Chapter Seven. Challenges of IP in Wireless Networks

IP has been tried and tested successfully in fixed networks for data services. It has become a de facto standard for data communications on the Internet by connecting universities, businesses, and individuals all over the world. In spite of its technical merit and popularity, it falls short of meeting the demands of wireless networks. In this chapter, the critical limitations of IP applicability to wireless networks are discussed. Aspects related to addressing incompatibilities with the wireless/cellular or PSTN networks and the effects of wireless link characteristics, roaming, and handover are discussed. Further, packet switched networks like IP face challenges with respect to security and guaranteed service quality for certain real-time services. Quality of Service (QoS) offers quality differentiation among various services and users based on their subscription levels. This chapter also covers discussions related to the session and transport issues and transitional support required in the wireless networks for using IP. By the end of the chapter, the reader will have a comprehensive understanding of what is required in the IP suite of protocols to enable IP deployment for wireless networks.