Optimizing Synchronous Handover in Cloud RAN

Radio networks are at the brink of a transformation in order to meet new requirements for high data and device densities expected for the Internet-of-Things (IoT) era. Cloud technology is positioned to be a key element in building effective 5G radio networks, so-called Cloud RANs. In this paper, we focus on Cloud RAN architectural benefits in relation to synchronous handovers without random access; an important enabler for ultra-low latency and ultra-high reliability services for high mobility IoT applications. We analyze the performance of Cloud RAN architectures and introduce a new concept for reducing the handover preparation time. Compared to today's distributed RAN architectures, we show a handover preparation time reduction of up to 60% for a wide range of interface and processing latency assumptions.