In order to optimize handover target selection and achieve better handover performance in cellular relay networks under the long term evolution (LTE) system,a novel handover measurement and decision scheme based on cost function is proposed in the paper.The relay-enhanced network provides user equipment (UE) multiple handover choices from neighbor base stations or relays.This may result in different overhead,resource utility and traffic load which attaches importance to proper handover schemes.Compared with traditional handover measurement and decision schemes,the proposed scheme adopts reference signal receiving quality (RSRQ) in the measurement stage and uses a modified signal cost function considering signal overhead in different handover types and expected long-term throughput of UE.Besides,UE fairness and sector resource utilization are taken into account as well.Theory analysis and simulation results prove that the proposed scheme can enhance cell throughput,decrease handover delay and signal overhead,and improve UE fairness.