Some transports have been designed specifically for wireless networks. But it is also possible to use tried and proven transports such as TCP, though some optimization of TCP's timing parameters and algorithms tends to yield better results. Interfaces Where protocols determine the packaging of data for communication across a network, interfaces determine access points to the network, both at the mobile computer and at the fixed-end locations. At the mobile computer, the interfaces of interest are between the application and the protocol stack and between the mobile computer and the wireless modem. At the fixed-end, we are interested in the interfaces the wireless network presents.
Most wireless modems use a serial interface even when imp lemented as a PC Card device.
Many use AT commands for configuration and control, similar to landline modems. If the network uses unconventional networking protocols, the software interfaces are more likely to be unique or proprietary to that network. See Profile of Wireless Networks for the specific details of each network. One new approach wireless modem vendors are taking is to develop NDIS drivers with wireless extensions for their wireless modems. Wireless middleware solutions typically present a standard interface such as MAPI or a virtual file system, or use proprietary interfaces.