Patent ID: 9014142
Filing Date: 2015-04-21
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A method of providing for the transfer of an IP flow when a client is handed over from a first to a second radio layer node of a cellular communications network, the method comprising: establishing said IP flow between a client and an application of a local service network within or connected to said first radio layer node, and sending said IP flow over a radio access bearer extending between the client and the first radio layer node; maintaining within a mobility database a mapping between an identifier of the client, an application IP address associated with the in-use data source for said application, and a local service network IP address, said local service network IP address being a unique IP address that allows the local service network providing the application to be reached externally; prior to or upon handover of the client from said first radio layer node to the second radio layer node, sending a request including the client identifier from said second to said first radio layer node or to another node if the central mobility database is maintained in that other node, using the client identifier contained in said request at said first radio layer node or said other node to identify said mapping in the mobility database, and sending from said first radio layer node or said other node, to said second radio layer node, the application and local service network IP addresses; receiving the application and local service network IP addresses at said second radio layer node, and using the received local service network IP address at said second radio layer node to establish a tunnel between the second radio layer node and said local service network; and switching said IP flow from said radio access bearer to said tunnel for delivery to the client via said second radio layer node.