Conference ICL2010 September 15-17, 2010 Hasselt Belgium A Proposed Mobile Network Architecture for Universities Ferial Khaddage 1 , Christoph Lattemann 2 , 1 Deakin University, 2 Jacobs University Key words: peer-to-peer network, server-based network, mobile learning, university infrastructure Abstract: With the emerging of high-speed wireless internet technologies, mobile learning is gaining importance. This is not only true for off-campus students, but also for on-campus students who require wireless access to course content. This paper presents a unique mobile network architecture which reflects the on-campus students’ needs for a mobile learning environment, which provide easy, reliable and free access to the learning content while on-campus. This can be achieved by combining two different network infrastructures, client-server and peer- to-peer ad-hoc to form a sold and secure network. This is accomplished by employing one peer within the ad-hoc network to act as an agent-peer to facilitate communication and information sharing between the two networks. It can be implemented without any major changes to the current network technologies, and can combine any wireless protocols such as GPRS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 3G. 1 Introduction Mobile Learning is on the rise with the upcoming of new quasi cost-free wireless technologies (flat-rates),The Importance of mobile learning is increasing not only for off-campus learning environment but also for on-campus as well. Mobile learning has shown to be effective in sharing and transferring learning content among students and is often effective when used to build mobile student groups to form an on-campus mobile learning environment [1]. With the emerging of high bandwidth wireless channels such as Second and Third Generation Network (2G/3G) telecommunication infrastructure and wireless Local Area Network (LAN), the broad usage of mobile phones for retrieving and accessing learning content at universities is becoming more feasible and is on the rise. With the advancement of wireless technologies and mobile networks, new possibilities have emerged to be used along the 2G and 3G telecommunication network. The network infrastructure and architecture are normally achieved by designing high- availability networks which take a unique approach to the subject by covering the ideas underlying networks, the architecture of the network elements, and the implementation of these elements are considered crucial aspects. Hence, this paper describes the mobile network architecture that is capable of providing wireless access to learning content within the university campus, and this does include the network architecture and technologies. Also wireless protocols suitable for mobile phone devices like, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3G are being explained. 1(10) ICL 2010 Proceedings – Page 590