Dynamic address assignment for wireless devices accessing packet-based wired networks

摘要

The number of packet routing addresses utilized within a wired subnet offering wireless services via subnet base stations is reduced by assigning a packet routing address to a wireless device accessing a wired subnet upon power up of the wireless device. A Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server is utilized to assign the packet routing addresses, and supplies addresses either directly or indirectly via a node acting as a DHCP relay for a DHCP server. If the assigned packet routing address is a care-of address for a foreign domain, the address is released upon wireless device power down or upon handoff of the wireless device to a new domain. If the assigned packet routing address is an address for the wireless device within a home domain, the address is released upon wireless device power down.