Group procedures for machine type comunication devices

Abstract

Systems, methods, and instrumentalities to optimize procedures relating to machine type communication devices. Individual UEs may be grouped together in order to optimize procedures relating to members of the group. For example, a group of UE devices may be predefined or a group may be configured by a network associated with the UEs. One or more of the members of the group may be designated as a special UE or a master UE. The special UE or master UE may perform an action on behalf of one or more members of the group.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method for optimizing communications relating to machine type communication devices, the method comprising:
 receiving, at a non-special UE, an indication to operate according to an optimization procedure, wherein the non-special UE is a member of a group of machine type communication devices that includes a special UE;   performing a cell reselection measurement;   performing cell reselection; and   monitoring a source cell for a confirmation message, wherein the confirmation message is based on an uplink transmission from the special UE.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the non-special UE foregoes sending a cell update to the network when the confirmation message is received before the time period has expired. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the non-special UE sends a cell update to the network when the confirmation message is not received before the time period has expired. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein cell reselection is performed when a cell reselection criteria is met. 
     
     
         5 . A non-special user equipment (UE) configured at least to:
 receive an indication to operate according to an optimization procedure, wherein the non-special UE is a member of a group of machine type communication devices that includes a special UE;   perform a cell reselection measurement;   perform cell reselection; and   monitor a source cell for a confirmation message, wherein the confirmation message is based on an uplink transmission from the special UE.   
     
     
         6 . The non-special UE of  claim 5 , wherein the non-special UE foregoes sending a cell update to the network when the confirmation message is received before the time period has expired. 
     
     
         7 . The non-special UE of  claim 5 , wherein the non-special UE sends a cell update to the network when the confirmation message is not received before the time period has expired. 
     
     
         8 . The non-special UE of  claim 5 , wherein cell reselection is performed when a cell reselection criteria is met.