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12.3 | |
Mobile Wireless | |
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Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) |
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The Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) is
an application environment and a set of communication protocols for
wireless devices. It is designed to enable access to the Internet and
advanced telephony services. This access is independent of
manufacturer, vendor, and technology.
WAP bridges the gap between the mobile world and the Internet or corporate intranets. It gives pocket-sized mobile device users access to the same information that they can access from their desktops. WAP is a global standard that is not controlled by any single company. Ericsson, Nokia, Motorola, and Unwired Planet founded the WAP Forum in 1997. There are now over one hundred members. The WAP specifications define a set of protocols for the application, session, transaction, security, and transport layers. WAP also defines a wireless application environment (WAE), which enables operators, manufacturers, and content developers to create advanced differentiating services and applications. Types of applications include micro-browsers, scripting facilities, e-mail, WWW-to-mobile messaging, and mobile-to-telefax access. WAP utilizes Internet standards such as XML, UDP, and IP. Many of the WAP protocols are based on Internet standards, such as HTTP. The WAP protocols have been optimized for the unique constraints of the wireless environment, which include low bandwidth, high latency, and less connection stability. Standard HTML content cannot be effectively displayed on the small screens of pocket-sized mobile devices. The lightweight WAP protocol stack
shown in Figure WAP content is converted into a compact binary form known as a byte code for transmission over the air. The WAP micro-browser software interprets the byte code and displays the interactive WAP content. The WAP browser may do for the mobile Internet, what the Web browser did for the Internet. Over 75 percent of the leading mobile device manufacturers in the world are involved in the WAP Forum and have announced WAP-compatible devices. Web browsing is not expected to be the main selling factor for WAP. Real-time applications and services that supply important pieces of information are expected to promote the success of WAP. Examples include stock prices, weather, and restaurant locations.
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is designed to minimize the required bandwidth and
maximize the number of wireless network types that can deliver WAP
content. Multiple networks will be targeted, including GSM, TDMA, PCS,
and CDMA. All network technologies and bearers will also be supported,
including short message service (SMS), circuit-switched cellular data
(CSD), cellular digital packet data (CDPD), and GPRS. 
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