Fast Handovers for Mobile IP (FMIP) Overview:

  • Definition: Fast Handovers for Mobile IP (FMIP) is an enhancement to the standard Mobile IP (MIP) protocol, designed to reduce the handover latency experienced when mobile nodes (MNs) move between different access points or networks. FMIP ensures that packets destined for the MN can be delivered quickly after the MN moves to a new network, minimizing packet loss.
  • Objective: The primary goal of FMIP is to address the handover delay associated with standard MIP, ensuring seamless mobility for real-time applications like voice over IP (VoIP) and video streaming.
  • Key Components:

Previous Access Router (PAR): The router to which the MN was previously connected.

New Access Router (NAR): The router to which the MN is currently connecting or has just connected.

  • Process:

Movement Detection: The MN detects a potential move to a new network and sends a predictive or reactive handover indication.

Tunnel Establishment: A tunnel is established between the PAR and NAR. In predictive mode, this is done before the MN connects to the NAR. In reactive mode, it’s done after the connection.

Buffering: PAR starts buffering packets destined for the MN.

Handover: Once the MN connects to the NAR, the buffered packets at the PAR are forwarded through the tunnel to the NAR and then to the MN.

Update with Home Agent: Eventually, the MN’s Home Agent is updated with the new location of the MN, but this can happen after the MN has already started receiving packets at the NAR, ensuring minimal interruption.

  • Benefits:
  • Reduced Handover Latency: FMIP significantly reduces the time taken for a MN to start receiving packets after moving to a new network.
  • Improved User Experience: Real-time applications run more smoothly as packet loss during handovers is minimized.
  • Optimized for Predictive Handovers: FMIP can prepare for a handover before it actually happens if the movement is detected in advance.
  • Challenges:
  • Increased Complexity: FMIP adds more complexity to the mobility management process compared to standard MIP.
  • Need for Advanced Predictive Algorithms: For optimal performance in predictive mode, advanced algorithms are required to predict MN movements accurately.
  • Applications: FMIP is especially useful for scenarios with real-time applications running on mobile devices, such as VoIP, video conferencing, and online gaming.

In summary, FMIP enhances the standard MIP by addressing the handover latency issue, ensuring that mobile nodes experience minimal disruption and packet loss when moving between networks. This is particularly beneficial for applications that require continuous and seamless connectivity.