Interacting mobile IP and SIP for efficient mobility support in all IP wireless networks

Next-generation mobility support can be achieved by jointly applying mobile IP (MIP) and the session initiation protocol (SIP) in all IP wireless networks. Though a full integration of both protocols proves to be most cost-effective in the long run, a prompt deployment necessitates an efficient hybrid MIP-SIP architecture for the current stage where MIP and SIP coexist separately. Traditional hybrid MIP-SIP schemes operate MIP and SIP independently, which result in significant redundant costs. This paper investigates interactions between MIP and SIP to maximise their complementary powers for more efficient mobility support while keeping their physical entities intact. The desired interactions are identified in mobility procedures including location update, session setup and handoff. Two different schemes are proposed to establish such interactions. The analysis demonstrates that both schemes outperform traditional hybrid MIP-SIP schemes in terms of lower handoff delay and lower signalling overhead. The proposed schemes are applicable to both MIPv4 and MIPv6, though MIPv6 is emphasised.