Access network and method for improved inter-PDSN dormant mode handoff

Abstract

Various embodiments are described herein to address the need to have a method and apparatus that improve the resource efficiency of inter-PDSN (142 to 141) dormant mode handoffs. Promptly after the completion of signaling (218) for PPP connection establishment and MIP registration (if supported), as required for an inter-PDSN dormant mode handoff, an access network (AN) 121 expedites the release of communication resources such as the wireless traffic channel, the SCCP connection, and the A8 bearer connection. Thus, in an inter-PDSN dormant mode handoff the packet data session of an MS (101) is promptly transitioned back to the dormant packet data state. This enables communication resources to be freed for other calls and/or handoffs in a more timely manner than is enabled today.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.