The invention involves data processing during intra-site handover
procedures. At least two directional antennas of a base station receive
user data carrying signals originating from a mobile units positioned in
an intra-site handover area defined by the overlapping radio coverage of
the antennas. The directional antennas performs an initial data signal
detection of the received data signals resulting in detected user data,
which typically results in a loss of radio performance of the antenna.
The detected user data from the directional antennas is then jointly
processed to generate processed user data. The performance loss is
compensated by providing differential antenna gain of the directional
antennas within the handover area. As a result, a similar radio coverage
in this area as prior art solutions is obtained but with a less complex
antenna-related design.