Time-To-Exit: A Soft Instantaneous MRO Parameter for Handover Self-Optimization in 5G and Beyond

Abstract

This letter introduces Time-to-Exit (TTE), a soft mobility robustness optimization (MRO) parameter for handover management in 5G and beyond. The deployment of small cells to meet higher capacity demands complicates mobility management, leading to frequent handovers, ping-pong effects, unnecessary handovers, and handover failures due to premature, delayed, or incorrect cell transitions. We propose an instantaneous TTE estimation model that uses location measurements, moving speed, Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), and quality thresholds ( $Q_{rxlevmin}$ and REFSENS) to optimize handover initiation before the user exits the serving cell. This method aims to improve handover performance while maintaining high data throughput.