WAP - Key Features

Here, in this chapter, we have listed a few key features offered by WAP −

A programming model similar to the Internet's

Though WAP is a new technology, but it reuse the concepts found on the Internet. This reuse enables a quick introduction of WAP-based services, since both service developers and manufacturers are familiar with these concepts today.

Wireless Markup Language (WML)

You must be using HTML language to develop your web-based application. Same way, WML is a markup language used for authoring WAP services, fulfilling the same purpose as HTML does on the Web. In contrast to HTML, WML is designed to fit small handheld devices.

WMLScript

Once again, you must be using Java Script or VB script to enhance the functionality of your web applications. Same way, WMLScript can be used to enhance the functionality of a service, just as Java script can be utilized in HTML. It makes it possible to add procedural logic and computational functions to WAPbased services.

Wireless Telephony Application Interface (WTAI)

The WTAI is an application framework for telephony services. WTAI user agents are able to make calls and edit the phone book by calling special WMLScript functions or by accessing special URLs. If one writes WML decks containing names of people and their phone numbers, you may add them to your phone book or call them right away just by clicking the appropriate hyperlink on the screen.

Optimized protocol stack

The protocols used in WAP are based on well-known Internet protocols, such as HTTP and Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), but they have been optimized to address the constraints of a wireless environment, such as low bandwidth and high latency.