HAWAII: a domain-based approach for supporting mobility in wide-area wireless networks

Mobile-IP is the current standard for supporting macro-mobility of mobile hosts. However, in the case of micro-mobility support, there are several competing proposals. In this paper we present the design, implementation, and performance evaluation of HAWAII: a domain-based approach for supporting mobility. HAWAII uses specialized path setup schemes which install host-based forwarding entries in specific routers to support intra-domain micro-mobility. These path setup schemes deliver excellent performance by reducing mobility related disruption to user applications. Also, mobile hosts retain their network address while moving within the domain, simplifying QoS support. Furthermore, reliability is achieved through maintaining soft-state forwarding entries for the mobile hosts and leveraging fault detection mechanisms built in existing intra-domain routing protocols. HAWAII defaults to using Mobile IP for macro-mobility, thus providing a comprehensive solution for mobility support in wide-area wireless networks.