Management for Mobility-Aware Networks Based on Standardized Protocols

Abstract

In the traditional network management architecture, there is an implicit assumption that a managed device will not change its location. Location related information where available is static, and it is used for simple reporting purposes. However with mobile devices these attributes are inherently dynamic. Monitoring processes of management information also encounter difficulties of network instability caused by roaming of devices or wireless signal errors. So the current approach of network management needs to be reviewed. MobileIPv6 and NEMO are standardized protocols for realizing mobility-aware network. In this article we propose new network management technologies for MobileIPv6/NEMO network based on the Internet standard network management protocol, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). Our focus is the importance of 1) location awareness and 2) intelligent monitoring process. We explained about the MobileIPv6/NEMO-MIB that is aware of mobile device’s dynamically changing location. We also propose the delayed data sending method that realizes effective transfer of management information without congestion over an instable network. From an evaluation in simulations, and experiments in real environment, we confirmed that our approach is effective for improving monitoring processes for mobile devices in management of MobileIPv6/NEMO network. This is one of the first management applications that are completely based on Internet standard protocols of MobileIPv6/NEMO, and SNMP.