Wireless network extension using mobile IP

Over the last two decades, we have seen a dramatic shift in computing systems, away from the monolithic mainframe and toward increasingly distributed, client-server systems. One of the key elements enabling the success of the distributed computing environment was the interconnecting network technology. High-speed, reliable network hardware and protocols evolved to support client-server applications. Network technology has now progressed to the point that applications are being written to specifically exploit the capabilities of the network. The explosion of World Wide Web applications is the latest example of the fact that the network is now the focus of the distributed computing environment. In a concurrent development, personal computing platforms placed increasingly powerful systems in ever smaller form factors. Users have embraced these advances: Mobile computers, in the form of laptops, palmtops, and personal digital assistants (PDAs), are a significant element of the current computing environment. However, to be fully productive, the mobile computer user requires access to the network. Further, access to a network is not sufficient. Mobile users need access to the same network-the same resources and services and communications capabilities-that they would if they were at their desktops. We refer to this concept of providing home network access to the mobile user as network extension. Addressing many requirements for practical wireless access, this Internet technology aids the development of advanced data services for wireless networks, including the integrated dispatch enhanced network.