Definition of handoff

The term "handoff" originated in the field of telecommunications, specifically in cellular networks, to describe the process of smoothly transitioning a voice or data call between base stations as the user moves through a network coverage area. The word itself is a combination of the verbs "hand" and "off," meaning to pass something from one person to another. In telecommunications, a handoff is the process of transferring a signal, such as a phone call or message, from one transmission device, such as a cell tower or base station, to another as the user moves out of range of the first device. The concept of handoff was first introduced in the late 1970s and early 1980s as mobile phones became increasingly popular. Initially, handoffs were relatively simple, involving a few basic steps to ensure a seamless transition. As network technology has advanced, however, handoff has become more complex, with algorithms and protocols now employed to optimize signal strength, minimize disruption to the user, and manage the huge volumes of traffic that now flow across modern cellular networks. Today, the term "handoff" is widely used in a variety of contexts beyond telecommunications, including computer networking, transportation, and manufacturing, where it refers to the transfer of data, responsibilities, or materials between different systems or personnel.