Cross-tier Handover Analyses in Small Cell Networks: A Stochastic Geometry Approach

In this paper, we make theoretical analysis on cross-tier handover in Small Cell Networks (SCNs). The cross-tier handover is defined as the handover occurred from a macro cell tier to a small cell tier, or vice versa. Based on stochastic geometry, we first propose a linear approximation approach to study the coverage of small cells. Using the proposed method, we then derive analytical expressions for cross-tier handover rate and sojourn time inside a small cell, which are the key parameters in mobility performance evaluation of an SCN. According to the analysis, we show that the small cell coverage area can be well represented by a biased circle, and the expected value of small cell size is inversely proportional to the square root of the BS density in the macro cell tier. Another important observation is that the handover rate and sojourn time change linearly with the reciprocal of small cell radius. These analytical results could provide fundamental supports for improving mobility management in SCNs