A low latency inter-system handover scheme for multiple interfaces terminal

Wireless Internet is expected to consist of many diverse wireless networks. The next generation network architecture will be dominated by the core IP network architecture and interface via access routers with multiple wireless access technologies. Each mobile node that supports multiple access technologies should be able to select the most efficient and cost-effective technology that supports the application QoS requirements. The Multiple Interface Management (MIM) can optimize the handover between different access technologies using the link layer triggers because the inter-system handover process involves both link layer and IP layer re-establishment. In this paper, we discuss the design and implementation of a pre-registration handover strategy in multiple radio access interface equipped terminal to support low latency handover scenarios. We utilize a unit called the MIM that runs on the mobile node to allow Pre-registration Request message to be carried out concurrently with the link layer handover progress. These overlapped operations reduce the latency of the MIP registration messages.