve as bridge nodes to facilitate the passing of data collected from one cluster to or through another cluster. In a preferred embodiment, the platforms serving as bridge modes (24 and 25) utilize a communication schedule that imposes no greater work load than the load the platform would otherwise have served as an ordinary node, and preferably the workload is considerably reduced. This aids in ensuring that the portable power reserves of the bridge nodes will support bridge operations for at least as long as the clusters are otherwise functioning.

Abstract: A decentralized asynchronous wireless communication system is disclosed for providing voice and data communication that allows flexibility of communication paths for local communication or for communication to external networks. The system makes use of communication docking bays that may communicate in a local mode with other communication docking bays or handsets within a same microcell via signal extenders. In an extended mode, a communication docking bay located in a first microcell of a first macrocell may communicate with a second communication docking bay or handset in a second microcell of the first macrocell via signal extenders and a network extender. In a remote mode, a communication docking bay located in a first microcell of a first macrocell may communicate with a second communication docking bay or handset in a second microcell of a second macrocell via signal extenders and network extenders.

Abstract: A hyper-scatternet includes a first ad hoc piconet, a second ad hoc piconet and a wide area network, wherein the first and second ad hoc piconets are configured to communicate with one another via the wide area network. Each ad hoc piconet can include an application server that includes an ad hoc piconet interface that is configured to communicate with an ad hoc piconet using an ad hoc piconet protocol, and a wide area network interface that is configured to communicate with a wide area network using a wide area network protocol. The application server also includes a service manifest that is configured to determine ad hoc piconet services that are available from the ad hoc piconet via the ad hoc piconet interface, and to advertise the ad hoc piconet services to the wide area network as wide area network services via the wide area network interface.

Abstract: A method, and associated apparatus, facilitates handover of communications with a mobile Bluetooth device operable to communicate packet data with other Bluetooth devices. Handover of communications is effectuated between fixed-infrastructure access points or other mobile Bluetooth devices formed in a scatternet. The device to which communications are to be handed-over becomes a slave to the Bluetooth device with which communications are ongoing, thereby to permit time synchronization thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handover method, mobile system and apparatus deciding on the handover of the mobile system triggering an accelerated handover algorithm when the signal level and/or quality between the mobile station and a serving base transceiver station quickly drops. The method measures the level and/or quality of the signal between the base transceiver station and the mobile station, sets a predefined signal change as the trigger value, calculates the change in the signal level and/or quality, and if the change is at least equal to the trigger value, executes the first handover algorithm.

Abstract: A method of releasing a connection between a mobile user terminal 22 and a first network 9 if a report of presence has not been received from the mobile user terminal by the first network 9 for a predetermined period. The predetermined period being selected to be shorter than otherwise upon the mobile user terminal 22 being determined both as being capable of communicating also with another type of network 6 for mobile telecommunications, and being in an area covered by a network of said another type such that handover to said network 6 of said another type is possible.

Abstract: To avoid interference with the reverse link of a base station within an underlay area, a described method determines when to redirect and handover a mobile terminal that is still communicating on an adjacent carrier with a border base station within an overlay area but is within the coverage area of the base station in the underlay area.

Abstract: A persistent peer-to-peer network is implemented over a network with master-slave topology. Data being sent from master to slave or from slave to master are sent in one transmission, but data sent from one slave to another is received by the master and retransmitted to the slave. A session table is kept at each device includes an ordered list of devices, where the first device is the master device. When a master device drops out of the network the slave devices promote the next device in the ordered list of devices to master. A master device may also receive a request from a slave device to become master, and update its session table and send the updated session table to all devices. The slave device requesting master status is then treated as master by all devices in the network.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing an automatic handoff process of a user equipment (UE) from either a wireless local area network (WLAN) to a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) or from a UMTS to a WLAN. Handoffs may be initiated by the UE, based upon user preference, signal quality, comparison of location coordinates of the UE and the system to be switched to or signal quality. The available channels of one system may be broadcast to the UE by the other system or the UE may monitor channels of the system to be switched to and lock on to one. The handoff may also be initiated by the UMTS, the selection being power-based.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reporting the latitude and longitude of a mobile station through the use of a network-only solution. The mobile station's range from a controlling base transceiver station is calculated from sub-sector timing advance signal data. The mobile station is assigned an initial mobile station bearing equal to a radial center of the serving sector azimuth bearing of a tri-sectored cell site. The mobile station reports forward link pilot signal power measurements for the two sectors adjacent to the serving sector of the controlling base transceiver station. The base station determines if a difference of the reported power measurements exceeds a specified threshold and mathematically adjusts the initial mobile station bearing by a bearing step size. In one embodiment, the bearing is changed from the center to 30° from the center if the reported power difference exceeds 15 dB.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing interference in a wireless communication system. A base transceiver station transmits and receives over a first frequency band and a second frequency band. The maximum range of the first frequency band can be smaller than the maximum range of the second frequency band. Alternatively, the maximum range of the first frequency band can be larger than the maximum range of the second frequency band. Further, the maximum range of the second frequency band can vary based upon factors such as the capacity of the first frequency band and the amount of interference on the first frequency band. A control channel for the second frequency band which is measured for determining whether to handoff from the first frequency band to the second frequency band can be transmitted within the first frequency band.

Abstract: A fuzzy channel allocation controller assuring a quality of service and used in a hierarchical wireless communication system. A system with the fuzzy channel allocation controller is provided, and a threshold for allowing a call entering into the system is adaptively adjusted according to system condition so that the calls are sustained in a predetermined quality. Furthermore, in allocating channels, the loads of the macro cell and micro cells are balanced so that the system has a higher channel utility. This system having a macro cell and a plurality of micro cells which includes a base station interface module, a resource estimator, and a performance estimator and a fuzzy channel allocation processor.

Abstract: In a hierarchical cell structure, the parameter for setting a signal strength threshold which determines the selection of serving cell, along with the preference rating of umbrella macrocells, microcells and picocells in a cellular telephone system, is related to a quality criteria, such as speech quality. The “sufficient signal strength” threshold is automatically tuned according to the quality criteria thereby avoiding the need for expensive, time consuming manual adjustment of this parameter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing telephone call hand offs between a local cordless service and a different wireless cellular service such as a macro-cellular service. The local cordless service may be configured such that a mobile telephone equipped subscriber may place or receive calls for a fixed rate, for example, per month without having to pay radio frequency air time charges any time they are located within their selected subscribed-to zones. If the subscribed-to zones are adjacent to one another and the mobile subscriber roams from one zone to another, the subscriber may continue their free call uninterrupted and without paying air time charges. However, when the subscriber roams outside their subscribed-to zones they may be switched from the present local cordless services to conventional personal communications services and pay air time charges.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus to reduce or eliminate interference in a first network in the event that a failure that occurs in a second network. The method, system and apparatus provide an added level of first network interference protection in a second network environment by removing certain frequencies/channels of the first network from being utilized by the second network. In one embodiment, for example, the frequencies/channels identified by a scanner associated with the second network during the scanning process that are allocated to the first network are removed from the pool of available frequencies/channels that can be utilized by the second network, and such frequencies/channels are stored in a table.

Abstract: In a CDMA mobile telecommunications system with macro cells (C1) and micro cells (C2) the base station of the micro cells (C1) are designed in such a way that they are capable of arranging their reception area so that signals from any direction may be received in attenuated form [sic]. Interfering signals originating, in particular, from mobile stations (MS) outside micro cells (C2) are shielded in this manner. To generate null positions in the reception area of the micro cells, so-called null steering is used.

Abstract: A method for performing a cell reselection in a system comprised of a hierarchy of cells, wherein cells of one layer of the hierarchy have a size that differs from cells of another layer of the hierarchy. The method includes steps of (a) identifying to a user equipment a layer to which individual cells in a neighbor cell list are associated; (b) when performing neighbor cell measurements for reselection purposes, avoiding a measurement of cells in the list that are larger than a current serving cell unless a Cell Selection (S) parameter falls below a search threshold parameter (Ssearch), and is greater than zero; and (c), if S is less than or equal to zero, and no cell reselection to a better cell is in process, beginning a measurement of neighbor cells without regard for their hierarchical level. If the user equipment has made cell reselection to N different cells on the same hierarchical layer within a time Tmax, the user equipment initiates a reselection procedure for larger neighbor cells.

Abstract: A communications system extending over a cellular region and formed of a plurality of wireless cells. The communications system extends over a cellular region formed of a plurality of wireless cells. Each cell covers an area which includes a portion of the cellular region. Each particular cell includes a base station having a transmitter for transmitting a particular cell signal having parameters including a transmitting frequency and a transmitting power. The particular cell signal is transmitted to cover a portion of the cell region. Each of the base stations includes a parameter detector for detecting the other parameters of the other cell signals from the other cells in the cellular region. A parameter controller controls the particular parameters for the particular cell. The parameters for the particular cell are based upon the other parameters for the other cell signals so that the particular cell signal does not interfere with the other cell signals in the cellular region.

Abstract: Wirelessly-linked, distributed resource control (RCS1-RCSn, RCSB, RCC, ARM) supports a wireless communication system (50) for operation in non-exclusive spectrum (2429). An available resource map (ARM) contains resource availability information gathered by mobile stations (MS1-MSn), and a wired communication channel supports sharing of resource control information among fixed-site stations (BS).

Abstract: A communication scheme capable of realizing operations to supplement the resource shortage or the poor environment of the portable terminal device. At the radio portable terminal device, whether a specific processing of the data packets received from a correspondent device connected to the computer network or the telephone network is to be carried out using resources of the radio portable terminal device or not is determined according to an attribute of the data packets or data contained in the data packets, and a part or whole of the data contained in the data packets are transferred to another portable computer/device connected to a local network or another computer connected to the computer network, such that the specific processing of the data packets determined not to be carried out using the resources of the radio portable terminal device is carried out at another portable computer/device or another computer.

Abstract: Wirelessly-linked, distributed resource control (RCS1-RCSn, RCSB, RCC, ARM) supports a wireless communication system (50) for operation in non-exclusive spectrum (24-29). An available resource map (ARM) contains resource availability information gathered by mobile stations (MS1-MSn), and a wired communication channel supports sharing of resource control information among fixed-site stations (BS).

Abstract: A mobile terminal user (16) can trigger a handoff from a first radio access node (18) to a second radio access node (30) in a communications network by making such a request to one of the two nodes. The request made by the mobile terminal user (16) will trigger in the network (10) a command to relocate (handoff) the mobile terminal user. In response to the command, the mobile terminal user is assigned to the second radio access node (30) and is released from the first radio access node (18).

Abstract: A mobile telecommunication system for performing a handoff from an asynchronous communication system to a synchronous communication system includes: at least one asynchronous base station; at least one synchronous base station neighboring to the asynchronous base station, wherein the synchronous base station transmits channel signals; at least one dual-mode mobile station for selectively communicating with the synchronous base station and the asynchronous base station; and a reception unit, coupled to the asynchronous base station, for receiving and decoding the channel signals to transmit decoded signals to the asynchronous base station, wherein the asynchronous base station transmits the decoded signals to the dual-mode mobile station, thereby performing a handoff operation.

Abstract: A cellular network having an radio frequency (RF) management capability includes a mobile switching center, at least one base station controller operative coupled to the mobile switching center, and at least one base station operatively coupled to the at least one base station controller. The at least one base station is for being operatively coupled with at least one mobile station for carrying out at least one mobile communications call. Lastly, a radio frequency manager is operatively coupled to the at least one base station, in conjunction with the at least one mobile station. The RF manager is further for managing a handoff upon the occurrence of a prescribed event, the handoff including a handoff-to-self via a simultaneous base station radio and mobile station frequency transition.

Abstract: A method of locating an article or person comprises at least one transponding station (TS 1) having its own radio identity carried by a person or article in the radio coverage area of a radio system. The system comprises a plurality of clusters of spatially separate radio units (M1 to M7) having transceiving means and received signal strength determining means, each of the radio units having an individual identity. Each cluster is associated with a network interrogating station (NIU(1), NIU(2)) comprising transceiving means for communicating with at least the radio units in its cluster. A central station (10) has transceiving means for communicating with a plurality of the interrogating stations and storage means for storing a database comprising the locations of the radio units (M1 to M7). When it is required to determine the location of the transponding station, the central station transmits an enquiry signal to the interrogating stations which in turn broadcast the enquiry signal.

Abstract: A computerized model provides a display of a physical environment in which a communications network is or will be installed. The communications network is comprised of several components, each of which are selected by the design engineer and which are represented in the display. Errors in the selection of certain selected components for the communications network are identified by their attributes or frequency characteristics as well as by their interconnection compatibility for a particular design. The effects of changes in frequency on component performance are modeled and the results are displayed to the design engineer. A bill of materials is automatically checked for faults and generated for the design system and provided to the design engineer. For ease of design, the design engineer can cluster several different preferred components into component kits, and then select these component kits for use in the design or deployment process.

Abstract: A mobile terminal user (16) can trigger a handoff from a first radio access node (18) to a second radio access node (30) in a communications network by making such a request to one of the two nodes. The request made by the mobile terminal user (16) will trigger in the network (10) a command to relocate (handoff) the mobile terminal user. In response to the command, the mobile terminal user is assigned to the second radio access node (30) and is released from the first radio access node (18).