The WAP
Model(Wireless Internet Solution)
The Wireless
Application Protocol (WAP) is an internet protocol that
is based on current internet protocols, but it has been specially enhanced to suit the
wireless community. This wireless community is set to grow at an astounding rate. Very
soon, every person would be able to have services on-hand anytime anywhere. However due to
the nature of personal devices, a new protocol has to be established for reasons and
benefits discussed in other sections of this website. This section introduces how WAP was
developed and what the protocol entails.
WAP
Forum
How
it was formed :
In 1995, Ericsson
initiated a project to develop a general protocol for value-added services on mobile
networks. Intelligent Terminal Transfer Protocol (ITTP) could handle the communication
between a service node, where the service application is implemented, and an intelligent
mobile phone.
During
1996, Unwired Planet came up with another protocol Handheld Device Transport Protocol
(HDTP) together with a complementary markup language Handheld Device Markup Language
(HDML). HDML was used to describe content and user interface for wireless internet access
on small displays and limited input facilities.
In March 1997, Nokia presented the Smart Message concept, specially
designed for GSM networks. This form of communication used a protocol called Short Message
Service (SMS) together with a respective language Tagged Text Markup Language (TTML).
With such a multitude of standards proposed by these companies, the
market would become fragmented, something that neither of the companies would benefit
from. As such, the companies agreed to come together to form a joint solution.
On
June 26 1997, the 4 companies started the WAP forum.
