Framework for Integrating Heterogeneous Wireless Networks using Mobile IP

Abstract

As more wireless networks of many different types are being deployed, integrating these wireless networks and providing seamless handoff among these wireless networks is becoming a more important issue. This issue should be handled from the viewpoint of both the data link layer and the network layer. In this paper we explain how a mobile node which is configured as a client computer gets its IP address and keeps using it while it roams around various wireless networks, some of which may adopt NAT. Then we describe a secure vertical handoff protocol between WLAN and UMTS networks.