Method and apparatus for home network access
A manner of extending a home network to a mobile device. An FA (foreign agent) in the mobile device registers with an HA (home agent) in the home network, preferable exchanging static UIDs (unique identifiers) and certificates. The HA creates an address for the FA and maintains a registration table listing all registered FAs. The FA registration is in most cases performed while the FA is operating non-remotely and directly connected to a component of the home network. The HA registers with an SG (signaling gateway) in a secure manner and awaits a request for access to the home network. After registration with the SG, the HA initiates a heartbeat message that is acknowledged by the SG. When an FA access request is received from the SG, the HA determines whether the FA is registered with the HA and any applicable access limitations prior to granting or rejecting access.
1. A method of providing remote access for a mobile device comprising an FA (foreign agent) to a home network comprising an HA (home agent), said method comprising:
acquiring a UID (unique identifier) in the HA;
registering the HA of the home network with an SG (signaling gateway), wherein registering comprises sending a registration message from the HA to the SG, the registration message comprising the UID;
initiating a heartbeat from the HA to the SG; and
registering the FA with the HA;
wherein registering the FA with the HA comprises:
transferring an FA UID to the HA;
transferring the HA UID to the FA; and
reserving an address for the FA in the HA.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the UID is generated by the HA.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the UID is received in the HA from the SG.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the FA is embodied in a mobile device.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the FA registration is executed non-remotely.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein registering the FA with the HA further comprises:
transferring an FA certificate to the HA; and
transferring an HA certificate to the FA.
7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
receiving an FA access request from an SG;
determining whether the FA is registered with the HA; and
rejecting the access request if the FA is not registered with the HA.
8. The method of claim 7 , further comprising granting access to the FA if the FA is registered with the HA.
9. The method of claim 7 , further comprising determining the extent to which the FA may be granted access to the home network.
10. The method of claim 8 , further comprising determining the bandwidth limitations, if any, applicable to uploads form the home network to the HA.
11. The method of claim 10 , further comprising granting access subject to any determined access or bandwidth limitations if the FA is registered with the HA.
12. The method of claim 1 , further comprising receiving an acknowledgement for each transmitted heartbeat message.
13. The method of claim 1 , further comprising sending a registration message from the HA to the SG if no expected acknowledgement to a heartbeat message is received.