SEAMLESS CHANNEL RE-SELECTION METHOD FOR SWITCHING FROM A CHANNEL IN ONE CELL TO A SECOND CHANNEL IN ANOTHER CELL FOR MOBILE DATA SERVICES

摘要

A re-selection method reduces the time needed for switching a packet data session from a first packet data channel in one cell of a communication network to a second packet data channel in another cell. While the mobile station is engaged in a packet data session on the first packet data channel, it continually monitors the channel quality of control channels in adjacent cells. When certain predetermined criteria are met, one or more of the adjacent control channels are identified as potential re-selection candidates. During the packet data session, the mobile station reads at least part of the broadcast information on the control channels identified as potential re-selection candidates. The broadcast information is read on the adjacent control channels before the re-selection decision is made. When a predetermined re-selection criteria is met, the mobile station switches to a new packet data channel in the selected cell. Since the mobile station has previously read the broadcast information in the selected cell, it can immediately acquire service of the new packet data channel.