CLIAMS:1. A method for seamless handovers across heterogeneous networks so as to maintain application session continuity of one or more real-time applications running on a client device communicably connected to a corresponding server application of a server through a corresponding session continuity manager running on the client device, said method comprising steps of:
transmitting data packets between the client device and the server through the session continuity manager on the current network, wherein the session continuity manager is configured at a client side;
extracting signaling information from the transmitted data packets of the client application at the beginning of a session by the session continuity manager, wherein the extracted signal information is stored in the session continuity manager;
detecting, by the session continuity manager, a change in the network connection from the current network to a new network;
establishing, by the session continuity manager, a signal connection with the server on the new network upon detecting the change in the network connection;
disconnecting the connection on the current network upon determining transaction of the data packets on the new network, wherein before transaction of the data packets between the one or more client applications and the corresponding server application, the session continuity manager exchanges the signaling information with the server on the new network.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more client applications of the client device is connected to the corresponding session continuity manager.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the session continuity manager corresponding to the one or more client applications of the client device is configured within the client device.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the session continuity manager corresponding to the one or more client applications of the client device is communicably connected to the client device.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signaling information is selected from at least one of authentication, media encoding capability negotiation, video bit-rate, and screen resolution.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detecting of a change in the network connection from the current network to the new network is done by continuously monitoring and querying the current network by a controller configured in the session continuity manager.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the current network and the new network is selected from at least one of WLAN, WiMAX, LTE, 3G and 4G.

8. A system for real time seamless handovers across heterogeneous networks comprising:
one or more client applications of a client device communicably connected to a corresponding server application of a server on a current network, wherein each client application of the client device is communicably connected to a corresponding session continuity manager, said corresponding session continuity manager is configured at a client side and communicably connected to the corresponding server application of the server;
the client device transmits data packets to the server through the session continuity manager on the current network; and
the session continuity manager is configured to:
extract and store signaling information from the transmitted data packets;
detect a change in the network connection from the current network to a new network;
establish a signal connection with the corresponding server application of the server on the new network; and
disconnect the connection on the current network upon determining transaction of data packets on the new network, wherein before transaction of data packets between the client application and the corresponding server application, the session continuity manager exchanges the signaling information with the server on the new network.

9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the session continuity manager corresponding to a client application of the client device is configured within the client device.

10. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the session continuity manager corresponding to the one or more client applications of the client device is communicably connected to the client device.

11. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the number of session continuity managers configured in the client device is corresponding to number of client applications of the client device and corresponding number of server applications of the server.

12. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the signaling information is selected from at least one of authentication, media encoding capability negotiation, video bit-rate, and screen resolution.

13. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the client device is selected from a group comprising mobile phone, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), laptop, palmtop, tablet and other client devices capable of data transmission and receiving.

14. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the current network and the new network is selected from at least one of WLAN, WiMAX, LTE, 3G and 4G.

15. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the session continuity manager further configured a controller, said controller configured for continuously monitoring and querying the network to detect a change in the network connection from the current network to the new network.

16. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the communication between the client device and at least one server through the session continuity manager is performed using at least one of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP).
,TagSPECI:TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to communication network access technologies. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system and a method for seamless session continuity of real-time multimedia applications across heterogeneous networks for a mobile client device.

BACKGROUND

In the last few years, the number of Internet users and the information offered has increased exponentially, together with the number of critical business and personal activities relying on the network availability and the reliability of the connection. Nowadays, more number of people are accessing Internet frequently to make transactions, to access remote information, to communicate etc.

Ubiquitous access availability is important but the underlying concept is to provide reliable and continuous Internet access during the mobility of people nowadays, i.e. a seamless handover between different network access technologies. This is important since not all network technologies are suited to cover similar need as range, access speed, etc.

The key requirements for enabling real-time multimedia service on a mobile in the present day heterogeneous wireless access network environment are uninterrupted and continuous access to applications such as real-time data collection, video streaming, interactive voice calls, and so on. For an application, this continuity has to be sufficiently transparent both from a performance perspective as well as Quality of Experience (QoE) perspective. Current mobility protocols like MIPv6, HIP, SCTP, DSMIP, PMIP, and SIP strive to provide both the functionality. However, non-availability or limited availability of these protocols on provider networks and server side infrastructure has impeded adoption of mobility on end user platforms. Further, the cumbersome OS configuration procedures required to enable mobility protocol support on end user devices acts as hindrance to implement these protocols.

Therefore, there is a need for a method and a system to achieve seamless mobility connection handoff between heterogeneous networks to overcome the above-mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

This method and system of present disclosure provides a seamless handover solution for a mobile device running real-time multimedia applications without any modification of the client and server applications source code.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides for a seamless inter-network handover at reduced time and with continuous service provision.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for seamless session continuity of real-time multimedia applications across heterogeneous networks, in which one or more client applications of the client device are communicably connected to a corresponding server application of a server through a corresponding session continuity manager over a current network. The method comprises steps of transmitting data packets between the client device and the server through the session continuity manager on the current network. The session continuity manager is configured at a client side. Then, extracting signaling information from the transmitted data packets by the session continuity manager, wherein the extracted signal information is stored in the session continuity manager. Then, a change in the network connection is detected from the current network to a new network by the session continuity manager. Further, the method comprises establishing a signal connection with the server on the new network upon detecting the change in the network connection by the session continuity manager. Finally, the method comprises disconnecting the connection on the current network upon determining transaction of the data packets on the new network, wherein before transaction of the data packets between the one or more client applications and the corresponding server application, the session continuity manager exchanges the signaling information with the server on the new network.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system for seamless handovers across heterogeneous networks so as to maintain application session continuity of real-time multimedia applications running on a mobile client device. The system comprises one or more client applications of the said client device communicably connected to a corresponding server application of a server on a current network. Each client application of the said client device is communicably connected to a corresponding session continuity manager, said corresponding session continuity manager is configured on the said client device and communicably connected to the corresponding server application of the server. The client device communicates with the server through the session continuity manager. The session continuity manager is configured to extract and store signaling information from the transmitted data packets of the client application at the beginning of the session, detect a change in the network connection from the current network to a new network, establish a signal connection with the corresponding server application of the server on the new network, and disconnect the connection on the current network upon determining transaction of data packets on the new network, wherein before transaction of data packets between the client application and the corresponding server application, the session continuity manager exchanges the signaling information with the server on the new network.

The aforementioned and other features and advantages of the disclosure will become further apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the disclosure rather than limiting, the scope of the disclosure being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The features of the present disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The embodiments of the disclosure itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanied drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a system for seamless handovers across heterogeneous networks so as to maintain application session continuity of one real-time multimedia application running on a mobile client device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 illustrates a system for seamless handovers across heterogeneous networks so as to maintain application session continuity of multiple real-time multimedia applications running on a mobile client device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 3 illustrates exemplary embodiment of a system for seamless handovers across heterogeneous networks so as to maintain application session continuity of real-time multimedia applications running on a mobile client device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 4 illustrates a flowchart showing method for seamless handovers across heterogeneous networks so as to maintain application session continuity of real-time multimedia applications running on a mobile client device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 5 illustrates time sequence of operations of a method for seamless handovers across heterogeneous networks so as to maintain application session continuity of real-time multimedia applications running on a mobile client device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1 illustrates a system for seamless handovers across heterogeneous networks so as to maintain application session continuity of real-time multimedia applications running on a mobile client device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Generally, a user of a device, like mobile device, may be engaged in a real-time multimedia communication with another party while his mobile device may be connected to a current network. Similarly, a user of the mobile device may use a service provided by a service provider, such as video streaming service provided by a service provider or similar. In such scenario, any communication data exchanged between the service provider and the mobile device are routed through the current network.

When the mobile device moves within the coverage area of the current network, communications can generally be maintained through the current network, e.g. by handing over the communication between different coverage areas or cells of the current network.

If, however, the mobile device moves beyond a coverage area of the current network, communications can no longer be handled in the current network, and a handover to a new network becomes necessary. The current network and the new network are generally operated by different owners, and may use the same or different access technologies.

The movement between different network locations while transmitting and/or receiving data by means of different network access technologies can, for instance, comprise a change of the physical network interface and/or a change among different networks technologies, such as Ethernet, Bluetooth, mobile radio networks (GSM, EDGE, GPRS, CDMA200, UMTS, etc.) or WLAN, or also a topological location change within the same network technology. For example a device linked to an Ethernet network migrates to another Ethernet network or a device linked to a Wi-Fi HotSpot migrates to another Wi-Fi HotSpot.

A so-called inter-network handover of a mobile device engaged in a communication with another party, such as another mobile device or a service provider, may occur between networks with adjacent geographical coverage areas. In this case communications between the mobile device and the current network are handed over to the new network, if the mobile device approaches the boundary of the coverage area of the current network.

Moreover, an inter-network handover may also take place between networks covering overlapping or even the same geographical regions, for a scenario including, but not limiting to, if a network experiences an overload condition, if a communication connection with the current network is bad or interrupted, if a service requirement cannot be met, etc. Also, a handover of communications may be required in cases where a mobile user obtains services from a service provider and when the current network handling the communication is not able to provide the requested service characteristics, such as bandwidth, service features and similar.

The system shown in Fig. 1 enables the above described handovers between two networks. More precisely, the communication environment shown in Fig. 1 enables a seamless handover of a communication service from a current network to a new network by performing a preparatory phase of the handover. Seamless handover stands for a handover which does not involve a significant degradation of the communication link and communication service provided. Ideally, the user of the mobile device will not even notice the seamless handover.

The system comprises a client device 102 connected to a server 104 via an access network, network1 106 and network 110. The client device 102 can be Internet enabled devices which include, but are not limited to laptop, desktop, tablets, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and mobile phones. A person skilled in the art would understand that any other communication device which can communicate using the communication network 106 can be used in the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the client device 102 comprises only one client application 112. However, the client device 102 can run multiple applications, which shall be illustrated in below Fig. 2. The client application initiates a session with a server application 116 through a corresponding session continuity manager 114. The session continuity manager 114 provides a virtual application server module. The virtual server application module initiates a connection to the server application 116. The session continuity manager 114 runs locally, at the client side to provide seamless application continuity to clients. In an embodiment, the session continuity manager 114 can be configured within the client device 102 (as shown in Fig. 1). In an alternate embodiment, the session continuity manager 114 can be communicably connected to the client device 102. For example, the session continuity manager module 114 can be placed in a room where the client device 102 is being used. In another example, the session continuity manager 114 can be configured within a device placed in a vehicle, and the client device 102 is being used in the same vehicle.

In an embodiment, the session continuity manager 114 detects that the network connection has changed from access network1 106 to access network2 108, the session continuity manager 114 performs necessary functionality to ensure seamless handover of client device from the access network1 106 to access network2 108.

Fig. 2 illustrates a system for enabling real time seamless handover of a client device with multiple applications across heterogeneous network in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 illustrates the client device 102 with multiple applications. The client applications are depicted as client application-1, client application-2,…, client application-n. Once the session continuity managers corresponding to each client application are run, virtual server application modules are instantiated corresponding to each of the client application. These virtual server application modules listen on a separate port corresponding to each of the client applications. In an embodiment, the port can be Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) port or a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) port. The remote server applications corresponding to each of the client applications are depicted as server application-1, server applicaton-2,.., server application-n. Further, the system comprises two access networks, access network1 106 and access network2 108 through which the client devices 102 connect to the remote servers 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the access networks can include, but are not limiting to, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wi-Fi, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), LTE, 3G, 4G etc. The solid lines from the client device 102 to access network1 106 indicates that the initially communication was enabled through access network1 106. And, the dashed lines to access network2 108 indicate that the network connection is handed over to access network 2 108.

Fig. 3 illustrates exemplary embodiment of a system for enabling real time seamless handover of a client device with multiple applications across heterogeneous network in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the exemplary embodiment, the end users using the client device 102 may open client applications including, but not limited to, web browser, Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) client and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) client. For each of these applications opened by the end user, a corresponding session continuity manager 114 is created. The session continuity manager 114 connects the browser at client side with the server application through the access network. In an embodiment, the server applications can be IP camera, RDS server and VoIP server etc. As illustrated, if a RDS client is opened by the end user at the client side, then a corresponding session continuity manager-2 is created. The session continuity manager-2 connects the RDS client with the corresponding application at server side, i.e. RDS server. In an embodiment, the session continuity manager 114 is a built-in component of the client device 102. In another embodiment, the session continuity manager 114 can be a stand-alone module communicatively connected with the client device 102.

The session continuity manager 114 executes a set of instructions stored in its memory known as an application program. In an embodiment, the session continuity manager 114 is configured as a hardware comprising processor and memory (not shown in Figures).

Fig. 4 illustrates a flowchart showing method for real time seamless handover of a client device across heterogeneous network in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. First, a network connection is created between the client device 102 and the server 104 through a current network, i.e. access network1 106. In an embodiment, a client application the client device 102 is connected to a server application of the server 104 through a session continuity manager 114 configured at the client side. Once a connection is established, data packets are transmitted between the client application and the server application through the session continuity manager 114 on the current network 106. Along with transmitting the data packets between the client application and the server application, the session continuity manager 114 extracts signaling information from the transmitted data packets. In an embodiment, the extracted signal information is stored in a memory unit of the session continuity manager 114 (not shown). In an embodiment, the signaling information can include, but is not limited to, authentication, media encoding capability negotiation, video bit rate and screen resolution.

The session continuity manager 114 keeps listening to the current network to detect the status. If a change in the network connection from the current network to a new network, e.g.: access network2 108 is detected by the session continuity manager 114, the session continuity manager starts performing handover operation. A signal connection is established with the server 104 on the new network 108 by the session continuity manager 114 on behalf of the client 102. The signal connection is establishes between the one or more client applications and the corresponding server application once the session continuity manager 114 exchanges the signaling information with the server on the new network. The signaling is performed to authenticate the connection between the client application and the server application. However, the connection on the current network is retained by the session continuity manager 114 for a predefined amount of time. The connection on the current network is disconnected after confirming transaction of the data packets on the new network 108.

Fig. 5 illustrates time sequence of operations of a method for real time seamless handover of a client device across heterogeneous network in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example, client application of a client device 102 tries connecting to a server application of the server 104 at time ‘t0’. The client application connects to the server application through the session continuity manager 114 configured at the client side. First, the client application establishes a connection with the session continuity manager 114 on a designated port, i.e. access network1 106. In and non-limiting embodiment, the designated port can be selected from a TCP port and a UDP port. Upon receiving an incoming connection from the client application, the session continuity manager 114 establishes a connection on the designated port with the server application. After a connection with the server application is established, the session continuity manager 114 transmits data packets between the client application and the server application. While transmitting data packets, the session continuity manager 114 extracts signaling information exchanged between the client application and server application. The extracted information is then stored in the memory unit of the session continuity manager 114.

Then, at time ‘t1’, the session continuity manager 114 learns of a change in network from access network1 to access network2. In an embodiment, the session continuity manager 114 learns of the network change through mechanisms provided by operating systems, such as network manager provided by the operating systems. Once the session continuity manager 114 learns of the change in network connection, it automatically re-establishes a new connection to the server application on access network2. In order to maintain application service continuity with minimal data loss during migration of connection from access network1 to access network2 108, the session continuity manager 114 keeps the network connection on access network1 alive. The connection on the current network is kept alive till the session continuity manager 114 determines that the data packets start flowing on the new network connection. Further, before the data packets are transmitted on the new network, the session continuity manager 114 is required to perform authentication. The authentication is necessary due to the application protocol specific signaling message exchanges that usually accompany the connection establishment. The signaling can involve authentication, media encoding capability negotiation, video bit-ate, screen resolution etc. A person skilled in the art would understand that any other methods can be used as part of signaling protocol. The session continuity manager 114 invokes signaling procedures corresponding to the client application. The signaling information is retrieved from the stored information in the memory unit. Once the signaling procedure is complete at time ‘t2’, the data packets stars flowing on the new connection.

As an example, the present disclosure can be used for real-time monitoring of time-series display of vital medical data of patient by the doctor. The doctors can view the real time graphical display of patient vital information on a client device, e.g.: a mobile phone. Also, the doctor can monitor multiple patients in real time in a time sliced round robin function. In an embodiment, the doctor can also monitor the patient’s health condition through a video stream. In this scenario, http-enabled video camera is placed at remote side, at patients end. When a client device, like a mobile, places an http connection request to the camera’s web server, a live video stream is sent to the browser at client device. In such scenario, a session continuity manager 114 is instantiated for the browser, and the module connects to the camera and receives the video stream. When a network change is detected, the session continuity manager 114 places the same request it received initially. The video streaming then takes place on the new connection.

In another exemplary embodiment, the doctor can have an interactive voice call with the patient by using VoIP applications.

In an embodiment, the method of the present disclosure does not require any changes to the end application software. The present disclosure involves adding a module, like a separate thread at the client side. Hence, method of present disclosure is easy to deploy and use, platform independent, and does not require additional network infrastructure.

The present disclosure does not involve any changes at the server side. The session continuity manager is easy in terms of installation and cost effective.

This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments of the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the technology disclosed in the present disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Referral Numerals:

Reference number Description
102 Client Device
104 Server
106 Access Network1
108 Access Network2
110 Network
112 Client Application
114 Session Continuity Manager
116 Server Application