Simplified routing for mobile computers using TCP/IP

Abstract

The author presents a solution to the problem of providing continuous network access for mobile computers using the Internet protocol (IP). He proposes a framework within which mobile computers can roam freely from location to location without regard to the Internet addressability of the existing wired networks in a building. This is done by addressing the mobile computers via a new logical network which has no direct relationship with any other existing network. The operation of this logical network follows as closely as possible the operation of existing wired networks and is viewed by existing hosts as just another network accessible using standard techniques via the router which serves that network. This logical network is maintained by the cooperation of the base stations and the mobile router, which is the network entity responsible for storing the actual location information necessary to deliver packets to each mobile computer addressed via that network. The new logical network is administered just as existing networks are, from the perspective of existing hosts. The mobile router may be located arbitrarily as long as it is reachable by the other existing routers on the interconnected networks. The general problem of routing to mobile hosts is divided into several nearly independent areas, which are discussed.