Jens Meggers

UMTS: a middleware architecture and mobile API approach

The ongoing European ACTS project OnTheMove provides support services for distributed mobile multimedia applications. The project defines, implements, and demonstrates a mobile middleware called a Mobile Application Support Environment (MASE) which is based on UMTS concepts. The mobile application programming interface (mobile API) of MASE, which will be submitted for standardization, allows common access to the underlying operating systems and network infrastructure, and facilitates the development of new, mobile-aware, multimedia applications.

A multimedia communication architecture for handheld devices

This paper describes how the Mobile Application Support Environment (MASE) developed by the ACTS project OnTheMove can be applied in an environment where mobile users are equipped with small handheld devices. Taking the limited capabilities of these lightweight devices into account, we show how the OnTheMove middleware enables multimedia communication. We outline specific device constraints and describe the generic MASE approach by focussing on email, HTTP and video communications.

Application level error recovery using active network nodes

This paper proposes the use of active networking technology for error correction with application level error recovery code. The focus of this paper lies on real-time video transmission supported by active network nodes. Experiments with a prototype model show a considerable improvement with respect to video quality, error correction time and bandwidth usage.

Mobile Middleware: Additional Functionalities to Cover Wireless Terminals

The main goal of middleware is to offer applications an interface that allows a common view on underlying heterogeneous networks and operating systems. Especially the merging of fixed and wireless networks requires well-defined components of the middleware that cover services which permit applications co-ordinated use of network and operating system resources. Regarding wireless networks it is necessary to take into consideration the variety of possible mobile terminals which are designed according to different requirements. This paper focuses on the architecture of Mobile Middleware and highlights the required services taking into account different terminal characteristics that are going to be used in the future UMTS.

Active Networks Nodes for Adaptive Multimedia Communication

This paper proposes the use of active networking technology for congestion control and fast error correction with application level error recovery code deployed in active nodes. Its focus lies on real-time video transmission of sender based adaptive applications which are supported by active network nodes. Experiments with a prototype model show a considerable improvement with respect to video quality, error correction time, and bandwidth utilisation

Voice-data integration in wireless communication networks

Currently the integration of voice and data in mobile communication networks is still in its infancy. Restrictions to multimedia communication are placed by changing quality of service and the use of separate voice and data bearer services. This paper describes how the middleware architecture developed in the ACTS project MOVE provides for voice/data integrated communication even over a single data bearer service.