Mobile IP-based Multicast as a Service for Mobile Hosts

There is an increasing need to support user mobility in today's computing environments. The incorporation of multicast routing support in a mobile computing environment presents several challenges. Of special interest are mobile multicast schemes suitable for TCP/IP networks in general, and the Internet in particular. This paper outlines a design of network layer modules in a 4.3 BSD UNIX TM system to provide mobile routing support. This basic routing capability is then used to serve as the foundation for the design of a multicast service facility for mobile hosts. The scheme presented leverages existing IP multicast for static hosts to eeectively provide multicast services for mobile hosts as well.