On handovers in Uplink/Downlink decoupled LTE HetNets

Cellular heterogeneous networks (HetNets) are going to be one of the key enablers for 5G. Downlink/Uplink decoupling (DUDe) is a concept in which a mobile device is connected with Macro cell for downlink communication and with small cell for uplink communication in LTE/LTE-A HetNets. It improves uplink data rate, reduces power consumption of devices, balances load between Macro cell and small cells. Due to incorporation of DUDe, a mobile device has to perform separate uplink and downlink handovers unlike traditional handovers in coupled LTE networks. In this paper, we propose various handover schemes for DUDe LTE networks. Apart from this, we have mathematically analysed the received SINR by small cells taken part in decoupling, with respect to a device moving in decoupling regions of these small cells, in multiple cell interference scenario. Simulation results show the signaling impact of DUDe in handovers, increased uplink SINR, decreased power consumption of devices in both single small cell and multiple small cell scenarios.