in the radio parameters of wireless :
hysteresis reflects a “lag” to go from one cell to another.
offset is a “distance” between a cell and its neighbours.
but basically, in GSM, those two words define the same thing: a difference of rxlev… and the word “hysteresis” is actually closer to what the parameters are doing.
to conclude : laws of vocabulary don’t apply to parameters names… the only thing that matters is their definitions 🙂
Hysteresis applies between 2 cells in diff location area (location area border), where you dont want MS to ping pong between two LA & cause heavy signalling.
Whereas offset applies between two cells of same LA or diff LA. In offset one cell is made to look artificial better for cell reselection. This requires C2 to be enabled