System(s) and method(s) are provided for forward handover under radio link failure. A configurable criterion for radio link failure (RLF) is established through a reference threshold for a channel quality metric; the threshold (CQITH) can be determined at least on a quality-of-service basis or a per-terminal basis. A low-overhead indication of RLF is conveyed as a NULL CQI when the channel quality metric is below threshold. Onset of RLF triggers preparation of forward handover (FHO) at a terminal within a predetermined timer, during which normal service can resume if link quality recovers above CQITH. Forward handover is pursued once timer elapses. Preparation at the terminal can be complemented by preparation implemented in advanced to RLF condition, in accordance to a disparate threshold applied to terminal's measurements. Preparation of FHO includes backhaul exchange of operational information like buffered data, and context.