Mobile and Wireless in 2004: Three Key Events

While the added privacy offered by AES is significant, 802.11i alsoincludes a well-defined authentication mechanism based on the existing802.1X and EAP (extensible authentication protocol) framework. Bycombining AES and 1X/EAP, dynamic key management tied to userauthentication is now available on 802.11 networks through astandardized protocol suite. Previous attempts to implementauthentication with dynamic keys were largely proprietary. Not only does802.11i provide for authentication and privacy, it also paves the wayfor role-based authorization services on wireless LANs, where networkaccess permissions are tied to user credentials and group membership.

Emergence of 3G Services in the United States

Verizon's expanded delivery of 3G CDMA2000 EV-DO services, following itslate-2003 initial deployment in Washington, DC, and San Diego, signaledthe emergence of high-speed carrier-based data services as a mainstreamservice offering. Now covering a potential population of 75 millionusers, almost a third of the company's total cellular coveragefootprint, EV-DO offers a near-broadband user experience, withdownstream TCP/IP throughput in excess of 500 kilobits per second.

The delivery of EV-DO is not only significant for current and futureVerizon customers, it also has forced the hand of competitors, who can'tafford to let Verizon capture market share for what the industry hopeswill be a lucrative market--one that will deliver higher profits at atime of eroding voice revenues. AT&T Wireless followed suit bydelivering UMTS data services, the 3G service strategy embraced by GSMcarriers. While not as fast as EV-DO, UMTS is a credible high-speedoffering that presents a clear migration path to even faster services.The acquisition of AT&T Wireless by Cingular provides the combinedcompany with the additional resources and spectrum to push this networknationwide. Cingular has announced its intention to do so in 2006.Finally, Sprint, which recently merged with Nextel, also has indicatedits intention to deliver EV-DO services in 2005.Ratification of 802.16-2004

The IEEE's 802.16-2004 is expected to be the foundation upon which WiMAXfixed wireless data services will be built. Borrowing a play from theWi-Fi Alliance, the WiMAX Forum will promote a unified standard anddevelop certification for interoperable fixed-wireless data services.While the market viability for such services is yet to be established,WiMAX has the potential to impact the global data services in severalways.

First, and most significant in the short-term, WiMAX will provide afoundation for delivering cost-effective, last-mile, broadband accessservice to under-served areas, including rural areas in the UnitedStates and across a broader footprint in developing countries wherewired infrastructure is not pervasive. Second, just like satellite TVput pressure on cable companies to upgrade their video serviceofferings, WiMAX will provide much-needed competition for DSL and cabledata service offerings. Finally, over time, the 802.16 standardscommittee will add support for mobility, providing broadband mobileservice offerings that will compete with 3G and emerging metro Wi-Fideployments.

After the holidays, I'll take my shot at prognostication about keylikely developments in 2005.

Dave Molta is Network Computing's senior technology editor. Write to him at [email protected]
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