Method and Arrangements For MTC Communication

Abstract

A server for controlling user MTC devices. The server ascertains if a user MTC device has an IP connection to a cellular access network, and if so, sends a message to trigger the user MTC device to initiate an application defined in the message. If a user MTC device does not have an IP connection, the server ascertains if the user MTC device is a mobile or a stationary user MTC device, and for a stationary user MTC device, the server sends a message to the cellular access network to trigger the user MTC device to initiate an IP connection, and for a mobile user MTC device, waits until the user MTC device has an IP connection, and for both kinds of user MTC devices, when the user MTC device has an IP connection, transmits a message to the user MTC device to initiate an application defined in the message.

1 . A user machine type communication (MTC) device for a cellular access network, the user MTC device being operable to:
 assume a first state in which the user MTC device is connected to the cellular access network and has an IP address in the cellular access network; and   assume a second state in which the user MTC device is attached to the network, wherein   the user MTC is configured such that, when the user MTC device is in the second state, the user MTC device either:   (i) listens, at defined points in time, to a dedicated broadcast channel for MTC devices in the second state, on which dedicated broadcast channel the user MTC device is operable to receive a command to assume the first state, or   (ii) at defined points in time, assume the first state and transmit a predefined message.   
     
     
         2 . A user machine type communication (MTC) device for use in a cellular access network, the user MTC device being operable to:
 enter a non-dormant state in which the user MTC device is operable to receive Internet Protocol (IP) messages transmitted to the user MTC device by an MTC server; and   enter a dormant state in which the user MTC device is unable to receive IP messages transmitted to the user MTC device by the MTC server, wherein   the user MTC is configured such that, when the user MTC device is in the dormant state, the user MTC device either:   (i) listens, at defined points in time, to a defined channel that is used to send to the user MTC device a triggering message for causing the user MTC device to enter the non-dormant state, or   (ii) at defined points in time, enter the non-dormant state in which the user MTC device is operable to receive IP messages transmitted to the user MTC device by an MTC server.   
     
     
         3 . A method performed by a user machine type communication (MTC) device, the method comprising:
 entering a dormant state in which the MTC device is unable to receive Internet Protocol (IP) messages transmitted to the MTC device by an MTC server;   while in the dormant state, listen, at a defined point in time, for a triggering message; and   in response to receiving a triggering message at said defined point in time, entering a connected state in which the MTC device is operable to receive Internet IP messages transmitted to the MTC device by the MTC server.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 after entering the connected state, receiving a message transmitted by the MTC server; and   in response to receiving the message, initiating a data reporting application.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 after entering the connected state, receiving a message transmitted by the MTC server, the message identifying an application; and   in response to receiving the message, initiating the identified application.