A network-based architecture for seamless mobility services

Given the tremendous growth in mobile voice and data usage and the emergence of new multifunction, multiradio handheld devices, there is an emerging interest in seamless mobility - applications and services that provide service portability and application persistence across multiple network connections. Seamless mobility ultimately allows users to transparently access all of their data and services in a consistent method. This article describes an implementation of a network-based architecture for seamless mobility services that supports the full range of applications voice, data, video, and messaging - using bimode devices that interface to both Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks. This solution provides advanced functionality to existing cellular devices, while providing a solid migration path to full IP-based multimedia services. The solution relies on network-based interfaces and systems, providing a multinetwork-capable, scalable solution with a unified service experience for the user from a single device