A Transport Layer Approach to Handover in IP Networks

In this paper we scrutinize the applicability of network layered mobility schemes, in particular mobile IP, within a mobile environment. We argue that a transport layer solution is better suited to support handover mechanisms, because not only will it reduce the overall complexity of the handover process but also it will permit applications to take advantage of influencing handover management. In this paper we present a concept of Socketless TCP (SL-TCP) that may be used to enhance packet multiplexing and de-multiplexing at the transport layer to support address migration and handover mechanism