A General Framework for Context Transfer in Mobile IP Networks

In recent years, many protocols have been developed to support mobility of wireless network nodes, e.g. mobile IP suite of protocols designed to support IP routing to mobile nodes (MN). However, support for truly seamless mobility requires more than just routing; every service associated with the MN needs to be transferred smoothly to the new access network. Context transfer is suggested as an alternative for quick reestablishment of these services at new access network. In this paper, we present a general framework for context transfer in mobile IP network that includes context description, general strategies for context transfer, and construction of scenarios for context transfer. Each of those components is discussed in details. We also summarise our previous work in which the framework has been successfully applied to selected services. The success indicates that the framework is applicable to a wider range of services