Methods and apparatus for the utilization of core based nodes for state transfer
First Claim
1. A communications method for use in a communications system including a first access node, a second access node and a mobile node, the method comprising:
- operating the mobile node to transmit a signal to the first access node to transfer state information;
communicating state information between the first access node and the second access node in response to said signal transmitted to the first access node.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for storing, manipulating, retrieving, and forwarding state, e.g., context and other information, used to support communications sessions with one or more end nodes, e.g., mobile devices, are described. Various features are directed to a mobile node controlling the transfer of state from a first access node to a second access node during a handoff operation thereby eliminating any need for state transfer messages to be transmitted between the second access node and the first access node during handoff. Other features of the invention are directed to the use of a core network node to store state information. State information stored in the core node can be accessed and used by access nodes in cases where a mobile node does not send a state transfer message during a handoff, e.g., because communication with the first access node is lost or because such messages are not supported.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A communications method for use in a communications system including a first access node, a second access node and a mobile node, the method comprising:
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operating the mobile node to transmit a signal to the first access node to transfer state information;
communicating state information between the first access node and the second access node in response to said signal transmitted to the first access node. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of implementing a communications system including an end node, a first access node, a second access node and a first network node coupled to said first and second access nodes, said end node being coupled to at least one access node through which said end node can communicate with elements of said communication system, the method comprising:
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storing state information in said network node which can be used by either of said first and second access nodes to support communications with said end node;
updating the state information stored in said network node with state information supplied by the first access node in response to a trigger event, said trigger event being an event in the group of events consisting of receipt by said first access node of a signal from said end node;
a request for a state information update from said network node; and
a detection of a loss of communication with said end node; and
operating the second access node to use at least some of said stored state information to support a communications session involving said end node following a handoff of said end node from said first access node to said second access node. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20-47. -47. (canceled)
Specification