Specification
MOBILE TERMINAL, NETWORK NODE, AND PACKET TRANSFER MANAGEMENT
NODE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001]
The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, a network node, and a packet
transfer management node relating to a communication technique using Internet
Protocol (IP). In particular, the invention relates to a mobile terminal, a network node,
and a packet transfer management node in a system where a mobile terminal
(hereinafter may be referred as "a mobile node") having a plurality of interfaces
performs communication in a network-based local mobility management domain while
connection points are changed.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002]
Currently, a multiple of devices are performing communication with each other by
using Internet protocol. To offer mobility support to the mobile devices, IETF (Internet
Engineering Task Force) defines a mobility support in IPv6 as described in the
Non-Patent Document 1 given below.
[0003]
In the Non-Patent Document 1, the mobility support is accomplished by
introducing a home agent (HA) to a home network. A mobile node registers a care-of
address (CoA) acquired in an external link at the home agent by using a BU (Binding
Update) message. By the BU message, the home agent can create a binding
between a home address (HoA), which is a long-term address acquired at the home
link, and the care-of address.
[0004]
The home agent intercepts a message directed to the home address of the
mobile node, and it has a function to encapsulate a packet (this means to turn a packet
to a payload of a new packet, and it is known as packet tunneling) and to transfer the
packet to the care-of address of the mobile node.
[0005]
One of the problems in MIPv6 (Mobile IPv6) is that MN must perform updating to
one or more of HAs and CNs (correspondent nodes). This means that the load of
signaling is increased for MN, which is moving at high speed. Further, it is necessary
to perform RR (return Routability) or to transmit the BU message when the network
connection is changed, and average handoff time at the change of the network
connection is increased.
[0006]
Therefore, in a session relating to a flow or a connection, considerable time is
required for handoff processing. As a result, jitter or packet loss may occur. The
jitter as such is not very desirable for applications requiring high immediacy such as
voice-over IP (VoIP), multi-media streaming, video streaming, etc. The packet loss is
not desirable for a flow, which transmits an important text and/or data information.
Further, when TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is used for transmission of
important data, the throughput of TCP may be decreased due to the packet loss.
[0007]
To solve such problems relating to MIPv6, attention is currently focused on a
Network-based Local Mobility Management (NetLMM) protocol, and the protocol of
this type is now studied and discussed in the NetLMM Working Group of IETF. The
network-based local mobility management is to perform management on the mobility
of a node by the network instead of a mobile node in a network segment, which is
logically localized.
[0008]
To attain the object as described above, MN acquires the same prefix in a local
domain. In this prefix, hierarchy of routing is at a higher position so that benefit can
be obtained from the local mobility management, and it should be acquired from a
router, which is positioned on a default routing path of each MN in the local domain.
[0009]
It is desirable that, in the routing, which is present at the top of this prefix (the
uppermost position as seen from the viewpoint of hierarchy), reachability information
of this prefix (a route based on the prefix) is maintained and the route based on the
prefix is managed.
[0010]
The best network-based local mobility management protocol as conceived by
the NetLMM Working Group is the PMIPv6 (Proxy Mobile IPv6) disclosed in the
Non-Patent Document 2 as given below. The PMIPv6 is so designed that the mobility
of an IPv6 host can be supported in a local area of the network. The PMIPv6 can
support the mobility of the IPv6 host, which is not provided with a client type mobile
IPv6 (CMIPv6) stack.
[0011]
In the PMIPv6, a local management signaling in a local domain to bind a local
PMIPv6 prefix to a currently reachable address of MN is processed on the network
side, and this is also useful for a node which has the CMIPv6 stack.
[0012]
When MN having the CMIPv6 stack moves in a PMIPv6 domain (i.e. a
management domain where PMIPv6 is provided) and the term of the binding
registered at one or more HA and/or CN is going to expire, it may be necessary to
transmit a global registration to associate an address (care-of address) of the PMIPv6
domain with the home address.
[0013]
When MN with the CMIPv6 stack moves from a PMIPv6 domain to another
domain or to another domain where the network-based local mobility management is
not supported, it must transmit global registration to one or more HAs and/or CNs.
Such global registration may have to be carried out when MN having the CMIPv6
stack enters a PMIPv6 domain.
[0014]
When MN is connected to a PMIPv6 domain, MN provides NAI (Network Access
Identifier) while it is connected with MAG (Mobile Access Gateway). MAG is a router
which carries out proxy local registration on behalf of a mobile terminal (including IPv6
host; hereinafter referred as "MN"), and which is directly connected to MAG or under
the management of MAG.
[0015]
NAI is delivered to an AAA server (Authentication, Authorization and Accounting
server) for the purpose of authentication. The AAA server (a local server (LS)) sends
a reply to notify the success of authentication to MAG when it authenticates the
network connection of MN, and it provides local PMIPv6 domain parameters of the
home link or MN. These parameters include: a prefix unique to each MN, an
address of LMA, a moving policy of MN, address arrangement of mode (stateless or
stateful), ability of MN (ability for IPv6, MlPv-mounted, etc.) When MAG acquires the
parameters of MN as such, it emulates a home link and/or a local home link and
transmits a proxy BU (PBU: Proxy BU) to LMA at the same time.
[0016]
The PBU or the local registration to be carried out by MAG is the same as the BU
of MIPv6 except the setting of detailed parameters such as the setting of a flag to
indicate that the processing is a proxy BU. By carrying out the PBU, a reachable
state to MN is created at LMA. Basically, LMA can reach the prefix of MN as acquired
in the PMIPv6 domain, and a reachable address to the prefix is the address of MAG.
Specifically, LMA has a type of information, where the prefix of MN is associated with
the address of MAG to which MN is connected. MN configures an address by using a
prefix received in the PMIPv6 domain in stateless or stateful address arrangement
mode. Because each MN acquires a unique prefix, the reachability to MN can be
sufficiently accomplished at a prefix-based cache of LMA.
[0017]
All data packets reaching LMA are tunneled to MAG where MN is connected.
The same also applies in reverse direction, and data packets transmitted from MN are
tunneled to LMA from MAG. In the neighbor cache table of MAG, a PMIPv6 local
address of MN and a binding with the link layer address are included, and these are
referred when the packets are transmitted to MN.
[0018]
A mobile node of multi-homing in wider sense is an MN, which has a plurality of
interfaces (each of the interfaces may have different access technique), or an MN,
which has an interface able to configure different addresses on the same interface.
For instance, advantages of a multi-home host with various types of scenarios are
described in the Non-Patent Document 4 as given below, and it can be foreseen that
MN can have a plurality of interfaces or can have the function to process a plurality of
prefixes later. However, the PMIPv6 described in the Non-Patent Document 2 is
designed by taking a mobile node having a single interface into account, and this
MIPv6 lacks the function of multi-homing support.
[0019]
Also, the Non-Patent Document 7 as given below discloses a method to provide
a multi-homing supporting function to a home agent when a node of CMIPv6 moves to
a foreign domain. The multi-homing support function as disclosed in the Non-Patent
Document 7 is a mechanism, by which the packets of MN can reach via different
care-of addresses associated with one or more MN interfaces to carry out the
advantages of multi-homing. When MN moves to a foreign domain of CMIPv6, a
home agent that is a logical anchor point of home prefix of MN, must maintain binding
information relating to the care-of address of MN for executing the multi-homing. The
binding information as given above is a type of information, which is useful to perform
mapping of various care-of addresses relating to one or more MN interfaces to the
home address.
[0020]
In order to maintain different types of binding at the same time, a BID (Binding
Identifier Number) is used as described in the Non-Patent Document 7. The BID as
given above is a type of identification information to uniquely identify an interface or
the care-of address relating to the interface. BID is generated by a moving MN, and it
is transferred to HA at the time of binding registration. By using BID, HA can maintain
the registration to accomplish the reachability via different care-of addresses to a
single home address. In general, this type of mechanism is called a multi-homing
support mechanism. In the current PMIPv6, no consideration is given on the
realization of this multi-homing support mechanism.
[0021]
In the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), it is tried to accomplish global
different types of network architecture set up by different types of radio access
networks such as WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), cellular network (3G network),
WiMAX type wireless wide area network WWLAN (Wireless Wide Area Network), etc.
This global different types of network architecture is used when seamless mobility
should be realized or to support different types of application services such as real
time video, VoIP, transmission of important data, etc.) under the condition of high QoS
(Quality of Service).
[0022]
In the Non-Patent Document 6 as given below, it is described that the possibility
is high to adopt PMIPv6 as a local mobility management protocol of the 3GPP local
domain. The 3GPP local area is set up by 3G cellular access network or by a trusted
(reliable) WLAN or non-trusted (non-reliable) WLAN, etc. Further, there may be a
case where an MN having a plurality of different types of interfaces moves in the 3GPP
network as described above and simultaneous connections by different types of
interfaces are required to attain multi-homing effect. Therefore, it appears that
PMIPv6 provided in 3GPP must be able to carry out some kind of multi-homing
support.
[0023]
The Non-Patent Document 5 as given below describes various problems which
may arise when MIPv6 and MIPv6 perform interaction with each other. In this
document, description is primarily given on the problems relating to an MN, which is
mounted with CMIPv6 stack and is subscribed in PMIPv6 service. In the Non-Patent
Document 2 and the Non-Patent Document 5, it is described that LMA further has HA
function. In LMA of such dual mode, the function of LMA of PMIPv6 and the function
of HA of MIPv6 are fulfilled by a single communication device, and this is referred as a
concurrently provided LMA/HA (referred as "LMA/HA" in the present specification).
[0024]
LMA/HA fulfills the function as a PMIPv6 home LMA to a node, which has a
home address, configured from the prefix of LMA (a prefix belonging to the control of
LMA and being unique to each MN). Also, LMA/HA fulfills the function as a foreign
LMA to a node which has a home address not using the prefix of LMA and which has
moved to PMIPv6 from outside. Further, LMA/HA fulfills the function as HA of MIPv6
to a node which is moving to other domain, and can carry out position management
(management of care-of address) of this node. Also, when LMA/HA is a home agent
of a specific node and this node starts to move in a PMIPv6 domain, which is a home
domain, LMA/HA fulfills the function as a home LMA. In this case, position
registration signaling is carried out at LMA/HA. When the MN as given above moves
to another foreign domain, the same LMA/HA fulfills the function as HA of MIPv6, and
receives the registration of MIPv6 from MN directly.
[0025]
In general, as disclosed in the Non-Patent Document 2 or in the Non-Patent
Document 5, for an MN which has only one interface and which is associating one
address with this interface, only one cache entry can be used at LMA/HA. With
regard to the MN which has only one interface, it is necessary to arrange that only one
cache entry can be registered to one MN to connect either one of arbitrary connection
points of a home PMIPv6 domain, a foreign domain, or a home link, and LMA/HA
should have only one cache to a certain MN.
[0026]
Further, the Patent Document 1 as given below discloses a method to offer a
local area mobility management of network via a network access router in the domain
to the MN in moving (mounted with MIPv6 stack). In this case, an anchor to carry out
the local mobility management is called a mobility anchor (MA), and its prefix is notified
from an access router. As a result, MN can configure a care-of address and can
register MIPv6 to HA or CN.
[0027]
In the Patent Document 2 as given below, a technique is disclosed, according to
which MA can resolve a race condition by using a sequence number in the registration
of MIPv6 in the local mobility management domain. Further, the Patent Document 2
as given below discloses information to notify two prefixes to MN. In this case, one of
the two prefixes is a local prefix (e.g. it is a prefix to be notified from AR (access router),
i.e. address of AR), and the other is an address of a mobility agent (MA). A local
network segment where MN receives MA address is called a local mobility domain.
MN configures two care-of addresses.
[0028]
The address as configured by MN from a prefix related to AR is called a local
address, and an address configured from the prefix of MA is called a global address.
Each time the sub-network is changed in the local domain, MN configures a local
care-of address and notifies this local address to MA. Also, only in case the mobility
agent has been changed, MN configures a global address and notifies it to HA or CN.
A binding to be notified to HA or CN is a binding, which associates the home address
of MN with the global address of MN.
[Non-Patent Document 1] Johnson, D.B., Perkins, C.E., and Arkko, J.:
"Mobility Support in IPv6"; Internet Engineering Task Force Request for
Comments 3775; June 2004.
[Non-Patent Document 2] Gundavelli, S., et al.: "Proxy Mobile IPv6"; Internet
Engineering Task Force (IETF) Working Group Draft:
draft-sgundave-mip6-proxymip6-02.txt; March 05, 2007.
[Non-Patent Document 3] Damic, D., et al.: "Proxy Mobile IPv6 Indication and
Discovery"; Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Working Group Draft:
draft-damic-netlmm-pmip6-ind-discover-01.txt; June 19, 2007.
[Non-Patent Document 4] Ernst, T, et al.: "Motivations and Scenarios for
Using Multiple Interfaces and Global Addresses"; Internet Engineering
Task Force (IETF) Working Group Draft:
draft-ietf-monami6-multihoming-motivation-secenario-02.txt; July 12,
2007.
[Non-Patent Document 5] Giaretta, G, et al.: "Interactions between PMIPv6
and MIPv6: scenarios and related issues"; Internet Engineering Task
Force (IETF) Working Group Draft:
draft-giaretta-netlmm-mip-interactions-01; July 6, 2007.
[Non-Patent Document 6] "3GPP System Architecture Evolution: Report on
Technical Options and Conclusion"; 3GPP TR 23.882, V 1.9.0; April 2007.
[Non-Patent Document 7] Wakikawa, R., et al.: "Multiple Care-of Addresses
Registration"; Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Working Group
Draft: draft-ietf-monami6-multiplecoa-03.txt; July 9, 2007.
[Patent Document 1] International Patent Publication Application No.
WO-03-107600.
[Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Publication No. 6,992,995.
[0029]
However, problems may arise because PMIPv6 does not support multi-homing
and LMA/HA can maintain only one cache entry relating to a certain MN. Even when
it is so designed that PMIPv6 can formally support multi-homing, problems may arise.
In the following, description will be give on these problems:
[0030]
In Fig. 1A, MN 10 has two interfaces having different types of access technique.
MN 10 is first connected to a home PMIPv6 domain 100, which is a home domain, and
it is connected to a global Internet 102 via this home PMIPv6 domain. It is supposed
here that one of the interfaces moves from the home PMIPv6 domain to a foreign
domain after time elapses, while the other of the interfaces is still connected to the
home PMIPv6 domain. One of the interfaces of MN 10 is an interface of a type using
WLAN access technique, while the other of the interfaces is an interface of 3G type.
Although not shown in the figure, there may be a case where the home PMIPv6
domain 100 and the WLAN access network (foreign domain 101) are connected
without passing through the global Internet 102 (e.g. in case connection is made via a
node such as LMA, MAG, etc.)
[0031]
It is also supposed here that MN 10 is provided with CM IPv6 stack. Further, it is
supposed that the 3G interface is directly connected to MAG 20 via a radio link 11 and
that the WLAN interface is directly connected to MAG 21 via a radio link 12. Also, it is
supposed that the WLAN interface is connected to a WLAN, which is a non-trusted
(non-reliable) WLAN as seen from 3G network as described in the Non-Patent
Document 6. It can be considered that the function of MAG is provided to AR in a
trusted (reliable) WLAN.
[0032]
The prefix which is received by MN 10 after it is connected to this PMIPv6
domain via one of a plurality of interfaces, is a home prefix, and the PMIPv6 domain
100 may be described as a home PMIPv6 domain. This home prefix may be set up in
advance at MN 10, or may be acquired from a DHCPv6 server (not shown) or from an
AAA server 30 during boot strapping. Therefore, when MN 10 receives the home
prefix by RA (Router Advertisement) after receiving a layer 2 authentication, it can be
promptly identified that this is the home network. In this case, MN 10 does not carry
out mobility-related position update signaling between LMA/HA40 and itself.
[0033]
Further, it is supposed here that MN 10 is first connected to MAG 20 via the 3G
interface. In this case, MN 10 receives a home prefix via the 3G interface by RA
signaling as described above. MN 10 configures an address in the 3G interface by
using stateful or stateless address arrangement mode.
[0034]
MN 10 may use the address as configured for the 3G interface as a home
address of MIPv6 in both of the interfaces. In the following, it is supposed that MN 10
uses the address as configured for the 3G interface as a home address of MIPv6 in
both of the interfaces. Because the DHCPv6 server offers the same address to both
of the interfaces according to NAI and prefix information, the same address may be
configured for both of the interfaces when stateless address configuration is carried
out.
[0035]
When parameters of MN 10 are acquired from a local AAA 30, MAG 20 issues a
proxy BU 60 to LMA/HA 40. A binding cache (BC) entry created by a proxy
registration (PBU) 60 is a first entry of BC 50 as shown in Fig. 1B, for instance.
Description will be given now by using a binding cache with such arrangement, while
actual way of management is diverse as to how these entries are managed. For
instance, entities to fulfill the functions of LMAand HA are installed separately, and
these binding caches are placed under management separately for PMIP and for
CMIP, and associated processing is performed between entities having the functions
of LMA and HA while notifying to each other.
[0036]
Further, it is supposed here that the home PMIPv6 domain 100 has a function to
perform multi-homing support. This multi-homing support function means that
LMA/HA can maintain simultaneous connection binding by using an interface identifier
(IF-ID) or BID similarly to the case as disclosed in the Non-Patent Document 7.
Further, it is necessary to create a plurality of bindings relating to the same prefix of
MN 10, and LMA/HA 40 must be able to discriminate simultaneous connection by the
same MN 10 by using another parameter such as BID, for instance, to create a
plurality of bindings relating to the same prefix by PBU transmitted to each of the two
interfaces of MN 10.
[0037]
It is supposed here that each of the interfaces of MN 10 can acquire only one
prefix (a prefix managed by LMA/HA 40 and being specific to MN). Therefore, it is
possible to discriminate the bindings by the same MN which is making connection via
different interfaces by using an interface ID such as MAC (Media Access Control)
address, BID, etc.
[0038]
Also, when a plurality of prefixes are notified and are processed by one interface,
the use of BID would be more appropriate when a plurality of bindings are
discriminated by LMA/HA 40. In Fig. 1A, it is supposed that BID information is
included in PBU 60. This BID is offered by MN 10 or AAA 30, or it is generated by
MAG 20. There are many methods to generate BID, and any method as desired may
be used.
[0039]
When the first entry of BC 50 is checked, it is seen that a reachable condition
relating to the home prefix of MN 10 is associated with the address of MAG 20 (i.e.
MAG 20.CoA). This address of MAG 20 is a care-of address of the 3G interface of
MN 10 or it is a proxy care-of address of the 3G interface of MN 10.
[0040]
Because PBU 60 is based on PMIPv6 registration and no sequence number is
used on PBU, no entry is present in the field of the sequence number (N/A). Also,
PBU has a time stamp option field, and time information included in the time stamp
option of PBU 60 is stored in the binding entry relating to PBU 60.
[0041]
Further, it is supposed that, subsequent to the connection of 3G interface,
connection is made to MAG 21 via the WLAN interface of MN 10. After L2
authentication has been successfully performed, the WLAN interface receives the
same home prefix as a prefix as seen from the 3G interface. When notification of the
successful authentication is received from AAA 30, PBU 61 is sent to LMA/HA 40.
[0042]
After being connected to MAG 21 only for a short time, the WLAN interface of
MN 10 promptly moves and is connected to a foreign domain 101. This foreign
domain 101 is also connected to the global Internet 102. The foreign domain 101
may be another 3GPP domain or a different access network such as WiMAX, WLAN,
etc. or may be a network where a radio system and a fixed system are coordinated by
means such as FMC (Fixed Mobil Convergence) or a network relating to a network
arrangement under management of higher order such as NGN (next Generation
Network), or the reliability with these networks may be high or low. Further, the home
PMIPv6 domain 100 and the access network of WLAN (foreign domain 101) may be
connected together without passing the global Internet 102 (e.g. connection may be
made via a node such as LMA, MAG, etc.). There are essential problems despite of
the difference in the network arrangement, and description will be given below in the
present specification by taking an example on an arrangement of Fig. 1 A.
[0043]
In the connection to the foreign domain 101, it is supposed here that the WLAN
interface makes connection to AR 22 via a radio link 13. Quick change of connection
of the WLAN interface of MN 10 is schematically shown by an arrow mark 14 in Fig. 1A.
MN 10 may receive a nomadic prefix from AR 22. After receiving this prefix, MN 10
configures a care-of address and carries out MIPv6 BU 62 to LMA/HA 40.
[0044]
It is assumed here that this BU registration 62 reaches LMA/HA earlier than PBU
61 from MAG 21 (i.e. PBU relating to the connection before the switch of the
interfaces). In this case, a phenomenon normally called a race condition (a
competitive condition) occurs because the connection to MAG 21 has lasted only for a
very short time. Also, a race condition may occur when PBU 61 arrives later than BU
62 of MIPv6 (CMIPv6) due to congestion of the packets in the home PMIPv6 domain.
[0045]
When MIPv6 BU 62 reaches LMA/HA 40 earlier, registration of MIPv6 is
prepared at LMA/HA 40. For instance, it is supposed here that PMIPv6 and CMIPv6
caches are placed under management in a space of one cache or one address at
LMA/HA 40. LMA/HA can identify the difference of caches of PMIPv6 and CMIPv6 of
a specific interface of MN 10 by using NAI, for instance. Also, in the second entry of
BC 50, a CMIPv6 cache is present. At BC 50, the interfaces can be uniquely
identified depending on the field of IF-ID/BID.
[0046]
For a CMIPv6 binding, a sequence number included in the BU message is stored
at the entry of the sequence number (Seq#). In the CMIPv6 binding, there is no
information, which should be placed in the time stamp field. After the elapse of a
short time, an older PBU 61 as forwarded from MAG 21 may reach LMA/HA40. In
this case, only one binding to assign either one of PMIPv6 or CMIPv6 to a certain
interface as described above is maintained, and a correct CMIPv6 binding of BC 50
may be overwritten by an older PBU 61 from MAG 21. This is represented by the
erasing of the second entry of BC 50 in Fig. 1B.
[0047]
The erroneous entry as set up above may receive proxy registration deletion
from MAG 20, or MN 10 may be kept in a condition usable by LMA/HA 40 until the
binding refresh BU reaches from the WLAN interface. Until the erroneous entry will
be deleted, all packets to be transmitted and received at the WLAN interface will be
lost. As a result, the network cannot offer services such as load balance, fault
tolerance, bi-casting, etc. (services based on the multi-homing function), and it is not
possible to receive the benefit of multi-homing.
[0048]
In general, the problem that the current CMIPv6 cache is overwritten by older
PMIPv6 registration is called PMIP/CMIP race condition. Those skilled in the art
would easily understand that similar problem may occur when the WLAN interface of
MN 10 is first connected to a foreign domain and it goes back to the home PMIPv6.
In such case, the older CMIPv6 cache may be registered instead of the current
PMIPv6 cache.
[0049]
According to the technique disclosed in the Patent Document 1, when MN
moves in a local mobility management domain, an access router fulfills the function as
a proxy of MN and carries out local position registration signaling of MN to MA. This
signaling method is the same type of the method as the method of HMIPv6 or MIPv6.
[0050]
According to the technique disclosed in the Patent Document 2, MA is not a
home agent of MN but it is a mere mobility agent. Therefore, as explained in
connection with Fig. 1Aand Fig. 1B, no race condition occurs where CMIPv6 binding
is overwritten by the PMIPv6 binding. When MN moves from the local mobility
management domain to the other domain, old local registration in the old domain (i.e.
the domain before the moving) is deleted, and management of a new local registration
is executed in the new domain. Therefore, according to the technique disclosed in
the Patent Document 2, there is no possibility to cause a race condition between a
PMIPv6 binding in the PMIPv6 domain and a CMIPv6 binding in the CMIPv6 domain.
[0051]
In the technique disclosed in the Patent Document 2, MN carries out local
registration to MA. However, the race problem in the local mobility management
signaling of the local domain can be solved by using a sequence number just as in the
case of MIPv6. In the technique disclosed in the Patent Document 2, MA is a mere
local mobility management anchor and it is not a home agent. Accordingly, when MN
moves from a local domain, new registration of MN is not notified to MA of the local
domain, to which it has been connected before the moving. Therefore, there is no
possibility to cause a race condition where the CMIPv6 binding is overwritten by the
PMIPv6 binding as explained in connection with Fig. 1Aand Fig. 1B. Thus, the
technique disclosed in the Patent Document 2 cannot solve the problem relating to the
present invention.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0052]
To solve the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
mobile terminal, a network node, and a packet transfer management node, by which it
is possible to resolve a race condition between a PMIPv6 binding by a PBU message
of PMIPv6 and a CMIPv6 binding by a BU message of CMIPv6.
[0053]
To attain the above object, the present invention provides a mobile terminal,
which comprises:
a plurality of radio communication interfaces;
a mobile IP module to fulfill a mobile IP function; and
identification information transmitting means for transmitting identification
information to identify a binding update message transmitted from a first radio
communication interface among said plurality of radio communication interfaces or a
binding update message to be transmitted from a first radio communication interface
among said plurality of radio communication interfaces, said identification information
to be transmitted from a second radio communication interface connected to a home
domain where a network-based local mobility management protocol is provided
among said plurality of radio communication interfaces.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to resolve a race
condition between a PMIPv6 binding by a PBU message of PMIPv6 and a CMIPv6
binding by a BU message of CMIPv6.
[0054]
Also, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides the mobile terminal as described above, wherein it is so arranged that, when
the identification information of said binding update message is to be notified to a
network node where said second radio communication interface is connected, a
request is made to said network node to notify a packet transfer management node in
said home domain by adding current time information to said identification information.
With the arrangement as described above, the mobile terminal can request MAG
to add time information.
[0055]
Further, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides the mobile terminal as described above, wherein said network node where
said second radio communication interface is connected has a function to add time
information, based on said identification of said binding update message, to said
current time information in response to said request, and said network node makes a
request when said network node has the function to add the time information.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to identify the function of
MAG and to decide whether request should be made or not.
[0056]
Also, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides the mobile terminal as described above, wherein interface identification
information to identify said first radio communication interface, address identification
information to identify an address to be set on said first radio communication interface,
and a sequence number included in said binding update message are used as said
identification information.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to definitely identify a
binding update message (i.e. binding information).
[0057]
Further, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides the mobile terminal as described above, wherein said binding update
message is used as said identification information.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to transmit a binding
update message as identification information from the other radio communication
interface as it is.
[0058]
Also, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides the mobile terminal as described above, wherein it is so arranged that the
identification information of said binding update message is transmitted from said
second radio communication interface in case said first radio communication interface
changes connection destination from said home domain to another domain and has
transmitted or is going to transmit said binding update message from said first radio
communication interface.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to resolve a race
condition caused by the change of connection from a home domain to the other
domain at adequate timing.
[0059]
Further, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides the mobile terminal as described above, wherein said identification
information transmitting means is so arranged that a type of information to indicate that
the binding information of said binding update message to be identified by said
identification information is the newest information; and
a packet transfer management node in said home domain can identify that said
binding information is valid by receiving the information to indicate that said binding
information is the newest, together with said identification information.
With the arrangement as described above, a packet transfer management node
in a home domain can easily comprehend that the binding information should be
validated.
[0060]
Also, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides the mobile terminal as described above, wherein it is so arranged that, in
case said first radio communication interface changes connection destination from
another domain to said home domain, said first radio communication interface
transmits identification information of said binding update message transmitted when
said first radio communication interface was connected to said another domain.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to resolve a race
condition caused by the change of connection from the other domain to the home
domain at adequate timing.
[0061]
Further, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides the mobile terminal as described above, wherein it is so arranged that said
identification information transmitting means transmits, together with identification
information of said binding update message, a type of information to indicate that the
binding information of said binding update message to be identified by said
identification information is not the newest information; and
it is possible to identify that said binding information is invalid when the packet
transfer management node in said home domain receives, together with said
identification information, a type of information to indicate that said binding information
is not the newest information.
With the arrangement as described above, the packet transfer management
node in the home domain can easily identify that the binding information should be
invalidated.
[0062]
Also, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides the mobile terminal as described above, wherein it is so arranged that said
mobile terminal itself carries out a client type mobility management protocol to perform
processing relating to the mobility management.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to resolve a race
condition caused by the change of connection between a domain to operate a client
type mobility management protocol and a home domain provided with a
network-based mobility management protocol.
[0063]
Further, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides the mobile terminal as described above, wherein there is provided current
time acquiring means for acquiring the current time information from said home
domain at the time when said identification information is transmitted by said
identification information transmitting means; and
said identification information transmitting means transmits said current time
information together with the identification information of said binding update
message.
With the arrangement as described above, the mobile terminal can add the
current time information synchronized with the time of the home domain to
identification information of the binding update message.
[0064]
Also, to attain the above object, the present invention provides a network node,
being present in a network domain where a network-based mobility management
protocol is carried out, and being able to be a connection point to said network domain
with respect to a mobile terminal having said network domain as a home domain,
wherein:
said mobile terminal adds time information to a packet received from said mobile
terminal, said packet including a packet containing identification information of the
binding update message transmitted from another radio communication interface, or
identification information of the binding update message to be transmitted
subsequently, and said mobile terminal transmits the packet to a packet transfer
management node in said network domain.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to resolve a race
condition between a PMIPv6 binding by a PBU message of PMIPv6 and a CMIPv6
binding by a BU message of CMIPv6.
[0065]
Further, the present invention provides the network node as described above,
wherein it is so arranged that, when it is requested from said mobile terminal to add
said time information, said packet is transmitted to said packet transfer management
node by adding said time information to a packet received from said mobile terminal.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to record the time of
transmission of identification information of the binding update message according to a
clock on the network side.
[0066]
Also, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides the network node as described above, wherein a request is made from said
mobile terminal to add said time information to a specific packet where a binding
update message transmitted from another radio communication interface or
identification information of a binding update message to be transmitted from now on
is included.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to add time information
upon request from the mobile terminal.
[0067]
Further, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides the network node as described above, wherein, when said mobile terminal
detects identification information of a binding update message transmitted form
another radio communication interface or identification information of a binding update
message to be transmitted from now on, and said packet is transmitted to said packet
transfer management node by adding the time information to said packet.
With the arrangement as described above, MAG can add time information by
detecting identification information of the binding update message by itself.
[0068]
Also, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides the network node as described above, wherein a fact that a function is
provided to transmit to said packet transfer management node by adding said time
information is passively notified to said mobile terminal when an inquiry is received
from said mobile terminal, or even in case where no inquiry is received from said
mobile terminal, notification is actively made to said mobile terminal.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to notify the function of
MAG to add time information to the mobile terminal.
[0069]
Further, to attain the object as described above, the present invention provides a
packet transfer management node, being present in a network domain where a
network-based mobility management protocol is carried out, and used for managing
packet transfer within said network domain, wherein said packet transfer management
node comprises:
a home agent realizing means for realizing a function as a mobile IP home agent;
mobile IP binding information storage means for storing binding information of a
node to be managed by said home agent realizing means;
communication means for performing communication with a local management
node, having local mobility anchor realizing means for realizing a function as a local
mobility anchor of said network-based mobility management protocol, and having local
binding information storage means for storing binding information of a node to manage
by said local mobility anchor realizing means; and
binding information processing means for receiving said identification information
and said time information from said local management node via said communication
means, identifying a binding in said mobile IP binding information storage means
based on said identification information, and associating said identified binding
information with said time information, in case identification information of a binding
update message transmitted by said mobile terminal via another radio communication
interface, or identification information of a binding update message to be transmitted
from now on and time information added are received by said local management node
from a network node in said network domain and being able to be a connection point
to said home domain with respect to a mobile terminal, having said network domain as
a home domain.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to resolve a race
condition between a PMIPv6 binding by a PBU message of PMIPv6 and a CMIPv6
binding by a BU message of CM IPv6.
[0070]
Also, to attain the object as described above, the present invention provides a
packet transfer management node, being present in a network domain where a
network-based mobility management protocol is carried out, and used for managing
packet transfer within said network domain, wherein said packet transfer management
node comprises:
local mobility anchor realizing means for realizing a function as a local mobility
anchor of said network-based mobility management protocol;
local binding information storage means for storing binding information of a node
to be managed by said local mobility anchor realizing means;
communication means for performing communication with a global management
node, having home agent realizing means for realizing a function as a mobile IP home
agent, and mobile IP binding information storage means for storing binding information
of a node to be managed by said home agent realizing means; and
binding information processing means for identifying a binding in said mobile IP
binding information storage means based on said identification information, and
associating said identified binding information with said time information by delivering
said identification information and said time information to said global management
node via said communication means in case identification information of a binding
update message transmitted by said mobile terminal via another radio communication
interface, or identification information of a binding update message to be transmitted
from now on and time information added are received by said local management node
from a network node in said network domain and being able to be a connection point
to said home domain with respect to a mobile terminal, having said network domain as
a home domain.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to resolve a race
condition between a PMIPv6 binding by a PBU message of PMIPv6 and a CMIPv6
binding by a BU message of CMIPv6.
[0071]
Further, to attain the object as described above, the present invention provides a
packet transfer management node, being present in a network domain where a
network-based mobility management protocol is carried out, and used for managing
packet transfer within said network domain, wherein said packet transfer management
node comprises:
home agent realizing means for fulfilling a function as a mobile IP home agent;
local mobility anchor realizing means for fulfilling a function as a local mobility
anchor of said network-based mobility management protocol;
binding information storage means for storing binding information of a node
managed by said home agent realizing means and said local mobility anchor realizing
means; and
binding information processing means for identifying a binding in said binding
information storage means based on said identification information, and associating
said identified binding information with said time information and said local
management node identifies a binding in said mobile IP binding information storage
means based on said identification information, and associates said identified binding
information with said time information in case identification information of a binding
update message transmitted by said mobile terminal via another radio communication
interface, or identification information of a binding update message to be transmitted
from now on and time information added are received by said local management node
from a network node in said network domain and being able to be a connection point
to said home domain with respect to a mobile terminal, having said network domain as
a home domain.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to resolve a race
condition between a PMIPv6 binding by a PBU message of PMIPv6 and a CMIPv6
binding by a BU message of CMIPv6.
[0072]
Also, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides a packet transfer management node as described above, wherein it is
checked whether or not there is other binding information relating to said radio
communication interface where said binding information to be identified by said
identification information received is set up within said mobile IP binding information
storage means and said local binding information storage means or within said binding
information storage means, and in case said other binding information is present, time
information of each binding information is checked, and the binding information having
time information to indicate the newest time is set as valid binding information.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to decide which of
PMIPv6 binding or CMIPv6 binding information is newer, and to set up a newer type of
binding information as valid binding information.
[0073]
Further, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides a packet transfer management node as described above, wherein, in case
unnecessary binding information is present in said mobile IP binding information
storage means and said local binding information storage means or in said binding
information storage means, it is so arranged that said unnecessary binding information
is left in invalid state.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to leave unnecessary
binding information without completely erasing it.
[0074]
Also, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides a packet transfer management node as described above, wherein, in case
unnecessary binding information is present in said binding information storage means,
said unnecessary binding information is left in invalid state, and in case the binding
information having time information to indicate the latest time is set in invalid state, the
binding information set in invalid state is to be set as valid binding information.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to leave unnecessary
binding information unchanged without erasing it completely and to set it as valid
binding information again when necessary.
[0075]
Further, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides a packet transfer management node as described above, wherein it is so
arranged to delete said unnecessary binding information when a certain
predetermined time period has elapsed with said unnecessary binding information set
in invalid state.
With the arrangement as described above, the binding information can be
deleted stepwise and efficiently by deleting unnecessary binding information which
has been left unused in the once invalidated condition and left for a certain
predetermined period of time.
[0076]
Also, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides a packet transfer management node as described above, wherein, in case
the binding information relating to said binding update message is not present in said
binding information storage means although the time information to indicate the latest
time is said time information transmitted together with the identification information of
said binding update message, it is so arranged that said binding update message is to
be re-transmitted to said mobile terminal.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to promptly request the
mobile terminal to send the information again in case binding information to be set up
as valid binding information is not present in the binding cache.
[0077]
Further, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides a packet transfer management node as described above, wherein it is
checked whether or not there is other binding information relating to said radio
communication interface where said binding information to be identified by said
identification information received is set up within said mobile IP binding information
storage means and said local binding information storage means or within said binding
information storage means, and in case said other binding information is binding
information to be identified by the identification information being the same as or older
than said identification information received, it is so arranged that said other binding
information is made invalid.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to invalidate
unnecessary binding information according to identification information (e.g. sequence
number) of the binding update message.
[0078]
Also, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides a packet transfer management node as described above, wherein, in case a
type of information to indicate that the binding information of said binding update
message identified by said identification information is the newest information has
been received together with identification information of said binding update message,
it is so arranged that said binding information of said binding update message to be
identified by said identification information is regarded as valid.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to easily comprehend
that the binding information should be validated by referring to the information which
indicates that the binding information of the binding update message is the newest
one.
[0079]
Further, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides a packet transfer management node as described above, wherein, in case a
type of information to indicate that the binding information of said binding update
message identified by said identification information is not the newest information has
been received together with identification information of said binding update message,
it is so arranged that said binding information of said binding update message to be
identified by said identification information is regarded as invalid.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to easily comprehend
that the binding information should be invalidated by referring to the information which
indicates that the binding information of the binding update message is not the newest
one.
[0080]
Also, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides a packet transfer management node as described above, wherein, in case
time interval between the receiving time of said binding information identified by said
identification information and the receiving time of another binding information relating
to said radio communication interface where said binding information identified by said
received identification information is set is shorter than a predetermined time period, it
is so arranged that said mobile terminal is requested to re-notify binding information
relating to said radio communication interface.
With the arrangement as described above, it is possible to estimate the
occurrence of a race condition when the binding information relating to the same radio
communication interface is received continuously within a short time, and to make an
inquiry to the mobile terminal.
[0081]
Further, in addition to the arrangement as described above, the present invention
provides a packet transfer management node as described above, wherein, in case a
race condition of binding information is detected in the same radio communication
interface, the fact that said race condition has been detected is notified to said mobile
terminal, and another radio communication interface different from said radio
communication interface where said race condition has been detected can be used
temporarily.
With the arrangement as described above, even when the occurrence of a race
condition is resolved with regard to the binding information relating to a specific radio
communication interface, it is possible to continuously perform communication relating
to this specific radio communication interface by using the other radio communication
interface.
[0082]
The present invention has the arrangements as described above and provides
the effects to resolve a race condition between a PMIPv6 binding by a PBU message
of PMIPv6 and a CMIPv6 binding by a BU message of CMIPv6. Also, the invention
provides the effects to accomplish efficient operation when it is necessary to resolve a
race condition between a CMIPv6 binding by a BU message of CMIPv6 and to
decrease the load applied on the network and each communication node.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0083]
Fig. 1Ais a schematical drawing of a system to explain the prior art;
Fig. 1B is a table to show an example of a BC (Binding Cache) of LMA/HA (Local
Mobility Anchor/Home Agent) in the prior art;
Fig. 2Ais a schematical drawing to show a system configuration to explain
general features of a first embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2B is a table to show an example of LMA/HA in the first embodiment of the
invention;
Fig. 3A is a block diagram to show an arrangement example of MN in the first
embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 3B is a flow chart to show an example of operation of MN in the first
embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 4A is a block diagram to show an arrangement example of LMA/HA in the
first embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 4B is a flowchart to show an example of operation of a BU race resolving
module of LMA/HA in the first embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 5Ais a schematical drawing of system configuration to explain general
features when fault occurs in the first embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 5B is a table to show an example of BC of LMA/HA when fault occurs in the
first embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 6 is a schematical drawing to show system configuration to explain general
features of a second embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 7 is a schematical drawing to show system configuration to explain general
features of a third embodiment of the invention; and
Fig. 8 is a schematical drawing to show system configuration to explain general
features of a fourth embodiment of the invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0084]
In the present invention, for the purpose of solving the race problem between a
BU (Binding Update) message of a home PMIPv6 (Proxy Mobile IPv6) and a BU of
CMIPv6 (Client Type Mobile IPv6) to be carried out by MN (mobile terminal) which has
a plurality of interfaces, MN notifies identification information of the BU message of the
CMIPv6 transmitted via one of the interfaces (e.g. sequence number and/or BID value
used in the BU message of CMIP) to MAG (Mobile Access Gateway) of the PMIPv6
domain connected via the other of the interfaces.
[0085]
Also, according to the present invention, it is so arranged that, when MAG
receives identification information of the BU message of the CMIPv6 (or the BU
message itself) from MN, MAG creates a packet including the identification information
of the BU message and MAG transmits a time stamp option including time information
as acquired from its own clock by adding it to LMA/HA.
[0086]
Further, according to the invention, when LMA/HA in the PMIPv6 domain
receives a packet which contains identification information of the BU message of
CM IPv6 transmitted by MN and which is further added with a time stamp option
including time information, LMA/HA identifies the interface via which the BU message
of CMIPv6 specified by the identification information included in the packet is
transmitted, and retrieves whether the binding by PBU of PMIPv6 relating to this
interface is maintained or not. If the binding by PBU of PMIPv6 relating to this
interface is maintained, the time information included in this binding cache entry is
compared with the time information included in the time stamp option of the received
packet, and the new binding is made valid by the time information.
[0087]
Description will be given below on embodiments of the invention.
[0088]
Documents
Application Documents
| # |
Name |
Date |
| 1 |
1474-KOLNP-2010-AbandonedLetter.pdf |
2018-02-17 |
| 1 |
abstract-1474-kolnp-2010.jpg |
2011-10-07 |
| 2 |
1474-KOLNP-2010-FER.pdf |
2017-07-05 |
| 2 |
1474-kolnp-2010-specification.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 3 |
1474-kolnp-2010-pct priority document notification.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 3 |
1474-KOLNP-2010-FORM-18.pdf |
2011-11-25 |
| 4 |
1474-KOLNP-2010-PA.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 4 |
1474-kolnp-2010-abstract.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 5 |
1474-kolnp-2010-international search report.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 5 |
1474-KOLNP-2010-CLAIMS-1.1.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 6 |
1474-kolnp-2010-international publication.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 6 |
1474-kolnp-2010-claims.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 7 |
1474-kolnp-2010-form 5.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 7 |
1474-KOLNP-2010-CORRESPONDENCE 1.1.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 8 |
1474-kolnp-2010-form 3.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 8 |
1474-KOLNP-2010-CORRESPONDENCE-1.2.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 9 |
1474-KOLNP-2010-CORRESPONDENCE.1.3.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 9 |
1474-KOLNP-2010-FORM 3.1.1.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 10 |
1474-kolnp-2010-correspondence.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 10 |
1474-kolnp-2010-form 2.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 11 |
1474-kolnp-2010-description (complete).pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 11 |
1474-KOLNP-2010-FORM 13.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 12 |
1474-kolnp-2010-drawings.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 12 |
1474-kolnp-2010-form 1.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 13 |
1474-kolnp-2010-drawings.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 13 |
1474-kolnp-2010-form 1.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 14 |
1474-kolnp-2010-description (complete).pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 14 |
1474-KOLNP-2010-FORM 13.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 15 |
1474-kolnp-2010-correspondence.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 15 |
1474-kolnp-2010-form 2.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 16 |
1474-KOLNP-2010-CORRESPONDENCE.1.3.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 16 |
1474-KOLNP-2010-FORM 3.1.1.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 17 |
1474-kolnp-2010-form 3.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 17 |
1474-KOLNP-2010-CORRESPONDENCE-1.2.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 18 |
1474-kolnp-2010-form 5.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 18 |
1474-KOLNP-2010-CORRESPONDENCE 1.1.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 19 |
1474-kolnp-2010-international publication.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 19 |
1474-kolnp-2010-claims.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 20 |
1474-kolnp-2010-international search report.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 20 |
1474-KOLNP-2010-CLAIMS-1.1.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 21 |
1474-KOLNP-2010-PA.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 21 |
1474-kolnp-2010-abstract.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 22 |
1474-kolnp-2010-pct priority document notification.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 22 |
1474-KOLNP-2010-FORM-18.pdf |
2011-11-25 |
| 23 |
1474-kolnp-2010-specification.pdf |
2011-10-07 |
| 23 |
1474-KOLNP-2010-FER.pdf |
2017-07-05 |
| 24 |
abstract-1474-kolnp-2010.jpg |
2011-10-07 |
| 24 |
1474-KOLNP-2010-AbandonedLetter.pdf |
2018-02-17 |
Search Strategy
| 1 |
SearchStrategy_30-06-2017.pdf |