Methods and apparatus for supporting mobile ip proxy registration in a system implementing mulitple vlans

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for implementing proxy Mobile IP in a system implementing multiple VLANs are disclosed. Specifically, a network device such as an Access Point or Foreign Agent supports multiple VLANs on a plurality of interfaces. In addition, the network device implements proxy Mobile IP on at least one interface. The network device ascertains a subnet map of a node, where the subnet map corresponds to a VLAN. It then identifies a Home Agent associated with the subnet map or VLAN via which to register the node. The network device then composes a registration request on behalf of the node, where the registration request identifies the node (e.g., IP address) and includes a Home Agent address associated with the Home Agent. The registration request also directly or indirectly indicates the interface corresponding to the VLAN via which data packets are to be routed. The registration request is then sent on behalf of the node. A registration reply that indicates success or failure of the proxy registration performed on behalf of the node is then received. Upon successful proxy registration, data packets may be transmitted on the VLAN interface of the network device.