Handoff and Handover

Handoff and handover are terms frequently used across various fields, including telecommunications, sports, and medical settings, to denote the transfer of responsibility or control from one entity to another. These processes are crucial for ensuring seamless operation and continuity in their respective domains.

Handoff in Telecommunications

In telecommunications, a handover or handoff is the process of transferring an ongoing call or data session from one channel to another. This often involves moving a call from one cell tower to another in a cellular network, which is essential for maintaining uninterrupted communication as a user moves geographically.

Types of Handoffs

Soft Handoff: Used in CDMA and W-CDMA standards, soft handoff involves the mobile device being connected to multiple cells simultaneously. This reduces the likelihood of dropped calls when transitioning between cells.
Hard Handoff: This is a more abrupt process where the connection to the current cell is broken before or simultaneously with the connection to the new cell. This method is less seamless compared to soft handoffs.
Vertical Handover: Also known as vertical handoff, this refers to changes in connectivity type, such as moving from a Wi-Fi network to a cellular network.

Media Independent Handover

The IEEE 802.21 standard, also known as Media Independent Handover (MIH), facilitates seamless handover of IP sessions across different network types. This is significant in enabling devices to switch from one network technology to another without service disruption.

Handoff in Sports

In sports, particularly American football, a handoff refers to the act of handing the ball directly from one player to another. This physical exchange is a fundamental aspect of offensive play strategies such as the option offense, where the quarterback decides between handing off the ball to a fullback, keeping it, or pitching it to another player.

Handoff in Medical Settings

In medical contexts, a handoff involves the transfer of patient care information and responsibility from one healthcare provider to another. This is crucial in ensuring continuity of care, especially during shift changes or when a patient is moved from one department to another, such as from surgery to the Post-anesthesia Care Unit.

Applications Beyond the Common Uses

Handover of Territories: The term is also used historically, such as in the handover of Hong Kong and handover of Macau, signifying the transfer of sovereignty from one country to another.
Technology Integration: Modern operating systems, such as macOS, utilize handoff features to allow seamless interaction and continuity between devices, enhancing user experience through integrated functionality.

Handoff