Cisco's Mobile IP Roaming Software

When it comes to roaming technology, cell phones have it made. Their technology automatically picks up your signal as you move from one coverage area to another. Cisco aims to do the same for any mobile device on an IP network.

by Michael Singer of siliconvalley.internet.com [October 31, 2001]

Cisco Systems (NASDAQ:CSCO) Tuesday launched new software that essentially lets an IP device roam around while remaining constantly connected to its home network using the same IP address.

The software, called Cisco Mobile Networks in Cisco IOS, is an expansion of its Mobile IP initiative launched back in 1998. The technology uses methods specified by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).

With the new functionality, a Cisco router along with its entire network of connected IP devices can now roam across network boundaries and connection types. Cisco says the advances could mean big bucks to wireless service providers that are thinking of expanding their networks into such markets as emergency management services, telematics, railroads and shipping systems, and automobiles.

Cisco's Mobile Network is independent of the physical layer and operates over cellular, satellite and other types of communications networks. A mobile LAN powered by Cisco Mobile Networks supports an "always on" connection to the Internet, letting end users connected to the LAN stay online at all times during long periods of transit.

For example, an airplane with a router running Cisco Mobile IP with the Cisco Mobile Networks functionality can fly around the world with all passengers continuously connected to the Internet. The passengers connect their laptops, PDAs, or cell phones to the router on the airplane using traditional LAN technologies such as Ethernet or 802.11b.

The company says no special "mobility enabled" devices are required as the network is enabling the mobility.

Currently, NASA Glenn Research Center outside of Cleveland, Ohio is working to install Cisco's Mobile Networks on low-earth-orbiting research craft.

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