Multiple access interfaces for mobile nodes and networks

Abstract

With the progress of wireless technologies today, mobile terminals with multiple access interfaces are emerging (e.g. laptops, personal digital assistants). However, multiple interfaces cannot yet be used simultaneously nor can they be switched without breaking ongoing connections. This paper explores the benefits and issues of having multiple access interfaces when mobile nodes and networks employ layer-3 mobility protocols of Internet protocol version 6 (IPv6) to access the Internet while changing their points of attachment to the Internet. To overcome some of the identified problems, we propose a tunnel re-establishment technique. Simulation results show that this technique would allow mobile nodes and networks to benefit from permanent (and even uninterrupted) access to the Internet using different access technologies without requiring special services provided by the access routers.