How Efficient Are Handovers in Mobile Networks? A Data-Driven Approach

This work analyzes handover (HO) efficiency in mobile networks using real-world data, addressing key challenges that affect connection stability, latency, and network load. Unsuccessful HOs—often caused by suboptimal parameter settings, network congestion, or rapid user movement—are identified as a major problem. To address these issues, the study evaluates key radio frequency indicators such as Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR), and the HO ratio, along with mobility-related factors including user direction and the ping-pong effect. A set of key performance indicators (KPIs) is used to quantify performance: Handover Rate (HOR), Handover Ping-Pong (HOPP), and Unnecessary Handover (UHO).The evaluation, based on real-world network data, shows an average HOR of 79.9%, an HOPP rate of 72.45%, and 14.83% of HOs classified as unnecessary. These findings reveal the limitations of traditional static threshold-based strategies and emphasize the need for adaptive, data-driven optimization approaches.The results demonstrate that a comprehensive HO strategy integrating multiple real-time parameters is essential for efficient mobility management and improving overall network reliability and user experience. This study reinforces the importance of leveraging real operational data to refine and validate mobility algorithms in modern cellular systems.