Connection tree based micro-mobility management for IP-centric mobile networks

There is on-going convergence of IP and traditional telecommunication networks (both wired and wireless). To facilitate fast handoff and real-time location tracking, and reduce the location update overhead in IP based mobile networks, hierarchical IP mobility management schemes, i.e., Mobile IP for macro-mobility (inter mobile domains) and cellular-network-optimized schemes for micromobility within mobile domains, are needed. We apply the connection tree concept that was originally proposed for wireless ATM networks to IP micro-mobility management for mobile users with QoS requirements by using such new concepts as virtual multicast, virtual sender/receiver, null filter specification and dormant reservation. Our scheme enables fast and smooth handoff by localizing most of the location update related operation and pre-establishing connections to/from multiple base stations. It integrates seamlessly with such IP QoS mechanisms as RSVP, enables quick reservation restoration during handoff, and naturally supports soft handoff.