WWW: Beyond the Basics

24. Ubiquitous Internet Computing

24.10 Getting There

There are several research areas which are studying the technology needed to support true ubiquitous computing.

Low Power

One of the first requirements of small, ubiquitous devices is that they are inexpensive, low-power devices. No one wants to have to change the batteries in hundreds of devices every year. Cheap computers will need a source of cheap, inexpensive power and will use low-power components.

Mobility

Mobility of computers is the focus of much current research. In the next decade, MIT expects their students to have portable, book-sized computers with wireless Internet access (MIT:1996d). The network needs to be in place to support mobile applications and devices.

Mobile IP

Currently, the Internet Protocol (IP) assumes that the location and connection of a computer remains fixed. One aspect of current research in mobile computing is that of Mobile-IP where IP is enhanced to allow a computer to roam and keep the same IP address (Lancki,Dixit:1996). The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) (IETF:1996a) maintains a Mobile-IP Web page (IETF:1996b) to develop the standard. Basically, Mobile-IP works by assigning a Home agent on the permanent network for a computer. When the mobile computer (or the 'mobile host') moves from one network to another, it notifies its home agent of its new location. The home agent then intercepts and forwards packets destined for the mobile host.

Mobile Applications

Research is also being done in being able to move applications. Applications will need to move off of a workstation onto a tab, or perhaps the application will move with the user. Olivetti Research Laboratory has created the ORL Teleporting System(Olivetti:1996d) to create mobile applications using the X Window system. A proxy X server routes the input and output of an X application to any X display.

Low Cost

Research is also being done in the hardware necessary to create low-cost devices which can connect to the Internet. The trend will be toward small, disposable computers. The MIT Media Laboratory is proposing a design of an network interface chip that would be small and inexpensive. It's called the 'Filament Chip' (MIT:1996e). Dr. Weiser envisions buying a six-pack of computers (Weiser:1996e).

Effective User Interfaces

These devices are meant to be practically invisible, and casually used. That means the user interfaces must be simple, apparent, and obvious. An awkward user interface could negate the whole purpose of the device.

[PREV][NEXT][UP][HOME][VT CS]

Copyright © 1996 Ingrid E. Burbey, All Rights Reserved

Ingrid Burbey <74001.1443@compuserve.com>
Last modified: Wed Dec 11 1996