A method for handover execution in a wireless environment is provided that comprises communicating, by a mobile network, a handover command message to a physical layer of a mobile station to initiate a handover execution. The handover command message is received by the physical layer, which responds by tuning to a handed to frequency and by communicating physical layer bursts over the handed to frequency such that initial timing advance and power control setting characteristics are determined by the mobile network. The method also includes communicating a cease signal to stop communicating the bursts to the mobile station, which responds by ending the transmission of the bursts and by establishing a new communications link over the handed to frequency with the mobile network. The mobile station and mobile network may then couple to a voice or data path such that a wireless communication associated with the mobile station and the mobile network is facilitated.