Optimizing Handover Performance in 5G Networks Using Dual Connectivity

This paper introduces DualConnect, an innovative mobility management protocol for 5G networks that utilizes dual connectivity to facilitate seamless handovers. A make-before-break handover execution technique is suggested in which the UE keeps connections to both the source and target base stations during the handover. This stops any loss of packets or service interruptions. Improvements have been made to measurement reporting, target cell selection, conditional handover, and coordination between base stations to make the dual connectivity model work better. An analytical framework determines the ideal duplication time to reduce packet loss. Extensive simulations show that handover interruption time is over 95% shorter, failure rates are 10 times lower, and latency is 50% lower compared to LTE. DualConnect’s ability to provide almost uninterrupted connectivity while on the move is a good sign for supporting new ultra-reliable low latency use cases in 5G networks.