| 摘要 |
<p>A method and apparatus facilitate data communication between a first device and a second device, such as an application server or Internet portal and a wireless terminal. A wireless link between devices supports communication via plural protocols, such as SMS and TCP/IP over GPRS. An interworking function (IWF) allows communication using native protocols, such as TCP/IP, but when appropriate (e.g. for small data transactions), translates messages to another protocol, such as SMS, for efficiency purposes. The IWF intercepts and responds to packets generated by the first device using the first protocol, as required. The IWF optionally selects a new protocol and generates and forwards packets, representative of the intercepted packets, to the second device. Protocol selection and/or turning the interworking function on/off can be performed dynamically based on efficiency criteria. The IWF may intercept packets before traversal of the wireless link, and may optionally reside in the wireless terminals.</p> |
