The layer 2 handoff scheme for mobile IP over IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN 1

Abstract

When Mobile Node (MN) moves into a new network, the Mobile IP which is the one of network protocols describing procedure of layer 3 (the network layer of OSI reference model) handoff with assistance of Foreign Agent (FA). However, the time required in handoff procedure may exceed critical value of the application program which is sensitive in time delay. It is because of the complex signaling on layer 3. Therefore, the scheme minimizes time delay required in handoff procedure should be considered. In this study, we present the scheme that achieves fast handoff processed on layer 2 for Mobile IPv4 of wireless LAN circumstances. In this scheme, the registration message of the Mobile IPv4 is included in IE (Information Elements) of 802.11 (wireless LAN) frames is processed on the layer 2 connections. According to this scheme, we obtained minimized registration delay time, because the Mobile IPv4's handoff is achieved at the same time of handoff of 802.11 wireless LAN. © Springer-Verlag 2004.