We propose a variable reservation scheme for cellular networks, based on prioritization of hand-off calls over new calls. This problem has been extensively studied in the literature, and several schemes consisting of call-request queuing, fixed reservation of channels or combinations of both have been proposed. We take advantage of the information reported by the mobile terminal to adaptively establish the number of channels to be reserved in the target cell. The effect of progressive channel degradation in the overlapping zone between cells is also taken into account. Performance evaluation is done using infinite two-dimensional Markov chains. A noticeable improvement in blocking and call-dropping probabilities is achieved using this new mechanism.

We address the use of existing cellular infrastructure as the location for Infostations, an array of isolated wireless ports delivering wireless data services. The coverage area of an Infostation, though, will be smaller than the cell area. We determine the worst-case SIR as a function of the coverage-radius-to-cell-radius ratio and the frequency-reuse cluster size. For specific modulation schemes, we identify desirable operating points and calculate the Infostations' utilization.