In the context of a radio communications system that includes a core
network coupled to a radio access network (RAN) and a plurality of mobile
terminals, a connection may be established between the core network and
one of the plurality of mobile terminals through the radio access network.
A temporary RAN identifier is associated with the mobile terminal for the
established connection. The temporary RAN identifier is used to assist in
the transfer of information pertaining to the established connection or to
the establishment of that connection through the radio access network. The
radio access network includes a first RAN node associated with a first
geographical coverage area and a second RAN node associated with a second
geographical coverage area. When the mobile terminal moves from the first
coverage area to the second coverage area, the connection is
re-established through the RAN by way of the first and second RAN nodes
using the temporary RAN identifier. The temporary RAN identifier in
packets corresponding to the established connection is used to direct
those packets to and from the first and second RAN nodes. The first and
second RAN nodes analyze packets corresponding to the established
connection including the temporary RAN identifier included in each packet.
From analysis of the temporary RAN identifier, the first and second RAN
nodes determine where packets are to be routed. The temporary RAN
identifier is also advantageously employed to facilitate mobile terminal
registration and paging operations.
