One of the central problems in the area of mobile computing and communications is to find and maintain the location of mobile users. We present two user location strategie which can potentially significantly reduce the wired network's signaling and database costs for locating mobile users. Both strategies are modifications to the standard IS-41 and GSM protocols.

The caching strategy attempts to re-use the information about a user's location obtained during the previous call to that user. It is beneficial for users who receive calls frequently relative to the rate at which they change registration areas, i.e., users with a high call-to-mobility ratio (CMR). The forwarding strategy is useful for low CMR users. We present analytical and simulation results to quantify the benefits and applicability of both strategies.

If time permits, I will briefly describe my work in related areas of mobile computing and communications.