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

This letter introduces Time-to-Exit (TTE), a soft mobility robustness optimization (MRO) parameter for handovers in 5G and beyond networks. The deployment of small cells to meet higher capacity demands complicates mobility management, leading to frequent handovers, increased 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 reduce handover rates, ping-pong handovers, unnecessary handovers, and handover failures.