The ACCESS Linux Platform communications services are composed of several individual middleware components. These components provide a framework between the lower-level kernel facilities and higher-level applications, and include a set of APIs that developers can use to control and customize communications.
This manual describes the Connection Manager and its plug-ins, Bluetooth, Serial, and Wi-Fi communications components and their related APIs. For details about the Mobile Services, Telephony, and Messaging Services communications components, see the ACCESS Linux Platform Telephony Guide and the ACCESS Linux Platform Messaging Guide.
This chapter lists the topics that are included in this document and the typographical conventions used.
Networking Components
This book describes the following networking components:
Connection Manager
The Connection Manager defines the interface between applications, other middleware components, and low-level Linux communication components. For example, the Connection Manager provides an API to search and connect an appropriate network profile at the application level, and is responsible for making up and configuring all relevant Linux networking components such as the network interface, the routing table, and the DNS resolver.
Individual protocols are implemented as plug-ins to the Connection Manager. Profiles define methods for connecting to a network interface or device.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth support enables devices to communicate with peripherals, devices, or computers. The ACCESS Linux Platform Bluetooth components are based on open-source BlueZ stack and OpenOBEX stack.
Wi-Fi
The ACCESS Linux Platform Wi-Fi radio reference design is an 802.11g radio. The Wi-Fi components bring up Wi-Fi under ACCESS Linux Platform, providing support for the latest security and simple connectivity to the WLAN network. They are based on an open-source Linux device driver and Wi-Fi stack.
What This Document Contains
- Chapter 1, "Connection Manager," describes the Connection Manager, a central networking component which provides an interface between applications, other middleware components, and low-level Linux communication components.
- Chapter 2, "Connection Manager Plug-Ins," describes the Connection Manager Plug-Ins which extend the Connection Manager by providing support for individual networking technologies.
- Chapter 3, "Programming Networked Applications," provides concrete examples showing how to create applications that rely on networking.
- Chapter 4, "Wireless Network Communications," provides information on Wi-Fi support, enabling devices to connect to IEEE 802.11b and/or 802.11g networks, depending upon installed hardware.
- Chapter 5, "Bluetooth," provides information on Bluetooth support, enabling devices to communicate over radio frequencies (RF) with peripherals, networks, and other devices over short distances (within 10 meters).
Conventions Used in This Book
This document uses the following typographical conventions:
Additional Resources
- Documentation
ACCESS publishes its latest versions of this and other documents for ACCESS Linux Platform developers at
- Support
ACCESS Developer Support has a number of ways to address your technical questions. They host online Developer Forums, maintain a FAQ, an extensive web-based Knowledge Base of technical information, plus, for a fee, provide registered developers with assistance with specific technical support requests.
- Downloads and Tools
Tools, SDKs, sample code, and additional technical resources that are relevant to application developers for ACCESS Linux Platform.
