Mobile Computing and Wireless Communications

Applications, Networks, Platforms, Architectures, and Security

 Amjad Umar, Ph.D.

July 2004

 

   

General Book Information

- Author: Amjad Umar

- Publisher: NGE Solutions, Publication Date: July 2004, 720 pages

- Includes glossary of terms and index

- Price: $49   

 

Appendix A: Tutorial on Network Basics

Appendix B:  Closer Look at Physical Wireless Communications 

   

 

BOOK OBJECTIVES AND SALIENT FEATURES

This book provides a recent and relevant coverage of the subject matter based on a systematic approach. It is written to present a broad as well as comprehensive analysis. Especially suitable for practitioners and managers, the book has also been classroom tested in CS/IS/IT courses on mobile computing and wireless communications. The salient features of this book are: 

1. A practical approach based on a systematic framework that covers the basic building blocks of mobile computing and wireless systems and their interrelationships to each other. This facilitates a balanced coverage of applications, networks, platforms, architectures, security, and management issues instead of one narrow topic.   

2. Comprehensive analysis of recent and relevant topics such as the following:

§   Mobile computing applications and their role in supporting the M-Business, M-Government, and mobile Life initiatives. Two chapters[1] are devoted to discussion of applications such mobile messaging systems (e.g., SMS, MMS), mobile commerce, location-based services, mobile portals, mobile customer relationship management, mobile supply chain management systems, wireless sensor applications, and mobile agent applications.

§   Mobile computing platforms and how they enable the mobile computing applications. Two chapters are devoted to extensive discussion of topics such as the wireless Internet, Mobile IP, wireless middleware, wireless gateways, mobile application servers, WAP, i-mode, J2ME, BREW, Mobile Internet Toolkit, and Mobile Web Services. 

§   Wireless networks that support and enable the mobile computing applications.  The discussion starts with a chapter that covers wireless communication principles such as wireless transmissions, smart antennas, frequency allocations, error detection and correction, location-based technologies, spread spectrum, and CDMA/TDMA. Five additional chapters are devoted to detailed discussion of wireless LANs with emphasis on 802.11, Bluetooth, wireless sensor networks, UWB (Ultra Wideband), cellular networks ranging from 1G to 5G, mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), wireless local loops, FSO (Free Space Optics), satellites communications, and deep space networks.  

§   The architectural, security, and management/support issues and their role in building, deploying and managing wireless systems in modern settings. Three chapters examine how can integrated architectures be built to provide seamless services to the end-users on top of hybrid wireless/wired systems; how can effective wireless security solutions be developed on top of weakly secure wireless components; and how can a wireless project be planned, organized, developed, deployed, and monitored for success. 

§   The relevant regulatory and standards bodies and their role in this dynamic field is also examined. Discussions also include the different types of wireless businesses such as network element providers, wireless telephone network operators, wireless software/hardware developers, wireless application service providers, and wireless engineering/consulting firms. 

3. Case study orientation with numerous real-life examples and case studies throughout the book to clarify and illustrate key points. Each chapter starts with a short case study/example and concludes with 3 to 4 additional examples.

4.. Complete instructor materials (PowerPoint slides, course outlines, project assignments) to support an academic or industrial course are provided.

5. An appendix containing a short tutorial on network concepts for novices in the field and another appendix for more detailed coverage of wireless physical communications for people with more technical interests. 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
Part I: Mobile Computing Applications and Platforms   

Chapter 1: Overview and the Big Picture 

Chapter 2: Mobile Computing Applications: Supporting M-Business and M-Government

Chapter 3: Wireless Internet, Mobile IP, and Wireless Web

Chapter 4: Mobile Computing Platforms, Middleware, and Servers 

 

Part II: Wireless Networks

Chapter 5: Wireless Network Principles  

Chapter 6: Wireless LANs  --  802.11 and Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Chapter 7: Wireless Personal Area Networks: Bluetooth, UWB, and Sensor Networks 

Chapter 8: Cellular Networks -- From 1G to 5G

Chapter 9: Wireless Local Loops and Satellite Communications

Chapter 10: Emerging Wireless Networks: UWB, FSO, MANET, and Flash OFDM s 

 

Part III: Architectures, Security and Management

Chapter 11: Integrated Architectures for Wireless   

Chapter 12: Wireless Security

Chapter 13: Management and Support Issues

 

Part IV: Appendices

Appendix A: Tutorial on Network Basics

Appendix B:  Closer Look at Physical Wireless Communications 

 


[1] Most chapters in this book are about 50 pages.