A REVIEW ON MOBILITY AND HANDOVER MANAGEMENT IN FUTURE WIRELESS NETWORKS 

Abstract

Future wireless networks (FWNs) offers high data rates, low latency, and enhanced throughput. However, the dense deployment of small cells (SCs) in these networks increases network complexity, leading to frequent handovers (HOs) and potential service disruptions. Advanced technologies such as millimeter wave (mmWave), Terahertz (THz), reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are integrated in FWNs to meet rising Quality of Service (QoS) demands. Despite these advancements, ensuring seamless mobility remains a challenge due to issues like HO failures (HOF) and service degradation, necessitating effective mobility management. This paper presents a brief review of existing surveys on HO and mobility management, highlighting their key contributions and limitations. Additionally, it examines major FWN technologies including HetNet, mmWave and THz, UAV, and RIS, and their impact on mobility and HO processes. Furthermore, the paper explores HO mechanism, key control and decision parameters, performance metrics, and associated challenges in mobility management for FWNs. Finally, it outlines potential strategies to enhance mobility management efficiency in these networks.