Systems and methods for early determination of network support for mobile IP

A mobile station for use in a wireless communication system wherein the mobile station determines network support for Mobile IP, the mobile station comprising:

• an antenna for receiving a wireless signal;
• a receiver in electronic communication with the antenna;
• a transmitter in electronic communication with the antenna;
• a processor for executing instructions;
• memory for storing the instructions, wherein the instructions implement a method comprising:
• connecting to a wireless network;
• testing for a disconnect condition, wherein the disconnect condition is an early indication of network support for Mobile IP, wherein testing comprises determining if an authentication is required by the wireless network;
• disconnecting from the wireless network if the disconnect condition is satisfied;
• and
• staying connected to the wireless network if the disconnect condition is not satisfied.

A mobile station for use in a wireless communication system wherein the mobile station determines network support for Mobile IP, the mobile station comprising:

• means for connecting to a wireless network;
• means for testing for a disconnect condition, wherein the disconnect condition is an early indication of network support for Mobile IP, comprising means for determining if an authentication requirement of the wireless network;
• means for disconnecting from the wireless network if the disconnect condition is satisfied;
• and
• means for staying connected to the wireless network if the disconnect condition is not satisfied.