Handover of wireless devices based on resource availability

A system for initiating handover of a wireless device, the system comprising:

• a first access node deploying a first radio access technology and a second radio access technology;
• and
• a processor configured to:
• determine, in connection with a wireless device attached to the first access node, one or more of a low battery condition of the wireless device, a low power headroom of the wireless device, and a high buffer status of the wireless device;
• identify a second access node deploying only one of the first radio access technology and the second radio access technology;
• and
• initiate handover of the wireless device from the first access node to the second access node based at least in part on the one or more of the low battery condition, low power headroom, and high buffer status of the wireless device.

A processing node for initiating handover of a wireless device, the processing node being configured to perform operations comprising:

• determining, in connection with a wireless device attached to a first access node deploying multiple radio access technologies over a first coverage area, one or more of a low battery condition of the wireless device, a low power headroom of the wireless device, and a high buffer status of the wireless device;
• identifying a second access node deploying a single radio access technology over a second coverage area encompassing a location of the wireless device;
• and
• initiating handover of the wireless device from the first access node to the second access node based on at least in part on the one or more of the low battery condition, low power headroom, and high buffer status of the wireless device.