Challenges of Mobile Peer-to-Peer Applications in 3G and MANET Environments

In this paper we examine the challenges of mobile peer-topeer (MP2P) applications in third generation cellular networks (3G) and mobile ad hoc networks (MANET). Whereas in MANET we identify peer-to-peer (P2P) searches and peer discovery of fully distributed P2P protocols as the most important problem, in 3G the problems include the lack of terminal-to-terminal connections and network operator business issues. We present in detail P2P proxies, cross-layer protocol stacks and some smaller protocol improvements as solutions to the technical problems, but limit the discussion on 3G business issues on more general level. However, we recognize that network operators have a great influence on the future of MP2P applications in 3G environment. We also try to identify the most promising future MP2P applications, for which we suggest Internet telephony and sharing of small personal files like photographs and video clips.