The process by which connection between the GSM mobile and the GSM network is maintained as the mobile moves from area to area, by passing communication channel control from one base station to another or between different channels in one cell.
This the automatic transfer of an active mobile call from one cell (zone covered by one base station) to another.
The process of changing the connection of a terminal to the network infrastructure. During communication there should be no disruption of service. This change of connection can be viewed in different ways. If it does not necessitate changing RAT then we talk about Horizontal Handover (HO_H); in this case we only change Access Point (AP) and by extension the values of some operational parameters if needed; e.g. channel frequencies, transmission power. If the handover necessitates changing RAT (e.g. GSM HO to WLAN) then we talk about Vertical Handover (HO_V). The HO process can be considered as a specific manifestation of reconfiguration. In its simplest form like existing HO_H only some parameters need to change in real-time. However in more complicated schemes, especially concerning HO_V, reconfiguration has a key role. The HO process is key for multi-mode/standard operation.
What occurs when a cell phone used in a car moves out of the range of one cell and needs to connect to the next available cell. The preceding cell then hands over the connection to the stronger cell.
As you move around, the network transfers the handling of a call from one cell to another. This handover is automatic and not noticeable to the user.
( Am.: Handoff): change of operation on frequency channel to a new frequency channel as the user moves from from one cell to another.