Network hopping with a mobile communications terminal
The software powers the transmission, reception, operations and maintenance functions of the CREDO mobile terminal developed for the Olympic Games. The mobile device can communicate with networks using the '2.5G' mobile phone general packet radio service (GPRS) standard, wireless local area networks (WLAN) like Wi-Fi, or digital video broadcasting (DVB) technology. The software is designed around a Terminal Station Management System (TSMS) that maintains an uninterrupted connection with services, even as the interface changes between these networks. The system comprises five modules that handle interaction with the network and services management system, interfacing between applications and TSMS, selecting networks from those available, handover between network connections and monitoring link quality. These modules work together to keep a seamless connection to services while swapping network connections, known as 'vertical handover'. The network selector module collects information on the available and preferred networks, as well as the services being accessed by currently running applications on the terminal. This, along with the quality of information about the various networks available, is then used by the network and service management system interaction module to change interface without losing connection. The project team are looking for partners in the public or private sectors, in order to develop the terminal for new markets. Suitable applications in multi-mode communication environments would include disaster recovery situations, and networks with broadcast and cellular convergence.