Mobile handover utilizing multicast in a multi-protocol label switching (MPLS)-based network
AssigneeIntel Corporation
InventorsHenry Mitchel, James Tsai, Gerarld Lebizay, Prakash Iyer, Asher Altman, Farid Adrangi, Alan Stone
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Abstract
Methods and devices are disclosed for communicating in a wireless network using multi-protocol label switching (MPLS). A network service node is configured to send identical packets substantially simultaneously to each of a serving network access station and one or more target network access stations via two or more respective MPLS tunnels in response to a handoff trigger message. Additional embodiments and variations are also disclosed.
Claims20
A method for communicating in a wireless network using multi-protocol label switching (MPLS), the method comprising:
- sending identical packets substantially simultaneously to each of a serving network access station and one or more target network access stations via two or more respective MPLS tunnels in response to a handoff trigger message.
An apparatus for use in a wireless network, the apparatus comprising:
- a service node including logic to send identical packets substantially simultaneously to both a serving access point (AP) and one or more target APs via respective multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) tunnels in response to an indication for mobile station handoff.
An apparatus for use in a wireless network, the apparatus comprising:
- an access point (AP) configured to buffer at least some packets destined for a mobile station during a handoff, and received from a service node via a multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) tunnel, until one of, the AP establishes a radio link with the mobile station or a different AP establishes a radio link with the mobile station.
A system for wireless communications, the system comprising:
- a base station including a transceiver and a plurality of antennas for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communications;
- and
- a multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) label edge router (LER) coupled to the base station, wherein the base station includes a memory to temporarily buffer packets destined for a mobile station not having current radio link access with the base station.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.