Methods and apparatus for use in a communication system

An access node for use in a communications system including the access node, a first node, a second node, and a fourth node, the access node comprising:

• a memory module storing information indicating a mapping between a mobile node address and identifiers of the second and fourth nodes;
• a binding update message processing module for processing received binding update messages including the mobile node address and a forwarding address, said forwarding address being used by said first node to forward packets including said mobile node address;
• and
• a module for forwarding a portion of said message to the second node.

An access node for use in a communications system including the access node, a first node, a second node, and a fourth node, the access node comprising:

• means for storing information indicating a mapping between a mobile node address and identifiers of the second and fourth nodes;
• binding update message processing module means for processing received binding update messages including the mobile node address and a forwarding address, said forwarding address being used by said first node to forward packets including said mobile node address;
• and
• forwarding means for forwarding a portion of said message to the second node.

A computer readable medium embodying machine executable instruction for implementing a method of operating an access node in a communications system including the access node, a first node, a second node, and a fourth node, the method comprising:

• storing information indicating a mapping between a mobile node address and identifiers of the second and fourth nodes;
• receiving a binding update message including the mobile node address and a forwarding address, said forwarding address being used by said first node to forward packets including said mobile node address;
• and
• forwarding a portion of said message to the second node.

An apparatus for use in an access node in a communications system including the access node, a first node, a second node, and a fourth node, the apparatus comprising:

• a processor configured to implement a method of controlling said access node to implement a method, the method comprising:
• storing information indicating a mapping between a mobile node address and identifiers of the second and fourth nodes;
• receiving a binding update message including the mobile node address and a forwarding address, said forwarding address being used by said first node to forward packets including said mobile node address;
• and
• forwarding a portion of said message to the second node.