Anindha Dhar

Undergraduate Thesis

Proactive Handover in Multi-Cell Networks: A Digital Twin Approach for Low-Complexity and Scalable Performance

Supervisors:

• Dr. Lutfa Akter
  Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering,
  Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)
• Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed
  Assistant Professor,
  Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
  Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
• Dr. Zoheb Hassan
  Professeur Adjoint,
  Département de génie électrique et de génie informatique,
  Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada

Duration: Nov 2023 - Mar 2025

Abstract: This research project investigates the development and evaluation of a Digital Twin (DT)-based proactive handover framework for wireless networks, addressing the limitations of traditional distance-based handover methods in dense, multi-cell environments. With the rapid evolution of 5G and beyond, ensuring seamless connectivity and high-quality service (QoS) amidst complex RF environments, including path loss, shadowing, and interference, has become a critical challenge. The study employs advanced simulation tools, including the Sionna library with ray tracing, to construct a virtual replica of a multi-cell network, integrating realistic 3D environments, user mobility modeling via the Gauss-Markov model, and RF propagation analysis. Coverage maps are generated to assess SINR performance, enabling a proactive handover strategy that optimizes transmitter selection based on environmental awareness rather than proximity alone. Key findings indicate that the DT-based handover outperforms distance-based methods, achieving superior SINR values in obstructed scenarios compared to suboptimal or -inf dB results with distance-based approaches. The comparative analysis across simulated cases highlights reduced BER and enhanced network efficiency, particularly in urban settings with significant blockages. The research underscores the transformative potential of DT technology in improving wireless network management, offering a scalable solution for next-generation networks. Limitations include the reliance on simulated data and the need for real-world validation. Future work will focus on comparing results with commercial telecom handover protocols and integrating 6G communication and non-RF sensors like LiDAR for enhanced accuracy. These findings contribute significantly to the field, advancing network optimization and user experience in dynamic wireless environments.

Keywords: : Digital Twin, proactive handover, wireless networks, RF environment awareness, Sionna ray tracing, SINR optimization, network efficiency, 6G communication.