19-02-2016, 04:32 PM
Introduction
This document is written as Introduction to the Wireless Application Protocol and as a high level view of where the industry is headed in respect to this particular protocol. The Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) is used primarily for handheld devices. By definition according to “Planning for PKI” by Russ Housley, WAP “is an open global specification for providing Internet communications and advanced service to mobile users with wireless devices.” The industry sees the WAP protocol as being a comprehensive and scaleable protocol. WAP is not a protocol that works on its own. Rather WAP is designed to sit on top of other protocols to include; Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) or Global Systems for Mobiles (GSM). WAP focuses on using existing standards and improving upon those to come up with a much more comprehensive solution. The wireless devices that are referenced in this document include but are not limited to the following:
· Mobile Telephones
· Pagers
· Personal Digital Assistants
· Other Wireless Terminals
WAP provides a way for businesses to produce new business opportunities. The technology is the same no matter what network platform is being used. Over the years there has been a considerable amount of work done to support desktop and larger computers. This technology can is needed because hand helds typically have the following limitations:
· Less Powerful PC’s
· Less Memory
· Restricted Power Consumption
· Smaller Displays
· Different Input Devices
WAP Forum
The WAP forum was established in 1997 as a non-profit industry association. According to WAP Forum they define themselves as the following: “The Wireless Application Protocol Forum is an industry group dedicated to the goal of enabling sophisticated telephony and information services on handheld wireless devices.” The original participants in developing WAP and the Forum were Motorola, Nokia, Ericsson and Phone.com. There are currently over 200 members.