Abstract: Particular embodiments provide an optimal allocation of a bearer manager or home agent. In one embodiment, a message is received from a mobile node requesting access to a visiting network that is different from a home network for the mobile node. An authentication request is sent to the home network requesting authentication for access. The authentication request indicates that a home agent has not been assigned. The home AAA server then sends a response that indicates the visiting AAA server can assign a home agent for the mobile node. The visiting AAA server then assigns a home agent that is optimally determined. The visiting home agent is different from a home agent that is found in the mobile node's home network. When a registration request is received, an IP gateway may send the registration request to the visiting home agent, which may not be sent back to the home network.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing mobility in an Internet protocol (IP) network environment is provided that includes a cell site element operable to receive an address resolution protocol (ARP) signal from a base station. The ARP signal is associated with a selected mobile station that can roam between networks. In response to the signal, the cell site element evaluates a table that identifies a plurality of mobile stations and if the selected mobile station is not present in the table, then a mobility registration request is generated and communicated to a next destination.

Abstract: A service header is generated by an edge device (e.g., a gateway or a router) configured for providing a prescribed service operation for a prescribed network service for a received IP packet. The received IP packet includes an IP payload and an IP header having a protocol field specifying an original protocol of the IP payload. The edge device generates an encapsulated payload from the IP payload according to the prescribed network service, and generates a service header that identifies the prescribed network service and the original protocol of the IP payload. The edge device creates a modified IP header from the IP header and that identifies the service header in the corresponding protocol field, and outputs a modified IP packet including the modified IP header, the service header, and the encapsulated payload.

Abstract: A network system for authorizing an endpoint node for a communication service includes an operator network and an organization network. The operator network operates to perform a device authorization operation to authorize the endpoint node for a communication session. The organization network operates to facilitate a service authorization operation to authorize the endpoint node for the communication service of the communication session.

Abstract: Supporting communication sessions at a mobile node includes determining at a mobile node an address for one or more interior network elements of a network system. A interior network element is distinct from an edge network element of the network system, and is operable to establish a communication session. An address for an interior network element is inserted into packets. The packets are sent from the mobile node to the interior network element to communicate directly with the interior network element. The communication session is established using the interior network element.

Abstract: Requesting a network resource includes facilitating a communication session between a mobile node and an endpoint. A trigger event is received at a first anchor point associated with the mobile node. The trigger event indicates that reservation of a network resource is being requested for the communication session. A second anchor point associated with the endpoint is identified. Reservation of the network resources for the communication sessions is initiated over a tunnel between the first anchor point and the second anchor point.

Abstract: Forwarding a packet includes facilitating a communication session for a mobile node. A packet is identified as received from the mobile node. One or more labels are added to the packet. A subscriber label of the one or more labels uniquely identifies the mobile node for the communication session. The packet is forwarded to a gateway. The gateway is operable to uniquely identify the mobile node from the subscriber label.

Abstract: Providing a multicast service to a mobile node includes receiving a first request to join a multicast group from a first cell site. The first request requests that a first mobile node be permitted to join the multicast group. A first multicast source operable to provide content to the first mobile node is identified. The multicast group and the first multicast source are associated to yield a first group-source combination. A first key is assigned to the first group-source combination, and the first key is provided to the first cell site.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method includes determining, at a base station, at least one usability factor providing a relative measure of the desirability of receiving control of a mobile unit. The method also includes communicating, from a base station to a remote controller, the determined at least one usability factor for comparison to at least one usability factor of another base station as determined at the other base station and communicated to the remote controller. The method also includes taking control, by the base station, of the mobile unit in response to receiving a signal from a controller to take control of the mobile unit in response to comparison of the controller of the at least one usability factor determined by the base station and the at least one usability factor determined by the other base station.

Abstract: Caching content includes receiving at a cell site a content request for content. The cell site is associated with a cell, and the content request is received from a mobile node present in the cell. The content is retrieved in response to the content request. The content is cached at the cell site and sent to the mobile node. One or more recipient cell sites are identified. The content is distributed to the one or more recipient cell sites while the mobile node is present in the cell.

Abstract: Authorizing a mobile node for a service includes receiving at an enforcement point a session initiation invitation from the mobile node. The session initiation invitation comprises an authorization token and a session initiation object. Whether the mobile node is authorized to access a service is determined in accordance with the authorization token. The authorization token is sent to an authorization server if the mobile node is authorized to access the service. The session initiation object is sent to a server to initiate the service if the mobile node is authorized to access the service.

Abstract: Facilitating node mobility includes facilitating a communication session for a mobile node communicated along a first communication path. A first anchor point manages context information for the communication session, where the context information comprises information for supporting the communication session. A command to transfer the context information to a second anchor point is received from a home agent. The second anchor point is operable to facilitate communication of the communication session along a second communication path. The context information is transferred in response to the command.

Abstract: Obtaining neighborhood information for a cell includes establishing the presence of a mobile node in a first cell having a first cell site. A communication session for the mobile node is facilitated. Neighborhood information is determined in response to facilitating the communication session. The neighborhood information describes a second cell having a second cell site. The neighborhood information is recorded in a neighborhood information record.