AN ARCHITECTURAL FRAMEWORK FOR HETEROGENEOUS NETWORKING

Abstract

The growth over the last decade in the use of wireless networking devices has been explosive. Soon many
\ndevices will have multiple network interfaces, each with very different characteristics. We believe that a
\nframework that encapsulates the key challenges of heterogeneous networking is required. Like a map clearly
\nhelps one to plan a journey, a framework is needed to help us move forward in this unexplored area. The
\napproach taken here is similar to the OSImodel in which tightly defined layers are used to specify functionality,
\nallowing a modular approach to the extension of systems and the interchange of their components, whilst
\nproviding a model that is more oriented to heterogeneity and mobility.