Patent ID: 8270948

Claim:
A method for avoiding loss of data or consumption of resources between a mobile node and an new access network in which an authentication agent performs authentication with an authentication client of the mobile node to effect access to an enforcement point of said access network, said method comprising: an authentication client of a mobile node receiving a notification from an authentication agent that the authentication agent has completed an installation process with the enforcement point, wherein said installation process includes the installation of authorization parameters, and wherein said installation of authorization parameters includes installation of ciphering keys for the authentication client to an enforcement point; said authentication client of the mobile node waiting before sending packets to the enforcement point until receiving said notification from the authentication agent of the completion of said installation process to avoid pre-mature transmission of packets to the enforcement point prior to receiving said notification from the authentication agent of the completion of said installation process; wherein said step of said authentication client receiving a notification from an authentication agent that the authentication agent has completed an installation process with the enforcement point is performed within a new message exchange independent of a notification of authentication received from the authentication agent by the authentication client such that in the event that a notification of authentication is received prior to completion of installation, the authentication client will be aware of the status; further including said authentication client receiving from the authentication agent a request message including an indication that the authentication agent requires said new message exchange with the authentication client to confirm completion of said installation phase including the installation of the authorization parameters for the authentication client to the enforcement point; and said authentication client sending an acknowledgement in an answer message to the authentication agent and waiting for said notification confirming the completion of said installation phase including the installation of the authorization parameters for the authentication client to the enforcement point.