Patent ID: 8160021
Filing Date: 2012-04-17
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A method of media independent handover using a session identifier, comprising: providing a mobile node including a media independent handover function (MIHF) entity configured to register with a media independent handover function (MIHF) entity of a point of service within a network for specific event and command services, said mobile node using multiple transport instances employing multiple transport protocols to communicate via multiple interfaces of said mobile node with said MIHF entity of the point of service; said point of service maintaining a single registration state for said mobile node across said multiple transport instances, where the transport instances are visible to the point of service; defining a session identifier (session ID) that is assigned by said point of service at the time of initial registration, said session ID being valid only during the lifetime of the registration; said registration state including local handles to transport instances, and using said session ID and said transport instances when sending and receiving media independent handover messages related to said registration except that said session ID is not carried in the initial registration request; and using said session identifier for identifying an MIH registration session across different MIH transport instances between the MIHF entity of the mobile node and the MIHF entity of the point of service.