Method of machine-to-machine communication

Abstract

In one embodiment, the method includes encrypting, at a device, data with a first key, and forming a message that includes a device identifier and the encrypted data. The device identifier identifies the device. A signaling message is formed that includes a class identifier, the message and an action code. The class identifier identifies a group of devices to which one or more devices belong. The action code indicates the type of data, and may be part of the message. The signaling message is sent to a network, for example, a wireless network. The wireless network identifies and routes the message portion of the signaling message based on the class identifier. And, using the class identifier and perhaps a device identifier, the wireless network may signal the device to change an operating parameter.

1 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A method of machine-to-machine communication, comprising:
 receiving, by a device, a control signaling message from a wireless network, the control signaling message including at least,
 a class identifier identifying a group of devices to which one or more devices belong, the class identifier enabling the wireless network to control the group of devices simultaneously, 
 a message portion including at least a device identifier and data, the device identifier identifying at least one device in the group of devices identified by the class identifier, and 
 an action code indicating one or more operating parameters for the group of devices identified by the class identifier; 
   determining, by the device, whether the class identifier included in the received control signaling message matches a class identifier identifying a group of devices to which the device belongs, and whether the device identifier included in the received control signaling message matches a device identifier uniquely identifying the device in the group of devices; and   performing, by the device, an action indicated by the action code included in the received control signaling message if the determining determines that the class identifier and the device identifier included in the received control signaling message match the class identifier and the device identifier of the device, the action including adjusting the one or more operating parameters based on the action code.   
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the device identifier included in the received control signaling message identifies a particular subset of devices in the group of devices identified by the class identifier. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the operating parameters include one or more of a sleep period, an access class, access parameters, and a response to a provisioning request. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the message portion of the control signaling message includes the action code. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the received control signaling message is encrypted based on a secret encryption key known in common to the group of devices identified by the class identifier and the wireless network, and the method further comprises decrypting the encrypted control signaling message using the secret encryption key.