ORIENTAL GROUP OF INSTITUTE

ORIENTAL COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

ORIENTAL INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Information Technology

OGI LAB –MANUAL

LOKESH SUBJECT: WIRELESS & MOBILE COMPUTING
MALVIYA SUBJECT CODE:-IT-7003
 List of Experiments

S.NO Experiments Date Sign Remark

To implement mobile network using open source
1.
software NS2.
2. Implement Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)
To write a programme to implement concept of
3.
frequency reuse when given size of geographical area
and the set of available frequencies.
Study of OPNET tool for modeling and simulation of
4.
different cellular standards.
5. Study and Analysis of wired network.
Study and Analysis of wireless network.
6.

7. Study and Analysis of Bluetooth.

8 Study of Mobile IP.

Experiment NO. 1
AIM: - To implement mobile network using open source software NS2.
INTRODUCTION TO NS-2:

 Widely known as NS2, is simply an event driven simulation tool.

 Useful in studying the dynamic nature of communication networks.Simulation of
wired as well as wireless network functions and protocols (e.g., routing algorithms,
TCP,
 UDP) can be done using NS2. In general, NS2 provides users with a way of
specifying such network protocols and simulating their
 Corresponding behaviours.
BASIC ARCHITECTURE OF NS2

SIMPLE EXAMPLE:-

#Create a simulator object

set ns [new Simulator]

#Define different colors for data flows (for NAM)

$ns color 1 Blue
$ns color 2 Red
#Open the NAM trace file
set nf [open out.nam w]
$ns namtrace-all $nf

#Define a 'finish' procedure

proc finish {} {
global ns nf
$ns flush-trace
#Close the NAM trace file
close $nf
#Execute NAM on the trace file
exec nam out.nam &
exit 0
}
#Create four nodes
set n0 [$ns node]
set n1 [$ns node]
set n2 [$ns node]
set n3 [$ns node]
#Create links between the nodes
$ns duplex-link $n0 $n2 2Mb 10ms DropTail
$ns duplex-link $n1 $n2 2Mb 10ms DropTail
$ns duplex-link $n2 $n3 1.7Mb 20ms DropTail
#Set Queue Size of link (n2-n3) to 10
$ns queue-limit $n2 $n3 10
#Give node position (for NAM)
$ns duplex-link-op $n0 $n2 orient right-down
$ns duplex-link-op $n1 $n2 orient right-up
$ns duplex-link-op $n2 $n3 orient right
#Monitor the queue for link (n2-n3). (for NAM)
$ns duplex-link-op $n2 $n3 queuePos 0.5
#Setup a TCP connection
set tcp [new Agent/TCP]
$tcp set class_ 2
$ns attach-agent $n0 $tcp
set sink [new Agent/TCPSink]
$ns attach-agent $n3 $sink
$ns connect $tcp $sink
$tcp set fid_ 1
#Setup a FTP over TCP connection
set ftp [new Application/FTP]
$ftp attach-agent $tcp
$ftp set type_ FTP
#Setup a UDP connection
set udp [new Agent/UDP]
$ns attach-agent $n1 $udp
set null [new Agent/Null]
$ns attach-agent $n3 $null
$ns connect $udp $null
$udp set fid_ 2
#Setup a CBR over UDP connection
set cbr [new Application/Traffic/CBR]
$cbr attach-agent $udp
$cbr set type_ CBR
$cbr set packet_size_ 1000
$cbr set rate_ 1mb
$cbr set random_ false
#Schedule events for the CBR and FTP agents
$ns at 0.1 "$cbr start"
$ns at 1.0 "$ftp start"
$ns at 4.0 "$ftp stop"
$ns at 4.5 "$cbr stop"
#Detach tcp and sink agents (not really necessary)
$ns at 4.5 "$ns detach-agent $n0 $tcp ; $ns detach-agent $n3 $sink"
#Call the finish procedure after 5 seconds of simulation time
$ns at 5.0 "finish"
#Print CBR packet size and interval
puts "CBR packet size = [$cbr set packet_size_]"
puts "CBR interval = [$cbr set interval_]"
#Run the simulation
$ns run
This network consists of 4 nodes (n0, n1, n2, n3) as shown in above figure. The duplex
links between n0 and n2, and n1 and n2 have 2 Mbps of bandwidth and 10 ms of delay.
The duplex link between n2 and n3 has 1.7 Mbps of bandwidth and 20 ms of delay. Each
node uses a DropTail queue, of which the maximum size is 10. A "tcp" agent is attached
to n0, and a connection is established to a tcp "sink" agent attached to n3. As default, the
maximum size of a packet that a "tcp" agent can generate is 1KByte. A tcp "sink" agent
generates and sends ACK packets to the sender (tcp agent) and frees the received packets.
A "udp" agent that is attached to n1 is connected to a "null" agent attached to n3. A "null"
agent just frees the packets received. A "ftp" and a "cbr" traffic generator are attached to
"tcp" and "udp" agents respectively, and the "cbr" is configured to generate 1 KByte
packets at the rate of 1 Mbps. The "cbr" is set to start at 0.1 sec and stop at 4.5 sec, and
"ftp" is set to start at 1.0 sec and stop at 4.0 sec.
 Experiment NO. 2
AIM: - Implement Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA).
Introduction:-
Code division multiple access (CDMA) is a channel access method used by various radio
communication technologies. CDMA is an example of multiple access, where several
transmitters can send information simultaneously over a single communication channel. This
allows several users to share a band of frequencies (see bandwidth). To permit this without
undue interference between the users, CDMA employs spread-spectrum technology and a
special coding scheme (where each transmitter is assigned a code). CDMA is used as the
access method in many mobile phone standards such as cdmaOne, CDMA2000 (the 3G
evolution of cdmaOne), and WCDMA (the 3G standard used by GSM carriers), which are
often referred to as simply CDMA. Spread Spectrum techniques were and are still used in
military applications, because of their high security, and their less susceptibility to
interference from other parties. In this technique, multiple users share the same bandwidth,
without significantly interfering with each other. The spreading waveform is controlled by a
Pseudo-Noise (PN) sequence, which is a binary random sequence. This PN is then multiplied
with the original baseband signal, which has a lower frequency, which yields a spread
waveform that has a noise like properties. In the receiver, the opposite happens, when the
pass band signal is first demodulated, and then despreads using the same PN waveform. An
important factor here is the synchronization between the two generated sequences.

How Does CDMA Working

CDMA allows up to 61 concurrent users in a 1.2288 MHz channel by processing each voice
packet with two PN codes. There are 64 Walsh codes available to differentiate between calls
and theoretical limits. Operational limits and quality issues will reduce the maximum number
of calls somewhat lower than this value.

In fact, many different "signals" baseband with different spreading codes can be modulated
on the same carrier to allow many different users to be supported. Using different orthogonal
codes, interference between the signals is minimal. Conversely, when signals are received
from several mobile stations, the base station is capable of isolating each as they have
different orthogonal spreading codes.
The following figure shows the technicality of the CDMA system. During the propagation,
we mixed the signals of all users, but by that you use the same code as the code that was used
at the time of sending the receiving side. You can take out only the signal of each user.

CDMA Capacity
The factors deciding the CDMA capacity are −

 Processing Gain
 Signal to Noise Ratio
 Voice Activity Factor
 Frequency Reuse Efficiency

Capacity in CDMA is soft, CDMA has all users on each frequency and users are separated by
code. This means, CDMA operates in the presence of noise and interference.

In addition, neighboring cells use the same frequencies, which means no re-use. So, CDMA
capacity calculations should be very simple. No code channel in a cell, multiplied by no cell.
But it is not that simple. Although not available code channels are 64, it may not be possible
to use a single time, since the CDMA frequency is the same.

Centralized Methods
The band used in CDMA is 824 MHz to 894 MHz (50 MHz + 20 MHz separation).

Frequency channel is divided into code channels.

1.25 MHz of FDMA channel is divided into 64 code channels.

Processing Gain

CDMA is a spread spectrum technique. Each data bit is spread by a code sequence. This
means, energy per bit is also increased. This means that we get a gain of this.

P (gain) = 10log (W/R)

W is Spread Rate

R is Data Rate

For CDMA P (gain) = 10 log (1228800/9600) = 21dB

This is a gain factor and the actual data propagation rate. On an average, a typical
transmission condition requires a signal to the noise ratio of 7 dB for the adequate quality of
voice.

Translated into a ratio, signal must be five times stronger than noise.

Actual processing gain = P (gain) - SNR= 21 – 7 = 14dB

CDMA uses variable rate coder

The Voice Activity Factor of 0.4 is considered = -4dB.

Hence, CDMA has 100% frequency reuse. Use of same frequency in surrounding cells causes
some additional interference.

In CDMA frequency, reuse efficiency is 0.67 (70% eff.) = -1.73dB

Advantages of CDMA

CDMA has a soft capacity. The greater the number of codes, the more the number of users. It
has the following advantages −

CDMA requires a tight power control, as it suffers from near-far effect. In other words, a user
near the base station transmitting with the same power will drown the signal latter. All signals
must have more or less equal power at the receiver

Rake receivers can be used to improve signal reception. Delayed versions of time (a chip or
later) of the signal (multipath signals) can be collected and used to make decisions at the bit
level.
Flexible transfer may be used. Mobile base stations can switch without changing operator.
Two base stations receive mobile signal and the mobile receives signals from the two base
stations.

Transmission Burst − reduces interference.

Disadvantages of CDMA

The disadvantages of using CDMA are as follows −

The code length must be carefully selected. A large code length can induce delay or may
cause interference.

Time synchronization is required.

Gradual transfer increases the use of radio resources and may reduce capacity.

As the sum of the power received and transmitted from a base station needs constant tight
power control. This can result in several handovers.
 Experiment NO. 3
AIM: - To write a programme to implement concept of frequency reuse
when given size of geographical area and the set of available frequencies.
Introduction:-
The immense potential of conventional telephone cannot be exploited to its maximum due to
the limitation imposed by the connecting wires. But this restriction has been removed with the
advent of the cellular radio.

Frequency Scarcity Problem

If we use dedicated RF loop for every subscriber, we need larger bandwidth to serve even a
limited number of subsc in a single city.

Example

A single RF loop requires 50 kHz B/W; then for one lakh subscribers we need 1,00,000 x 50
kHz = 5 GHz.

To overcome this B/W problem, subscribers have to share the RF channels on need basis,
instead of dedicated RF loops. This can be achieved by using multiple access methods
FDMA, TDMA, or CDMA. Even then the number of RF channels required to serve the
subscribers, works out to be impracticable.

Example

Consider a subs density of 30Sq.Km., Grade of service as 1%, Traffic offered per mobile sub
as 30m E. Then number of RF channels required are −

Radius(km) Area in Sq.km Subs RF Channels

1 3.14 100 8

3 28.03 900 38

10 314 10000 360

For 10,000 subs to allot 360 radio channels we need a B/Wof 360 × 50 KHz = 18 MHz.
This is practically not feasible.

Cellular Approach
With limited frequency resource, cellular principle can serve thousands of subscribers at an
affordable cost. In a cellular network, total area is subdivided into smaller areas called “cells”.
Each cell can cover a limited number of mobile subscribers within its boundaries. Each cell
can have a base station with a number of RF channels.

Frequencies used in a given cell area will be simultaneously reused at a different cell which is
geographically separated. For example, a typical seven-cell pattern can be considered.

Total available frequency resources are divided into seven parts, each part consisting of a
number of radio channels and allocated to a cell site. In a group of 7 cells, available frequency
spectrum is consumed totally. The same seven sets of frequency can be used after certain
distance.

The group of cells where the available frequency spectrum is totally consumed is called a
cluster of cells.

Two cells having the same number in the adjacent cluster, use the same set of RF channels
and hence are termed as “Co-channel cells”. The distance between the cells using the same
frequency should be sufficient to keep the co-channel (co-chl) interference to an acceptable
level. Hence, the cellular systems are limited by Co-channel interference.

Hence a cellular principle enables the following.

 More efficient usage of available limited RF source.

  Manufacturing of every piece of subscriber's terminal within a region with the same
set of channels so that any mobile can be used anywhere within the region.

Experiment NO. 4
AIM: - Study of OPNET tool for modeling and simulation of different
cellular standards.
OPNET MODELER:-

The Optimized Network Engineering Tool (OPNET v14.5) for simulation of our networks
which is one of the most powerful simulation tools regarding wireless communications.
OPNET is a research oriented network simulation tool which provides a development
environment for modeling and simulation of deployed wired as well as wireless networks and
also provides multiple solutions for managing networks and applications e.g. network
operation, planning, research and development (R&D), network engineering and performance
management. OPNET 14.5 is designed for modeling communication devices, technologies,
protocols and to simulate the performance of these technologies. User can create customized
models and simulate various network scenarios [6]. It is possible to simulate various wireless
communication technologies such as MANET, 802.11, 3G/4G, Ultra Wide Band, WiMAX,
Bluetooth, ZigBee using OPNET tool. The OPNET modeler is object oriented and employs a
hierarchical approach to model communication networks as shown in fig below. The OPNET
usability can be divided into four main steps. 1. Modeling : This module is used to build or
create a network model 2. Choose and select statistics: We can choose different statistics to
collect from each network. 3. Simulate the network. 4. View and analyze results. The OPNET
Modeler comprises a series of hierarchical user interfaces including Project, node, process,
link model, path, and project editors.
 Fig:-OPNET Routing Network

Impossible to do justice to this large body of research in this short Study, in what follows, we
discuss some of the studies most relevant to our proposal. Some of the features of our Study
are:

 We Study the research progress from a wide spectrum and level of work, such as
technical reports, experiences of teachers with teaching OPNET, OPNET in state-of-
art research etc. This highlights various functionalities of OPNET.
 This paper underscores power of OPNET as simulation tool and the crucial role
network simulators play in research. We believe that this survey will help designers,
architects and teachers to get an overview of OPNET in different domains of
applications.
 We focus on exploring the salient feature and limitations of OPNET, which become
especially clear when OPNET is employed in a research project.
 Experiment NO. 5
AIM: Study and Analysis of wired network.
Introduction

Organizations rely heavily on the ability to share information throughout the organization in
an efficient and productive manner. Computer networks have allowed for this technology
and are now apart of almost every business. An organization has two options when it comes
to setting up a network. They can use a completely wired network, which uses networking
cable to connect computers, or they can use a wireless network, which uses radio frequencies
to connect computer. Wireless networks have allowed organizations to become more mobile;
therefore, organizations are now using a combination of both wired and wireless networks.

They basic hardware layout for the two types of networks are fairly similar but for an
organization to go wireless it requires a few more hardware components. Although networks
provide convenience they do open the organization up to security and privacy risks. If a
company is faced with a security they are ways that they can fix and prevent future security
risks. As you read on, you will learn how the network has become an essential part of today’s
organizations.

Hardware Components

Before one can begin to setup a network they must first be sure they have a network interface
card, commonly referred to as a NIC. A NIC is a device that connects a computer or other
device to a network. For computers, the NIC is usually installed in an expansion slot and has
a chip that handles the physical and data-link layers of network communications.
(Cert.org/Tech)

To establish your network you will need a few key components. If you plan to access the
internet you will start your network off with a cable modem. This type of modem is designed
to operate using your existing cable lines. Cable internet has a high bandwidth and can
support most, if not, all applications you will be using. The second component is a router. A
router is a device that routes data from one network to another network. A router is connected
to at least two networks, commonly two networks or a network and its ISP's network. A
router allows for everyone on the network to access the internet.(Webopedia.com)
The next component that you will need to setup a network is a hub or sometimes a switch. A
hub is a device that connects the cables from computers and other devices such as printers in
a network. Traditionally, hubs are used for star topology networks, but they are often used
with other configurations to make it easy to add and remove computers without bringing
down the network. (Webopedia.com) A hub can be either active or passive; simply
forwarding messages or amplifying or refreshing the data. A switch is a device similar to a
hub that enables the connection of multiple computers, access points, and other network
enabled devices. The difference between a hub and a switch is that a switch filters the data
that passes through it and a hub does not.

These components have all been modified and are capable of establishing wireless networks.
A router can be purchased with wireless capability but a more efficient way of adding
wireless to your network is to simply add wired access points. An access point will bride a
wired network with a wireless network and can be hard wired in to your existing system. (Wi-
Fiplanet.com) This option allows for the mobility of a wireless network.

Another key component is a print server. A print server is used to connect printers to a
network to allow for network printing. The server will act as a buffer; storing the messaging
and printing them in order of the queue. This device can drastically reduce the cost of
networking because now everyone can use the same printer without having a printer attached
to every computer.

Wired Networks
Wired networks, also called Ethernet networks, are the most
common type of local area network (LAN) technology. A wired
network is simply a collection of two or more computers,
printers, and other devices linked by Ethernet cables. Ethernet
is the fastest wired network protocol, with connection speeds of
10 megabits per second (Mbps) to 100 Mbps or higher. Wired
networks can also be used as part of other wired and wireless
networks. To connect a computer to a network with an Ethernet cable, the computer must
have an Ethernet adapter (sometimes called a network interface card, or NIC). Ethernet
adapters can be internal (installed in a computer) or external (housed in a separate case).
Some computers include a built-in Ethernet adapter port, which eliminates the need for a
separate adapter (Microsoft). There are three basic network topologies that are most
commonly used today. (Homenthelp.com)

The star network, a general more simplistic type of topology, has one central hub that
connects to three or more computers and the ability to network printers. This type can be used
for small businesses and even home networks. The star network is very useful for applications
where some processing must be centralized and some must be performed locally. The major
disadvantage is the star network is its vulnerability. All data must pass through one central
host computer and if that host fails the entire network will fail.

On the other hand the bus network has no central computer and all computers are linked
on a single circuit. This type broadcasts signals in all
directions and it uses special software to identify which
computer gets what signal. One disadvantage with this
type of network is that only one signal can be sent at
one time, if two signals are sent at the same time they
will collide and the signal will fail to reach its destination. One advantage is that there is
no central computer so if one computer goes down others will not be affected and will be
able to send messages to one another. (Laudon)

The third type of network is the ring network. Similar to the bus
network, the ring network does not rely on a central host computer
either. Each computer in the network can communicate directly
with any other computer, and each processes its own applications
independently. A ring network forms a closed loop and data is
sent in one direction only and if a computer in the network fails
the data is still able to be transmitted.

Typically the range of a wired network is within a 2,000-foot-radius. The disadvantage of

this is that data transmission over this distance may be slow or nonexistent. The benefit of a
wired network is that bandwidth is very high and that interference is very limited through
direct connections. Wired networks are more secure and can be used in many situations;
corporate LANs, school networks and hospitals. The biggest drawback to this type of
network is that it must be rewired every time it is moved. (Laudon)
 Experiment NO. 6
AIM: Study and Analysis of wireless network.

Wireless Networks

A wireless network, which uses high-frequency radio waves rather than wires to

communicate between nodes, is another option for home or business networking. Individuals

and organizations can use this option to expand their existing wired network or to go

completely wireless. Wireless allows for devices to be shared without networking cable

which increases mobility but decreases range. There are two main types of wireless

networking; peer to peer or ad-hoc and infrastructure. (Wi-fi.com)

An ad-hoc or peer-to-peer wireless network consists of a number

of computers each equipped with a wireless networking interface card.
Each computer can communicate directly with all of the other wireless
enabled computers. They can share files and printers this way, but may
not be able to access wired LAN resources, unless one of the computers
acts as a bridge to the wired LAN using special software.

An infrastructure wireless network consists of an

access point or a base station. In this type of network the
access point acts like a hub, providing connectivity for the
wireless computers. It can connect or bridge the wireless
LAN to a wired LAN, allowing wireless computer access to
LAN resources, such as file servers or existing Internet Connectivity.
(compnetworking.about.com)

There are four basic types of transmissions standards for wireless networking. These types
are produced by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). These standards
define all aspects of radio frequency wireless networking. They have established four
transmission standards; 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g.
The basic differences between these four types are connection speed and radio frequency.
802.11 and 802.11b are the slowest at 1 or 2 Mbps and 5.5 and 11Mbps respectively. They
both operate off of the 2.4 GHz radio frequency. 802.11a operates off of a 5 GHz frequency
and can transmit up to 54 Mbps and the 802.11g operates off of the 2.4 GHz frequency and
can transmit up to 54 Mbps. Actual transmission speeds vary depending on such factors as
the number and size of the physical barriers within the network and any interference in the
radio transmissions. (Wi-fi.com)

Wireless networks are reliable, but when interfered with it can reduce the range and the
quality of the signal. Interference can be caused by other devices operating on the same radio
frequency and it is very hard to control the addition of new devices on the same frequency.
Usually if your wireless range is compromised considerably, more than likely, interference is
to blame. (Laudon)

A major cause of interference with any radio signals are the materials in your surroundings,
especially metallic substances, which have a tendency to reflect radio signals. Needless to
say, the potential sources of metal around a home are numerous--things like metal studs,
nails, building insulation with a foil backing and even lead paint can all possibly reduce the
quality of the wireless radio signal. Materials with a high density, like concrete, tend to be
harder for radio signals to penetrate, absorbing more of the energy. Other devices utilizing the
same frequency can also result in interference with your wireless. For example, the 2.4GHz
frequency used by 802.11b-based wireless products to communicate with each other.
Wireless devices don't have this frequency all to themselves. In a business environment, other
devices that use the 2.4GHz band include microwave ovens and certain cordless phones.
(Laundon)

On the other hand, many wireless networks can increase the range of the signal by using
many different types of hardware devices. A wireless extender can be used to relay the radio
frequency from one point to another without losing signal strength. Even though this device
extends the range of a wireless signal it has some drawbacks. One drawback is that it extends
the signal, but the transmission speed will be slowed.

There are many benefits to a wireless network. The most important one is the option to
expand your current wired network to other areas of your organization where it would
otherwise not be cost effective or practical to do so. An organization can also install a
wireless network without physically disrupting the current workplace or wired network. (Wi-
Fi.org) Wireless networks are far easier to move than a wired network and adding users to an
existing wireless network is easy. Organizations opt for a wireless network in conference
rooms, lobbies and offices where adding to the existing wired network may be too expensive
to do so.

Experiment NO. 7
AIM: Study and Analysis of Bluetooth.
In recent years with the massive rise in popularity of mobile and fixed electronic computing
devices (PCs, PDAs, Laptops, Mobile phones, etc.), there has been a growing demand for
high-speed digital wireless communication facilities. Bluetooth is a promising new
technology that is aimed at supporting wireless connectivity among cell phones, headsets,
PDAs, digital cameras and laptop computers. Initially, Bluetooth was proposed as a
replacement to cables, but it evolved as a solution for forming Personal Area Networks. After
comparing IEEE 802.11 it is observed that Bluetooth is more secure due to its short range. A
model of Mobile Sony Ericsson z600 was studied in which connectivity behavior of
Bluetooth environment has been analyzed.

Device Discovery in Bluetooth Bluetooth is a short-range, low-power, open standard for

implementing wireless personal area networks. Since it uses the unlicensed 2.4GHz Industry
Scientific and Medical band (a set of frequencies almost globally available), there is a
potential problem of interference from other devices using this band. To resolve this,
Bluetooth uses a frequency hopping scheme, where devices alternate rapidly among the 79
available frequencies in a pseudo-random fashion. In order to communicate, Bluetooth
devices organise themselves into small networks called piconets, comprising one master and
up to 7 slave devices, in which the frequency hopping sequences are synchronised and
controlled by the master. In this paper, we focus on the issue of piconet creation, the
performance of which is crucial because no communication between devices can occur until it
is complete. It also has considerably higher power consumption than other parts of the
protocol [9], prevents existing device connections from operating and may cause interference
to other nearby piconets. Piconet formation has two steps: firstly, the inquiry process, where a
master device discovers neighbouring slave devices; and secondly, the page process, where
connections between them are established. During the first step, information about slave
clock times is exchanged for the purposes of synchronisation. This can be used during the
second step, which is hence much faster. We therefore concentrate on the inquiry process. We
now describe in more detail the procedure executed by an inquiring device (a master trying to
discover slaves) and a scanning device (a potential slave device who wants to be discovered).

Experiment NO. 8
AIM: Study of Mobile IP.

INTRODUCTION:-
The Internet is an excellent source of information which is readily accessible from almost any
computer with a fixed connection to some kind of a network, however with increasing
popularity of mobile devices such as PDA’s, internet ready cell phones, PC Tablets, etc, there
is a need to provide access to the Internet from a device that may be constantly in motion or
wireless access to the Internet. Mobile IP, a standard proposed by the Internet Engineering
Task Force (IETF) aims to make mobile computing a reality. The principal advantage of
Mobile IP is that it frees the user from a fixed location. Mobile IP makes invisible the
boundaries between attachment points, it is able to track and deliver information to mobile
devices without needing to change the device’s long-term Internet Protocol (IP) address (for
that session)

Before studying Mobile IP, it is important to define the concept of ‘computing mobility’.
Computing mobility can be defined as allowing the user some degree of freedom for his/her
computing tasks. There are essentially two kinds of computing mobility – Personal mobility
and Terminal mobility

Personal mobility involves making it possible for a user to use the network’s services from
any terminal. When the user logs onto a terminal, he/she will get the same functionality as the
user’s home network, without having to go through time-consuming configuration
procedures. When this user starts an IP session, an IP address will be assigned if it has not
been done so already. As long as the IP session is kept alive, the IP address will serve as a
destination for information delivery. An inherent problem with this approach is that once
logged on, the user cannot switch to any other terminal.

To summarize the features of Mobile IP:

 No geographical limitations
 No physical connection required
  Modifications to other mobile devices/routers is not required
 Mobile IP leaves transport and higher-level protocols unaffected
 No modifications to the current IP address of the mobile device or the format of the IP
address

HOW MOBILE IP WORKS

IP addresses are typically associated with a fixed non-mobile location such as a router or a
client computer. IP routes packets from a source to a destination by allowing routers to
forward packets from incoming network interfaces to outbound interfaces according to
routing tables. These routing tables typically maintain the next-hop information for each
destination IP address, which is based on the number of networks to which that IP address is
connected.

To maintain existing transport-layer connections the node must maintain a single IP address.
In Transfer Control Protocol (TCP), the overwhelmingly popular protocol for Internet
connections, the connections are indexed by a quadruplet that is analogous to someone’s
geographical home address. This set of numbers is what allows for delivery of a packet of
data. If any of these numbers are changed then the connection will most likely be lost.
Correct delivery of data packets to the node depends on the network number contained within
the node’s IP address.

If the node is mobile, packets sent to this node may never make it as, logically, mobility will
force a new IP address to be associated with the node every time it changes its connection
point. Constantly changing IP address of a node will make transparent mobility impossible.

Mobile IP was designed to solve this problem by allowing the node to use two IP addresses:

 Home address
 Care-of address
