Mobile wireless computing: challenges in data management

Mobile computing is a new emerging computing paradigm posing many challenging data management problems. We identify these new challenges and investigate their technical significance. New research problems include management of location dependent data, information services to mobile users, frequent disconnections, wireless data broadcasting, and energy efficient data access. 1 Introduction The rapidly expanding technology of cellular communications, wireless LAN, and satellite services will make it possible for mobile users to access information anywhere and at anytime. In the near future, tens of millions of users will be carrying a portable computer, often called a personal digital assistant or a personal communicator. Smaller units will run on AA batteries and may be diskless; larger units will run on Ni-Cd packs. These larger units will be powerful laptop computers with large memories and powerful processors. Regardless of size, all mobile computers will be equipped with a wireless...