Machine-to-machine communications in 4G networks

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The aim of this proposal is research and development of new and improved solutions and technologies for current and future Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication networks. M2M denotes data communication between smart electronic devices that do not need human supervision or interaction; such networks can be found in such diverse application areas as smart power/smart grid, electronic health, safety and security, and city automation, and the number of MTC-enabled devices is expected to reach hundreds of millions in the near future. MTC poses a number of challenges that existing technology is unable to adequately support. We address these challenges in a two-pronged approach. First, we propose improvements in 3rd Generation Partnership Project's Long Term Evolution (3GPP LTE) architecture, most notably, novel subsystems (M2M Facilitator and M2M Subscriber Server) specifically geared to support M2M traffic. Second, we describe improvements in LTE radio access that will allow M2M traffic to share spectrum with traditional cellular customers through FDM- or TDM-based access. Finally, we describe scalable security solutions for M2M communication networks. In all of these areas, we assume that M2M terminals are directly connected to a LTE cellular network. Proposed research will equip LTE networks with improved capability to support M2M traffic in an efficient and reliable manner, and thus facilitate the development and deployment of advanced M2M networks.