Mobile IP keeps us connected when we change off Wi-Fi or cellular networks. This ensures that we remain in touch, send messages, and use the internet uninterruptedly, even when we are traveling. Thus, it is an important part of effective communication and connectivity. Here, we will discuss mobile IP, its components, and working in detail. Let’s have a look!
Mobile IP and its Components
Mobile IP enables communication between all devices without interrupting communication or changing the original IP address. If you are curious about how it works, you can easily look it up online for more details. The following are the important components of Mobile IP:
Mobile node (MN)
A Mobile Node is any device that can travel across network data structures without altering its IP address. This might include cell phones, computers, and tablets.
Home Agent (HA)
The Home Agent is a router that belongs to the Mobile Node’s home network. It serves as a relay point for the Mobile Node and assists in routing packets to the Mobile Node’s current location.
Foreign Agent (FA)
The Foreign Agent is a router that is resident in the foreign network where the Mobile Nodes is temporarily attached. This helps the Mobile Node forwarding of packets when it goes away from its home network.
Correspondent Node (CN)
The Correspondent Node is any device that the Mobile Node wants to communicate with. It could be a server, another mobile phone, or any other node on the Internet.
Care-of Address (CoA)
The Care-of Address is the IP address of the Mobile Node’s current position in a different network. It transmits the packets that are intended for the Mobile Node in the domain of the Foreign Agent.
How does Mobile IP Work?
Here is how a mobile IP works:
- Registration: When the device moves, it tells its home network where it is now.
- Tunneling: The home network wraps up data for the device and sends it to the new network.
- Forwarding: The new network gets the data and gives it to the device.
- Communication: The device sends back messages, and they go through the new network to the home network and then to the right person.
This keeps the device connected with the same address, so chats, calls, and other data don’t get cut off when you switch networks.