Numerous technologies fuel Wireless Internet development,
some associated with the terminals and some with the network
infrastructure equipment. Many of these diverse technologies
are related by the wireless access method used,
whether it’s GPRS or CDPD for example. We cover technologies
related to terminal devices and network infrastructure in
this chapter:
• Access technologies
• Application protocols and languages
• IP network design and equipment
Many technologies are used on multiple platforms, so
applications must be device independent to be successful.
Applications cannot be customized for a dozen different protocols
or operating systems. If a Wireless Internet application is
to be truly mobile, it must also function ubiquitously as the
user moves from one location to another. This requires IP
mobility over multiple access methods. Cellular users should
be able to go indoors and on to a WLAN seamlessly. Therefore,
wireless LANs should not compete with cellular or PDA wireless
access, rather they should complement or extend its usefulness.
Some of the leading WLAN technologies also will be
discussed.