Handover Management in 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks: Simulations and Testbeds

To ensure ubiquitous coverage for different scenarios of broadband and narrowband connectivity, deployment and integration of Non-Terrestrial Networks in a seamless way is quintessential. This requires optimization of handover management in dual mobility scenarios with hybrid terrestrial and non-terrestrial infrastructure. Many solutions that have been researched and investigated so far make some assumptions about the presence of intra-RAN and inter-RAN interfaces. The paper here presents an overview of the available solutions in both 3GPP and O-RAN specifications with selected case studies involving both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. Some of the evaluations involving AI-assisted handover are also illustrated for selected scenarios.