Josef Huber

Toward the mobile Internet

The promise of ubiquitous computing is a future in which highly specialized, embedded computing devices operate seamlessly within the everyday environment and are transparent to users. Realizing this vision will require next-generation networks to support mobile multimedia devices with capabilities well beyond those of todays handsets. These networks will exploit wideband radio access technologies and IP-based protocols to provide IP transparency-all network elements support IP; mobility management for a globally networked environment; unique addressing for every user; personalization of information; positioning to enable location-dependent services; and end-to-end security. Such functionality requires more than providing wireless Internet access and e-mail.

Mobile/Personal Satcoms System Alternatives — Satellite and Network Aspects

Present satellite networks are built up as extension to public networks. They provide subscriber access via satellite for those areas where telecommunications do not exist. The switching functions are relatively simple, the radio interfaces have high signal delay and require high power. Such systems will not be acceptable in a future in which personal and mobile communications dominate the wireless market in many countries of the world. Subscribers will compare with mobile standards like GSM expecting a higher level of service. If such a level can be achieved with satellites the demand for satellite based Personal Communications Networks (PCNs) will increase. The targets should be: Global coverage, personal numbering/roaming, voice and data, pager services, handhelds and lower tariffs.

Peer-to-peer networking in mobile communications based on SIP

The mobile Internet, ubiquitous computing and universal mobile communications are key words related to the integration of information technology and communications. Until today, the Internet has been dominated by non-realtime services based on client-server relations. As its continued developments encompass realtime voice and video, peer-to-peer communications will emerge. Consequently, the take-up of Internet technologies in mobile networks leads to new innovations there. This chapter describes the evolution path of mobile networks and services in the framework of the universal mobile telecommunication system UMTS.