Chapter 2
Mobile Computing
Mobile Computing is a technology that provides an
environment that enables users to transmit data from
one device to another device without the use of any
physical link or cables.
In other words, you can say that mobile computing
allows transmission of data, voice and video via a
computer or any other wireless-enabled device without
being connected to a fixed physical link.
In this technology, data transmission is done wirelessly
with the help of wireless devices such as mobiles,
laptops etc.
The concept of Mobile Computing can be divided into
three parts:
1. Mobile Communication
2. Mobile Hardware
3. Mobile Software
1. Mobile Communication
Mobile Communication specifies a framework that is responsible
for the working of mobile computing technology.
In this case, mobile communication refers to an infrastructure that
ensures seamless/unified and reliable communication among
wireless devices.
This framework ensures the consistency and reliability of
communication between wireless devices.
The mobile communication framework consists of communication
devices such as protocols, services, bandwidth, and portals
necessary to facilitate and support the stated services.
These devices are responsible for delivering a smooth
communication process.
Mobile communication can be divided in the following four types:
A. Fixed and Wired
B. Fixed and Wireless
C. Mobile and Wired
D. Mobile and Wireless
A. Fixed and Wired: In Fixed and Wired
configuration, the devices are fixed at a position,
and they are connected through a physical link to
communicate with other devices.
For Example, Desktop Computer.
B. Fixed and Wireless: In Fixed and Wireless
configuration, the devices are fixed at a position,
and they are connected through a wireless link to
make communication with other devices.
For Example: Communication Towers, Wi-Fi router
C. Mobile and Wired: In Mobile and Wired
configuration, some devices are wired, and some
are mobile. They altogether make communication
with other devices.
For Example, Laptops.
D. Mobile and Wireless: In Mobile and Wireless
configuration, the devices can communicate with
each other irrespective of their position. They can
also connect to any network without the use of any
wired device.
For Example, WiFi Dongle.
2. Mobile Hardware
Mobile hardware consists of mobile devices or
device components that can be used to receive or
access the service of mobility.
Examples of mobile hardware can be
smartphones, laptops, portable PCs, tablet PCs,
Personal Digital Assistants, etc.
These devices are inbuilt with a receptor medium that
can send and receive signals.
These devices are capable of operating in full-duplex.
It means they can send and receive signals at the same
time.
They don't have to wait until one device has finished
communicating for the other device to initiate
communications.
3. Mobile Software
Mobile software is a program that runs on mobile hardware.
This is designed to deal capably with the characteristics and
requirements of mobile applications.
This is the operating system for the appliance of mobile devices.
In other words, you can say it the heart of the mobile systems.
This is an essential component that operates the mobile device.
Applications of Mobile Computing
Following is a list of some significant fields in which
mobile computing is generally applied:
Web or Internet access.
Global Position System (GPS).
Emergency services.
Entertainment services.
Educational services.
Devices used in Mobile Computing
Following is the list of most common forms of devices
used in mobile computing:
1. Portable Computers
A portable computer is a computer that is designed in a
way that you can move it from one place to another. It
includes a display and a keyboard. Generally, portable
computers are microcomputers.
2.Personal Digital
Assistant/Enterprise Digital
Assistant (PDA or EDA)
A Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) is also
known as a palmtop computer. Sometimes, it is
also called Enterprise Digital Assistant (EDA).
A personal Digital Assistant (PDA) is a mobile
device used to function as a personal
information manager or a personal data
assistant.
Its name, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), was
evolved from Personal Desktop Assistant, a
software term for an application that prompts or
prods the user of a computer with suggestions
or provides a quick reference to contacts and
other lists.
3. Ultra-Mobile PC
An Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC) is a
small form factor computing device
that combines the features of a
tablet PC and a traditional laptop.
It is designed to provide users with
a portable and versatile computing
experience.
It was a class of laptops whose
specifications were launched by
Microsoft and Intel in 2006.
Samsung q1 ultra-premium was the
early example of an ultra-mobile
PC. Now, ultra-mobile PCs are also
discontinued.
4. Laptop
A laptop is a small, portable personal computer (PC)
built in a foldable device.
a notebook computer, portable personal computer
designed for mobile use
Laptops are versatile devices that provide to a wide
range of computing needs, from basic productivity tasks
to resource-demanding applications such as gaming or
video editing.
5. Smartphone
A smartphone is a mobile device that combines cellular and
mobile computing functions into one unit.
The smartphones are invented to provide more advanced
computing capability and connectivity than basic feature phones.
6. Tablet Computers
It is a mobile computer with a mobile operating system and a
touch-screen display processing circuit, and a rechargeable battery
in a single, thin and flat unit.
Tablets can do what other personal computers can do, but they
don't have some input/output (I/O) abilities that computers have.
Nowadays, tablets are very much similar to modern smartphones.
The only difference is that tablets are relatively larger than
smartphones, with screens 7 inches or larger and may not support
a cellular network.
7. Wearable computers
Wearable computers are a type of computer that can be
worn by the bearer under, with or on top of clothing.
They are also known as body-borne computers or
wearables, which are small electronic devices.
Some examples of wearable computers are
smartwatches, digital fitness bands etc.
Smartwatches: calls, messages
Fitness Trackers: track steps, distance
traveled, calories burned, sleep patterns,
and heart rate
Smart Glasses: Google glass
Smart Rings: track activity levels, monitor
sleep, provide notifications, and even act as
contactless payment devices
Smart Jewelry, health monitors
Issues occurred in Mobile Computing.
There is a lot of advantage of using Mobile computing
technology.
It provides vast features from mobility to portability
and from cloud to productivity.
But, along with these advantages, you can face specific
eye-catching issues while using mobile computing
technology.
Following is a list of issues we find while using fixed and
wireless networks in mobile computing.
Issues occurred in Mobile Computing...
1. Costly due to Wireless Medium
The Mobile computing technology mainly focuses on
wireless infrastructure, so the cost of implementation is
always high. It also faces issues like efficiency, delays and
security, which we have to consider in project establishment.
2. Issue due to Device Mobility
The device mobility is one of the most significant
advantages of mobile computing technology. But, it is one of
its major issues too.
Issues occurred in Mobile Computing...
To obtain the device mobility feature of mobile
computing technology, we have to install the highest
standards' types of equipment. So, whenever the mobile
device changes its environment, we have to restructure
its configuration environment.
We have to configure the device mobility feature
according to the location, environment and surroundings
of a mobile device regularly.
Issues occurred in Mobile Computing...
3. Security Issues in Mobile Computing
This is undoubtedly the biggest and one of the most
discussed issues we face in mobile computing technology. It
arises due to the shared medium ability of mobile
computing.
The most significant security issues are:
Physical Security or Data Security
System Security or Network Security
Issues occurred in Mobile Computing...
These issues can be resolved by using some
common tactics. These issues are:
Using VPN technology
Using Cryptography & Network Security in your
project
Use of Firewall technology in the project
Mobile Computing Technologies
refer to the various hardware and software components that enable mobile devices to
perform computing tasks and connect to networks. Those are
A. Mobile Devices: include smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other portable devices
that have computing capabilities.
B. Operating Systems: Mobile devices run on operating systems specifically designed for
mobile platforms. E.g. Android (Google), iOS (Apple), and Windows 10 Mobile
(Microsoft)also called firmware.
C. Mobile Applications: Mobile applications, or apps, are software programs developed for
mobile devices. Uses including communication, social networking, entertainment,
productivity, navigation, and more.
D. Wireless Communication: Mobile computing heavily relies on wireless communication
technologies to connect to networks and access the internet. include:
Cellular Networks, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (used for contactless
payments and data transfer)
Mobile Computing Technologies …
E. Cloud Computing: Cloud computing plays a significant role in
mobile computing by providing remote storage, processing power,
and services over the internet.
F. Location-Based Services (LBS): LBS allows mobile apps to
provide location-specific information, navigation, geotagging, and
location tracking.
G. Mobile Sensors: Mobile devices are equipped with various
sensors, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers,
ambient light sensors, proximity sensors, and GPS receivers. These
sensors enable features such as screen rotation, motion detection,
orientation tracking, ambient light adjustment, and precise location
information.
NB: The field of mobile computing is continuously evolving with advancements in
hardware, software, and wireless communication technologies.
Mobile Computing Applications
Mobile computing applications refer to software programs
specifically designed to run on mobile devices, providing various
functionalities and services to users.
A. Social Networking: like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow users to
connect with friends. These apps typically offer real-time notifications,
messaging features, and location-based services.
B. Communication: like WhatsApp, Messenger, and WeChat, which enable
users to send text messages, voice messages, make voice and video calls,
and share multimedia content. Both for individual and group comm.
C. Multimedia and Entertainment: like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and
gaming apps provide access to videos, music, movies, TV shows,
podcasts, and games on the go. These apps often support offline content
playback and personalized recommendations.
D. Productivity and Office Tools: include note-taking apps like Evernote,
task management apps like Todoist, and office suite apps like Microsoft
Office and Google Docs.
Mobile Computing Applications…
E. E-commerce and Mobile Shopping: like Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba
provide a secure platform for online shopping, product reviews, payment
processing, and order tracking.
F. Navigation and Mapping: like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze
offer turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and location-based
services.
G. Health and Fitness: track physical activities, monitor health, and
manage wellness goals. like step tracking, calorie counting, workout
tracking, sleep monitoring, and integration with wearable devices.
H. Mobile Banking and Finance: manage bank accounts, transfer funds,
pay bills, and perform financial transactions securely.
I. Travel and Booking: These apps offer features such as flight and hotel
bookings, car rentals, itinerary management, and access to travel guides
and reviews.
J. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): overlaying
digital content onto the real world or creating entirely virtual
environments.
