Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Currently, various telecom operators throughout the world are involved in building out 3g mobile systems. But a so-called 4g has been mooted by various parties. What is this 4g? And what might be the prospects of running the Internet Protocol over it? Wisely explores these questions in this recent book (2009).
The tone is somewhat informal, which may not be to some readers' tastes, so you've been warned.
Much of the book summarises many details about current 3g and wireless LANs. It is definitely a technical discussion. But part of the value that Wisely provides the reader is he steps back from the hugely verbose descriptions of many wireless schemes. To an engineering reader, enough operational details are given for you to appreciate the gists of the systems.
From a business standpoint, the key value might be in the final chapter. Assessments are offered for future mobile services and systems. Though scattered thru the book are other related observations. We see that some previous predictions by telecos have been awry. Notably that SMS was originally intended for diagnostics by telecom engineers, yet it has grown immensely as a popular mass mode of communication and a huge revenue source.
Another observation is that 4g, at least initially, might not involve IPv6. The latter keeps getting pushed further into the future. So if you are devising an IP over 4g application, you might design for IPv4, at least for the initial years of deployment.
Things have changed since I reviewed another book on 4g, 2 years ago, 4G Roadmap and Emerging Communication Technologies (Universal Personal Communications). That text had much to say on Digital Rights Management. In contrast, Wisely omits this topic. Possibly because the intervening time has led to an overall deprecation of DRM.
One thing that Wisely chronicles well is how the current telecos face a conundrum. They want 4g to be a major new revenue stream. But if they offer IP over 4g, there is a danger that they will be reduced to dumb pipes, just supplying commodity access to the Internet. Whereupon Internet based services like search engines and auction sites might garner most of the profits, as they have done with fixed Internet access. The telecos don't want to end up like the ISPs! Hence the possible rise of walled gardens with restricted access.
How will all this play out?
Click Here to see more reviews about:
IP for 4GExcellent reference with expert insight into the future evolution of mobile communications: 4G
IP for 4G examines the concept of 4G, providing an in-depth background to the key technologies and developments shaping the new generation of mobile services, including Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), IP developments (SIP and Media Independent Handover), Internet Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), and 3G (HSDPA and LTE). The book addresses these key technological drivers in light of commercial propositions such as generating extra revenue and reducing costs, and offers an up-to-date briefing on the future of mobile communications in the coming years.
Key features:
Presents and analyses the key technological drivers of 4G, including WLANs, WiMAX, convergence and IMS
Examines the rationale for IP for 4G by bringing together technologies, global developments and economic arguments in one single volume
Describes and puts in context the developments in the IEEE 802.21 Media Independent Handover group, in particular the options for network/terminal controlled handover and the likely mechanisms for seamless handover – including application adaptation
Written for readability as well as depth – with access to detailed descriptions of technologies but also quick overviews
Contains scenario descriptions to motivate the need for seamless handover and benefits for the user (single sign-on access to networks, single billing)
Contains hundreds of original diagrams – carefully drawn to illustrate the complex technology and quickly provide a summary of the main issues.
Accompanying website supports the book with additional diagrams, figures and references for further reading
IP for 4G is an invaluable reference for professionals in mobile/fixed telecoms and ICT industries, practicing telecommunications and network engineers, system designers and developers. Graduate level students studying MSc and higher-level courses on networking will also find this book of interest.
Get 17% OFF
Click here for more information about IP for 4G
