What is Wireless Application Protocol?

Wireless Application Protocol, also known as WAP, is a technical standard for accessing information over mobile wireless networks. WAP is used by mobile devices, such as cell phones and radio transceivers, for email, instant messaging and newsgroups. WAP browsers are available for mobile devices that use the protocol.

Wireless Application Environment, Wireless Session Layer, Wireless Transport Layer Security and Wireless Transport Layer are the WAP layers. Wireless Application Environment, also known as WAE, defines application-specific markup languages. Wireless Session Layer, also known as WSL, is a condensed version of HTTP. Wireless Transport Layer Security, also known as WTLS, is optional and delivers a public-key cryptology-based security method. HTTP is used by most modern mobile browsers, so WAP markup isn't needed for webpage compatibility.