System and method for data link layer handoffs in a wireless network

摘要

A wireless device may establish a data connection with a 2G or 3G wireless network, which the wireless device can then use to engage in packet data communications with other devices on packet data networks. The wireless device may then roam from one wireless network to the other wireless network, such by roaming from the 2G wireless network to the 3G wireless network or vice versa. The wireless device may then transfer its data connection between the networks, thereby allowing the wireless device to continue in any established data sessions with other devices.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
establishing a data connection for a wireless device with a first wireless network, wherein the wireless device uses the data connection to engage in packet-based communications with devices on a packet data network, wherein the data connection uses circuit-based communications between the wireless device and an internetworking function (IWF), and wherein the IWF converts between the circuit-based communications with the wireless device and packet-based communications with devices on the packet data network; receiving at a home agent (HA) a request to transfer the data connection for the wireless device from the first wireless network to a second wireless network; and in response to receiving the request at the HA, sending from the HA to the IWF a request to transfer the data connection from the first wireless network to the second wireless network; and establishing a secure Mobile IP tunnel between the IWF and the HA.