Application Layer Mobility Management for IP Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication systems face challenges in managing mobility of mobile users between logical network groups, particularly in maintaining continuous service and reconfiguring networks without human intervention, as existing solutions like Mobile IP burden the network layer and are impractical in certain applications due to limitations such as triangular routing and vulnerability to distributed denial of service attacks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of client mobility agents in mobile communication units collaborating with server mobility agents within logical network groups to reassess and reassign IP addresses and transfer ongoing communication sessions, utilizing standard TCP/IP suite services like DHCP, DDNS, and LDAP to facilitate seamless transitions between networks without disrupting service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Mobile IP networks are used to enable mobile users to migrate between logical networks, then mobility capability is improved, but the network layer is burdened with tracking and location redirection functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mobility management functions (tracking, location redirection, home agent responsibilities) from the network layer and places them in the application layer. This is achieved by using standard TCP/IP services (DHCP for addressing, DNS for location mapping, HTTP for communication) that operate above the network layer, thereby relieving the network layer of these burdensome functions while maintaining full mobility capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using standard TCP/IP services as mediators between mobile nodes and the network infrastructure. Instead of modifying the network layer, the invention uses application-layer services (DHCP server, DNS server, web server) to handle mobility management, allowing mobile nodes to interact with standard services without requiring special network layer modifications.
2Reliability
If home agents are built into the network layer to track mobile users, then location tracking is improved, but the overhead associated with the network layer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the location tracking function from the network layer (vertical dimension) to the application layer (another dimension). By using DNS servers and HTTP protocols in the application layer to track and locate mobile nodes, the system achieves reliable location tracking without adding overhead to the network layer, effectively changing the dimensional level where tracking occurs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional networks are reconfigured to accommodate new mobile users, then network adaptability is improved, but manual intervention and network rebooting are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mobility management where mobile nodes automatically obtain network configuration through standard services. When a mobile node moves to a new network, it automatically contacts the DHCP server to obtain an IP address and the DNS server to register its location, all without manual administrator intervention. The system reconfigures itself automatically using existing infrastructure services.
4Reliability
If Mobile IP is used to forward packets through intermediaries, then mobile user reachability is improved, but triangular routing increases transmission complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses DNS servers to create and maintain copies of mobile node location information across the network. Instead of requiring complex triangular routing through home agents, the system publishes mobile node locations in DNS records, allowing any node to resolve the current location of a mobile user through standard DNS queries. This eliminates the need for complex routing intermediaries while maintaining reachability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for maintaining communications with mobile users within organizational logical network groups when transitioning between logical groups. A client mobility agent resides as part of a mobile communication unit and monitors link metrics to determine if a transition to another logical network group is desired. The client mobility agents and a server mobility agent collaborate to reassign or re-home a mobile communication unit to a new home logical network group, and provide the mobile communication unit with a new group address upon entering a new logical network. The server mobility agent collaborates with a server mobility agent of the previous logical group that the mobile communication unit was a member to transfer sessions and services associated with the mobile communication unit to the new logical network.