Programme: [Link].

Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)

Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION
UNIT-IV
Wireless application protocol - Architecture - Datagram - Transport layer securities - Transaction
protocol - Session protocol application environment, wireless markup language, WML - Script wireless
telephony applications.

WAP – Wireless Application Protocol

Learning Objectives

 Introduction
 Evolution of WAP
 Components of WAP
 Architecture of WAP
 WAP Gateway
 Application of WAP
 Challenges of WAP
 Summary

Introduction

We are moving towards an open, global world where Internet becomes the part of our
environment. People are looking towards mobile devices using Internet efficiently and
effectively to share any information. WAP is designed to allow mobile users to access and
communicate with internet.

The wireless industry created specification to standardize the way of using Internet on
mobile devices. It is an application communication protocol. It is derived from Internet
Standards. It enables the programmer to create the web applications for mobile devices. It
is meant for micro [Link] uses WML (Wireless Markup Language). WML is
defined as an XML 1.0 application. Figure 1 shows the interface between internet and
mobile devices.

Figure 1: Interface between Mobile devices and Internet

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 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION

Evolution of WAP

NTT(Nippon Telegraph and Telephone corporation) a Japan based company developed

a language cHTML(Compant Hyper Text Markup Language) and a gateway to connect
mobile devices in 1992.

USA based company Unwired planet developed HDML (Handheld Device Markup
Language) in 1994 and then in 1995 come up with HDTP (Handheld Device Transport
Protocol).

ITTP (Intelligent Terminal Transfer Protocol) developed by Ericsson in 1995. In 1997

Nokia came with TTML (Tagged Text Markup Language), after that Nokia came with
NBS(narrowband Socket) to support wireless messages.

WAP was released in 1998 with WAP 1.0, though different version of WAP has been
released in market WAP 1.1, WAP1.2, WAP 1.2.1 etc. WAP standards are maintained by
WAP forum. It was founded in 1997 by Nokia, Motorola and Openwave.

Components of WAP

1. Browser – It has Micro browser because it is meant for handheld devices. Th

ese browsers are similar to existing web browsers.
2. Markup language – As web browser is having HTML, similar to that for mobile
devices Markup language is used.
3. Script language-Mobile devices also need scripting language to get instructions
similar to JavaScript.
4. Gateway – It facilitate the transition from wireless to wired world.
5. Server – There are WAP sever, Origin server and WTA server. Server is required to
support services to wireless devices, it is similar to web servers.
6. Protocol layers – As OSI
model and TCP/IP model is used for network, similarly wireless devices are
also requiring Transport layer, security layer, session layer etc.
7. Telephony application interface – This interface enables access to telephony
functions.

[Link] of WAP
The WAP architecture is somewhat similar to OSI model, having different protocol
stack. The architecture of WAP is illustrated in Figure 2. The protocol stack of WAP
consists of following layers:

 Wireless Application Environment(WAE)

 Wireless Session Protocol(WSP)
 Wireless Transaction Protocol(WTP)
 Wireless Transport Layer Security(WTLS)
 Wireless Datagram Protocol(WDP)

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 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION

Figure 2: WAP Architecture

Wireless Application Environment (WAE)

It is a generic application environment which is combination of WWW and mobile

telephony technologies. It describes the user interface on the phone. It contains WML and
WTA (Wireless Telephony Application). The main objective of WAE is interoperable
environment.

WAE includes a micro-browser server environment which provides

 WML
 WML script
 WTA
 Content formats

Wireless Session Protocol (WSP)

This layer provides a lightweight session layer to allow efficient exchange of data
between applications. Application layer gives a consistent interface for two session
services such as:

 Connection-oriented service that operates above the transaction layer protocol

 Connectionless service that operates above a secure or non-secure datagram service
 Optimized for low-bandwidth bearer networks with long latency

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 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION
Wireless Transaction Protocol (WTP)

This layer offers transaction support, adding reliability to the datagram service
provided by WDP. It is a light weight transaction oriented protocol.

 Three classes of transaction services

 Unreliable one-way requests
 Reliable one-way requests
 Reliable two-way request-reply transactions

Wireless Transport Layer Security (WTLS)

This layer is based on industry oriented Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol. It
optimizes the use over narrow-band communication channels.

 Features of WTLS:
 Data integrity
 Privacy
 Authentication
 Denial-of-service protection

Wireless Datagram Protocol (WDP)

It is the transport layer that sends and receives messages via any available bearer
network, including SMS, USSD, CSD, CDPD and GPRS. It operates above the data
capable bearer services supported by various network types. It provides a common
interface to the upper layer protocols and hence they function independent of the
underlying wireless network.

WAP Gateway

 It acts as a middleware, which is used for encoding and decoding between cellular
devices and the web server. It located telecom network or Internet Service Provider.
The WAP gateway structure is depicted in Figure 3.
 Main functions of the Gateway are as under
 Implement the WAP protocol stack
 Transfer of Protocol between mobile phone and server
 User authentication
 Compress WML pages
 The HTTP interface consists of WAP content which is combination WML and WML
Script. It captures the usage data for billing. It allows the best usage of bandwidth by
allowing small packet transfer.
 The SSL( Secure Service Layer) establish the service link between web server and
browser and maintain its security. It is a Security Standard.
 TCP(Transmission Control Protocol) is the protocol for Internet. It is connection
oriented protocol. It decide the divide the data into packet for efficient transmission
on network. It is used with IP(Internet Protocol ).

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 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION

Figure 3: WAP Gateway

Application of WAP

Business Applications- Any business person can track its sales figure, status in market,
market up and down, share market, competitors data etc

 Online Services
o Banking: Users can get their current balance, transfer funds between accounts and
receive fax of a mini-statement
o E- Commerce: Customer can use their handset just like their PC to see the sales,
purchase products and services over the Web.
o Tele services: Most of telecommunication services are updating the data usage status.
More and more options are available in the market. CRM and SCM is done by using
tele-services.
o Prepaid Services
o Email: All the mails and data can be synchronized in the inbox. Users can keep track
of their email and notification etc. from their handset.
 Others include:
o Interactive Chat
o Auctions
o Games

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 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION
Challenges in WAP

 The biggest challenge in WAP is to provide support to the applications which are
having huge content and graphical interface.
 It is difficult to get assurance of service in wireless devices.
 The major issue is in interface design for handheld devices, as these devices are very
compact, small and having limited memory. Working in these constraints and getting
good interface to interaction is always a challenge.
 Usability of the network
 WAP website generally supported by WML which is scalable. WAP supports all other
markup languages such as HTML and XML, but has one hand navigation so it uses
WML only because of scalability.
 Low Bandwidth
 Limited device capability

Summary

Wireless network and devices have specific needs and requirement. These are the
devices with limited screen, limited processing etc. WAP enables such devices to use
internet. As internet access and mobile communication comes a long way. It is mandatory
to have standards for operation; WAP is the standard which is acting as an interface
between the World Wide Web and mobile devices. Though it has to deal with number of
challenges but today’s devices capability is increase with the help of WAP. It supports
most of the wireless networks such as CDMA, GSM, and TETRA etc. It is also supported
by all operating system used in handheld devices such as Windows, Java etc.

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 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION

[Link] (WDP - Wireless Datagram Protocol)

Wireless Datagram Protocol (WDP)
 Works like UDP.
 Provides a common interface to upper layers regardless of the underlying bearer (SMS,
GPRS, CDMA).
 Ensures that WAP applications don’t depend on a specific network.
 Handles port addressing and error detection.

1. Introduction
 WDP (Wireless Datagram Protocol) is the transport layer of the WAP architecture.
 It acts as an adaptation layer between the bearer services (like SMS, GSM, GPRS, CDMA)
and the upper WAP layers (WTP, WSP, WAE).
 Main goal: To provide a uniform interface to the upper layers, independent of the
underlying wireless network technology.

📌 In simple words:
👉 WDP = UDP for WAP (similar functionality but optimized for wireless).

2. Features of WDP
1. Datagram-based (connectionless service, like UDP).
2. Port addressing – each WAP application can be identified using a port number.
3. Error detection – basic checks for message integrity.
4. Bearer-independent – works with any wireless bearer service (SMS, USSD, GPRS,
CDMA, 3G, etc.).
5. Lightweight – suitable for low-power devices with small memory.
6. Encapsulation – encapsulates user data into datagrams for transmission.

3. WDP Functions
 Encapsulation: Packages data into datagrams.
 Multiplexing/Demultiplexing: Uses port numbers to deliver data to correct applications.
 Adaptation: Adapts higher layer protocols (WTP, WSP) to the specific bearer service.
 Segmentation/Reassembly: Splits large data into smaller datagrams for transmission.
 Error handling: Detects transmission errors (limited recovery, most handled by WTP).

4. WDP Architecture in WAP

WDP hides the details of the bearer service and provides a common datagram service to the higher layers.

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 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION

5. Applications of WDP
1. SMS-based WAP services
o WDP enables WAP messages to be sent over SMS bearers.
o Example: Mobile banking alerts, prepaid balance inquiry.
2. GPRS/3G Internet browsing
o WDP provides datagram service over packet-switched bearers.
o Example: Accessing WAP-based websites using WML.
3. Push services
o WDP is used for WAP Push (server pushes info to device without request).
o Example: News updates, Stock price alerts, Weather forecasts.
4. M-Commerce and Mobile Banking
o Secure WAP services use WDP for communication.
o Example: Transferring money, checking account balance.

6. Example of WDP in Action

Case 1: WAP over SMS

 User wants to check prepaid balance.

 Mobile sends a WDP datagram encapsulated in SMS to the operator’s WAP gateway.
 Gateway extracts WDP packet → forwards to WTP/WSP → fetches balance info → returns
as WDP datagram via SMS.

Flow:

User Mobile (WDP packet) → SMS → WAP Gateway → Operator DB

Operator DB → WAP Gateway → SMS (WDP packet) → User Mobile

Case 2: WAP over GPRS

 User opens a WAP site on mobile browser.

 Request sent as WDP datagram over GPRS bearer.
 WAP gateway translates WDP datagram into HTTP request.
 Response converted back into WDP datagram → displayed in WML on the mobile.

Flow:

Mobile Browser (WML request) → WDP over GPRS → WAP Gateway → Internet (HTTP)
Internet (HTTP Response) → WAP Gateway → WDP over GPRS → Mobile Browser

7. Key Advantages of WDP

 Works over multiple wireless bearers.
 Reduces dependency on network type.
 Lightweight protocol suitable for early mobile devices.
 Forms the backbone of all higher WAP services (WTP, WSP, WAE).

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 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION

3. Transport Layer Security (WTLS)

 Adaptation of TLS/SSL for mobile.
 Provides:
o Confidentiality (encryption of data)
o Integrity (detects tampering using message authentication codes)
o Authentication (verifies identity using certificates)
 Lightweight, designed for low bandwidth and processing limitations.

1. Introduction
 WTLS (Wireless Transport Layer Security) is the security layer of WAP architecture,
sitting above WDP and below WTP/WSP.
 It is an adaptation of TLS/SSL (used in the internet), designed for the constraints of
wireless networks:
o Low bandwidth
o High latency
o Small device memory & processing power
 WTLS provides privacy, integrity, and authentication for wireless communication.

📌 In simple words:
👉 WTLS = "Mobile version of SSL/TLS" (lightweight security for WAP).

2. Position of WTLS in WAP Architecture

Application Layer (WAE, WML, WMLScript, WTA)
↓
Session Layer (WSP)
↓
Transaction Layer (WTP)
↓
Security Layer (WTLS) ← (provides security services)
↓
Transport Layer (WDP)
↓
Bearer Networks (SMS, GSM, GPRS, CDMA, UMTS)

3. Key Features of WTLS

1. Confidentiality
o Encrypts data so unauthorized users cannot read it.
o Uses lightweight encryption algorithms (RC5, DES, IDEA, etc.).
2. Data Integrity
o Ensures data is not altered during transmission.
o Uses Message Authentication Codes (MAC).
3. Authentication
o Verifies the identity of communicating parties.
o Uses digital certificates or pre-shared keys.
4. Denial-of-Service (DoS) Protection
o Prevents resource exhaustion attacks by filtering invalid requests early.

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 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION
5. Optimized for Wireless
o Smaller message size than TLS/SSL.
o Supports unreliable bearers like SMS.
o Can operate in both connection-oriented and connectionless modes.

4. WTLS Protocol Components

WTLS has three main protocols:

1. Handshake Protocol
o Establishes a secure session between client and server.
o Negotiates encryption algorithms and keys.
o Authenticates client/server identities.
2. Record Protocol
o Encapsulates higher-layer data into secure records.
o Provides compression, encryption, and integrity protection.
3. Alert Protocol
o Sends alert messages (warnings, fatal errors, session termination).

5. WTLS Modes of Operation

 Class 1 Security → Anonymous, no authentication (only encryption).
 Class 2 Security → Server authentication (client trusts server identity).
 Class 3 Security → Mutual authentication (both client and server verified).

6. Applications of WTLS
1. Mobile Banking & M-Commerce
o Protects sensitive transactions (PIN, account info, payments).
o Example: Checking account balance securely via WAP.
2. Mobile E-commerce
o Encrypts payment details in online purchases.
o Example: Buying prepaid mobile recharge securely.
3. WAP Push Services
o Secure delivery of push messages (e.g., stock alerts, airline updates).
4. Mobile Email and Messaging
o Secures emails or instant messages delivered over WAP.
5. Healthcare and Government Services
o Protects confidential patient or citizen data sent via mobile apps.

7. Examples of WTLS in Action

Example 1: Mobile Banking

 A user logs into mobile banking via WAP.

 WTLS handshake occurs → establishes secure session with bank server.
 User sends PIN & account request → encrypted by WTLS.
 Bank verifies identity & responds with balance securely.

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 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION
Flow:

User Mobile ↔ WTLS ↔ WAP Gateway ↔ Secure Bank Server

Example 2: Secure Online Purchase

 User purchases a product via WAP site.

 Credit card details are sent via WTLS-encrypted session.
 WTLS ensures confidentiality + server authentication.
 Transaction completed securely.

Example 3: Stock Market Alerts

 Stock trading service sends push updates to users.

 WTLS ensures the alert is authentic and unaltered.
 Users can trust that updates came from a verified source.

8. Advantages of WTLS
 Lightweight (optimized for wireless).
 Works even on low bandwidth (SMS, GSM).
 Protects user privacy & security.
 Ensures trust in mobile commerce.

9. Limitations of WTLS
 WAP Gap Problem: At the WAP gateway, WTLS data must be decrypted into TLS/SSL
for internet communication → security risk.
 Limited encryption strength compared to full TLS.
 Becoming obsolete with modern smartphones (HTTPS/TLS directly used now).

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 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION

4. Transaction Protocol (WTP)

 Lightweight alternative to TCP.
 Supports:
o Unreliable messages (without acknowledgment).
o Reliable messages (with acknowledgment).
o Reliable messages with result (like HTTP request/response).
 Uses minimal overhead → suitable for wireless links with high error rates.

Wireless Transaction Protocol (WTP)

1. Introduction
 WTP (Wireless Transaction Protocol) is the transaction layer of WAP architecture,
sitting above WDP/WTLS and below WSP (Session Protocol).
 Designed as a lightweight alternative to TCP for wireless networks.
 Provides reliable transaction services (request–response) while minimizing overhead.
 Optimized for low bandwidth, high latency, and high error rates in wireless systems.

📌 In simple words:
👉 WTP = "Wireless TCP but lighter and faster."

2. Position in WAP Stack

Application Layer (WAE - WML, WMLScript, WTA)
↓
Session Layer (WSP)
↓
Transaction Layer (WTP) ← (Reliable transactions)
↓
Security Layer (WTLS)
↓
Transport Layer (WDP)
↓
Bearer Services (SMS, GSM, GPRS, CDMA, UMTS)

3. Features of WTP
1. Lightweight → Less overhead than TCP.
2. Transaction-oriented → Designed for request–response applications.
3. Supports multiple transaction classes (flexible reliability).
4. Optimized for wireless errors (retransmission handled efficiently).
5. Asynchronous operations → Multiple requests can be active at once.
6. Runs over unreliable transport (WDP) → Adds reliability where needed.

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 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION

4. WTP Transaction Classes

WTP supports three classes of transactions:

1. Class 0 – Unreliable One-way Request

o Client sends a message, no acknowledgment required.
o Example: Sending a simple push notification.
2. Class 1 – Reliable One-way Request
o Client sends a message, server acknowledges receipt.
o Example: Sending SMS-based commands where confirmation is needed.
3. Class 2 – Reliable Two-way Request (Request–Response)
o Client sends a request, server responds (most commonly used).
o Example: Browsing a WAP site (client requests page, server responds).

5. Functions of WTP
 Segmentation and reassembly of large messages.
 Error detection and retransmission for reliability.
 Duplicate detection to prevent repeated processing.
 Support for asynchronous transactions (handling multiple requests).
 Flow control for efficient data exchange.

6. Applications of WTP
1. Mobile Banking / Payments
o Reliable request–response for checking balance or making payments.
2. Mobile Internet Browsing (WAP sites)
o WTP ensures reliable delivery of WML content between client and server.
3. WAP Push Services
o Used in sending service messages like stock alerts, weather updates, airline
notifications.
4. M-Commerce (Mobile Shopping)
o Ensures safe request–response for product selection and payment.
5. Government/Healthcare Services
o Reliable mobile-based authentication or medical data requests.

7. Examples of WTP in Action

Example 1: Class 0 – Unreliable One-way

 Mobile app sends a “ping” or push alert to a server.

 No acknowledgment needed.

Mobile (WTP) → WAP Gateway → Application Server

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 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION
Example 2: Class 1 – Reliable One-way

 User subscribes to SMS-based weather alerts.

 Request sent → acknowledgment received by WTP.

Mobile (WTP Request) → WAP Gateway → Server

Server → Acknowledgment (via WTP) → Mobile

Example 3: Class 2 – Reliable Two-way

 User opens a WAP website:

o Request: "Send me home page."
o Response: Server sends WML deck (set of pages).

Mobile (Request via WTP) → WAP Gateway → Internet (Web Server)

Web Server (Response) → WAP Gateway → WTP → Mobile

8. Advantages of WTP
 Less overhead than TCP → efficient for wireless.
 Provides reliability where WDP (UDP-like) cannot.
 Supports different levels of reliability depending on application needs.
 Can handle multiple parallel transactions.

9. Limitations of WTP
 Not as reliable as TCP for large continuous streams (like video/audio).
 WAP Gap issue at WAP gateway (security risk if not combined with WTLS).
 Became obsolete with modern mobile internet (replaced by full TCP/IP).

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 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION

5. Session Protocol (WSP)

 Provides session services for applications.
 Features:
o Connection-oriented & connectionless services.
o Efficient HTTP functionality (compressed headers).
o Capability negotiation (device capabilities, display size).
 Helps mobile devices maintain sessions with web servers.

Wireless Session Protocol (WSP)

1. Introduction
 WSP (Wireless Session Protocol) is the session layer of WAP architecture, sitting above
WTP/WTLS and below the Application Environment (WAE).
 Provides functionality similar to HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) but optimized for
wireless mobile environments.
 Designed to reduce bandwidth usage, connection setup time, and processing overhead.

📌 In simple words:
👉 WSP = “Mobile-friendly HTTP for WAP devices.”

2. Position in WAP Architecture

Application Layer (WAE: WML, WMLScript, WTA)
↓
Session Protocol (WSP) ← (Manages sessions, like HTTP)
↓
Transaction Layer (WTP)
↓
Security Layer (WTLS)
↓
Transport Layer (WDP)
↓
Bearer Services (SMS, GSM, GPRS, CDMA, UMTS)

3. Key Features of WSP

1. Session Management
o Creates and manages sessions between client and server.
o Supports both connection-oriented and connectionless sessions.
2. HTTP/1.1 Functionality
o Provides request/response model similar to HTTP.
o Supports methods like GET, POST, etc.
3. Header Compression
o Compresses HTTP headers → saves bandwidth on small wireless channels.

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 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION

4. Capability Negotiation
o Mobile device can tell the server its screen size, memory, and supported features.
o Server adapts content accordingly.
5. Efficient Communication
o Supports push services (server-initiated messages).
o Reduces connection setup delays compared to HTTP.

4. WSP Modes
 Connection-oriented mode
o Runs over WTP (reliable transactions).
o Suitable for interactive services like browsing or banking.
 Connectionless mode
o Runs over WDP (unreliable datagram).
o Suitable for lightweight notifications and push messages.

5. Functions of WSP
 Establishes, manages, and releases sessions.
 Maps WAP requests to HTTP requests (via WAP Gateway).
 Provides push and pull mechanisms for content delivery.
 Ensures interoperability between mobile devices and internet servers.

6. Applications of WSP
1. Mobile Web Browsing
o Provides session support for accessing WAP websites (WML pages).
2. Mobile Banking & Payments
o Secure session management for balance check, fund transfer.
3. Push Services
o Stock alerts, news headlines, weather notifications.
4. E-commerce (M-Commerce)
o Shopping, ticket booking, recharge, etc.
5. Government/Healthcare Applications
o Secure mobile access to public service portals or health records.

7. Examples of WSP in Action

Example 1: Mobile Browsing

 User requests WAP site homepage.

 WSP establishes session → request sent to WAP gateway → converted to HTTP →
response returned as WML page.

Flow:

Mobile (WSP Request) → WAP Gateway → Internet (HTTP Request)

Internet Response → WAP Gateway → WSP Response → Mobile (WML Page)

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 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION
Example 2: Mobile Banking

 User opens mobile banking app (WAP based).

 WSP session established → transactions done securely using WSP + WTLS.
 Ensures faster, reliable service over wireless links.

Example 3: Push Notification (Connectionless Mode)

 Weather service sends alerts directly to user device.

 WSP push mechanism ensures efficient delivery without full session setup.

8. Advantages of WSP
 More efficient than raw HTTP in wireless environment.
 Reduces bandwidth usage (compressed headers).
 Supports both client-initiated (pull) and server-initiated (push) services.
 Provides capability negotiation (better user experience).

9. Limitations of WSP
 Dependent on WAP gateway for translation between WSP and HTTP → WAP gap issue.
 Slower compared to modern mobile internet (HTTPS over TCP/IP).
 Largely obsolete with the rise of smartphones and full web browsers.

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 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION

6. Wireless Application Environment (WAE)

 Application framework in WAP.
 Includes:
o WML (Wireless Markup Language)
o WMLScript
o Wireless Telephony Application (WTA)

Wireless Application Environment (WAE)

1. Introduction
 WAE (Wireless Application Environment) is the application layer of the WAP
architecture.
 It provides an environment/framework for developing and running applications on
wireless devices.
 Equivalent to the application layer in the Internet model (where HTML, JavaScript,
browsers, etc. operate).
 Designed for mobile devices with limited screen, memory, and processing power.

📌 In simple words:
👉 WAE = “Mobile application framework in WAP that supports WML, WMLScript, and WTA.”

2. Position in WAP Architecture

Wireless Application Environment (WAE: WML, WMLScript, WTA)
↓
Wireless Session Protocol (WSP)
↓
Wireless Transaction Protocol (WTP)
↓
Wireless Transport Layer Security (WTLS)
↓
Wireless Datagram Protocol (WDP)
↓
Bearer Networks (SMS, GSM, GPRS, CDMA, UMTS)

3. Key Components of WAE

1. Wireless Markup Language (WML)
o XML-based markup language, similar to HTML but lightweight.
o Used to design pages for mobile devices.
o Pages are grouped into decks containing cards.
2. WMLScript
o Lightweight scripting language (similar to JavaScript).
o Provides client-side logic for user interaction, input validation, and calculations.
o Reduces need for constant communication with the server.
3. Wireless Telephony Application (WTA)
o Provides API for telephony services (making calls, sending SMS).
o Enables integration of voice and data applications.

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 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION
4. WAE User Agent
o Software on the device (like a WAP browser).
o Interprets WML/WMLScript and interacts with the user.
5. Content Encoders/Decoders
o Compress WML/WMLScript content to reduce bandwidth usage.

4. Features of WAE
 Supports interactive mobile applications (similar to web apps).
 Lightweight and optimized for small devices.
 Provides standardized environment for developers.
 Supports both push (server-initiated) and pull (user-initiated) services.
 Works with WSP/WTP/WTLS for session, transaction, and security support.

5. Applications of WAE
1. Mobile Web Browsing
o WML-based sites accessed via WAP browsers.
o Example: Accessing news headlines, cricket scores, email.
2. Mobile Banking & M-Commerce
o Secure balance inquiry, fund transfers, bill payments.
o Example: Using WML forms with WMLScript validation.
3. Push Services
o News alerts, stock updates, sports scores.
o Example: WAP Push messages delivered to user’s phone.
4. Telephony Services (WTA)
o Accessing call-related functions directly from WAP apps.
o Example: Customer care apps that trigger calls with one click.
5. Healthcare / E-Governance
o Mobile access to patient data, public services, ticket booking.

6. Examples of WAE in Action

Example 1: WML Page

A simple WML deck with one card:

<wml>
<card id="welcome" title="Hello">
<p>Welcome to WAP World!</p>
<do type="accept" label="Next">
<go href="[Link]"/>
</do>
</card>
</wml>

 Displays a welcome screen with a “Next” option.

SVDC K JAGADEESH KUMAR Department of Electronics 19

 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION
Example 2: WMLScript for Input Validation
extern function checkPIN()
{
var pin = prompt("Enter your PIN:");
if (length(pin) != 4)
{
alert("PIN must be 4 digits!");
}
}

 Ensures PIN is exactly 4 digits before sending to server.

Example 3: Wireless Telephony Application (WTA)

<wta>
<card id="call" title="Customer Care">
<p>Press to Call</p>
<do type="accept" label="Call Now">
<go href="wtai://wp/mc;1800123456"/>
</do>
</card>
</wta>

 Calls customer care number directly when user selects the option.

7. Advantages of WAE
 Standardized platform for mobile applications.
 Lightweight and efficient for limited devices.
 Supports both browsing and telephony integration.
 Enables m-commerce, banking, push services.

8. Limitations of WAE
 Dependent on WAP Gateway for converting WML ↔ HTML.
 Very limited compared to modern HTML5/JavaScript.
 Obsolete now (replaced by modern mobile browsers, apps).

SVDC K JAGADEESH KUMAR Department of Electronics 20

 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION

7. Wireless Markup Language (WML)

 Based on XML, designed for small displays.
 Used to create mobile web pages.
 Structure:
o Decks (collection of cards).
o Cards (individual user interaction screens).

Wireless Markup Language (WML)

1. Introduction
 WML (Wireless Markup Language) is a markup language based on XML.
 Developed as part of the WAP (Wireless Application Protocol).
 Designed for creating content for mobile devices with small screens, low memory, and
limited bandwidth.
 Equivalent to HTML for the web, but optimized for wireless devices.

📌 In simple words:
👉 WML = “HTML for WAP-enabled mobile phones.”

2. Characteristics of WML
1. XML-based → Strict syntax, case-sensitive, hierarchical structure.
2. Deck and Card Structure →
o A Deck = group of Cards (like a web page with multiple screens).
o A Card = a single unit of user interaction (like one screen).
3. Event-driven Navigation → Uses <do> elements for navigation (instead of hyperlinks).
4. Lightweight → Requires less bandwidth and processing power.
5. Supports User Interaction → Forms, text input, selections, etc.
6. Supports Images and Text → Can display simple images (WBMP format).
7. Works with WMLScript → For validation, computation, and interactivity.

3. Structure of WML Document

A typical WML document has:

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<!DOCTYPE wml PUBLIC "-//WAPFORUM//DTD WML 1.1//EN"
"[Link]
<wml>
<card id="card1" title="Welcome">
<p>Hello, WAP User!</p>
</card>
</wml>

 <?xml ... ?> → Declares XML version.

 DOCTYPE → Specifies WML version.
 <wml> → Root element.
 <card> → One screen/page.
 <p> → Paragraph/text inside card.

SVDC K JAGADEESH KUMAR Department of Electronics 21

 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION

4. Features of WML
 Navigation via decks and cards.
 Support for forms and input fields.
 Lightweight binary encoding for transmission.
 Compatible with WMLScript for logic.
 Standardized by WAP Forum.

5. Applications of WML
1. Mobile Web Browsing
o Simple WAP sites (news, weather, sports updates).
2. Mobile Banking & Payments
o Balance inquiries, fund transfers using WML forms.
3. Push Services
o Stock market alerts, news updates via WML cards.
4. M-Commerce (Shopping)
o Product listings and purchases through WAP-enabled phones.
5. Government & Public Services
o Railway ticket booking, bill payment portals in early mobile services.

6. Examples of WML
Example 1: Simple WML Page
<wml>
<card id="welcome" title="Hello">
<p>Welcome to WAP World!</p>
<do type="accept" label="Next">
<go href="[Link]#main"/>
</do>
</card>
</wml>

👉 Displays a welcome message and a “Next” button.

Example 2: Form Input in WML

<wml>
<card id="login" title="Login">
<p>Enter Username: <input name="user"/></p>
<p>Enter Password: <input name="pass" type="password"/></p>
<do type="accept" label="Submit">
<go href="[Link]#verify"/>
</do>
</card>
</wml>

👉 A login form where user enters credentials.

SVDC K JAGADEESH KUMAR Department of Electronics 22

 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION

Example 3: Selection Menu in WML

<wml>
<card id="menu" title="Main Menu">
<p>Select Service:</p>
<select name="service">
<option value="1">Check Balance</option>
<option value="2">Recharge</option>
<option value="3">Customer Care</option>
</select>
<do type="accept" label="Go">
<go href="[Link]#action"/>
</do>
</card>
</wml>

👉 Displays a simple menu for mobile banking.

7. Advantages of WML
 Lightweight and efficient.
 Optimized for small displays.
 Works with WMLScript for interactivity.
 Standardized for wireless applications.

8. Limitations of WML
 Very limited design (no rich graphics, video, or complex layouts).
 Requires WAP-enabled devices and gateways.
 Obsolete now (replaced by HTML, CSS, JavaScript in smartphones).

SVDC K JAGADEESH KUMAR Department of Electronics 23

 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION

WMLScript and Wireless Telephony Applications (WTA)

1. WMLScript
Introduction

 WMLScript is a client-side scripting language for WAP, similar to JavaScript for

HTML.
 Used to add logic, interactivity, and data validation in WAP applications.
 It is a lightweight language optimized for mobile devices with limited memory and
processing power.
 Runs inside the WAP browser (WAE environment).

📌 In simple words:
👉 WML provides the content, WMLScript adds the logic.

Features of WMLScript

1. Lightweight → Designed for small mobile devices.

2. Client-side execution → Reduces need for constant server requests.
3. Event-driven → Executed when a user performs an action.
4. Precompiled → Scripts are compiled into bytecode to reduce bandwidth.
5. Supports Functions and Variables → Allows reusability of code.
6. Modules → WMLScript code can be stored in external files and reused.

Applications of WMLScript

1. Input Validation
o Check if PIN, password, or mobile number is correct before sending to server.
2. User Interaction
o Show alerts, confirmations, or error messages.
3. Calculations
o Perform small computations (e.g., currency conversion).
4. Form Handling
o Validate form fields before submission.
5. Reduce Server Load
o By handling checks locally, fewer server requests are needed.

SVDC K JAGADEESH KUMAR Department of Electronics 24

 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION
Examples of WMLScript
Example 1: PIN Validation
extern function checkPIN()
{
var pin = prompt("Enter your 4-digit PIN:");
if (length(pin) != 4)
{
alert("PIN must be exactly 4 digits!");
}
else
{
alert("PIN accepted.");
}
}

👉 Ensures PIN length is correct before sending.

Example 2: Confirmation Dialog

extern function confirmExit()
{
var ans = confirm("Do you really want to exit?");
if (ans)
{
exit();
}
}

👉 Asks user before exiting the application.

2. Wireless Telephony Applications (WTA)

Introduction

 WTA (Wireless Telephony Applications) extend the WAE to support voice and
telephony services.
 Provides APIs to allow WAP applications to control mobile phone features like:
o Making/ending calls
o Sending/receiving SMS
o Managing call logs and phonebook
 Combines data services (WML/WMLScript) with telephony services (voice/SMS).

📌 In simple words:
👉 WTA = “Bringing mobile phone call/SMS functions into WAP applications.”

Features of WTA

1. Integration of Voice and Data → Data (WML) + Telephony (calls/SMS).

2. WTAI (Wireless Telephony Application Interface) → Provides APIs for telephony
functions.
3. Trigger Mechanism → External events (like incoming call) can trigger WAP applications.
4. Call Control → Dialing, answering, forwarding calls via WAP apps.
5. Messaging Services → Sending SMS/MMS from within WAP apps.

SVDC K JAGADEESH KUMAR Department of Electronics 25

 Programme: [Link]. Honours in Electronics (Major/Minor)
Semester V Unit - IV CELLULAR MOBILE COMMUNICATION
Applications of WTA

1. Customer Care Applications

o One-click call from mobile banking or recharge menu.
2. Emergency Services
o WAP-based apps that trigger emergency calls (police, ambulance).
3. M-Commerce
o Trigger SMS confirmations or phone-based authentication during purchase.
4. Mobile Service Management
o Checking prepaid balance, activating caller tunes, or configuring SIM services.
5. Telemarketing and Alerts
o Automated dialer or push service triggering calls/SMS alerts.

Examples of WTA
Example 1: Making a Call
<wml>
<card id="call" title="Customer Care">
<p>Press to Call Customer Care</p>
<do type="accept" label="Call Now">
<go href="wtai://wp/mc;1800123456"/>
</do>
</card>
</wml>

👉 When user selects “Call Now,” the phone dials 1800123456.

Example 2: Sending SMS

<wml>
<card id="sms" title="Send SMS">
<p>Send balance inquiry SMS</p>
<do type="accept" label="Send">
<go href="wtai://wp/sms;12345?body=Balance"/>
</do>
</card>
</wml>

👉 Sends SMS “Balance” to service number 12345.

Example 3: Handling Incoming Call (Trigger)

 If a WTA application is registered for incoming calls, it can automatically display a WML
page when a call arrives.
 Example: If a bank call arrives, app shows “Bank Customer Care calling…” on screen.

3. Advantages
 WMLScript: Reduces server load, improves interactivity, saves bandwidth.
 WTA: Integrates telephony with WAP applications, enabling advanced services.

4. Limitations
 WMLScript is less powerful than JavaScript (no complex logic).
 WTA depends on mobile hardware and operator support.
 Obsolete today (modern smartphones use HTML5, Android/iOS APIs instead).

SVDC K JAGADEESH KUMAR Department of Electronics 26