Wireless Application Protocol:

Wireless Access Protocol (WAP) is an open international standard for applicationlayer network communications in a wireless-communication environment. Most use of WAP involves accessing the mobile web from a mobile phone or from a PDA(Personal Digital Assistant). WAP enables content to be made visible on a cell phone display. WAP describes a specification that allows users to access information via wireless handheld devices. These devices usually have small screens. So we can say, a method for presenting web pages on small devices in a way which does not tax the transfer speeds or memory of those devices. That is, these are web sites designed for mobile devices rather than standard computers. The WAP layers are:

Wireless Application Environment (WAE) Wireless Session Layer (WSL) Wireless Transport Layer Security (WTLS) Wireless Transport Layer (WTP)

Hand Held Devices:

A mobile device (also known as cellphone device, handheld device, handheld computer, "Palmtop" or simply handheld) is a pocket-sized computing device, typically having a display screen with touch input or a miniature keyboard.

Mobile computing:
Mobile computing is a form of humancomputer interaction where a computer is expected to be transported during normal usage. Mobile computing has three aspects: mobile communication, mobile hardware and mobile software. The first aspect addresses communication issues in ad-hoc and infrastructure networks as well as communication properties, protocols, data formats and concrete technologies. The second aspect focuses on the hardware, i.e. mobile devices or device components. The third aspect deals with the characteristics and requirements of mobile applications Mobile computing is "taking a computer and all necessary files and software out into the field." "Mobile computing: being able to use a computing device even when being mobile and therefore changing location. Portability is one aspect of mobile computing." Mobile Computing is using a computer (of one kind or another) while on the move Or Mobile Computing is when a (work) process is moved from a normal fixed position to a more dynamic position. So, we can say, Mobile Computing is an umbrella term used to describe technologies that enable people to access network services anyplace, anytime, and anywhere.

Technical and other limitations of mobile computing:

Insufficient bandwidth

Mobile Internet access is generally slower than direct cable connections, using technologies such as GPRS and EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution), and more recently HSDPA(High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) and HSUPA(High Speed Uplink Packet Access) 3G networks. These networks are usually available within range of commercial cell phone towers. Higher speed wireless LANs are inexpensive, but have very limited range.

Security standards

When working mobile one is dependent on public networks, requiring careful use of VPNs.

Power consumption

When a power outlet or portable generator is not available, mobile computers must rely entirely on battery power. Combined with the compact size of many mobile devices, this often means unusually expensive batteries must be used to obtain the necessary battery life.

Transmission interferences

Weather, terrain, and the range from the nearest signal point can all interfere with signal reception. Reception in tunnels, some buildings, and rural areas is often poor.

Potential health hazards

More car accidents are related to drivers who were talking through a mobile device. Cell phones may interfere with sensitive medical devices. There are allegations that cell phone signals may cause health problems.

Human interface with device

Screens and keyboards tend to be small, which may make them harder to use. Alternate input methods such as speech or handwriting recognition require training.

Wireless Web:
The wireless Web refers to use of the World Wide Web through a wireless device, such as a cellular telephone or personal digital assistant (PDA). Wireless Web connection provides anytime/anywhere connection to e-mail, mobile banking, instant messaging, weather and travel information, and other services. In general, sites aiming to accommodate wireless users must provide services in a format displayable on typically small wireless devices. It is estimated that 95% of wireless Internet devices being manufactured today use the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) developed by Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia, and Unwired Planet for presenting content. The wireless Web is not gaining in popularity as quickly as some have predicted. The low bandwidth of today's wireless service, relatively high usage charges, and small and

difficult-to-use input and output devices contribute to impeding growth, a condition that has been referred to as "wapathy" (WAP apathy).

Network Infrastructure of E-Commerce:

Network infrastructure is required for e-commerce to transport content. I-way is a high-capacity, interactive electronic pipeline used to transfer content in case of e-commerce. I-way can transfer any type of context like, text, graphics, audio and video. In other words, multimedia contents are easily transported through I-way. Components of I-way: - Consumer access equipment. - Local on-ramps, and - Global information distribution networks. Consumer access equipment are devices used by consumers to access the multimedia interactive contents of e-commerce. In this segment, hardware and software vendors are also included. Local or access road, or on-ramps: These segments of I-way simplify linkages between businesses, universities, and homes to the communications backbone. There are four different types of provider of access ramps: - telecom-based - cable TV-based - wirelessbased and - computer-based online information services. These providers link users and ecommerce application providers. Global information distribution networks are the infrastructures that are connecting countries and continents.