The Mobile Location Protocol (MLP) is an application-level protocol for receiving the position of Mobile Stations (MS: mobile phones, wireless devices, etc.) independent of underlying network technology.
The MLP serves as the interface between a Location Server and a location-based application. Basic MLP Services are based on location services defined by 3GPP. The Mobile Location Protocol (MLP) is described in LIF TS 101 Specification.
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Background
The purpose of this technology is to define a simple and secure access method that allows mobile application to query location information from a wireless network
A wireless network is a computer network that uses wireless data connections between network nodes.
Wireless networking is a method by which homes, telecommunications networks and business installations avoid the costly process of introducing c ...
, regardless of its underlying network technology and positioning methods.
The MLP can be used by a location-based application to request mobile station location information from a location server (GMLC/MPC or other entity in the wireless network). This protocol has been prepared by Location Interoperability Forum (LIF: Open Mobile Alliance
OMA SpecWorks, previously the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) is a standards organization which develops open, international technical standards for the mobile phone industry. It is a nonprofit Non-governmental organization (NGO), not a formal govern ...
in nowadays) to provide a simple and secure API
An application programming interface (API) is a way for two or more computer programs to communicate with each other. It is a type of software interface, offering a service to other pieces of software. A document or standard that describes how ...
(Application Programmer’s Interface), but also could be used for other kinds of location servers and entities in the wireless network.
The API
An application programming interface (API) is a way for two or more computer programs to communicate with each other. It is a type of software interface, offering a service to other pieces of software. A document or standard that describes how ...
is based on XML
Extensible Markup Language (XML) is a markup language and file format for storing, transmitting, and reconstructing arbitrary data. It defines a set of rules for encoding documents in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable. ...
and is defined to be transported in HTTP
The Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is an application layer protocol in the Internet protocol suite model for distributed, collaborative, hypermedia information systems. HTTP is the foundation of data communication for the World Wide Web, ...
or SOAP
Soap is a salt of a fatty acid used in a variety of cleansing and lubricating products. In a domestic setting, soaps are surfactants usually used for washing, bathing, and other types of housekeeping. In industrial settings, soaps are used ...
. Only mapping to HTTP is defined in present days. For security reasons Secure Socket Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security
Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a cryptographic protocol designed to provide communications security over a computer network. The protocol is widely used in applications such as email, instant messaging, and voice over IP, but its use in secu ...
(TLS) cryptographic protocols can be used to carry HTTP (HTTPS). Apart from HTTPS Mobile Location Protocol which uses authentication by user and password, the information is carried in header part of MLP message.
Features:[Implementing Mobile Location Protocol, Research and Development Center for Mobile Applications, 2009](_blank)
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Last draft of MLP specification is OMA-TS-MLP v 3.3 from March 2009.
Standard Location Immediate Service (SLIS)
Used for requesting the location of one or more Mobile Subscribers (MS). It is used when immediate response is required. Response can be returned in more than one message if the request contained more Mobile Subscribers.
Emergency Location Immediate Service (ELIS)
Used for requesting the location of one or more MS involved in an emergency call. Response can be returned in more than one message if the server supports it.
Standard Location Reporting Service (SLRS)
This service is initiated by MS by sending Mobile Originated Location Request S23271through wireless network. It is performed when Mobile Subscriber wants an LCS client to receive MS location.
Emergency Location Reporting Service (ELRS)
This service is initiated by network when MS initiates or releases emergency call. Report is generated and sent from Location Server to predefined LCS client.
Triggered Location Reporting Service (TLRS)
This service is used when LCS client wants to track several MS. Triggers can be timers or MS events like change of location.
Historic Location Immediate Service (HLIS)
This service is used to request reporting of historic locations of one MS when large amount of data is expected.
Common Element Definitions:[LIF TS 101 v2.0.0, Mobile Location Protocol, draft v.2.0, Location Inter-operability Forum (LIF), 2001](_blank)
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Identity Element Definitions
Function Element Definitions
Location Element Definitions
Shape Element Definitions
Quality of Position Element Definitions
Network Parameters Element Definitions
Context Element Definitions
]
References
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External links
Specification of Mobile Location Protocol V3.1
Wireless