Particularly Topical Instance, Lets Say the Internet

¶ … particularly topical instance, lets say the internet or the SMS service that everybody is abundantly using these days. There are different shades of technology that color this kind of communication between two communicating devices like the cell phones. Following are the three main types of platforms for this technology and their suitability with the consumers: Wireless Access Protocol, General Packet Radio Service, and the third generation Universal Mobile Telecommunication System.

The acronym WAP stands for Wireless Access Protocol. This simply means that it is through WAP the wireless devices communicate. A lot of different types of data can be sent via a WAP. One of the main uses of WAP is in cellular phones and the exchange of data being voice or short messages. WAP is technically compatible with most of the GSM services and clients. There can be either a dedicated WAP server or a traditional web server to 'power' the WAP. All these components must communicate with one another, as WAP itself is only a protocol.

A free, unlicensed protocol for wireless communications that makes it possible to create advanced telecommunications services and to access Internet pages from a mobile telephone. Wireless application protocol is a de facto industry standard supported by a large number of suppliers. WAP supports most wireless network standards including CDMA, GSM, PDC, PHS, TDMA, FLEX, DECT, and Mobitex, as well as operating systems like EPOC. WAP devices understand the WML language (an XML application) that is optimized for small screens and navigation without a keyboard. WAP also supports WMLScript scripting language. (Ericsson)

The server side of a service works in much the same way as a standard web service. The web server is connected to either a local or remote gateway using TCP/IP and UDP connections. Most commonly this would be via permanently connected leased lines, though under exceptional circumstances this could be via digital or analogue dial-up lines. In the case of a dedicated WAP server, no gateway is required. This is made available on the internet, again using standard web technology (IP address, domain name resolving services and the like). (DSC)

Another technology that involves the connection between two hand held sets of mechanism is GPRS, which is short for General Packet Radio Service. GPRS is an enhancement to GSM and is also very technically compatible. It utilizes packet switching technology, which means that information is transmitted in short bursts of data over an IP-based network. Standardized by ETSI in December 1997, GPRS products are currently under development by GSM equipment vendors. GPRS is a large, complex system that merges cellular telephone radio transmission technology and Internet information delivery protocols. Initial implementations of GPRS operated within the framework of present GSM technology.

Quick session setups and fast data transmission speeds gives GPRS a sound place. It is a packet-linked technology that enables high-speed (115 kilobit per second) wireless Internet and other data communications. GPRS offers a tenfold increase in data throughput rates, from 9.6kbit/s to 115 kbit/s. Using a packet data service, subscribers are always connected and always online so services will be easy and quick to access. (Ericsson)

Also, GPRS can use multiple time slots for data transfer as opposed to a normal single time slot, so there will be more of the 'SMS' for everybody, at the same time! GPRS is deigned so that color Internet browsing and powerful visual communications is possible. Imagine watching a colorful Renault on your hand-held palm pilot or phone. GPRS can enable that. Area-based services are also parts which makes GPRS a good platform to work on.

The GPRS is an extension of the GSM network enabling data "packets" to be transmitted at high speed, in the same way as on the Internet. With rates up to eight times higher than GSM, the network offers virtually instantaneous connection. With GPRS, mobile phones will enable us to surf the WEB as easily as with a modem and PC, but with the added mobility.

Then there is UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunication System. This is the system of the future. Although there are some 100 third generation wireless licenses awarded, the program is still under testing conditions. UMTS is like watching Star Trek, for it is the technology of future. Imagine a wireless Information Society, delivering high-value broadband information, commerce and entertainment services to mobile users via fixed, wireless and satellite networks. UMTS will speed convergence between telecommunications, it, media and content industries to deliver new services and create fresh revenue-generating opportunities at low-cost, high-capacity mobile communications. UMTS will be offering data rates as high as 2 Mbit/sec under stationary conditions with global roaming and other advanced capabilities.

UMTS brings together two powerful forces: wideband radio communications and IP-based services. Together, these lay the groundwork for advanced mobile internet services, which build on combinations of mobility, personalization, transactions and localization. Making third generation wirelesses a reality depends on technology developments in different areas such as amendments to the radio interface to support wideband communications and in the core network. Supporting technologies, such as WAP and GPRS, play a very important role.