Abstract: Various embodiments are described for facilitating network mobility in communication networks with an aim toward enhancing the scalability of MIP. Generally, in most of these embodiments, a network node (121) sends a message to a network device (131) to establish a data path for a remote unit (101) served by the network node. This message comprises a source link layer address which is associated with the remote unit. The message may or may not be sent in response to receiving signaling to facilitate wireless connectivity of a remote unit via the network node. In addition, the network device to which the message is sent may be an access router (AR) or a foreign agent (FA) of the remote unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficient transitions between operating states in a communication network, includes a preliminary step of having a mobile station in a Dormant or Idle state. A next step includes requiring a data transfer, either to or from the mobile station. A next step includes transitioning the mobile station from the Dormant or Idle to an Active state. A next step includes transferring a bearer path context for the data from a Paging Control Function (PCF) to an RF Bearer Function. This can include creating a tunnel using an Inter-PCF handoff procedure. The result is a direct connection between an RF Bearer Function and an IP Router, without the PCF being in the data path.

Abstract: A communication system provides in-band speaker arbitration in a multi-participant communication session by use of RTP floor control messages that include a speaker arbitration command embedded in a data packet header extension.

Abstract: A method, a network element, and a client device for creating a trusted connection with a network are disclosed. A client device 104 may attempt to access a sub-network 106. The client device 104 may determine that a certificate of the sub-network 106 is issued by a certification authority absent from a device certificate trust list. The client device 104 may receive via the sub-network 106 a certificate trust list update 400 from a certificate trust list provider 108.

Abstract: A method, information processing system, and wireless device provide authentication information to a network. The method includes determining that at least one authentication context (120) resides in memory (412). The at least one authentication context (120) is analyzed to determine if at least one realm identifier associated with a home service provider is included in the at least one authentication context (120). A user is prompted to update the at least one authentication context (120) with at least one realm identifier associated with a home service provider in response to determining that at least one realm identifier fails to be included in the at least one authentication context (120). At least one realm identifier is received (612) from a user that is associated with a home service provider. The at least one authentication context (120) is updated with the at least one realm identifier received from the user.

Abstract: A method (600,700) and apparatus (800) are arranged and operate for facilitating call routing between sites in an enterprise connected by a private IP network (130). A range of identifiers (220-223) served by IP PBXs (120-123) in the enterprise may be registered with a SIP registrar (212) of an inter-site router (210). Call requests to a communication unit (350) outside the home site are routed to the SIP registrar. A site identifier associated with the destination IP PBX allows the call to be completed by the SIP Proxy or the IP PBX where the call was received. When no private IP network is available, a roaming CU registers with a cellular proxy in the visited network. Calls are routed by when an HLR (340) associated with the CU obtains the roaming number from the cellular proxy (330) in the visited site. The MSC completes the call to the visited IP PBX using the roaming number and a local SIP registrar 440 forwards the call to the CU.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described for facilitating hotlining in communication systems. A device (101) is informed by a device manager (131) that it is being hotlined and is provided certain hotlining state information. This information may enable devices with different types of user interfaces (browsers, automated clients, handsets, etc.) to trigger an appropriate application and begin communicating with an appropriate network location (in a secure and controlled fashion) to resolve the hotlining issue. The hotlining state information may also enable the device to access network services, while hotlined, such as emergency services. Assuming that a resolution to the hotlining is attained, the device may then be notified that hotlining has terminated. The device may then resume its access to regular network services, perhaps as gracefully as re-entering one or more data sessions interrupted by the hotlining.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described for facilitating network mobility in communication networks with an aim toward enhancing the scalability of MIP. Generally, in most of these embodiments, a network node (121) sends a message to a network device (131) to establish a data path for a remote unit (101) served by the network node. This message comprises a source link layer address which is associated with the remote unit. The message may or may not be sent in response to receiving signaling to facilitate wireless connectivity of a remote unit via the network node. In addition, the network device to which the message is sent may be an access router (AR) or a foreign agent (FA) of the remote unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locking carrier access in a communication network, including a first step (102) of installing a pattern matching string in a mobile subscriber station. A next step (104) includes embedding a service provider identity within a subject of a digital certificate. A next step (106) includes receiving the digital certificate of the embedding step. A next step (108) includes performing network entry with the communication network. A next step (110) includes extracting the service provider identity from the digital certificate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficient transitions between operating states in a communication network, includes a preliminary step of having a mobile station in a Dormant or Idle state. A next step includes requiring a data transfer, either to or from the mobile station. A next step includes transitioning the mobile station from the Dormant or Idle to an Active state. A next step includes transferring a bearer path context for the data from a Paging Control Function (PCF) to an RF Bearer Function. This can include creating a tunnel using an Inter-PCF handoff procedure. The result is a direct connection between an RF Bearer Function and an IP Router, without the PCF being in the data path.

Abstract: Disclosed are a wireless communication system, method, and information processing system for optimizing paging channel utilization. The method includes determining a mobility state of the wireless device (104). If the mobility state of the wireless device (104) is a mobile state, a signal is generated for a page to be transmitted to a set of base stations (110) in a paging area (402) that the wireless device (104) is currently located in. If the mobility state of the wireless device (104) is a stationary state, a subset of base stations from the set of base stations (110) within the paging area (402) is selected. A signal is then generated for a page to be transmitted to the subset of base stations.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described for authenticating a wireless device (101) and/or an associated user subscription. By using a single authentication exchange with the wireless device to obtain a device credential, a connectivity service network (CSN) (231) authenticates and validates the device credential to establish a device identity. For device-identity-based subscription, the device identity may be used to validate a subscription. For user subscription authentication, a second authentication exchange is performed using the encrypted connection established by the first authentication exchange (a.k.a, the outer exchange). By utilizing only one outer authentication exchange, embodiments are made possible that exhibit reduced messaging and lower complexity when compared to known techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a service from an application service provider to a client in a communications system including a network proxy describes a first step of defining services provided by the service provider as Extensible Markup Language (XML) metadata. A next step includes defining services desired by the client as XML metadata. A next step includes collecting the XML metadata from the client and service provider. A next step includes comparing the client XML metadata against the service provider XML metadata. A next step includes providing the substantially matched service from the service provider to the client upon the finding of a substantial match between the client metadata and the service provider metadata.

Abstract: A Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)-compliant proxy (106) receives a first INVITE message destined for a mobile station (102). The first INVITE message is associated with an initial Internet Protocol (IP) contact address for the mobile station (102). Subsequently, it is determined whether an IP address update for the mobile station (102) may have occurred and a new IP contact address is obtained for the mobile station (102). A second INVITE message is sent to the mobile station (102) at the new contact address so as to continue a session initiation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating mobility of the mobile stations in a wireless local area network (WLAN) allows uninterrupted communications as the mobile station moves. The method includes associating (501) a MNIP address (410) with the mobile station; establishing (502) a communications link between the mobile station and a first WLAN AP (109) in a first subnet (117) and associating (503) a first WLAN IP (420) address with the mobile station. Then using (505) the first WLAN IP address for an application that benefits from a persistent connection. Further included is establishing (507) a second communications link between the mobile station and a second WLAN AP 111 in a second subnet (119). When the mobile station is using the application, continuing to use the first WLAN IP address for communicating with the second subnet; and requesting (517) a second WLAN IP address in the second subnet when the persistent connection is no longer needed.

Abstract: The voice signaling gateway (10) converts signaling and bearer traffic information between iDEN network (20) and various other networks (30–60). The voice signaling gateway includes a signaling portion (14) and a bearer traffic portion (12). The voice signaling gateway interfaces with any networks which support session initiation protocol (SIP). Further, the voice signaling gateway is capable of. interworking with both 3G and 2G type networks.

Abstract: The voice signaling gateway (10) converts signaling and bearer traffic information between iDEN network (20) and various other networks (30-60). The voice signaling gateway includes a signaling portion (14) and a bearer traffic portion (12). The voice signaling gateway interfaces with any networks which support session initiation protocol (SIP). Further, the voice signaling gateway is capable of. interworking with both 3G and 2G type networks.

Abstract: A wireless communication system (402) that provides dispatch communication service, and talk group calling service, supports several talk groups (408, 410). A console (412) operated by a subscribing organization resides outside of the communication system. The console is considered a member of the talk groups, and interacts with the communication system over an internet access, via one or more gateways (416, 418). The gateways operate like base stations that provide the air interface to the mobile communication devices. When the operator of the console wishes to patch the talk groups together, call information received from the first talk group at the console prompts the console to initiate a talk group call for the second talk group. When the second talk group call is set up, the console forwards call information such as identifiers and audio information to the second talk group. This allows the members of the second talk group to participate in talk group calls made in the first talk group.

Abstract: A wireless communication system (402) that provides dispatch communication service, and talk group calling service, supports several talk groups (408, 410). A console (412) operated by a subscribing organization resides outside of the communication system. The console is considered a member of the talk groups, and interacts with the communication system over an internet access, via one or more gateways (416, 418). The gateways operate like base stations that provide the air interface to the mobile communication devices. When the operator of the console wishes to patch the talk groups together, call information received from the first talk group at the console prompts the console to initiate a talk group call for the second talk group. When the second talk group call is set up, the console forwards call information such as identifiers and audio information to the second talk group. This allows the members of the second talk group to participate in talk group calls made in the first talk group.

Abstract: A communication system provides in-band speaker arbitration in a multi-participant communication session by use of RTP floor control messages that include a speaker arbitration command embedded in a data packet header extension.