Abstract: The invention provides a method for Diameter prefix authorization. The method includes sending a request for a prefix by a Prefix Authorization (PA) client or Diameter client to a Prefix Authorization (PA) server or Diameter server. The method also includes replying with an answer message by the PA server to the PA client to provide a first prefix with a first lifetime. The invention further includes a method for initiating IPv6 address renumbering by sending a message for renumbering from the PA server. The method also includes receiving the message by the PA client and sending a message to the PA server to acquire a second prefix. The method further includes receiving the second prefix from the PA server with an answer message with a second lifetime, where the second prefix is different from the first prefix.

Abstract: A network component is provided. The network component is configured to receive a handover context from a first access network device. The network component is capable of sending a first proxy binding update message to a second access network device to initiate a proxy care-of test; receiving a care-of keygen token from the second access network device in response to the first proxy binding update. The network component is configured to send a second proxy binding update message in response to the care-of keygen token to the second access network device to initiate a complete proxy binding update exchange. The network component is configured to receive a proxy binding acknowledge (PBA) message from the second access network device to establish a direct route between the network component and the second access network device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for supporting mobility in a Proxy Mobile Internet Protocol (“IP”) network without having a mobile node (“MN”) to participate in certain mobility related signaling. Instead, a proxy agent might implement functions of a mobile access gateway (“MAG”) in a Proxy Mobile Internet Protocol Version 6 (“IPv6”) network. The proxy agent, rather than the MN, might send a request to a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (“DHCP”) server, and receive back a local mobility anchor address (“LMAA”) of a local mobility anchor (“LMA”). The proxy agent might instead perform a Domain Name System (“DNS”) lookup for the LMAA of the LMA first; in response to a failure to receive the LMAA, the proxy agent might then send the request to the DHCP server to receive the LMAA. The proxy agent might further update DNS information of the MN.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method for facilitating routing of a datagram sourced at a content source to a mobile node. The mobile node is selectably operable in a heterogeneous network having two or more network parts operable pursuant to different operating protocols. An ARP broadcast is generated either gratuitously or by proxy mechanism on behalf of the mobile by the GGSN, Access Router or by the Home Agent indicating the network element that is responsible for forwarding of datagrams to the mobile and thereby implying the network part with which the mobile node is resident. And, the datagram is forwarded from the gateway network to the network element that is responsible for forwarding of datagrams to the mobile node. The datagrams are then routed through the network part identified by the broadcast to be the network part with which the mobile node is resident.

Abstract: A communication network system having capability for IP mobility management selection. The communication system includes a server, a network entity, and at least one mobile node. The network entity is configured to provide its IP mobility management information to the server, whereas the mobile node is configured to provide its IP mobility management information to the server. In the communication system, the server is configured to make a selection of IP mobility management mechanism based on the information provided by the network entity and the mobile node. The server then sends the selection to the network entity. In a specific embodiment, the server can be an Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA) server. Here, the IP mobility management information includes one or more supported IP mobility management protocols. For example, the supported IP mobility management protocols can include mobile IPv4, mobile IPv6, dual stack mobile IP, and proxy mobile IP, etc.

Abstract: A method for handover in a network is provided. The method includes receiving a first message from a first access network device associated with a mobile node (MN) associated with a first access router. A second message is sent to a second access router associated with a second access network device to initiate handover. A third message in response to the second message is received to establish a tunnel between the first access router and the second access router for handover. Packets designated to the MN are forwarded from the first access router to the second access router through the tunnel.

Abstract: Method and system for managing address prefix information associated with handover in network. A fast handover process is achieved for point-to-point communication model. A mobile node send a provisional new care-of-address with an aggregate prefix part to its previous access router, which forwards the address to a new access router. The new access router in response generates a modified new care-of-address with a unique prefix part for the mobile node. Alternatively, the mobile node sends a request to the previous access router for a unique prefix. The request is forwarded from the previous access router to the new access router. The new access router assigns a unique prefix for the mobile node.

Abstract: A network component comprising a processor configured to implement a method comprising receiving a multicast listening state (MLS) report comprising a multicast state data from a mobile node (MN), sending the multicast state data to an access router (AR), establishing a tunnel with the AR, and forwarding at least one multicast data stream associated with the multicast state data to the AR via the tunnel. Also disclosed is an AR configured to implement a method comprising receiving a multicast state data for a MN, evaluating the multicast state data, indicating whether the multicast state data is supported by the AR, establishing a tunnel with a second AR, and receiving at least one multicast data stream associated with the multicast state data from the second AR via the tunnel.

Abstract: An solution for a mobile station to perform intra-domain inter-access controller authentication using an 802.11r protocol in CAPWAP architecture is presented. The access controller is the authenticator that is configured to store a top-level and second-level shared authentication keys in a key hierarchy defined in 802.11r. The mobile station first-time association and re-association after inter-access-point handoff can be performed through authentication request/response message exchange between the mobile station and the access controller. The new access controller after handoff gets top-level key from the old access controller called an anchor authenticator. The mobile station and the new access controller generate a new second-level key and session key to complete the authentication.

Abstract: A micro-mobility network routing system and method implementing a protocol that extends the macro mobility support of Mobile IP to support micro mobility is disclosed which permits a more efficient and easily implemented Internet routing protocol for network devices to be affected. The macro mobility feature herein refers to the notion in which the mobile node gains access to the Internet, while retaining the same IP address. This concept is used only once when the mobile node enters the coverage area of a foreign domain (eventually its home domain). The concept of micro mobility within this context eases routing packets to the mobile node while its moves within the foreign network. The present invention implements these new features via the use of message compositions and protocol extensions that extend the prior art Mobile IP protocols.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques by which a Layer-2 entity determines whether a mobile terminal requesting association or reassociation therewith determines whether the requesting mobile terminal shall continue using its current IP address or whether it requires a new IP address. The Layer-2 entity makes this determination based upon an examination of the contents of the association or reassociation request message received thereby. Contained in the association or reassociation reply message returned by the Layer-2 entity shall either be an instruction, to the mobile terminal, to continue using its current IP address or a new IP address to be used, by the mobile terminal in place of its current IP address.

Abstract: A network component comprising a processor configured to implement a method comprising promoting transmission of a request for an address prefix to a prefix issuing party, identifying a reply comprising the address prefix from the prefix issuing party, and promoting transmission of a router advertisement comprising the address prefix to a mobile station. Also disclosed is a method comprising receiving a request for an Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) prefix, assigning the IPv6 prefix to a mobile station, and sending the IPv6 address to the mobile station, wherein the method is implemented at a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server or an Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA) server.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating registration of a mobile node with a home agent. Dormant mode operation of the mobile node is supported. Message generators positioned at the mobile node generate appropriate messages for a UMTS and a WLAN network. The messages include indicia identifying the home agent associated with the mobile node. Apparatus positioned at separate network portions of the communication system form registration proxies for performing the registration of the mobile node with the home agent.

Abstract: A network paging system and method implementing a Mobile IP protocol that allows transparent routing of IP datagrams sent by a Correspondent Node (CN) (any Internet node that wants to communicate with a Mobile Node) to a Mobile Node (MN) in the Internet is disclosed. The IP paging protocol disclosed is an extension to Mobile IP to allow dormant mode operation permitting conservation of battery power when not receiving/sending IP datagrams. The disclosed technique permits a mobile node to alternate between dormant and active modes to conserve its power resources. In the disclosed invention, the mobile node does not perform location updates as long as it is in dormant mode. In a preferred embodiment, the implement IP paging protocol is a Layer-3 protocol used to find the paging area, in which the MN is located and to alert MN to come out of dormant mode, whenever there is an incoming traffic.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, by which to page a mobile station to alert the mobile station of a call placed thereto. A location server is provided at which a location index is created and maintained, identifying the location at which the mobile station to which the call is to be terminated is positioned. Page messages are broadcast throughout an area in which the mobile station is indicated to be positioned. The page messages are broadcast in manners that permit the mobile station to detect their transmission even when the mobile station is in a dormant, or other nonactive, state.

Abstract: A micro-mobility network routing system and method implementing a protocol that extends the macro mobility support of Mobile IP to support micro mobility is disclosed which permits a more efficient and easily implemented Internet routing protocol for network devices to be affected. The macro mobility feature herein refers to the notion in which the mobile node gains access to the Internet, while retaining the same IP address. This concept is used only once when the mobile node enters the coverage area of a foreign domain (eventually its home domain). The concept of micro mobility within this context eases routing packets to the mobile node while its moves within the foreign network. The present invention implements these new features via the use of message compositions and protocol extensions that extend the prior art Mobile IP protocols.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for paging a mobile station operable in a WLAN. Logical layer-2 paging is provided pursuant to a tracking agent protocol. A tracking agent is provided that tracks the location at a logical layer-2 logical level. A paging cache is maintained that identifies logical layer-2 paging areas in which the mobile station is most recently associated. When a communication session is initiated, a page is broadcast throughout the layer-2 logical layer paging area in which the mobile station is indicated to be positioned.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, by which to page a mobile station to alert the mobile station of a call placed thereto. A location server is provided at which a location index is created and maintained, identifying the location at which the mobile station to which the call is to be terminated is positioned. Page messages are broadcast throughout an area in which the mobile station is indicated to be positioned. The page messages are broadcast in manners that permit the mobile station to detect their transmission even when the mobile station is in a dormant, or other nonactive, state.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques by which a Layer-2 entity determines whether a mobile terminal requesting association or reassociation therewith determines whether the requesting mobile terminal shall continue using its current IP address or whether it requires a new IP address. The Layer-2 entity makes this determination based upon an examination of the contents of the association or reassociation request message received thereby. Contained in the association or reassociation reply message returned by the Layer-2 entity shall either be an instruction, to the mobile terminal, to continue using its current IP address or a new IP address to be used, by the mobile terminal in place of its current IP address.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method for facilitating routing of a datagram sourced at a content source to a mobile node. The mobile node is selectably operable in a heterogeneous network having two or more network parts operable pursuant to different operating protocols. An ARP broadcast is generated either gratuitously or by proxy mechanism on behalf of the mobile by the GGSN, Access Router or by the Home Agent indicating the network element that is responsible for forwarding of datagrams to the mobile and thereby implying the network part with which the mobile node is resident. And, the datagram is forwarded from the gateway network to the network element that is responsible for forwarding of datagrams to the mobile node. The datagrams are then routed through the network part identified by the broadcast to be the network part with which the mobile node is resident.