Mobile Internet over IP data broadcast

Abstract

When speaking of wireless and mobile Internet, we often assume that a bi-directional access network must be within reach. Usually we see GPRS, UMTS and wireless LANs as carriers supporting the Internet access service. This service consequently provides a basis for browsing and retrieving a wealth of digital multimedia content upon user request. However, there are alternative means to deliver digital content to mobile users. Indeed, general content and content formats are independent from various communication methods. We focus on an alternative content delivery method - content push over terrestrial IP data broadcasting. To give a concrete context for discussion we assume DVB-T as the transmission technology. The unidirectional, wide-band, shared channel suits especially well delivery service that targets multiple end users on the move. Applied to mobile communications, IP data broadcasting proves to complement the traditional mobile Internet access service provided over bi-directional access systems. From the viewpoint of international standards developing organizations, we tackle the issues needed to establish a globally inter-operable IP datacast baseline as a service platform.