THE TAMILNADU DR.

AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI

I B.B.A LLB - MOBILE COMMERCE NOTES

BY: Mrs. S. SEEMA

MODULE – II: MOBILE COMMERCE APPLICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY
FINANCIAL SECTOR

Mobile commerce, often referred to as m-commerce, has significantly impacted the

financial sector in several ways. Here are some key aspects:

➢ Convenience: Mobile commerce offers unparalleled convenience for financial

transactions. Customers can access their bank accounts, make payments, transfer funds,
and even apply for loans or credit cards directly from their mobile devices. This level of
convenience has transformed how people manage their finances on a day-to-day basis.
➢ Increased Accessibility: M-commerce has expanded financial services to populations that
previously had limited access to traditional banking services. With the widespread adoption
of smartphones, even people in remote or underbanked areas can now access basic financial
services through mobile apps.
➢ Payment Solutions: Mobile commerce has facilitated the rise of digital payment solutions
such as mobile wallets, peer-to-peer payment apps, and contactless payment methods.
These technologies have reduced reliance on cash and traditional payment methods,
leading to faster and more secure transactions.
➢ Personalization: Financial institutions leverage mobile commerce platforms to offer
personalized services and targeted marketing to their customers. By analyzing user data
and behavior, banks can tailor their offerings to meet the specific needs and preferences of
individual customers, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
➢ Enhanced Security: While security concerns exist with any online transactions, mobile
commerce has introduced innovative security features such as biometric authentication
(e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition), tokenization, and encryption techniques. These
measures help mitigate the risk of fraud and unauthorized access to financial accounts.
➢ Marketplace Integration: Many financial institutions have integrated their services with
popular mobile commerce platforms and marketplaces. This allows customers to
seamlessly make purchases, track expenses, and manage their finances within the same app
or platform, streamlining the user experience.
➢ Financial Inclusion: M-commerce has played a crucial role in promoting financial
inclusion by providing banking and payment services to unbanked and underbanked
populations. Mobile-based financial services have lower barriers to entry compared to
traditional banking, making them more accessible to marginalized communities and
individuals with limited resources.

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 Mobile commerce applications in the financial sector encompass a wide range of services
and functionalities that allow users to conduct financial transactions conveniently from their
mobile devices. Here are some key features and examples:

➢ Mobile Banking Apps: These apps allow users to access their bank accounts, check
balances, view transaction history, transfer funds between accounts, pay bills, and deposit
checks remotely. Examples include apps provided by traditional banks like Chase Mobile,
Wells Fargo Mobile, or Bank of America, as well as digital-only banks like Chime or
Revolut.
➢ Mobile Wallets: These apps enable users to store payment card information securely and
make payments in-store, online, or through peer-to-peer transfers. Examples include Apple
Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and PayPal.
➢ Investment Apps: These apps allow users to manage their investment portfolios, buy and
sell stocks, ETFs, and other securities, track market trends, and receive personalized
investment recommendations. Examples include Robinhood, Acorns, and Charles
Schwab's mobile app.
➢ Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps: These apps facilitate quick and easy money transfers
between individuals. Examples include Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle.
➢ Personal Finance Management Apps: These apps help users track their spending, create
budgets, set financial goals, and analyze their financial health. Examples include Mint,
YNAB (You Need A Budget), and Personal Capital.
➢ Cryptocurrency Wallets and Exchanges: With the rise of cryptocurrencies, mobile apps
for storing, buying, selling, and trading digital currencies have become increasingly
popular. Examples include Coinbase, Binance, and Trust Wallet.
➢ Mobile Insurance Apps: Insurance companies offer apps that allow users to manage their
insurance policies, file claims, and access customer support services. Examples include
State Farm, Geico, and Allstate.
➢ Credit Score Monitoring Apps: These apps provide users with regular updates on their
credit scores, as well as insights into factors affecting their creditworthiness. Examples
include Credit Karma and Experian.
➢ Mobile Loan Apps: Some financial institutions offer apps that allow users to apply for
loans, track their loan status, and manage loan payments. Examples include LendingClub
and SoFi.
➢ Digital Wallets for Loyalty Programs: Many retailers and businesses offer mobile apps
that allow users to store loyalty cards, earn rewards points, and redeem discounts and
offers. Examples include the Starbucks app and the Target app.

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 RETAIL SECTOR
➢ Increased Accessibility: Mobile commerce has made shopping more accessible than ever
before. Consumers can browse and make purchases from anywhere at any time, as long as
they have a smartphone and an internet connection.
➢ Convenience: With mobile commerce, customers can shop conveniently without the need
to visit physical stores. They can easily search for products, compare prices, read reviews,
and make purchases with just a few taps on their mobile devices.
➢ Personalization: Retailers can leverage mobile commerce to deliver personalized
shopping experiences to their customers. By analyzing customer data and behavior,
retailers can provide tailored recommendations, promotions, and offers, enhancing
customer satisfaction and loyalty.
➢ Mobile Payments: Mobile commerce has revolutionized the way people pay for goods
and services. Mobile payment solutions, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and digital
wallets, have made checkout processes faster, easier, and more secure.
➢ Location-based Services: Retailers can use mobile commerce to deliver location-based
services and targeted promotions to customers based on their geographical location. This
allows retailers to send relevant offers to customers when they are near a physical store,
increasing foot traffic and sales.
➢ Social Commerce: Mobile commerce has blurred the lines between social media and
shopping. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have integrated shopping
features, allowing users to discover and purchase products directly from their feeds.
➢ Mobile Apps: Many retailers have developed mobile apps to provide customers with a
seamless shopping experience. Mobile apps can offer features such as personalized
recommendations, in-app messaging, loyalty programs, and exclusive deals, driving
engagement and repeat purchases.
➢ Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Mobile commerce has enabled
retailers to incorporate AR and VR technologies into the shopping experience. These
technologies allow customers to visualize products in their real-world environment before
making a purchase, enhancing the shopping experience and reducing returns.

Mobile commerce applications have become increasingly popular in the retail sector, providing
convenience and accessibility to customers while offering retailers new opportunities to engage
with their audience. Here are some common features and benefits of mobile commerce
applications in the retail sector:

➢ Mobile Shopping: Customers can browse and shop for products directly from their
smartphones or tablets, anytime and anywhere. This convenience enhances the overall
shopping experience and increases sales opportunities for retailers.
➢ Personalized Recommendations: Mobile commerce applications can leverage customer
data and preferences to offer personalized product recommendations, promotions, and
deals, increasing the likelihood of purchase.

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 ➢ Seamless Checkout: With mobile wallets and one-click payment options, customers can
enjoy a streamlined checkout process, reducing cart abandonment rates and improving
conversion rates for retailers.
➢ Location-based Services: Retailers can use geolocation technology to send targeted offers
and promotions to customers based on their current location, driving foot traffic to physical
stores or encouraging online purchases.
➢ Order Tracking: Customers can easily track the status of their orders in real-time through
the mobile app, providing transparency and improving customer satisfaction.
➢ Mobile Loyalty Programs: Retailers can implement mobile loyalty programs to reward
customers for their repeat purchases and encourage brand loyalty through exclusive
discounts, rewards, and perks.
➢ Push Notifications: Mobile commerce applications enable retailers to send push
notifications to customers, informing them about new product launches, promotions, or
special events, keeping them engaged and informed.
➢ Social Integration: Integrating social media features into mobile commerce apps allows
customers to share their favorite products with friends and followers, extending the reach
of the brand and driving organic growth.
➢ Customer Support: Mobile commerce apps can offer various customer support features
such as live chat, FAQs, and support tickets, providing assistance to customers whenever
they need it and enhancing the overall shopping experience.
➢ Analytics and Insights: Retailers can gain valuable insights into customer behavior,
preferences, and trends through analytics tools integrated into mobile commerce
applications, enabling them to make data-driven decisions and optimize their marketing
strategies.

TELECOMMUNICATION SECTOR

Mobile commerce (m-commerce) applications in the telecommunications sector have seen

significant growth and innovation in recent years. Here are some examples and ways in which
telecommunications companies leverage m-commerce:

Mobile Payments: Telecommunications companies often provide mobile payment solutions,

allowing customers to pay their bills or purchase additional services directly from their mobile
devices. These solutions may include mobile wallet apps, direct carrier billing, or integration with
popular payment platforms like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Mobile Banking: Many telecommunications companies offer mobile banking services, allowing
customers to check account balances, transfer funds, and make payments from their mobile
devices. These services are often integrated with traditional banking functions and may include
features like mobile check deposit and peer-to-peer payments.

Mobile Shopping: Telecommunications companies may partner with e-commerce platforms or

develop their own mobile shopping apps, allowing customers to browse and purchase products

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and services directly from their mobile devices. These apps may include features like personalized
recommendations, secure checkout, and integration with loyalty programs.

Mobile Ticketing: Telecommunications companies often provide mobile ticketing services for
events, transportation, and other activities. Customers can purchase tickets and receive them
directly on their mobile devices, eliminating the need for printed tickets and making the process
more convenient and efficient.

Mobile Content and Entertainment: Telecommunications companies may offer mobile content
and entertainment services, such as streaming video, music, and games. Customers can subscribe
to these services and access content directly from their mobile devices, often through dedicated
apps or integrated platforms.

Mobile Advertising and Marketing: Telecommunications companies leverage m-commerce data

and insights to deliver targeted advertising and marketing campaigns to mobile users. By analyzing
customer behavior and preferences, they can personalize promotions and offers to drive
engagement and sales.

Mobile Customer Support: Telecommunications companies use mobile apps and messaging
platforms to provide customer support and assistance. Customers can access FAQs,
troubleshooting guides, and live chat support directly from their mobile devices, improving the
overall customer experience.

Mobile Wallet Integration: Telecommunications companies may integrate their services with
popular mobile wallets, allowing customers to make purchases, pay bills, and manage their
accounts seamlessly from within the mobile wallet app.

ENTERTAINMENT SECTOR

Mobile commerce applications in the entertainment sector play a significant role in

enhancing user engagement, providing convenience, and generating revenue. Here are several
examples of mobile commerce applications in the entertainment sector:

Ticket Booking Apps: Mobile apps like Fandango or BookMyShow allow users to browse and
book tickets for movies, concerts, sports events, and other entertainment activities directly from
their smartphones. These apps often offer features such as seat selection, reviews, ratings, and
exclusive discounts.

Streaming Services: Platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Spotify offer subscription-based
streaming services for movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts. Users can access a vast library of
content on-demand through their mobile apps, and they can also make in-app purchases for
subscriptions, rentals, or purchases of individual titles.

Gaming Marketplaces: Mobile gaming has seen significant growth, and platforms like the Apple
App Store, Google Play Store, and Steam offer mobile games for purchase or download. These

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platforms often integrate in-app purchases for virtual goods, upgrades, and additional content
within games.

Merchandise Sales: Entertainment companies often release merchandise related to their movies,
TV shows, music artists, or games. Mobile apps allow users to browse and purchase merchandise
such as clothing, accessories, collectibles, and digital downloads directly from their smartphones.

Live Events and Virtual Concerts: With the rise of virtual events and concerts, mobile commerce
apps enable users to purchase tickets or access live streams for virtual concerts, conferences, and
other events. Platforms like Eventbrite or Live Nation offer mobile apps for discovering,
purchasing, and attending live events.

Fan Engagement and Membership Programs: Some entertainment companies offer mobile
apps for fan clubs, membership programs, or loyalty rewards. These apps provide exclusive
content, early access to tickets or merchandise, and opportunities for fan interaction and
engagement.

Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences: Mobile apps can enhance entertainment experiences with
AR features, allowing users to interact with virtual content overlaid on the real world. For example,
AR apps may offer immersive experiences related to movies, music, or games, along with
opportunities for in-app purchases.

Mobile commerce, often referred to as m-commerce, has significantly impacted the

entertainment sector by offering new avenues for content distribution, ticket sales, merchandise
purchases, and interactive experiences. Here are several ways mobile commerce has influenced
the entertainment industry:

Ticket Sales: Mobile apps and websites allow users to easily purchase tickets for concerts, movies,
sports events, and other entertainment activities. Users can browse available events, select seats,
and make secure payments directly from their smartphones.

Streaming Services: M-commerce has revolutionized the way people consume entertainment
content. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, and Apple Music offer subscription-
based models that allow users to access a vast library of movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts
directly from their mobile devices.

In-App Purchases: Many entertainment apps, such as mobile games and multimedia platforms,
offer in-app purchases for virtual goods, upgrades, and premium content. Users can buy additional
features or unlock exclusive content to enhance their entertainment experience.

Merchandise Sales: Celebrities, musicians, and content creators leverage mobile commerce to
sell branded merchandise, including apparel, accessories, and collectibles. Social media platforms
like Instagram and TikTok also enable influencers to promote and sell merchandise directly to
their followers through integrated shopping features.

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Live Events and Experiences: Mobile commerce facilitates the sale of tickets and merchandise
for live events, including concerts, festivals, and theatrical performances. Additionally, mobile
apps often enhance the event experience by providing interactive features, real-time updates, and
exclusive content for attendees.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): The integration of VR and AR technologies
in mobile apps offers immersive entertainment experiences, such as interactive games, virtual
tours, and 360-degree videos. M-commerce enables users to purchase VR/AR content, accessories,
and related services to enhance their virtual experiences.

Digital Downloads and Rentals: Users can rent or purchase digital copies of movies, TV shows,
music albums, ebooks, and audiobooks through mobile platforms like iTunes, Google Play, and
Amazon Kindle. M-commerce provides a convenient way for consumers to access digital content
on-demand without physical media.

Fan Engagement and Loyalty Programs: Entertainment companies use mobile apps to engage
with fans, promote upcoming releases, and offer loyalty rewards. Through personalized
notifications, exclusive content, and interactive features, businesses can cultivate a dedicated fan
base and encourage repeat purchases.

MOBILE APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT

Mobile application development is the set of processes and procedures involved in writing
software for small, wireless computing devices, such as smartphones and other hand-held devices.
Types of mobile applications
In the early years of mobile apps, the only way to ensure an app could perform optimally on
any device was to develop the app natively. This meant that new code had to be written specifically
for each device's specific processor.
Here's a breakdown of several types of mobile app development technologies with information
about each.

• Native applications. These applications are built using integrated development

environments (IDEs) and languages for mobile OSes such as Apple iOS or Google Android.
Native apps enable you to customize necessary features, but they can be more costly than other
technologies.
• Hybrid apps. These are web apps that act like native apps. They are developed using
technologies such as HTML, JavaScript and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). Hybrid apps are
more cost-effective to develop than native apps and can be created faster, but they aren't as
feature-rich as native applications.
• Progressive web apps. A PWA is a website that looks and behaves as if it is a mobile app.
These applications are developed with web technologies such as Facebook React.
• Encapsulated apps. An encapsulated app runs within a container app. Products such as the
Microsoft Power App drag-and-drop app creation tool enable less experienced developers to

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 build a mobile application rapidly. But the lack of isolation from the core OS, OS lock-in and
the relative newness could pose problems.
• Frameworks and libraries. You can use this reusable code written by someone else to
accelerate your development of a mobile app.
Costs of developing a mobile app
The cost of developing an app can range from almost nothing to millions of dollars -- it all depends
on the type of app and its intended use. Following is a breakdown of the ranges you can expect to
pay for building a mobile app:
• No-code app builders. A developer doesn't need to know how to code if the app has basic
feature requirements. Free tools such as GoodBarber, Appery.io, Shoutem, Appy Pie and
BuildFire offer the freedom to build apps without learning Swift or other programming
languages. Although these tools are limited in their functionality and can't be used to create a
game with no-code apps, the no-code approach will meet most organization's needs.
• Enterprise apps. The concept of Citizen Developer, where anyone can build a mobile app, is
exploding with tools such as Amazon's HoneyCode, Mendix and Microsoft Power Suite. These
devices offer drag-and-drop interfaces that can connect to data sources and manage content
flow.
• Mobile optimized website. Although it's most practical to build websites for both desktop and
mobile devices, the website content management tool you're using will likely have plugins you
can buy for less than $100 to optimize your website for mobile devices.
• Complex apps. An app that requires features, such as 3D, gaming or sophisticated artificial
intelligence (AI), will likely need to be developed as a native app. The cost for a complex app
can typically be $250,000 or more. The price is directly related to the scarcity of mobile
developers.

What is the mobile app development process?

The following steps should help you develop the framework for building an app.

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1. Define your strategy based on the answers to these questions:
• What is the objective of your app? What problems will it solve?
• Are there existing apps that perform this function? If so, what do they do well? What are they
lacking?
• Who is the app designed for?
• Will you be hiring developers or using an internal team?
• What is your business model?
• How much are you willing to invest in developing this app? Will you have investors?
• How long will it take to build this application?
• What is your marketing strategy?
• Are you designing your app for one of the app stores? If so, do you have the necessary licensing
agreements and design and testing criteria?
2. Select your team. If you're creating this app on your own, do you need to hire a developer? A
marketing person? If you're creating this app for your organization, will you have stakeholders
from several departments participating in the process (i.e., C-level, marketing, sales, IT)?

3. Brainstorm and sketch out how your mobile app will solve the problems you've identified and
what features and functions you'll include. Prototyping can be as simple as using a whiteboard or
paper to sketch ideas, or tools such as InVision, Balsamiq or Adobe Experience Design. Keep user
experience in mind when developing your vision. This includes such things as design, usability,
security and performance.

4. Develop your product roadmap using findings from the previous step. This will enable you
to create a step-by-step process for assessing your priorities and deliverables.

5. Select app development tools based on your requirements.

6. Begin app development. An agile process is best for building apps. Adopt a DevOps mindset
when building the app. DevOps is a modern delivery methodology that uses key functions, such
as:
• applying automation where possible;
• using cloud services;
• working with open source tools;
• frequently communicating with the team; and
• continuously testing the code.
•
7. Create your prototype so you can share the app with your investors or other stakeholders.
Use their feedback to refine app development and further testing. This includes testing for
functionality, performance and ease of navigation.

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8. Once the app passes these tests, it's time to roll it out to users for official beta testing. This
process includes multiple rounds of review and incorporating user fixes prior to creating a
deployable version of your app.

MOBILE COMMERCE TECHNOLOGY

Mobile commerce, also known as m-commerce, refers to the use of mobile devices (such as
smartphones and tablets) to conduct commercial transactions online. With the widespread adoption
of smartphones and the increasing availability of high-speed internet connections, mobile
commerce has become a significant aspect of e-commerce. Here are some key technologies and
trends associated with mobile commerce:

Mobile Apps: Many businesses develop dedicated mobile applications to provide users with a
seamless shopping experience. These apps often offer features such as personalized
recommendations, easy navigation, secure payment options, and push notifications to engage users
and encourage purchases.

Mobile Wallets: Mobile payment solutions like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay enable
users to store their credit/debit card information securely on their smartphones and make purchases
with a simple tap or scan at compatible payment terminals. These mobile wallets streamline the
checkout process and enhance security by replacing sensitive card details with encrypted tokens.

Mobile-Optimized Websites: To cater to users browsing on mobile devices, businesses optimize

their websites for mobile responsiveness. This ensures that the website layout adjusts dynamically
to fit various screen sizes, providing users with a consistent and user-friendly experience across
devices.

Location-Based Services (LBS): Location-based technologies such as GPS and beacon

technology enable businesses to deliver targeted offers, promotions, and discounts to users based
on their physical location. This allows retailers to attract customers to nearby stores and enhance
the in-store shopping experience through personalized recommendations and special deals.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): AR and VR technologies are increasingly
being integrated into mobile commerce apps to provide immersive shopping experiences. AR
allows users to visualize products in their real-world environment before making a purchase, while
VR creates virtual storefronts or showcases for an interactive shopping experience.

Mobile Marketing and Personalization: With access to user data and preferences, businesses
can leverage mobile marketing techniques such as personalized notifications, in-app messages,
and targeted advertising to engage users and drive sales. Personalization algorithms analyze user
behavior and preferences to deliver relevant product recommendations and offers.

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Mobile Security: As mobile commerce involves sensitive financial transactions, ensuring robust
security measures is crucial. Technologies such as biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint and
facial recognition) and tokenization help safeguard user data and prevent unauthorized access to
payment information.

WIRELESS AND MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
Wireless communication is wireless telecommunication that uses electromagnetic waves (radio
waves), magnetic fields, and electric fields, whereas optical communication uses light without
using wires or cables.
Wireless communication takes place over free space over RF (Radio Frequency), where one device
(transmitter) sends a signal to another device (receiver). Two devices (transmitter and receiver)
must use the same frequency (or channel) to communicate with each other.
MULTIPLE ACCESS TECHNIQUES FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION:
In telecommunications and computer networks, a channel access method or multiple access
method allows several terminals connected to the same multi-point transmission medium to
transmit over it and to share its capacity. Examples of shared physical media are wireless networks,
bus networks, ring networks and point-to-point links operating in half-duplex mode. A channel
access method is based on multiplexing, that allows several data streams or signals to share the
same communication channel or transmission medium. In this context, multiplexing is provided
by the physical layer.
There are four common types of multiple access system:
1. Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA)
2. Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)
3. Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)
4. Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA)
1. Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA)
The frequency-division multiple access (FDMA) channel-access scheme is based on the
frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) scheme, which provides different frequency bands to
different data-streams. In the FDMA case, the data streams are allocated to different nodes or
devices. An example of FDMA systems were the first-generation (1G) cell-phone systems, where
each phone call was assigned to a specific uplink frequency channel, and another downlink
frequency channel. Each message signal (each phone call) is modulated on a specific carrier
frequency
2. Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)
The time division multiple access (TDMA) channel access scheme is based on the time-division
multiplexing (TDM) scheme, which provides different time-slots to different data-streams (in the
TDMA case to different transmitters) in a cyclically repetitive frame structure. For example, node
1 may use time slot 1, node 2 time slot 2, etc. until the last transmitter. Then it starts all over again,

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in a repetitive pattern, until a connection is ended and that slot becomes free or assigned to another
node. An advanced form is Dynamic TDMA (DTDMA), where a scheduling may give different
time sometimes but sometimes node 1 may use time slot 1 in first frame and use another time slot
in next frame.
3. Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)
The code division multiple access (CDMA) scheme is based on spread spectrum, meaning that a
wider radio spectrum in Hertz is used than the data rate of each of the transferred bit streams, and
several message signals are transferred simultaneously over the same carrier frequency, utilizing
different spreading codes. The wide bandwidth makes it possible to send with a very poor signal-
to-noise ratio of much less than 1 (less than 0 dB) according to the Shannon-Heartly formula,
meaning that the transmission power can be reduced to a level below the level of the noise and co-
channel interference (cross talk) from other message signals sharing the same frequency.
4. Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA)
SDMA (Space Division Multiple Access) is a technique used in wireless communication systems
to increase the capacity and efficiency of data transmission by exploiting spatial resources. It is a
form of multiple access technology that enables multiple users to simultaneously transmit and
receive data over the same frequency band by using different spatial resources.
Mobile Communication
In mobile communications, high-frequency electromagnetic fields are used for wireless
transmission of voice and data. In free space they propagate as waves at the speed of light while
being able to transmit energy and information over long distances.

Classification of Mobile Communication

1. Infrastructured Mobile Communication :

In this type of communication, service provider needs to lay out the infrastructure to establish a
network for communication, hence network is dependent upon infrastructure.

Example :

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 Cellular Communication :
Cellular communication is categorized as infrastructured as it involves use of Base trans-
receiver System (BTS) for communication. The BTS uses two categories of antenna to make
communication, viz :
• Vertical Antenna :
It is also known as RF antenna or GSM antenna. It works on radio frequency i.e in MHz and
is responsible for sending and receiving signals.
• Drum Antenna :
It is also known as microwave antenna. It is responsible for creating connecting link
between BTS. It works on Microwaves, having a frequency in GHz.
2. Infrastructure-less Mobile Communication :
This category of communication has eliminated the need of infrastructure for
communication, hence making mobile communication cost-effective, BTS independent and
more efficient. It is categorized as :
1. Mobile Adhoc Network (MANET) :
Mobile Adhoc network is an improvised network which is established when need arises.
Once the job is done, the network is terminated. MANET is used in military organisation
for communication purpose during war like emergency. There are several fields in MANET
which are under research.

MANET is used in various fields and is categorized into following types :

(i) FANET :
FANET stands for Flying Adhoc Network. It is used in multi Unmanned Air Vehicles
(UAV) systems to solve the problems arising from infrastructure-based communication
systems, which restricts the capabilities of multi UAV systems. Using FANET, a cluster of
UAVs is connected over adhoc network, forming a team and increasing capability of UAVs
in various fields.
(ii) VANET :
VANET stands for Vehicular Adhoc Network. It is another subset of MANET employed in
vehicles in order to enable inter-vehicular communication. VANET provides assistance with
traffic monitoring, collision avoidance, safety enhancement etc, however this field is still in
research and has not been implemented completely.
(iii) SANET :
SANET stands for Smartphone Adhoc Network. In this, adhoc networking is used between
smartphones for cellular communication, eliminating use of BTS.
2. Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) :
Wireless Sensor Network is an infrastructure-less network that employs sensing devices i.e.
sensors to analyze and collect data and transmit it to remote servers. These sensors are
smart, small in size and cost-effective, and are linked wirelessly for hassle free and remote
communication. WSN is mostly used in remote environment monitoring systems wherein
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 sensors analyze and record the physical and chemical factors of environment including
temperature, pressure, pollutants, sound etc and transmit the data to a prime centralized
location. It is also used in tracking targets. Another use of WSN is in tracking the amount of
pollutants in water bodies.

SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
Satellite communication is transporting information from one place to another using a
communication satellite in orbit around the Earth. Watching the English Premier League every
weekend with your friends would have been impossible without this. A communication satellite is
an artificial satellite that transmits the signal via a transponder by creating a channel between the
transmitter and the receiver at different Earth locations.

Need for Satellite Communication

We know that there are different ways to communicate, and the propagation of these waves can
occur in different ways. Ground wave propagation and skywave propagation are the two ways
communication takes place for a certain distance. The maximum distance covered by them is 1500
km, which was overcome by the introduction of satellite communication.
How Satellite Communications Work?
The communication satellites are similar to the space mirrors that help us bounce signals such as
radio, internet data, and television from one side of the earth to another. Three stages are involved,
which explain the working of satellite communications. These are:
• Uplink
• Transponders
• Downlink
• In the first stage, the signal from the television broadcast on the other side of the earth is
first beamed up to the satellite from the ground station on the earth. This process is known
as uplink.
• The second stage involves transponders such as radio receivers, amplifiers, and
transmitters. These transponders boost the incoming signal and change its frequency so
that the outgoing signals are not altered. Depending on the incoming signal sources, the
transponders vary.
• The final stage involves a downlink in which the data is sent to the other end of the receiver
on the earth. It is important to understand that usually, there is one uplink and multiple
downlinks.

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Satellite Communication Services
There are two categories in which satellite communication services can be classified:
• One-way satellite communication
• Two- way satellite communication
One-way Satellite Communication
In one-way satellite communication, the communication usually takes place between either one or
multiple earth stations through the help of a satellite.
The communication takes place between the transmitter on the first earth satellite to the receiver
which is the second earth satellite. The transmission of the signal is unidirectional. Some common
one-way satellite communication is:
• Position location services are provided by the radio
• Tracking is a part of space operations services
• Internet services take place with broadcasting satellites

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Two-Way Satellite Communication
In two-way satellite communication, the information is exchanged between any two earth stations.
It can be said that there is a point to point connectivity.
The signal is transmitted from the first earth station to the second earth station such that there are
two uplinks and two downlinks between the earth stations and the satellite.

Advantages of Satellite Communication

The following are the advantages of satellite communication:
• Installments of circuits are easy.
• The elasticity of these circuits is excellent.
• With the help of satellite communication, every corner of the earth can be covered.
• The user fully controls the network.
Disadvantages of Satellite Communication
The following are the disadvantages of satellite communication:
• Initial expenditure is expensive.

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 • There are chances of blockage of frequencies.
• Propagation and interference.

Applications of Satellite Communication

• Telephone
• Television
• Digital cinema
• Radio broadcasting
• Amateur radio
• Internet access
• Military
• Disaster Management
MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

A mobile communication system refers to the infrastructure and technologies that enable
communication between mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and other wireless devices.
These systems provide the means for users to communicate with each other, access the internet,
send text messages, make phone calls, and engage in various other services while on the move.

Key components of a mobile communication system typically include:

Mobile Devices: These are the end-user devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearables,
and other portable gadgets that connect to the communication network wirelessly.

Base Stations (Cell Towers): Base stations are fixed transceiver stations that communicate with
mobile devices within a specific geographic area known as a cell. They facilitate the transmission
of data and voice between mobile devices and the rest of the communication network.

Radio Access Network (RAN): This part of the system consists of base stations and their
controllers. It's responsible for connecting mobile devices to the core network.

Core Network: The core network manages communication between different mobile devices and
interfaces with other networks, such as the internet and public switched telephone networks
(PSTN).

Network Infrastructure: This includes various hardware components, such as switches, routers,
and servers, as well as the software that manages and controls the flow of data within the network.

Wireless Communication Protocols: Mobile communication systems use various wireless

communication protocols, such as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), CDMA
(Code Division Multiple Access), LTE (Long-Term Evolution), and increasingly, 5G (Fifth
Generation), which provide the standards for transmitting data and voice wirelessly.

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Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM): SIM cards are small, removable cards that authenticate
mobile devices on the network and store user data such as contacts and messages.

Network Operators: These are companies that own and operate the infrastructure necessary for
mobile communication. They provide services to subscribers and manage the operation and
maintenance of the network.

Mobile communication systems have evolved significantly over the years, with each generation
introducing improvements in speed, capacity, reliability, and functionality. The transition from 4G
to 5G, for example, promises to enable faster data speeds, lower latency, and support for a larger
number of connected devices, paving the way for new applications and services such as
autonomous vehicles, augmented reality, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY
Broadband technology refers to high-speed internet access that is faster and more reliable than
traditional dial-up internet connections. It encompasses various technologies and mediums for
transmitting data over networks. Some common broadband technologies include:

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL): DSL uses existing telephone lines to provide high-speed internet
access. It allows for simultaneous use of the telephone line for voice communication and internet
access.

Cable Internet: Cable internet utilizes the same coaxial cables that deliver cable television
signals. It offers high-speed internet access and is widely available in urban and suburban areas.

Fiber Optic Internet: Fiber optic internet uses thin glass or plastic fibers to transmit data as light
signals. It offers the fastest internet speeds and is known for its reliability and low latency.
However, it requires significant infrastructure investment and is typically available in select urban
areas.

Satellite Internet: Satellite internet delivers internet access via satellites orbiting the Earth. It is
available in remote or rural areas where other types of broadband connections are not feasible.
Satellite internet tends to have higher latency and slower speeds compared to other broadband
technologies.

Fixed Wireless Internet: Fixed wireless internet uses radio signals to provide internet access to
homes and businesses. It involves installing an antenna on a building to receive signals from nearby
wireless towers. Fixed wireless internet is commonly used in rural areas where laying cables or
fiber optic lines is impractical.

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 WIRELESS BROADBAND INTERNET

Wireless broadband internet refers to high-speed internet access that is delivered wirelessly
through various technologies such as Wi-Fi, cellular networks (like 4G LTE and 5G), satellite, and
fixed wireless. It allows users to connect to the internet without the need for physical cables or
wires, offering flexibility and convenience.

Here are some common types of wireless broadband internet:

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is perhaps the most common form of wireless broadband internet. It utilizes radio
waves to create a local area network (LAN) that enables devices within its range to connect to the
internet wirelessly. Wi-Fi is commonly used in homes, businesses, cafes, airports, and other public
places.

Cellular Networks: Cellular networks, such as 4G LTE and 5G, provide wireless internet access
to mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and mobile hotspots. These networks use a system of
cell towers to transmit data over long distances, allowing users to access the internet from virtually
anywhere with network coverage.

Satellite Internet: Satellite internet delivers high-speed internet access to remote or rural areas
where traditional wired broadband options are not available or practical. It works by transmitting
data between a satellite dish installed at the user's location and satellites orbiting the Earth.

Fixed Wireless: Fixed wireless broadband involves the use of radio signals to provide internet
access to specific fixed locations, such as homes or businesses. It typically requires a fixed antenna
or receiver installed on the user's property to receive the wireless signal from a nearby base station
or access point.

Wireless broadband internet offers several advantages, including mobility, easy deployment, and
accessibility in areas where wired infrastructure is lacking. However, it may also have limitations
such as potential signal interference, coverage issues, and varying speeds depending on factors
like distance from the access point or network congestion. Overall, wireless broadband technology
continues to evolve, providing faster speeds and better coverage to meet the growing demand for
internet connectivity.

WAP
Wireless Application Protocol or WAP is a programming model or an application environment
and set of communication protocols based on the concept of the World Wide Web (WWW), and
its hierarchical design is very much similar to TCP/IP protocol stack design.

o WAP is a De-Facto standard or a protocol designed for micro-browsers, and it enables the
mobile devices to interact, exchange and transmit information over the Internet.

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 o WAP is based upon the concept of the World Wide Web (WWW), and the backend
functioning also remains similar to WWW, but it uses the markup language Wireless
Markup Language (WML) to access the WAP services while WWW uses HTML as a
markup language. WML is defined as XML 1.0 application.
o In 1998, some giant IT companies such as Ericson, Motorola, Nokia and Unwired Planet
founded the WAP Forum to standardize the various wireless technologies via protocols.
o After developing the WAP model, it was accepted as a wireless protocol globally capable
of working on multiple wireless technologies such as mobile, printers, pagers, etc.
o In 2002, by the joint efforts of the various members of the WAP Forum, it was merged
with various other forums of the industry and formed an alliance known as Open Mobile
Alliance (OMA).
o WAP was opted as a De-Facto standard because of its ability to create web applications for
mobile devices.

Working of Wireless Application Protocol or WAP Model

The following steps define the working of Wireless Application Protocol or WAP Model:

o The WAP model consists of 3 levels known as Client, Gateway and Origin Server.
o When a user opens the browser in his/her mobile device and selects a website that he/she
wants to view, the mobile device sends the URL encoded request via a network to a WAP
gateway using WAP protocol.
o The request he/she sends via mobile to WAP gateway is called as encoding request.
o The sent encoding request is translated through WAP gateway and then forwarded in the
form of a conventional HTTP URL request over the Internet.
o When the request reaches a specified Web server, the server processes the request just as
it would handle any other request and sends the response back to the mobile device through
WAP gateway.
o Now, the WML file's final response can be seen in the browser of the mobile users.

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WAP Protocol Stack

It specifies the different communications and data transmission layers used in the WAP model:

Application Layer: This layer consists of the Wireless Application Environment (WAE), mobile
device specifications, and content development programming languages, i.e., WML.

Session Layer: The session layer consists of the Wireless Session Protocol (WSP). It is
responsible for fast connection suspension and reconnection.

Transaction Layer: The transaction layer consists of Wireless Transaction Protocol (WTP) and
runs on top of UDP (User Datagram Protocol). This layer is a part of TCP/IP and offers transaction
support.

Security Layer: It contains Wireless Transaction Layer Security (WTLS) and responsible for data
integrity, privacy and authentication during data transmission.

Transport Layer: This layer consists of Wireless Datagram Protocol (WDP). It provides a
consistent data format to higher layers of the WAP protocol stack.
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Advantages of Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)

o WAP is a very fast-paced technology.

o It is an open-source technology and completely free of cost.
o It can be implemented on multiple platforms.
o It is independent of network standards.
o It provides higher controlling options.
o It is implemented near to Internet model.
o By using WAP, you can send/receive real-time data.
o Nowadays, most modern mobile phones and devices support WAP.

Disadvantages of Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)

o The connection speed in WAP is slow, and there is limited availability also.
o In some areas, the ability to connect to the Internet is very sparse, and in some other areas,
Internet access is entirely unavailable.
o It is less secured.
o WAP provides a small User interface (UI).

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Applications of Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)

o WAP facilitates you to access the Internet from your mobile devices.
o You can play games on mobile devices over wireless devices.
o It facilitates you to access E-mails over the mobile Internet.
o Mobile hand-sets can be used to access timesheets and fill expenses claims.
o Online mobile banking is very popular nowadays.
o It can also be used in multiple Internet-based services such as geographical location,
Weather forecasting, Flight information, Movie & cinema information, Traffic updates etc.
All are possible due to WAP technology.

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