Mobile IP movement detection optimizations in 802.11 wireless LANs

When an IEEE 802.11 mobile node moves from an access point in one IP network to an adjacent access point on a different network, an IP-layer handoff takes place that consists of a sequence of processes. Mobile IP allows the node to perform an IP handoff without breaking its active sessions. However, this handoff introduces an interruption in these sessions. Different mechanisms cooperate to allow a mobile node to perform a mobile IP handoff. The movement detection process, whereby a mobile node becomes aware that it is on a new network, contributes significantly to the handover latency and resulting interruption. Recent recommendations that aim to minimize movement detection delay are explored along with their implications. This paper discusses the design of a framework that will be used to evaluate different movement detection optimizations, with the intention of finding a hybrid solution that effectively minimizes mobile IP handoff delays. It is expected that by passing link-layer information to mobile IP, faster movement detection can be achieved.