Bluetooth wireless technology is a short range communication system that uses open system protocol for exchanging data over short distances from fixed or mobile devices by creating a Personal Area Networks (PANs). It was intended to replace the RS-232 data cables with its wireless connectivity such that it could connect several devices, overcoming the problem of synchronization.
Looking back at the history of how Bluetooth came into existence, we see that the term Bluetooth was a modified form of Danish word Blåtand, the epithet of tenth-century king Harald I of Denmark who united several tribes of Denmark and Norway into a single kingdom. Similar to what the king Harald I Bluetooth did, Bluetooth of today unites all the communication protocols into one universal standard.
"Bluetooth logo is of bluish structure that has bind rune merging the Germanic runes (Hagall) and (Berkanan)." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth
Fig: Bluetooth
Implementation & applications:
Bluetooth basically helps to connect and transfer data between devices such as laptops, mobiles, Global Positioning System (GPS), PC, digital cameras etc through a 2.4 Gigahertz short range radio frequency. With the help of special type of radio technology called frequency-hopping spread spectrum, it cuts down the data being sent and piles them to 79 other frequencies. Normally it can achieve a data at the rate of 1 Megabits/s."The Bluetooth specifications are developed and licensed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) which comprises of various companies in the areas of telecommunication, computing, networking, and consumer electronics." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth
Since it uses open system protocol, the devices do not have to be in a line of sight of each other. Rather its practice depends upon the range kept between the devices. Here, different classes are maintained with their specific ranges like class A-100m, class B-10m & class C-1m. As it is designed for low power consumption, specific power parameters are assigned for the different classes.
There are numerous applications of Bluetooth and some of them are discussed below:
For wireless game controllers of seventh-generation game consoles like PSP, PS-3 etc
For low bandwidth application where cable-less connection is desired.
As a replacement for wired connection devices in barcode scanner, traffic control devices etc.
For wireless communication between input and output devices in a computer which include mouse, keyboard etc.
For wireless communication between mobile and hands-free headset.
For sending small advertisements through Bluetooth-enabled hoardings to other devices in range.
For transferring files, reminders, contact details etc between devices with the help of OBEX.
As a replacement for infrareds.
Merits and Demerits:
There are numerous advantages of Bluetooth technology due to its popularity these days. Nowadays people want everything to be simpler and easier to which Bluetooth has proved it. Talking about some of its advantages then,
Bluetooth provides freedom from cables and simplicity in networking.
It has highly benefitted the wireless mode of connections.
Devices can be connected and data can be transferred even if the devices are not in the line of sight to each other.
Consumes low power.
Apart from its advantages it also has some disadvantages which are enlisted below:
Security threats and attacks are mostly seen due to greater range and radio frequency. Since it is a wireless communication anyone can access it if proper security is not maintained.
Spreading of viruses is most common in mobiles through Bluetooth.
Another downside of Bluetooth is it data rate. It provides data rates of 1 Mbps whereas infrared provides data rate up to 4 mbps which is a fast rate for data transfer.
Despite the disadvantages, Bluetooth is still the best amongst the short range wireless technology and this will be more advanced in upcoming years.
Future Aspects:
"Broadcast channel - It enables Bluetooth information points which will drive the adoption of Bluetooth into mobile phones, and enable advertising models based around users pulling information from the information points, and not based around the object push model that is used in a limited way today.
Topology management - Enables the automatic configuration of the piconet topologies especially in scatternet situations that are becoming more common today. This should all be invisible to users of the technology, while also making the technology "just work."
QoS improvements- Enable audio and video data to be transmitted at a higher quality, especially when best effort traffic is being transmitted in the same piconet."
~http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth
GPRS:
Introduction:
GPRS stands for General Packet Radio Service. It is a network standard based on a packet data-switching technology. In general, GPRS is a packet oriented mobile data services for 2G communication system i.e. GSM as well as 3G communication system. It operates similarly to the wire-line networking protocols like Ethernet by switching packets of data across its route on a wireless network. Today most of the mobiles are Wi-Fi enabled, but before all the users used GPRS to get access to the internet through their mobile phones.
Actually the main theory of its mechanism is that it uses the unused portion of GSM bandwidth so as to sent or receive packets. It is somewhat similar to those conventional connections, but it doesn't guarantee a certain level of QoS (Quality of service) to the users which the conventional connection does guarantee. GPRS data speed ranges from 56 kbps being the average to about 114 kbps being the highest offering a continuous connection to the mobiles and computer users. "It was originally standardized by European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), but now by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GPRS
GPRS provides services as much as other network operators like CDMA, GSM etc offer. But the thing is that it gives the users an increased bandwidth in an effective cost so as the user can remain connected constantly and get acess to internet. It uses packet data transmission to connect with Internet Protocol (IP) based services which enables the use of radio spectrum resulting in high data speed. Using GPRS gives instantaneous connection set-up and it does not need to dial up as in home or office network. Since it effectively utilizes the available radio bandwidth, its services costs much less thn that of the circuit switched services.
"GPRS offers provides a lot of services to the users , some of which are :
"Always on" internet access.
Multimedia messaging service (MMS)
Push to talk over cellular (PoC/PTT)
Instant messaging and presence-wireless village
Internet applications for smart devices through wireless application protocol (WAP)
Point-to-point (P2P) service: inter-networking with the Internet (IP)"
~Ref (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GPRS)
In most cases, we get confused between GSM and GPRS. GPRS is just a packet based service that is delivered as a network overlay for GSM. Hence, the following key features provides an idea of how GPRS is different from GSM.
GPRS has high bandwidth and hence high data speed.
It supports both Internet Protocol and X.25.
It provides continuous acess to the internet i.e. "Always On"
It prefers packets-basesd switching rather than circuit switching which means that bandwidth and network resourses area used only at the time of transmission.
Coding
scheme
Speed
(kbps)
CS-1
8.0
CS-2
12.0
CS-3
14.4
CS-4
20.0 Provides additional components to the GSM network.
The download speed and upload speed measures in GPRS depends upon the factors like no. of BTS (Base transceiver Station) TDMA (Time Division multiple Access) time slots assigned by operators itself. The side table shows the various speed limits with its respective coding schemes.
Applications of GPRS:
GPRS provides unique services to its subscriber. These services have unique characteristics valuing its customer which include,
Mobility- for constant flow of data communication
Immediacy- allows getting connectivity when needed, anytime.
Localization- allows getting information regarding the current location.
With such characteristics, a wide range of applications can be provided to the mobile subscribers which are enlisted below:
For various means of communications like email, intranet/internet access, fax etc.
In the field of E-commerce like ticket purchasing, banking transactions etc.
For vertical application i.e. for fleet management, freight delivery etc.
For advertisement purposes.
For location based application i.e. to find specific locations, schedules etc.
GPRS can also be used to send Short Message Service (SMS).
Advantages & Disadvantages:
GPRS is the technology that brought mobile users out of the world of WAP and introduced internet services in mobiles. With the help of this huge amount of data could send and received through the internet. Hence, listing some of its advantages we have,
GPRS enabled mobiles can be a medium of portable internet connection. Places where internet is not accessible, GPRS can be of very importance. These mobiles can be used as a modem and connect to the laptops.
Another advantage of it is its great backup option and portability.
Well there are some drawbacks as well in GPRS technology which we cannot deny. Summarizing the disadvantages we have
Since cellular network GSM's band is used to transmit data, any other activities like making a call is not possible while data transfer.
GPRS downloads are done in Megabytes and kilobytes. So the users do have to pay the download charges resulting in the huge fee to be paid every month.
Therefore, GPRS in near future will promote more integrated services to connect wireless networks with public/corporate networks. It is also paving its way towards 3G which enables very high compared to the present.
WAP:
Introduction:
WAP stands for Wireless Application protocol and it is used for wireless application." Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) is an open international standard for application-layer network communications in a wireless-communication environment. Most use of WAP involves accessing the mobile web from a mobile phone or from a PDA."
~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WAP
A WAP browser works similarly as the computer's web browser. The only difference is that it maintains the browser & fits the miniature web pages in the small mobile screen. Any user can connect to Website which is written or converted in Wireless Markup Language (WML) and access through WAP browser. This protocol was designed to simplify how wireless users access electronic and voice mail, send and receive faxes, make stock trades and conduct banking transactions.
Talking about the history of WAP, we see that the initial WAP forum was designed in the year 1997 aiming to create a standardized protocol. But later in the year 2002 initial WAP forum was fused into Open Mobile Alliance (OMA). Then many versions of WAp were launched some of them are listed below:
WAP 1.X- it included a series of WAP which were WAP 1.0 standard (1998), WAP 1.1 (1999) & WAP 1.2 being the final version of the WAP 1.X series (2000).
WAP Push- it was special encoded message which inluded a link to the WAP address.
WAP 2.0- This version was released in the year 2002 and it used a cut-down version of XHTML with end-to-end HTTP.
Features of WAP:
There may be many limitations when we compare a mobile network and a fixed network. But the mobile network also has some unique features of personalizing and positioning of the devices which the WAP language strongly supports. Wireless Telephony Application (WTA) component provided by telephony integration allows integrating a call in any WAP application. Thus with the help of this the user can make a call from the application without exiting the application.
Applications of WAP:
WAP services have limited information for now but later if higher speeds become available then the technical issues that are specific to WAP can be resolved. Some of the interesting applications of WAP are as follows:
For infotainment which include weather forecasts, horoscopes, news etc.
For messaging and other services like e-mail, voicemail.
For services such as call management which enables the modification of personal information.
For financial services like mobile banking and e-commerce services.
For location-based services which include mapping and location information.
Security Issues of WAP:
WAP is a modified form for the earlier handheld devices markup language. WAP intends to operate over any other wireless transmission technologies like GSM, CDMA etc. the security related to WAP is called Wireless Transport Layer Security Specification (WTLS) which is based on TCP/IP counterpart. There has always been a security threat for a wireless network as anyone can access it. So the basic needs like encryption and authentication is always necessary. Hence, implementing WTLS in PDAs and integrating it with security system such as PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) can be taken as reasonable security terms.
Future Aspects of WAP:
The future of WAP is really much depends upon the consumers hands on whether the consumers use WAP devices to access the web or use some other technologies. Due to low bandwidth & limited input ability, the future of WAP is truly a matter of concern. In upcoming years due to the evolution of 2.5G/3G system will allow much higher data rates and capacity with high bandwidth capabilities. Actually WAP was designed for low power consumption, small screens, for wide scalability over bearers and alternating coverage which are still valid in 2.5G and 3G networks. "The bottom line is that WAP is not and can never be the Web on your mobile phone.WAP is great as long as developers understand that what are inside the applications that matters, and the perceived value of the content to the user."
~http://www.tutorialspoint.com/index.htm
Advantages & Disadvantages:
WAP supports most wireless technologies like CDMA, GSM, TDMA, FLEX etc. Also many operating systems like palm OS, Windows CE also prefer the use of WAP. Hence, some advantages of WAP are as follows:
It offers standardization to link the PDAs and mobile phones to internet.
Standardization between carriers is being created as many companies join the WAP communication forum.
Certain changes in some parts of the protocol can be done without affecting the existing devices.
Well, there are some disadvantages of WAP also which are discussed below:
Expensive
There are other protocols in the already in the market like SIM Application toolkit which are designed to replace WAP.
DUE to the different parameters required by the new services, it is difficult to configure new WAP services in WAP enabled phones.
Thus, WAPs are designed basically for handheld devices with low memory and low bandwidth. With the emergence of new technologies, time will decide the survival of the WAP in the consumer's market.
GSM:
Introduction:
Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) is a popular standard mobile phone system around the world. Today 80% of the global mobile market is covered by GSM and there are already 3 billion people across 212 countries and territories using it. So we can see the popularity of this technology. GSM is basically 2G (second generation) mobile system which is completely different from other predecessor technologies as both of its signaling and speech channels are digital. Enhanced Data Rates for GSM evolution (GSM EDGE) is a third generation (3G) version of protocol which will be launched soon. GSM mobiles consist of GPRS features and include a worldwide telephone number feature. It also has implemented Short Message Service (SMS) often called as text messaging.
Talking about the history of GSM, "In 1982, the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) created the Groupe Spécial Mobile (GSM) to develop a standard for a mobile telephone system that could be used across Europe. In 1987, a memorandum of understanding was signed by 13 countries to develop a common cellular telephone system across Europe. Finally the system created by SINTEF led by Torleiv Maseng was selected. In 1989, GSM responsibility was transferred to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and phase I of the GSM specifications were published in 1990. The first GSM network was launched in 1991 by Radiolinja in Finland with joint technical infrastructure maintenance from Ericsson. By the end of 1993, over a million subscribers were using GSM phone networks being operated by 70 carriers across 48 countries."
~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GSM
Advantages & Disadvantages:
Listing out some of the advantages of GSM we have,
GSM is more matured stable network with robust features.
There are less signal deterioration inside buildings.
GSM have the ability to use repeaters.
Due to the pulse nature of transmission generally talk time is higher in GSM phones.
The availability of Subscriber Identity Modules allows users to switch networks.
International roaming is not a problem as GSM covers virtually all parts of the world.
Globally, GSM handset makers, carriers and end users create better network due to involvement of bigger number of subscribers.
Listing out some of the advantages of GSM we have,
Pulse nature of TDMA transmission used in 2G interferes with some electronics, especially certain audio amplifiers. 3G uses W-CDMA now.
Intellectual property is concentrated among a few industry participants, creating barriers to entry for new entrants and limiting competition among phone manufacturers.
GSM has a fixed maximum cell site range of 35 km, which is imposed by technical limitations.
Security issues:
GSM was initially designed with a moderate level of service security." The system was designed to authenticate the subscriber using a pre-shared key and challenge-response. Communications between the subscriber and the base station can be encrypted. The development of UMTS introduces an optional Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), that uses a longer authentication key to give greater security, as well as mutually authenticating the network and the user - whereas GSM only authenticates the user to the network (and not vice versa). The security model therefore offers confidentiality and authentication, but limited authorization capabilities, and no non-repudiation."
~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GSM
Hence, GSM uses several cryptographic algorithms for security.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Contents
Bluetooth: 1
Introduction: 1
1
Implementation & applications: 1
Merits and Demerits: 2
Future Aspects: 3
GPRS: 4
Introduction: 4
Applications of GPRS: 5
Advantages & Disadvantages: 6
WAP: 6
Introduction: 6
Features of WAP: 7
Applications of WAP: 7
Security Issues of WAP: 7
Future Aspects of WAP: 8
Advantages & Disadvantages: 8
GSM: 9
Introduction: 9
Advantages & Disadvantages: 9
Security issues: 10
Contents 11
