Patent ID: 8498668

Claim:
A method for handoff between a source NodeB and a target NodeB, using a layer 3 smart internet protocol (IP) switch that is configured to communicate with a core network (CN) and a radio network controller (RNC) that is separate from the layer 3 smart IP switch, the method comprising: the layer 3 smart IP switch receiving user plane data from the source Node B via a user plane; the layer 3 smart IP switch receiving a control input from the RNC that includes control information configured to control routing of the user plane data by the layer 3 smart IP switch; the layer 3 smart IP switch routing the user plane data to the CN via an IP network based on the control information included in the control input; and the layer 3 smart IP switch transferring one or more non-terminated data layers between the CN and the source NodeB, wherein the non-terminated data layers include at least one of an lu-interface frame protocol data, a user datagram protocol (UDP) data, or IP data, wherein on a condition that the routed data comprise packet-switched data, the layer 3 smart IP switch functions as a termination point for a general packet radio services tunneling protocol (GTP) layer between the layer 3 smart IP switch and the CN, thereby terminating the GTP layer.