Over-The-Air Subscriber Device Management Using CDMA Data and WAP

Abstract

This paper describes an architecture for Over-The-Air Service Provisioning (OTASP) and Over-The-Air Parameter Administration (OTAPA), which is an alternative to IS-683A and IS-725-A. The architecture uses standard CDMA data and the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), to communicate programming information between the CDMA digital handset and OTA application server. The handset WAP browser will serve as a friendly user interface, during the process. Wireless service providers should consider OTA applications as way to maximize the benefit of data services deployments. Additional applications planned for this environment are Over-The-Air Software Download (OTASD) and Over-The-Air Mobile Diagnostics (OTAMD). These applications will also be discussed.

The motivation to develop an alternative to IS-725-A and IS-683-A, is to take advantage of trends in handset technology, rather than further complicate handset requirements. The solution depends heavily on existing standards, which reduces the cost of deployment and increases the return on technology investment. This architecture is flexible enough to meet many long-term needs of wireless service providers. A subgroup of the CDG Steering Committee is currently drafting the specification document related to this OTA proposal.