Operation of machine-type communication devices

Abstract

The invention relates to operating a Machine-Type Communication (MTC) device for communication with a cellular radio network. A transmission is made from the MTC device to the cellular radio network to register the MTC device with the cellular radio network. The transmission includes a message from the MTC device to the cellular radio network, identifying the MTC device as an MTC device to the cellular radio network. Also, the MTC device has an associated HPLMN. An instruction is received at the MTC device from the network not to make a transmission from the MTC device for accessing the network. The instruction specifies a criteria for the MTC device's HPLMN or preferred list of networks. The MTC Device compares the criteria with the HPLMN associated with the MTC device and avoids making a transmission to access the network for a period of time based on the result comparing step.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention concerns a method of operating a Machine-Type Communication (MTC) device for communication with a cellular radio network, a method of controlling access by an MTC device to a cellular radio network ,an associated MTC device and a method of operating a cellular radio network.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION[0002]Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices (sometimes referred to as Machine-to-Machine or M2M devices) are increasingly being used for a variety of applications. Their numbers are expected to grow at a high rate. MTC devices are typically automated data reporting systems such as utility meters or status reporting devices.[0003]Thus, MTC devices are likely to have significantly different usage or operational characteristics from other types of User Equipment, UE. Such devices may be programmed to send data at a specific time, for example late at night. Also, other types of MTC devices may be triggered by specific events, su...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]MTC devices are not disadvantaged by this development. By causing the MTC device to identify itself as such, the cellular radio network is therefore able to respond to the MTC device in a different way from other UEs, particularly when the MTC device is roaming. This may prevent a large number of roaming MTC devices from causing an overload.

[0024]In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of controlling access by a Machine-Type Communication (MTC) device to a cellular radio network, the MTC device having an associated Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN). The method comprises: receiving an instruction at the MTC device from the cellular radio network not to make a transmission from the MTC device for accessing the cellular network, the instruction specifying a criteria for the MTC device's HPLMN or preferred list of cellular networks; comparing, at the MTC Device, the criteria specified by the instruction with the HPLMN associated with the MTC device; and avoiding making a transmission from the MTC device to access the cellular radio network for a period of time based on the result of the step of comparing.

Problems solved by technology

Unlike conventional UEs, MTC devices may not always be mobile.

The cellular radio network being used by these roaming MTC devices may not anticipate their arrival and the network may become overloaded.

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