Platform-independent IP transmission over wireless networks: the WINE approach

The article describes the work performed to date in the Wireless Internet Network (WINE) project, sponsored by the European Commission, under the framework V Information Society Technologies (IST) program. The project aims to enhance the performance of Internet protocols when operating over wireless LANs. One of the key issues of the project is the development of a wireless adaptation layer (WAL) that resides between the IP and WLAN link layers. The WAL may be viewed as a "shim" layer that compensates for wireless impairments. An important feature of the WAL architecture is its ability to map quality of service protocols such as differentiated services onto WLANs. The architecture also aims to support intradomain mobility, and a range of existing mechanisms have been reviewed and enhanced for that purpose. The project,includes the development of extended testbeds and simulation models to assess the performance of the proposed solutions.