METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING RESOURCE ALLOCATION WHERE TUNNELING AND ACCESS LINK PACKET AGGREGATION ARE USED IN COMBINATION

摘要

Methods and apparatus for aggregating IP packets over an access link between a wireless access router (200) and a core node (155) and for managing resource allocation to access link packet aggregates, e.g., as a function of the status of wireless communications links used to couple mobile nodes (150, 151) to the access router (200) are described. Improved aggregate resource control messages and use of such messages are described. Some of the new messages allow aggregate resources for both upstream and downstream aggregates to be controlled in a single message. A single message may include information corresponding to multiple aggregates and/or multiple constituent flows included in an aggregate with aggregate direction information being included. Use of tunnels to communicate management messages, e.g., messages used to control resource allocation to aggregates is also described. Propagation of access link aggregate information is communicated to tunnel end nodes which generate packets that are communicated over the access link.