Mobile Applications and Global Internet Communications(MAGIC)

Introduction

The goal of mobile internet connectivity is for IP-based applications to continue working as a mobile host moves. The mobile host should be unconstrained in its choice of attachment points to whichever IP network it choses to use. There are various approaches to internet mobility, each with their own definition of 'continue working' and 'unconstrained'. We can broadly classify these into link, IP, and application layer solutions.

Link layer solutions (such as 802.11 wireless LANs, or cellular modem services) allow the IP topology to appear static even as the hosts (and possibly routers) move geographically relative to each other. However, link layer solutions typically require you to stay within the geographical range of that specific link layer (for example, a few hundred feet for 802.11 solutions, or within a carrier's coverage area for cellular modem solutions).

IP layer solutions (the IETF's "mobile IPv4" and "mobile IPv6" being most obvious examples) support mobility across a range of link layers (for example, allowing you to migrate from an 802.11 LAN to a Bluetooth to cellular wireless) while maintaining a host's "identity" at the IP level. Applications running on such a host see no change to their IP connectivity.

Application level solutions require an application to be aware that the underlying host's IP address may change multiple times while the application is in use. The application includes its own mechanisms for discovering IP address or connectivity changes, and for re-establishing connectivity with their peers once IP level connectivity resumes.


The MAGIC project

MAGIC specifically focuses on the IP layer solutions developed by the IETF (mobile IPv4 [mipv4] and mobile IPv6 [mipv6]). In particular the MAGIC project will:

• Deploy an 802.11 testbed within the centre, and utilize Swinburne's campus-wide 802.11 network for large-scale proof-of-concept demonstrations
• Explore the viability of mipv4 and mipv6 solutions with current PC operatings systems such as FreeBSD and Windows 2000
• Characterise the operational limitations and failure modes of mipv4 and mipv6 protocols, with particular focus on the IP service quality perceived by applications during dynamic mobility events.

As part of this project we will develop and release tools to assist in data gathering and analysis, and publish interim results and papers on our website.

Program Members