IDMP-based Fast Handoffs and Paging in IP-based 4G Mobile Networks

In this paper, we consider the use of our recently proposed Intra-Domain Mobility Management Protocol (IDMP) in generation (4G) mobile networks. On evaluating the heterogeneous access technologies, cellular layouts and application characteristics of 4G environments, we realize a need to reduce both the handoff latency and the frequency of mobility-related signaling. We first present IDMP’s fast intra-domain handoff mechanism that uses a duration-limited, proactive packet ‘multicasting’ solution. We quantify the expected buffering requirements of our proposed multicasting scheme for typical 4G network characteristics and compare it with alternative IP-based fast handoff solutions. We also present a paging scheme under IDMP that replicates the current cellular paging structure. Our paging mechanism supports generic paging strategies and can significantly reduce the mobility-related IP signaling load.