Making The Wireless Connection With Public Data Networks and Wireless LANs

Synopsis
This short course offers a thorough introduction to the technical concepts and developments that are driving the global revolution in wireless/mobile services. Key parts of this subject include the features of protocols that have been developed to assure successful communication over the wireless medium, and limitations to the way Internet service is delivered with this emerging class of service. This course covers the core enabling technologies that make data over mobile systems feasible, and explores the exciting developments that are leading the wireless revolution.

Focus
Wireless and Internet technologies are converging, creating remarkable opportunities for innovation in applications development. The changes that are happening in each of these two fields are important, but in combination, the momentum being generated in the industry is truly exciting. This short course introduces the essential elements that define this emerging subject, and lays the groundwork for understanding how these topics contribute to vital new systems solutions.

The unprecedented growth and pace of innovation in the Internet and its related family of protocols and applications is the driving force behind most of the development in mobile computing. Just how the mainstream of Internet technology will be adapted to the mobile environment is still not completely settled, although initiatives with Wireless LANs, Third Generation Mobile/Cellular, Location-Aware Services and Mobile IP will undoubtedly be important parts of this picture.

The course provides a balanced view of both local and wide area wireless data networking developments. Just as with wired networks, this scope covers both the privately owned and managed local networks and the shared wide-area infrastructure supported by public network providers.

Objectives
The objectives of this course are:

• To provide an effective, up-to-date training experience that integrates the essential elements of this broad and quickly developing field.
• To offer participants an opportunity to appreciate the principles and embedded technologies that contribute to delivering data services in a wireless, mobile environment.
• To interpret and present a rationalized view of emerging initiatives in wireless networking.
• To demonstrate WLAN system design, configuration, testing issues and procedures.
• To show some of the unique applications made possible with mobile and location-aware technologies in IT, non-traditional and recreational applications.

Who Should Attend
This short course is designed to appeal to, and offer effective, highly usable knowledge to professionals that are affected by mobile/wireless data technology. This includes IT specialists, engineers, managers, planners, administrators and developers.

It will appeal to a range of backgrounds, from junior and intermediate people needing a more comprehensive knowledge base, to specialists in one or more of the related disciplines who wish to broaden their professional skills.

Program Outline:
Making The Wireless Connection With Public Data Networks and Wireless LANs

(i) Introduction and Review of Mobile Services
Mobile and Wireless Definitions
End User Equipment Packaging; Mobile Phones, Notebooks, PDAs, etc.
Networking Issues; Roaming vs. Portability
The Compelling Advantages of Wireless/Mobile
WLAN Infrastructure: The Hot Spot Phenomenon

(ii) Wireless Data Systems: Features and Limitations
Comparing WLAN and Mobile/Cellular Service
Radio Propagation; Multipath Fading and Mitigation
Relationship: Data Rate vs. Signal Strength
Relation Between Channel Sharing Access Alternatives; FDMA/TDMA/CDMA
Challenges In Adapting TCP/IP Protocols to The Wireless Channel

(iii) Public Wireless Packet Data Networks
An Inconvenient Marriage: Packets and Wireless
Overview of Packet-based Mobile/Cellular Services
GPRS/EDGE and 1xRTT/EV-DO Features
Constraints on Use: Capacity, Coverage and Cost
WiMax (IEEE 802.16) Developments: The Wireless Local Loop

(iv) Review of Wired LAN Technologies
Ethernet LANs; Features and Limitations
High Speed Ethernet Developments
Collision Diameter and Drive Distance
Connectivity Tools; Bridges and Routers
Relation to Internet Protocol

(v) Wireless LANs
Issues: Security, Capacity and Cost
Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) Overview
IEEE 802.11 a, b and g Technology Features
Possibilities for Increasing Capacity With MIMO
Bluetooth Technology and Applications
Compatibility Problems Between Bluetooth and WLANs

(vi) Designing and Demonstrating Wireless LANs
Coverage Challenges In-Doors
Living With Limited Capacity -- Performance Issues
Integrating WLANs Into The Wired Infrastructure
Typical Configuration Examples
Installation Issues - WLAN PC Card

(vii) Roaming Issues
Addressing Issues in the Mobile Environment
Overview; IP Connectivity With a Mobile Unit
The "Mobile IP" Approach
Functions of the Mobile Agent, Home Agent and Foreign Agent
Tunnel Delivery Methods

(viii) Location-Based Topics
The Global Positioning System overview
Improving GPS Accuracy with Augmentation
Emergency 911 and Other Location-Aware Initiatives
Alternate Ways of Determining Location
Location-aware Application Sampler:

• Fleet management and dispatch
• Automotive applications; navigation and safety
• Networking with your friends - the Asian model
• Controlling bulldozers and prisoners

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