Handoff adaptation for CDMA systems

Abstract

A method of determining handoff timing for a wireless device is provided. The method includes selecting a call characteristic. The call characteristic is evaluated to determine if it is relevant to current conditions. If the call characteristic is relevant, an adapted value for handoff timeout is determined based on the call characteristic. The handoff timeout is set to the adapted value.

1 . A method for executing a handoff operation in a mobile station, comprising: 
 receiving from a base station at the mobile station at least one parameter;    determining a range of permissible values for the handoff operation based on the parameter at the mobile station;    selecting a handoff timeout value within the range of permissible values at the mobile station;    assigning the handoff timeout value for the handoff operation at the mobile station;    scanning a pilot signal of system frequencies;    measuring an energy level of the pilot signal;    determining whether the energy level of the pilot signal drops below a threshold level for a time period exceeding the handoff timeout value; and    executing the handoff operation based on the determination when the energy level of the pilot signal drops below the threshold level for the time period.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 setting at the mobile station a minimum handoff timer value of the range of permissible values and a maximum handoff timeout value of the range of permissible values.    
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one parameter is used to determine a minimum handoff timer value of the range of permissible values and a maximum handoff timeout value of the range of permissible values.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 storing the range of permissible values for the handoff timeout value at the mobile station.