Method and apparatus for handoff in a communication system supporting multiple service instances

#1. Field

#The present invention relates to wireless communication systems generally and specifically, to methods and apparatus for handoff for a packet data service

#2. Background

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system supporting Mobile IP.

#FIG. 2 is a timing diagram illustrating a call registration in a communication system utilizing Authentication Enabling Extensions.

#FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the call registration process utilizing Authentication Enabling Extensions.

#The word “exemplary” is used exclusively herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

#The following discussion develops the exemplary embodiments by first presenting a network implementing mobile IP to communicate data to and from a mobile node. Then a spread-spectrum wireless communication system is discussed. Next, the mobile IP network is shown implemented in the wireless communication system. The messages are illustrated that register a mobile node with a home agent thereby enabling IP data to be sent to and from the mobile node. Finally, methods for reclaiming resources at the home agent are explained.

#Note that the exemplary embodiment is provided as an exemplar throughout this discussion; however, alternate embodiments may incorporate various aspects without departing from the scope of the present invention. Specifically, the various embodiments are applicable to a data processing system, a wireless communication system, a mobile IP network and any other system desiring efficient use and management of resources.