The evolution of wireless networking: conformance or conflict with the OSI reference model?

Wireless technologies form one of today´s most dynamic and interesting markets in the field of communication systems. The introduction of digital second generation systems and the development of third generation systems offering integrated services will merge areas that are often still separated nowadays, like speech, synchronous and asynchronous data and multimedia services. Since wireless networking is rooted in telecommunication, future integration with OSI based data services will necessitate a fusion of both worlds. We focus on the relationship between the rapidly growing and converging field of wireless technologies, and the world of open systems interconnection. We point out the role of the OSI reference model in different types of existing wireless networks, as well as future developments. Mobile telecommunication networks are examined, giving a brief system overview and an in-depth look at OSI conformance aspects. Standards for cordless communication and wireless LAN technology, and their relation to the OSI reference model are also considered