Europaisches Patentamt
European Patent Office
Office europeen des brevets
EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION
(12)
(43) Date of publication:
31.05.2006 Bulletin 2006122
(51) Int CI.:
H04L 29/06 (2006.0')
(21) Application number: 05024881.4
(22) Date of filing: 15.11.2005
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR
HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI
SK TR
Designated Extension States:
AL BA HR MK YU
(72) Inventors:
Warrier, Chandra
Schaumburg
Illinois 60173 (US)
Bhatia, Ravideep
West Dundee
Illinois 60118 (US)
(30) Priority: 24.1 1.2004 US 997502
(74) Representative: HOFFMANN ElTLE
Patent- und Rechtsanwalte
Arabellastrasse 4
81925 Munchen (DE)
(71) Applicant: UTStarcom, Incorporated
Alameda, CA 94502 (US)
(54)
Method to facilitate the use of multiple communication protocols in a communication network
A mobile node using non-Mobile lnternet Proto(57)
col version 6 is able to successfully communicate via
Mobile lnternet Protocol version 4 infrastructure via an
encapsulating tunnel as is established between a first
network element (such as a Packet Data Serving Node)
and a second network element (such as a Home Agent).
Extensions and/or codes can be conveyed via Mobile
lnternet Protocol version 4 Registration RequestsIResponses that facilitate the automated establishment of,
for example, a 6to4 tunnel for these purposes.
11,
PROVIDE A COMMUNICATION
NEMlORK THAT USES A 1 st
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL AND
AT LEAST A PART OF ATEMPORARILY
ASSIGNABLE 1s t ADDRESS
12,
4
RECEIVE AT A 1 st NETWORK
ELEMENTA MESSAGE SEEKINGTO
FACILITATEA NETWORK
COMMUNICATION USING A 2nd
COMMUNICATIONPROTOCOL
FROM A MOBILE NODE USING THE
2nd COMMUNICATIONPROTOCOL
13\
1
I
.
,
AUTOMATICALLY ASSIGN THE
TEMPORARILY ASSIGNABLE 1s t
ADDRESS PART FOR USE BY THE
MOBILE NODE
DETECTM E ASSIGNEDTEMPORARY
ADDRESS WITHIN THE
COMMUNICATION NETWORK AND
AUTOMATICALLY FACILITATETHE
NETWORK COMMUNICATION
WHEREIN:
-THE MOBILE NODE USESTHE 2nd
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL
- AT LEAST PART OF THE
COMMUNICATION NETWORK USES
THE 1st COMMUNICATION
PROTOCOL
FIG. 1
Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR)
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates generally to supporting
communications for mobile communication nodes and
more particularly to supporting communications via a
communication network that ordinarily uses a communication protocol other than a protocol as is used by the
mobile communication node.
Background
[0002] The lnternet Protocol (IP) has been, by essentially any objective standard, highly successful. IP-based
platforms and communications continue to grow both
with respect to relative ubiquity and capability. Unfortunately, this growth and expansion has not been possible
without making occasional changes to the corresponding
protocol. For example, numerous needs and requirements (including especially a need for expanded allocatable address resources) led from so-called lnternet Protocol version 4 to lnternet Protocol version 6. lnternet
Protocol version 6 has not, in a single stroke, fully supplanted lnternet Protocol version 4, however.
[0003] The enormous existing installed Internet Protocol version 4 base represents a legacy that will likely persist for some considerable period of time even as the
reach and breadth of the lnternet continues to expand
through the auspices of Internet Protocol version 6. Various techniques such as, but not limited to, so-called 6to4
tunneling serve as a bridging mechanism to permit compatible use of both lnternet Protocol version 4 and Internet Protocol version 6 elements when supporting some
network communications.
[0004] In the meantime, efforts to further develop the
lnternet Protocol continues unabated. As one significant
example, elements of so-called Mobile lnternet Protocol
version 6 have been at least partially proposed to better
facilitate some of the unique needs of mobile communication platforms (including, for example, the more challenging address allocation issues presented by mobile
communication nodes). Notwithstanding the considerable promise of Mobile lnternet Protocol version 6, however, there currently exists no implementing standard nor
is this protocol available in any widespread manner. Resistance to further implementation likely lies in many
sources but at least one problem involves the likely difficulties to be faced upon introducing (or compelling) Mobile lnternet Protocol version 6 into a reality that will likely
include both (non-Mobile) Internet Protocolversion 6 and
Mobile lnternet Protocol version 4.
[0005] Something of aconundrum therefore exists. On
the one hand, the need for Mobile lnternet Protocol version 6 and the capabilities it represents grows with every
passing day. On the other hand, continued contemporaneous expansion of the lnternet via non-Mobile lnternet
Protocol version 6, along with the continued persistence
of lnternet Protocol version 4 (including Mobile lnternet
Protocol version 4), comprises an ever-more-compelling
impedimentto asuccessful launch of Mobile Internet protocol version 6.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0006] The above needs are at least partially met
through provision of the method to facilitate use of multiple communication protocols in a communication network described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings,
wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 comprises a flow diagram as configured
in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 comprises a flow diagram as configured
in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;
[0009] FIG. 3 comprises a schematic view of a Registration Request as configured in accordance with various
embodiments of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 4 comprises a flow diagram as configured
in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;
and
[0011] FIG. 5 comprises a signal flow diagram as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the
invention.
[0012] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in
the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and
have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example,
the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures
may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help
to improve understanding of various embodiments of the
present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially
feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to
facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention. It will also be understood
that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is usually accorded to such terms and
expressions bythose skilled in the corresponding respective areas of inquiryandstudyexceptwhere otherspecific
meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.
Detailed Description
[0013] Generally speaking, pursuant to these various
embodiments, a first network element (such as, but not
limited to, a Packet Data Serving Node) receives a message from a mobile communication node that seeks to
facilitate a communication via a communication network.
The communication network ordinarily uses a first communication protocol (such as, but not limited to, Mobile
lnternet Protocol version 4) while the mobile communication node uses a second, different communication protocol (such as, but not limited to, Internet Protocolversion
6). So configured, the message as received by the first
network element comprises a second communication
protocol message.
[0014] At least a portion of a temporarily assignable
first address (such as, but not limited to, a Mobile Internet
Protocol version 4 temporarily assignable first address)
is then automatically assigned (by, for example (though
not limited to) a Home Agent for the mobile communication node) for use by the mobile communication node.
The communication network (via, for example, the first
network element), upon detecting at least a portion of the
assigned temporary address, automatically responds by
facilitating the desired communication wherein the mobile communication node communicates using the second communication protocol and at least a portion of the
communication network uses the first communication
protocol.
[0015] So configured, for example, an lnternet Protocol version 6 mobile node can communicate compatibly
and successfully via a communication network that includes, at least in part, Mobile lnternet Protocol version
4 elements. These teachings, in effect, provide a kind of
proxy Mobile lnternet Protocol version 6 functionality using, as will be shown below in more detail, such existing
capabilities and tools as 6to4 tunneling and Mobile Internet Protocol version 4.
[0016] These and other benefits may become more
evident upon making a thorough review and study of the
following detailed description. Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. l , a general process 10
provides 1 1 for a communication networkthat uses afirst
communication protocol and at least aportion of onetemporarily assignable first address to support communications with mobile communication nodes. The first communication protocol comprises, in a preferred embodiment, Mobile lnternet Protocol version 4 as is known in
the art. Accordingly, and also as per a preferred embodiment, the temporarily assignable first address comprises
a Mobile lnternet Protocol version 4 temporarily assignable first address. This communication network will typically further comprise various other elements and nodes
including a Radio Access Network that interoperates
compatibly with the mobile communication nodes of interest. Such other elements and nodes are generally well
understood in the art and require no further elaboration
here aside from specific points as are set forth below
where appropriate.
[0017] This process 10 further provides for receiving
12 at a first network element (as comprises a part of the
communication network) a message seeking to facilitate
a communication via the communication network using
a second communication protocol that is different than
the first communication protocol and which message is
sourced by a mobile communication node that uses the
second communication protocol. The identity of the first
network element can and likely should vary with the
needs and or capabilities of a given network but may
comprise, for example, a Packet Data Serving Node. In
a preferred present embodiment, the second communication protocol comprises non-Mobile lnternet Protocol
version 6 (i.e., lnternet Protocol version 6 as is presently
standardized and available). So configured and arranged, the above-mentioned message can comprise at
least one non-Mobile lnternet Protocol version 6 message and, accordingly, may further comprise a Point-toPoint Protocol message (with such message structures
being generally well understood in the art).
[0018] This process 10 then provides for automatically
assigning 1 3 the at least a portion of one temporarily
assignable first address to provide an assigned tempor a y address for use by the mobile communication node
to support the communication. This assignment can be
facilitated by, for example, a Home Agent element as
comprises a part of the communication network. (This
assignment can also comprise, if desired, receipt of a
message (such as a message received by the first network element comprising an instruction to the first network element to initiate communications with such a
Home Agent) from a corresponding Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting element, which message
serves to facilitate the automatic assignment of the temporarily assignable first address.)
[0019] This step of automatically assigning at least a
portion of a temporarily assignable first address to provide an assigned temporary address can comprise, in a
preferred approach, provision of an address prefix. As
but one illustrative example, the first network element
can transmit to the Home Agent a Mobile lnternet Protocol version 4 Registration Request to thereby facilitate
allocation of a 6to4 prefix for use by the mobile communication node upon supporting the desired communication. The Home Agent can then reply with a Mobile Internet Protocol version 4 Registration Response message
that comprises the address prefix. For example, and with
momentary reference to FIG. 3,the Registration Request
31 can make use of a vender specific extension portion
3 2 (which extensions are accommodated by the implementing standards) that comprises an instruction or indication to the Home Agent to so provide this address
prefix.
[0020] Referring again to FIG. 1, the process 10 then
provides, upon detecting 14, within the communication
network, at least a portion of the assigned temporary address, for automatically responding by facilitating the
communication wherein the mobile communication node
communicates using the second communication protocol
and at least a portion of the network uses the first communication protocol. Such detection preferably occurs at
the first network element though detection elsewhere can
also serve these purposes. To illustrate such facilitation,
this process 10 can effect automatically establishing a
first communication protocol link that supports a second
communication protocol channel (for example, the process 10 can establish a Mobile lnternet Protocol version
4tunnel that encapsulates a non-Mobile lnternet Protocol
version 6 channel as is otherwise understood in the art).
[0021] So configured, the mobile communication
needs of a mobile communication node that uses nonMobile lnternet Protocol version 6 can effectively receive
at least some Mobile lnternet Protocol version 6-like benefits notwithstanding its use and reliance of a communication network that itself makes use of Mobile lnternet
Protocol version 4.
[0022] As mentioned earlier, the first network element
can comprise a Packet Data Serving Node. Such elements are well known in the art and often comprise afully
or at least partially programmable platform that can be
readily configured to accord with these teachings. With
reference to FIG. 2, a corresponding process 20 will now
be described.
[0023] Pursuant to this process 20, a Packet Data
Serving Node can receive 21 a message that seeks to
facilitate acommunication via a networkthat uses acommunication protocol such as Mobile lnternet Protocol version 4. This message is sourced by a mobile communication node that uses a different communication protocol
such as, for example, non-Mobile lnternet Protocol version 6 with this latter protocol being used to convey the
indicated message.
[0024] Pursuant to this process 20, the Packet Data
Serving Node then sources 22 a communication to another network element, such as an Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting element, to obtain at least a
portion (such as an address prefix) of a temporary address to use for the mobile communication node when
supporting the requested communication. (If desired, this
message can prompt an exchange between the Packet
Data Serving Node and an Authentication, Authorization,
and Accounting element that leads to receipt, by the
Packet Data Serving Node, of a message from the Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting element that
instructs the Packet Data Sewing Node to source the
aforementioned communication to the specified network
element to obtain the temporary address information.)
This other network element can comprise, for example,
a Home Agent. The sourced communication can comprise a Mobile lnternet Protocol version 4 Registration
Request message as noted earlier that comprises an interface identifier. If desired, this Registration Request can
comprise, for example, a vender specific attribute that
indicates the kind of predetermined response being
sought (i.e., provision of temporary address information
in support of a mobile communication node that is using
non-Mobile lnternet Protocol version 6).
[0025] The Packet Data Serving Node then receives
23 assigned address content that comprises at least a
portion of a complete address. Again, this will typically
comprise an address prefix. This assigned address content can be conveyed, for example, via a registration reply
message such as a Mobile lnternet Protocol version 4
Registration Response message. More particularly, the
address prefix can be included within an extension portion of a Registration Response message.
[0026] The Packet Data Serving Node then uses this
temporary address information to automatically facilitate
24 the requested communication such that the network
supports the communication using the network's com-
munication protocol while the mobile node uses its own
protocol. This can be effected, for example, by using the
network's protocol to automatically establish a network
protocol-based linkthat supports a mobile node protocolbased channel. As one pertinent illustration, a Mobile Internet Protocol version 4 tunnel can be employed to encapsulate a non-Mobile lnternet Protocol version 6 channel.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 4, certain specifics with
respect to the role of the Home Agent in a preferred deployment will be presented.
[0028] By this preferred process 40, the Home Agent
provides 41 at least a portion of a temporary address.
More typically, the Home Agent will provide a pool of
allocatable Mobile lnternet Protocol version 4 address
prefix extensions that can be used to support an lnternet
Protocol version 6 communication. Upon then receiving
42 a message (from, for example, a Packet Data Serving
Node) seeking to facilitate acommunication via a network
using one communication protocol as per a mobile communication that itself uses adifferent communication protocol, the Home Agent can respond by automatically assigning 43 one of the temporary address portions from
the indicated pool. If desired, this response can further
comprise combining 44 such assigned temporary address information with a code (or codes) that instruct the
recipient network element (such as, in this illustration,
the Packet Data Serving Node) to facilitate the communication in a manner wherein the mobile communication
node communicates using its communication protocol
(i.e., in this example, non-Mobile lnternet Protocol version 6) while the network element itself continues to use
the corresponding network protocol (i.e., in this example,
Mobile lnternet Protocol version 4). Such a combination
can comprise, for example, providing the code as an extension to the assigned temporary address portion information. Other approaches could also be utilized as appropriate.
[0029] Referring nowto FIG. 5, an illustrative example
will be provided. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that this example comprises a non-exhaustive
illustration and that these teachings can be readily employed in other useful ways and contexts.
[0030] When seeking to establish acommunication via
a given network, a non-Mobile lnternet Protocol version
6 mobile node engages in Link Control Protocol procedure 50 with a Packet Data Serving Node as is generally
well understood in the art. During this exchange, the
Packet Dataserving Node interactswith acorresponding
Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting element
wherein the latter provides an authentication message
51 to the Packet Data Serving Node to essentially approve the request of the mobile node. As noted earlier,
this authentication message can comprise more particular instructions and/or a specific Home Agent address
that lead the Packet Data Serving Node to effect the following described actions with a Home Agent, if desired
or appropriate.
[0031] The mobile node and Packet Data Serving
Node then engage in non-Mobile lnternet Protocol version 6 messaging 52 wherein the former will seek, in accordance with prior art practice, to negotiate a link-local
address. The Packet Data Serving Node can then construct a Mobile lnternet Protocol version 4 Registration
Request message 53 that includes the interface identifier
of the Mobile Node and transmit that message 53 to the
Home Agent. In this example the Home Agent then assigns 54 a 6to4 prefix from a pool of such prefixes in
accord with well-established prior art practice and transmits a Mobile Internet Protocolversion 4 Registration Response message 55 that includes the assigned 6to4 prefix to the Packet Data Serving Node. (This message may
also include, if desired, a code that prompts automated
establishment of the 6to4 tunnel described below.) The
Home Agentcan then conduct aneighbordiscoveryprocess 56 so that the network in general is aware of this
assignment to thereby facilitate the fotwarding of subsequent data to the mobile node (again in accord with
present practice).
[0032] In this example the Packet Data Serving Node
then uses router discovery procedures 57 to effect allocation of this 6to4 prefix to the mobile node. Thereafter,
the Packet Data Serving Node and the Mobile Node establish a 6to4 tunnel 59 between themselves to facilitate
the Internet Protocolversion 6 datatraffic58 of the mobile
node.
[0033] So configured, considerable reuse of existing
lnternet Protocol version 4 infrastructure remains viable
and useful. At the same time, mobile nodes are able to
receive Mobile lnternet Protocol version 6-like treatment
and access even when they are incapable of implementing Mobile lnternet Protocol version 6.
[0034] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide
variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations
can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention, and that such modifications, alterations,
and combinations are to be viewed as being within the
ambit of the inventive concept.
Claims
1.
A method comprising:
- providing a communication network that uses
afirst communication protocol and at least a portion of one temporarily assignable first address
to support communications with mobile communication nodes;
- receiving at afirst network element a message
seekingto facilitate acommunication viathe network using a second communication protocol
that is different than the first communication protocol, which message is sourced by a mobile
communication node using the second commu-
nication protocol;
- automatically assigning the at least a portion
of one temporarily assignable first address to
provide an assigned temporary address for use
by the mobile communication node to support
the communication;
- detecting, within the communication network,
at least a portion of the assigned temporary address and automatically responding thereto by
facilitating the communication wherein the mobile communication node communicates using
the second communication protocol and at least
a portion of the network uses the first communication protocol.
The method of claim 1 wherein providing a communication networkthat uses afirstcommunication protocol further comprises providing a communication
networkthat uses afirst communication protocol that
comprises Mobile lnternet Protocol version 4.
The method of claim 2 wherein providing a communication networkthat uses afirstcommunication protocol and at least one temporarily assignable first
address further comprises providing a communication network that uses at least one temporarily assignable first address that comprises a Mobile Internet Protocol version 4 temporarily assignable first
address.
The method of claim 3 wherein receiving at a first
network element a message seeking to facilitate a
communication via the network using a second communication protocol further comprises receiving at a
first network element a message seeking to facilitate
a communication via the network using a second
communication protocol that comprises non-mobile
lnternet Protocol version 6.
The method of claim 1 wherein receiving at a first
network element further comprises receiving at a
Packet Data Serving Node.
The method of claim 1 wherein receiving at a first
network element a message seeking to facilitate a
communication viathe networkfurthercomprises receiving at a first network element a Point-to-Point
Protocol message.
The method of claim 6 wherein receiving at a first
network element a message seeking to facilitate a
communication viathe networkfurthercomprises receiving at a first network element at least one nonmobile lnternet Protocol version 6 message.
The method of claim 1 wherein automatically assigning the at least a portion of one temporarily assignable first address to provide an assigned temporary
serves to facilitate the automatic assignment of the
at least a portion of one temporarily assignable first
address.
address further comprises providing an address prefix.
9.
The method of claim 8 wherein providing an address
prefix further comprises providing the address prefix
in an extension portion of a message.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the extension portion
comprises a vender specific extension portion of a
Mobile lnternet Protocolversion 4 Registration Reply
message.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein detecting, within the
communication network, at least a portion of the assigned temporary address and automatically responding thereto by facilitating the communication
further comprises detecting the portion of the assigned temporary address at the first network element.
5
10
15
20
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the first network
element comprises a Packet Data Serving Node.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein detectingthe portion
of the assigned temporary address at the first network element further comprises detecting a vender
specific extension portion.
14. The method of claim 1 wherein detecting, within the
communication network, at least a portion of the assigned temporary address and automatically responding thereto by facilitating the communication
further comprises automatically establishing a first
communication protocol link that supports a second
communication protocol channel.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein automatically establishing a first communication protocol link that
supports a second communication protocol channel
further comprises automatically establishing a Mobile lnternet Protocol version 4 tunnel that encapsulates a non-Mobile lnternet Protocol version 6 channel.
16. The method of claim 1 wherein automatically assigning the at least one temporarily assignable first address further comprises automatically assigning the
at least one temporarily assignable first address at
a home agent element in the communication network.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein automatically assigning the at least a portion of one temporarily assignable first address to provide an assigned temporary
address for use by the mobile communication node
to support the communication further comprises receiving a message from an Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting element, which message
25
30
35
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the message comprises, at least in part, an instruction to initiate communications with a home agent.
19. The method of claim 18 and furthercomprising transmitting a Mobile lnternet Protocol version 4 Registration Request to the home agent to thereby facilitate allocation of a 6to4 prefix for the mobile communication node.
20. A method for use at afirst network element comprising:
- receiving a message seeking to facilitate a
communication via a network using a first communication protocol that is different than a second communication protocol that is used by the
network, which message is sourced by a mobile
communication node using the first communication protocol;
- sourcing a communication to another network
element to obtain at least a portion of a temporary address to use for the mobile communication node when supporting the communication;
- receiving assigned address content comprising at least a portion of a complete address;
- automatically responding to the assigned address content by facilitating the communication
using the second communication protocol
wherein the mobile communication node communicates using the first communication protocol.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein the first network
element comprises a Packet Data Serving Node.
40
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the another network
element comprises a Home Agent.
45
50
55
23. The method of claim 20 wherein the first communication protocol comprises non-mobile lnternet Protocol version 6.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein the second communication protocol comprises Mobile lnternet Protocol version 4.
25. The method of claim 23 wherein sourcing a communication to another network element to obtain at least
one temporary address to use for the mobile communication node when supporting the communication further comprises sourcing a Mobile lnternet
Protocol version 4 registration request message that
comprises an interface identifier.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein receiving assigned
address content further comprises receiving, in response to the registration request message, a Mobile
lnternet Protocol version 4 registration reply message that comprises at least a portion of atemporarily
assigned address to be used to support the mobile
communication node.
5
cation;
- combining the assigned temporary address
portion with a code to instruct another network
element to facilitate the communication wherein
the mobile communication node communicates
using the first communication protocol the and
another network element uses the second communication protocol.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein the at least a portion
of a temporarily assigned address comprises an address prefix.
10
33. The method of claim 32 wherein providing at least a
portion of a temporary address further comprises
providing an address prefix.
28. The method of claim 27wherein the at least a portion
of a temporarily assigned address further comprises
a vender specific attribute indicating a predetermined response.
34. The method of claim 33 wherein providing an ad15
29. The method of claim 28 wherein the predetermined
response comprises facilitating the communication
using the second communication protocol wherein
the mobile communication node communicates using the first communication protocol by automatically
establishing a second communication protocol link
that supports a first communication protocol channel.
20
dress prefix further comprises providing a Mobile Internet Protocol version 4 address prefix extension.
35. The method of claim 32 wherein receiving a message further comprises receiving a message via another network element.
36. The method of claim 35 wherein receiving a mes-
25
sage via another network element further comprises
receiving a message via a Packet Data Serving
Node.
30. The method of claim 29 wherein automatically es-
37. The method of claim 32 wherein combining the as-
tablishing asecond communication protocol linkthat
supports a first communication protocol channel further comprises automatically establishing a Mobile
lnternet Protocol version 4 tunnel that encapsulates
a non-Mobile lnternet Protocol version 6 channel.
signedtemporary address portion with acodefurther
comprises disposing the code within at least one
vender specific attribute portion as an extension to
the assigned temporary address portion.
30
38. The method of claim 32 wherein:
31. The method of claim 20 and further comprising:
35
- receiving a message from an Authentication,
Authorization, and Accounting element, which
message comprises an instruction to source the
communication to another network element to
obtain at least a portion of a temporary address
to use forthe mobile communication node when
supporting the communication.
40
32. A method for use at a first network element comprising:
45
- providing at least a portion of a temporary ad-
dress;
- receiving a message seeking to facilitate a
communication via a network using a first communication protocol, which message is occasioned by a mobile communication node using
a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol;
- automatically assigning the at least a portion
of a temporary address to provide an assigned
temporary address portion for use by the mobile
communication node to support the communi-
50
55
- receiving a message seeking to facilitate a
communication via a network using a first communication protocol, which message is occasioned by a mobile communication node using
a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol further
comprises receiving a message seeking to facilitate acommunication viaa network using Mobile lnternet Protocol version 4, which message
is occasioned by a mobile communication node
using non-mobile Internet Protocol version 6;
-combining the assigned temporary address portion with a code to instruct another network element to facilitate the communication wherein the
mobile communication node communicates using the first communication protocol and the first
network element uses the second communication protocol further comprises combining the assigned temporary address portion with a code to
instruct another network element to facilitate the
communication wherein the mobile communication nodecommunicates usingthe non-Mobile Internet Protocol version 6 and the first network element uses Mobile lnternet Protocol version 4.
PROVIDE A COMMUNICATION
NETWORK THAT USES A 1st
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL AND
AT LEAST A PART OF ATEMPORARILY
ASSIGNABLE 1s t ADDRESS
RECEIVE AT A 1s t N W O R K
ELEMENTA MESSAGE SEEKING TO
FACILITATE A NETWORK
COMMUNICATION USING A 2nd
COMMUNlCAnON PROTOCOL
FROM A MOBILE NODE USING THE
2nd COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL
-
-
-
-
-
AUTOMATICALLY ASSIGNTHE
TEMPORARILY ASSIGNABLE 1s t
ADDRESS PART FOR USE BY THE
MOBILE NODE
t
I
I
DETECTTHE ASSIGNEDTEMPORARY
ADDRESS WITHIN THE
COMMUNICATION NETWORK AND
AUTOMAnCALLY FACILITATETHE
NETWORK COMMUNICATION
WHEREIN:
-THE MOBILE NODE USESTHE 2nd
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL
- AT LEAST PART OF THE
COMMUNICATION NETWORK USES
THE 1st COMMUNICATION
PROTOCOL
FIG. 1
PACKET DATA SERVING NODE
21,
RECENE A MESSAGE FROM A
MOBILE NODE SEEKINGTO
FACILITATE A NETWORK
COMMUNICATION USING A
DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION
PROTOCOL
--
22,
SOURCE A COMMUNICATION TO
ANOTHER NETWORK ELEMENTTO
OBTAIN AT LEAST A PART OF A
TEMPORARY MOBILE NODE
ADDRESS
RECEIVE ASSIGNED ADDRESS
CONTENT COMPRISING AT LEAST
PARTOF A COMPLETE ADDRESS
24
,
1
I
AUTOMATICALLY FACILITATETHE
COMMUNICAION USING THE
NETWORK'S COMMUNICATION
PROTOCOL WHILE THE MOBILE
NODE USESTHE DIFFERENT
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL
20
-
FIG. 2
31,
32,
REGlSTRATlON REQUEST
FIG. 3
EXTENSION
+
PROVIDE AT LEAST A PART OF A
TEMPORARY ADDRESS
RECEIVE A MESSAGE ASSOCIATED
WITH A MOBILE NODE THAT USES
ONE COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL
AND SEEKS TO FACILITATE A
COMMUNICATION,THE MESSAGE
COMING VIA A COMMUNICATION
NHWORKTHAT USES ANOTHER
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL
TEMPORARY ADDRESS PART FOR
USE BY THE MOBILE NODE
-
-
-
-
-
-
COMBINE THE ASSIGNED
TEMPORARY ADDRESS PART WITH
A CODE TO INSTRUCTANOTHER
NETWORK ELEMENT TO FACILITATE
THE COMMUNICATION SUCH THAT:
-THE NETWORK ELEMENT USES THE
ANOTHER COMMUNICATION
PROTOCOL
-THE MOBILE NODE USES THE ONE
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL
40
-
FIG. 4
I
PACKET
DATA
SERVING
NODE
MOBILE
NODE
AUTHENTICATION
AUTHORIZATION
AND ACCOUNTING
HOME
AGENT
HOST
50,
51\
AUTHENnCAlON
52\
IPv6 CONTROL,
PROTOCOL
53\
MOBILE IPv4 REGISTRATION
REQUEST (INTERFACE ID)
w
54
55>
MOBILE IPv4 REGISTRATION
RESPONSE (6to4 PREFIX)
56
NEIGHBOR
DISCOVERY
57\
ROUTER
DISCOVERY
PROCEDURE
58>
I
IPv6DATA
TRAFFIC
,
,- 59>6to4 TUNNEL
I
I
FIG. 5
58>
c4 IPv6DATA
TRAFFIC
I
,
I
a)
-tent
n
a.;:
EUROPEAN SEARCH REPORT
Application Number
EP 05 02 4881
DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
Citation of document with indication, where appropriate,
of relevant passages
Relevant
to claim
X
PAT R CALHOUN BLACK STORM NETWORKS PAAL E 1-38
ENGELSTAD TELENOR R&D TOM HILLER PETER J
MCCANN LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES: " 1 Pv6 o v e r
M o b i l e IPv4"
IETF STANDARD-WORKING-DRAFT, INTERNET
ENGINEERING TASK FORCE, IETF, CH, no. 3,
October 2002 (2002-lo), XP015004355
ISSN : 0000-0004
* t h e whole document *
X
US 2003/236914 A1 (LIU CHANGWEN)
25 December 2003 (2003-12-25)
* abstract *
* paragraphs [0017] - [0024], [0027],
[0029] - [0034] *
X
1-38
US 20041148428 A1 (TSIRTSIS GEORGE [GB] )
29 J u l y 2004 (2004-07-29)
* abstract *
* paragraphs [0016] - [0022], [0029],
[0031] - [0033],
[0041] - [0047],
[0064]
- [0068] *
CLASSIFICATIONOF THE
APPLICATION (IPC)
H04L29106
-----
1-38
-----
-----
SEARCHED FIELDS
TECHNICAL
(IPC)
H04 L
1-38
A
US 28041184465 A1 (LEE SUNG-JIN ET AL)
23 September 2004 (2004-09-23)
* abstract *
* paragraphs [0019] - [0022] *
A
1-38
WILJAKKA J: "TRANSITION TO IPV6 I N GPRS
AND WCDMA MOBILE NETWORKS"
IEEE COMMUNICATIONS MAGAZINE, IEEE SERVICE
CENTER,NEW YORK, NY, US,
v o l . 40, no. 4, A p r i l 2002 (2002-04),
pages 134-140, XP001102471
ISSN: 0163-6804
* t h e whole document *
-----
-----
-I--
The present search report has been drawn up for all claims
Place of sea~ch
Muni ch
CATEGORY OF CITED DOCUMENTS
X : particularly relevant if taken alone
Y : particularly relevant if combined with another
document of the same category
A :technological background
0 : non-writtendisclosure
P : intermediate document
Date of co~npletionof the sea~ch
1 March 2006
Exa~ninel-
Milano, M
T : theory orprinciple underlying the invention
E : earher patent document, but publishedon, or
after the filing date
D . document cited in the application
L : document c~ted
for other reasons
,
........ . . . . .......... . . , ......... . . . . ............, , ........., , . . . ........ . . . . .......... . . . ......
& . member of the same patent fam~ly,corresponding
document
&)
n
a.:;:
patent
EUROPEAN SEARCH REPORT
Application Number
EP 05 02 4881
DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
Category
A
Cltatlon of document with ~nd~cation,
where appropriate,
of relevant passages
CARLSON SUN MICROSYSTEMS R WINSLOW L-3
COMMUNICATIONS J: " P o i n t - t o - P o i n t
P r o t o c o l (PPP) Vendor P r o t o c o l "
IETF STANDARD, INTERNET ENGINEERING TASK
FORCE, IETF, CH, May 2884 (2004-05),
XP015009552
ISSN: 0000-0003
* pages 1-3 *
Relevant
to claim
CLASSIFICATIONOF THE
APPLICATION (IPC)
1-38
TECHNICAL FIELDS
SEARCHED
(IPC)
The present search report has been drawn u p for all claims
Place of search
Muni ch
CATEGORY OF CITED DOCUMENTS
X : particularly relevant if taken alone
Y : particularly relevant if combined with another
document of the same category
A :technological background
0 : non-writtendisolosure
P : intermediate document
Date of co~nplet~on
of the search
1 March 2006
Exam~ner
Milano, M
T :theory or principle underlying the ~nvention
E : earlier patent document, but publishedon, or
after the f~lingdate
D . document cited in the application
L : document cited for other reasons
. ...... . . ........ . . . ...... . . . ....... . . ....... . . ........ . . . ....... . . ....... . . . ....... . . ....... . . . ..
& : member of the same patent family, corresponding
document
ANNEX TO THE EUROPEAN SEARCH REPORT
ON EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION NO.
EP 05 02 4881
This annex lists the patent family members relating to the patent documents cited in the above-mentioned European search report.
The members are as contained in the European Patent Office EDP file on
The European Patent Office is In no way liable for these particulars whlch are merely glven for the purpose of Information
01-03-2006
Patent document
cited in search report
US 2003236914
Publication
date
A1
25-12-2003
Patent family
member(s)
Publication
date
2003230347 A1
06-01-2004
1663218 A
31-08-2005
1516472 A1
23-03-2005
2004002110 A1
31-12-2003
.......................................................................
US 2004148428 A1
29-07-2004
AU
2004209863 A1
19-08-2004
EP
1593043 A2
09-11-2005
WO
2004070530 A2
19-08-2004
AU
CN
EP
WO
.......................................................................
US 2004184465
A1
23-09-2004
WO
2004084492 A1
30-09-2004
.......................................................................
Z
9
h For more details about this annex . see Offlcial Journal of the European Patent Offlce, No. 12/82