Wireless data networking, standards, and applications

Mobile communications is now so pervasive that, in some countries, mobile phones outnumber landline phones. Penetration rates of over 50% have been reached in many markets. This paper is focused on the standards, network platforms, and applications that are driving this phenomenon in terms of how these elements are providing new capabilities and services for network operators and end users. We review the wireless standards that support high-speed packet internetworking for efficient delivery of voice, Internet, and multimedia content. We also describe wireless networking solutions that use novel and highly advanced hardware and software systems. Lastly, we detail new network elements that enhance the range of services that both traditional service providers and new applications service providers can offer over Internet-ready wireless networks.