ABSTRACT
There are several characteristics of wireless networks and mobile devices that operate in such environments that give rise to several issues that do not pose a problem in a fixed, wired infrastructure. Wireless networks are less reliable, have limited bandwidth, and transmissions are more susceptible to errors and easier to intercept. Mobile devices are often small and have limited processing capabilities. Mobile applications have to take into consideration the constraint of small displays, and heavy-duty processing should not be done on mobile devices. Because mobile devices operate on batteries, managing energy consumption economically becomes imperative to prolong operating time and reduces the frequency of recharge between use. Among the constraints that have to be considered are:
Limitations on local resources, such as bandwidth and disk space. N Adaptive behavior; that is, the ability to adapt to its environment and user N demand. Battery power consumption. N Heterogeneous environment (e.g., platforms, devices, underlying networks). N Small display size gives rise to the need for new interface design techniques. N Disparity in the availability of remote services. N Unpredictable variation in QoS. N
This chapter discusses various constraints of mobile computing and communications, how these constraints are addressed, and issues that are still outstanding.
