Utilization of the internet protocol to facilitate communication involving mobile devices

Abstract

A data communication system capable of forwarding IP-addressed data to devices as such devices move among networks having different IP addresses is dislcosed herein. The system includes first and second networks containing first and second pluralities of nodes. At least one of the first plurality of nodes is adapted to receive data transmissions from an external IP-based network. Upon joining the first network, this device is assigned an IP address which remains with it irrespective of whether it moves beyond the range of the first network. When this device roams into the vicinity of the second network, data addressed to the device which is received at the first network is forwarded via at least one node of the second network to the roaming device.

1 . A data communication system comprising:
 A first network including a first plurality of nodes, said first network having a first network address;   A second network including a second plurality of nodes, said second network having a second network address; and   Means for forwarding, from said first network to said second network, message information received at said first network and addressed to a first node of said first plurality of nodes when said first node establishes communication with said second network   
   
   
       2 - 8 . (canceled)