Patent ID: 6980534
Filing Date: 2005-12-27
Classification: H04L,H04W

Abstract:
1. A data communication system, comprising: a plurality of packet data servicing nodes operable to communicate with each other and each operable to store and manage a cluster session table, each cluster session table comprising a list of data communication sessions managed by packet data servicing nodes within the cluster; and each packet data servicing node operable to receive requests for data communication sessions originating from mobile units serviced by the plurality of packet data servicing nodes and responsive to the receipt of the requests each packet data servicing node operable to access the cluster session table and to identify a packet data servicing node within the plurality to service the requested data communication session; each packet data servicing node is operable to select one of the plurality of packet data servicing nodes to service the data communication session by accessing the cluster session table and using the information within the cluster session table to identify the packet data servicing node which is servicing the least number of data communication sessions at that particular time; each packet data servicing node within the plurality is operable to generate a message to a base station controller requesting a data communication session, the message comprising an address of an identified packet data servicing node which has been identified by the packet data servicing node transmitting the message through the use of the cluster session table; and each packet data servicing node is operable to use the cluster session table to determine if a requested data session is already being serviced by a different packet data servicing node, and, if so, to direct the requesting base station controller to contact the identified servicing packet data servicing node.