| 摘要 |
<p>The invention relates to connection-oriented packet-based communications network, such as ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode), in which the terminal (MS) and the network access point of the terminal may move in the network. When the access point of the terminal (MS) changes during an active connection, the routing of the connection must also be changed or extended from an old access point (BTS1) to a new one (BTS2). The old access point (BTS1) may comprise buffered cells, which should be transferred to the new access point without packet loss. A necessary connection (13) from the old access point to the new one is established dynamically, when it is required. Instead of being controlled by the old access point, the connection establishment is controlled by a third network element (10), which is responsible for controlling the change of access point anyway. The third network element (10) generates the required signalling and in a way 'tunnels' this signalling to the old access point (BTS1), which transmits the signalling forward without interpreting it. So the old access point can be arranged to send signalling messages and to establish a connection without requiring any additional intelligence at the access point. Upon the connection being established, the old access point sends the buffered unsent packets to the new access point (BTS2).</p> |
