Patent ID: 6487406
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
A method for providing data communication to mobile stations (MS) connected to a first data network comprising a plurality of base stations (BS) communicating with the MSs and connected to a respective one of a plurality of base station switching centers (BSCs), the BSCs connected to a mobile station switching station (MSC) and configured to direct voice traffic from the MS to the MSC, the method comprising the steps of:providing at least one gateway router (GR) connected between the BSCs and a second data network; configuring each BSC as a node suitable for routing data traffic between a connected MS and the GR; defining at least one subnet, each subnet including at least one BSC; assigning a permanent address to an MS and associating the MS with a home subnet; assigning a care-of address to the MS in response to the detection that the MS is connected to a BSC not in the MS's home subnet; directing data traffic from the MS to the GR; and routing data traffic received from a remote site and directed to the MS's permanent IP address, whereby, when the MS is connected to a BSC not in the MS's home subnet, the received data traffic is forwarded to the MS's care-of address.