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What is Mobile IP?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Mobile IP is a communications protocol developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force. The design of this IETF protocol is configured to make it possible for consumers who use mobile communication devices to be able to move from one network to another, without having to make a change in their IP address. The function of Mobile IP allows the forwarding of Internet traffic to the mobile device even when the device is not connected to the home network.

The creation of Mobile IP meant a significant change in the way information terminates across the Internet. Generally, the routing of information depends on relaying data to IP addresses that are considered fixed in location. With the advent of Mobile IP, this all changed. Instead of basing the termination on a fixed location associated with an IP address, the protocol calls for delivery of data to an IP address that may or may not be currently connected through the mother or home network.

Moble IPs allow for people using mobile internet devices, like smartphones, to move from one network to another without having to make a change in their IP address.
Moble IPs allow for people using mobile internet devices, like smartphones, to move from one network to another without having to make a change in their IP address.

Still, the assignment of a home address on a home network is necessary to ground the mobile device. However, the addition of this protocol makes it possible to also establish what is known as a care-of address. This essentially works in a manner similar to the forwarding of snail mail when a homeowner is going to be out of town for an extended period of time. The care-of address is a temporary means of identifying the current location of the mobile user and the associated IP address, then using the Internet to forward information to that temporary point of termination. With each move to another network, the process assigns a new care-of address, just as a traveler moving from one city to another would establish a new physical forwarding address.

Mobile IPs forward Internet traffic to mobile devices.
Mobile IPs forward Internet traffic to mobile devices.

With more people making use of handheld devices to access the Internet and handle emails, business correspondence, and other functions that used to be the province of the desktop computer, Mobile IP has becoming increasingly important. Service providers continue to refine the process, making the use of Mobile IP more attractive to a wider range of customers.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including EasyTechJunkie, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including EasyTechJunkie, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Discussion Comments

anon158855

it means by using same ip but different place (i mean environment)

anon115180

A common analogy to explain Mobile IP is when someone moves his residence from one location to another. Person moves from Boston to New York. Person drops off new mailing address to New York post office. New York post office notifies Boston post office of new mailing address. When Boston post office receives mail for person it knows to forward mail to person's New York address.

nandini

I want to know how a mobile ip wireless device works?

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    • Moble IPs allow for people using mobile internet devices, like smartphones, to move from one network to another without having to make a change in their IP address.
      By: Art Allianz
      Moble IPs allow for people using mobile internet devices, like smartphones, to move from one network to another without having to make a change in their IP address.
    • Mobile IPs forward Internet traffic to mobile devices.
      By: iinspiration
      Mobile IPs forward Internet traffic to mobile devices.
    • The function of Mobile IP allows the forwarding of Internet traffic to the mobile device even when the device is not connected to the home network.
      By: tinx
      The function of Mobile IP allows the forwarding of Internet traffic to the mobile device even when the device is not connected to the home network.