Mobile route optimization

• US 9,398,512 B2
• Filed: 07/29/2013
• Issued: 07/19/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 11/22/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Inventors: Muhanna, Ahmad, Khalil, Mohamed
• Primary Examiner(s): Vu, Huy D
• Assistant Examiner(s): Shao, Hong
• Application Number:
  US13/953,429
• Publication Number:
  US 20130308538A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,086 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/08 Access security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/02 Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/082 for traffic bypassing of mobility servers, e.g. location registers, home PLMNs or home agents
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 80/04 Network layer protocols, e.g. mobile IP [Internet Protocol]

Abstract

Embodiments provide techniques for mobile route optimization authentication protocols. Embodiments allow for system control over whether route optimization is allowed or not allowed. A conditional allowance of route optimization solves several billing and security issues by allowing the system to impose appropriate charges for the route optimization feature or prevent route optimization where message flow using care-of addressing can be monitored.

Claims

1. A device-implemented method comprising:

determining whether one or more route optimization protocols are permitted allowing direct communication between a mobile node and a correspondent node, or whether the one or more route optimization protocols are not permitted such that communication between the correspondent node and the mobile node is to be routed through a home network; and

confirming route optimization by sending a first acknowledgement message for receipt by the mobile node and by sending a second acknowledge message for receipt by the correspondent node, the second acknowledgement message including a route optimization status indicating to the correspondent node whether route optimization with the mobile node is permitted.

2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said determining comprises querying an authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) server as to whether the one or more route optimization protocols are permitted.

3. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said determining is based on one or more of billing parameters or security parameters for the home network.

4. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said determining and said confirming are performed on a periodic basis and independent of a user-initiated protocol.

5. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said determining and said confirming are performed in response to a user-initiated protocol.

6. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein one or more of the first acknowledgement message or the second acknowledgement message are sent via the Internet.

7. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the device comprises a router for the home network.

8. A method comprising:

determining via a home agent whether one or more route optimization protocols are permitted allowing direct communication between a mobile node and a correspondent node, or whether the one or more route optimization protocols are not permitted such that communication between the correspondent node and the mobile node is to be routed through a home network;

transmitting a first acknowledgement message for receipt by the mobile node indicating whether the one or more route optimization protocols are permitted; and

transmitting a second acknowledgement message for receipt by the correspondent node indicating whether route optimization with the mobile node is permitted.

9. A method as recited in claim 8, wherein the home agent comprises a router for the home network.

10. A method as recited in claim 8, wherein said determining comprises querying an authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) server of the home network as whether the one or more route optimization protocols are permitted.

11. A method as recited in claim 8, wherein said determining is performed on a periodic basis and independent of user-initiated protocol.

12. A method as recited in claim 8, wherein said determining is is performed in response to a user-initiated protocol.

13. A method as recited in claim 8, wherein said determining is based on one or more of billing parameters or security parameters for the home network.

14. A method comprising:

determining whether one or more route optimization protocols are permitted allowing direct communication between a mobile node and a correspondent node, or whether the one or more route optimization protocols are not permitted such that communication between the correspondent node and the mobile node is to be routed through a home network;

transmitting a first acknowledgement message for receipt by the mobile node indicating whether the one or more route optimization protocols are permitted;

transmitting a second acknowledgement message for receipt by the correspondent node indicating whether route optimization with the mobile node is permitted; and

initiating the one or more route optimization protocols between the mobile node and the correspondent node.

15. A method as recited in claim 14, wherein the method is performed by a router for the home network.

16. A method as recited in claim 14, wherein said determining comprises querying an authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) server as whether the one or more route optimization protocols are permitted.

17. A method as recited in claim 14, wherein said determining is performed on a periodic basis and independent of user-initiated protocol.

18. A method as recited in claim 14, wherein said determining is performed in response to a user-initiated protocol.

19. A method as recited in claim 14, wherein said determining is based on one or more of billing parameters or security parameters for the home network.

20. A method as recited in claim 14, wherein said determining comprises receiving a message from an AAA server indicating whether route optimization is supported.