Single Packet Address for Dual-Mode Wireless Roaming

Solution Overview

Problem

Dual-mode wireless communication devices face transmission delays and require additional IP resources and address translations when roaming between networks using different Mobile IP protocols, as they may be assigned multiple IP addresses, each valid only in a single network.

Innovation Solution

A method is implemented to assign a single packet address to a wireless communication device by determining its dual-mode functionality and existing sessions across networks, allowing seamless communication by translating user identifiers and authorizing packet addresses through an authorization system, enabling the device to use the same address across multiple networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dual-mode wireless communication device is assigned multiple IP addresses for different wireless networks, then the device can communicate with each network using its own protocol, but transmission delay increases and additional IP resources and address translations are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capability across different networksVSAvoidtransmission delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple IP address assignments into a single IP address that can be used across different wireless networks. The home agent assigns one IP address from the home network's address space to the mobile device, and this same IP address is used for communication over both CDMA and LTE networks, eliminating the need for multiple addresses and reducing transmission delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single IP address assigned to the dual-mode device serves multiple functions across different network types. The same IP address is used for both CDMA network communication and LTE network communication, making the address universal and eliminating the need for address translation or multiple addresses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a dual-mode wireless communication device is assigned multiple IP addresses for different wireless networks, then the device can communicate with each network using its own protocol, but additional IP resources and address translations are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capability across different networksVSAvoidIP resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple IP address assignments into a single IP address that can be used across different wireless networks. The home agent assigns one IP address from the home network's address space to the mobile device, and this same IP address is used for communication over both CDMA and LTE networks, eliminating the need for multiple addresses and reducing transmission delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single IP address assigned to the dual-mode device serves multiple functions across different network types. The same IP address is used for both CDMA network communication and LTE network communication, making the address universal and eliminating the need for address translation or multiple addresses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If standard Mobile IP protocols are used for roaming within a network or networks using the same IP mobility scheme, then location-independent routing is achieved, but a problem arises when roaming between networks utilizing different Mobile IP protocols

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting reliability within same protocol networkVSAvoidroaming capability across different protocol networks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The home agent acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and different network protocols. When the device roams to an LTE network (which uses different mobility protocols), the home agent intercepts packets destined for the device's home IP address and tunnels them through the LTE network to the device, enabling seamless roaming across protocol boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8547912B1Mobility between two different wireless access networks

Publication Date: 2013.10.01 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

A method of assigning a single packet address to a wireless communication device in a communication system comprising a first wireless network and a second wireless network comprises, in the wireless communication device, transferring a first network service request to a router in the first wireless network, wherein the first network service request includes a first network user identifier; in the router, transferring an authorization request to an authorization system, wherein the authorization request includes the first network user identifier; in the authorization system, determining whether the wireless communication device associated with the first network user identifier comprises dual-mode functionality, and determining whether a session for the second wireless network exists based on the first network user identifier; and in the router, transferring a first network service response to the wireless communication device, wherein the first network service response includes a packet address for the second wireless network.