Session Layer Handover Heterogeneous Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in seamless handover and roaming between heterogeneous communications networks, particularly due to differences in bandwidth, round-trip times, and security issues, leading to inefficient TCP protocol adaptation, increased data transmission, and compromised security.
Innovation Solution
A method employing session layers and protocol stacks with security layers in both units to manage network switches, maintain end-to-end security, and synchronize data flows across different networks, using WTLS for secure connections and intermediate units for authentication, allowing for seamless handovers without relying on TCP protocol adaptations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TCP protocol is used for data transmission between units on different communications networks, then reliable data delivery is ensured, but the protocol takes a long time to adapt to different network characteristics (bandwidth, round-trip times), causing unnecessary retransmissions and time-outs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a session layer as an intermediary between the application layer and the TCP/IP protocol stack. This session layer manages communication sessions across heterogeneous networks, handling network switching and data flow synchronization independently of TCP's congestion control mechanisms. By separating session management from transport layer protocols, the system avoids TCP's slow adaptation to network characteristic changes while maintaining reliable data delivery.
2Productivity
If the first unit switches from one communications link to another, then continuous communication is maintained, but authentication must be re-established over the new communications link, increasing security overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication at the session layer before network switching occurs. The authentication credentials and session keys are cached and validated in advance, allowing the unit to switch communication links without performing full re-authentication. The session layer maintains authentication state across network transitions, enabling rapid link switching while preserving security through pre-established trust relationships.
3Reliability
If data is encrypted prior to reaching the link layer for security, then end-to-end security is maintained, but compression functionality at the link layer becomes ineffective, requiring more data to be transported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data processing functions into distinct layers: compression is performed at the session layer on plaintext data before encryption, while encryption occurs at the security layer. This segmentation allows compression algorithms to reduce data size effectively on uncompressed plaintext, and encryption to provide security on the already-compressed structure. The separated architecture prevents encryption from interfering with compression efficiency, reducing overall data transmission volume while maintaining end-to-end security.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer program, and computer readable medium are disclosed for maintaining communication between first and second mobile units communicating via first and second communications networks, respectively. The first and second units include, respectively, first and second protocol stacks and first and second session layers, which interface between the first and second protocol stacks and first and second software components acting within the first and second units, respectively. The first unit includes first communications hardware with associated drive routines for different communications networks. When the first unit switches from a first to a third communications network, the first session layer maintains communication by selecting the first communications hardware and drive routine required for the third communications network. The identities of the first and second units are maintained by the first and second session layers and retained during the first unit's switching of communications networks.