A number of technical issues need to be addressed before Integrated networks and services can be provided.
Development
of a transparent solution
in the form of middleware based on Mobile-IP and the upcoming
IETF standard for ad hoc network support that will enable the
realisation of an integrated network platform which will
incorporate every available wireless (e.g. GSM, GPRS, UMTS,
IEEE802.11, HiperLAN2, etc.) and wirelined access technology that
is able to support Internet services. The usage of industry
standards is imperative to ensure highest compatibility and
industry acceptance.
Investigate
new algorithms for
efficient manipulation of available access interfaces with
respect to user profile and active communications. That is, for
the resolution of multi-media telecommunication services,
preference should be given to the network which best supports the
application. Furthermore, in some cases the communication for,
e.g., web browsing may be resolved over ad hoc network
connectivity.
Investigate
how mobility between
devices while communicating can be realised based on the current
Internet specification. The focus will be on determining in which
ways the original protocol design needs to be extended.
In integrated
network platforms such as
the ones presented, security plays an important role. It needs to
be investigated in which ways such constructions affect current
security considerations and determine in which ways they need to
be extended. Priority is given to user privacy, secure
communications and anonymous access.
Development
of service discovery and
provision middleware as part of the infrastructure of integrated
networks based on Service Location (SLP) and Directory Service
(LDAP) standards.
Define
and develop new application
layer protocols for the communication between client and supplier
systems in order to offer transparent service/product discovery
and enable the resolution of elaborate service requests (service
packages).
Provide
means for personalised and
transparent configuration of products, mobility/location
awareness, and one-step access. Key concepts of the
implementation are the integration of Directory Agents and
Directory Servers into gateways that can communicate with
customers as well as Service Agents on the one hand and will
allow for transparent service discovery between the different
parts of the integrated network platform through the use of
Directory Service Referrals on the other.