Method for seamless networking support for mobile devices using serial communications

Abstract

The present invention provides a method, apparatus and computer product for a mobile device to roam securely and seamlessly from one access point to another access point without disrupting an active PPP connection. The method includes establishing, maintaining, and terminating a PPP connection between a mobile device and a PPP server via an access point, wherein the mobile device is equipped with a serial asynchronous communication interface. The PPP server is attached to a packet switched data network, and the access point is acting as a bridge between the serial communication interface and the packet switched communication interface. Also provided is a method to emulate a direct RS-232 cable connection between a mobile device and another computer located several hops away from the mobile device. It provides a method of keeping the RS-232 cable emulation between the mobile device an another computer system intact despite changes in mobile device's location in the network. It also provides a method of exchanging cookies between peers at the PPP connection establishment time and using them for fast reauthentication. This is a secure method of switching from one PPP proxy to another PPP proxy without disrupting the end to end PPP connection.