GB2451198A

GB2451198A - Communication module for connecting a computer to a network including a processor that allows the module to act independently

Info

Publication number: GB2451198A
Application number: GB0817291A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adrian Lincoln
Original assignee: Vodafone Group PLC
Current assignee: Vodafone Group PLC
Priority date: 2004-11-25
Filing date: 2005-11-08
Publication date: 2009-01-21
Also published as: GB2420645A; GB0522763D0; GB0425966D0; GB0817291D0; GB2420645B

Abstract

Disclosed is a communication module 62A, eg a modem, server or router, for connecting a computer 60 to a network 70A. The module has a processor (e.g. server 72) that enables the module to communicate with the network independently of the host computer. The module may operate wirelessly using GSM, GPRS or other such mobile telecommunications networks. The processor may send the host's data and its own communications via separate channels which may be physically or logically independent. The processor may receive operating instructions for the module independently of the computer. The module may have means to operate automatically in response to set events, such as the power-up of the host, an operational error by the host or at a set time. The module may be triggered by receiving a message from the network, such as an SMT message. The module may used IP-based communication. The module may have a identification module, such as a SIM card and the module may receive over the air updates for the identification module.

Description

1 2451198

COMMUNICATION MODULE

The present invention relates to a communication module for coupling to a computer and operable to enable the computer to communicate via a communications network by means of messages transmitted from the computer via the module. The invention also relates to a computer and cellular telecommunications network including such a module. The invention further relates to a method of enabling a computer to communicate via a communications network.

Known communication modules, such as shown in Figure 1, for enabhng a computer to communicate with such a conmiunications network include data cards, wireless connection cards, embedded wireless modules and equivalent wireless connected elements. Such modules are implemented as a client to their host (the computer). The operation of the module is subservient to the host and correct operation of the module is dependent upon the host.

A common form of such a module is a data card that is configured in accordance with well known Personal Computer Memory' Card international Association (PCMCIA) standards. Such modules contain the logic and software to allow a computer to communicate with a mobile or cellular communication.s network. Such known modules appear to the computer as a conventonai wired niodent Typically, the computer coruniunicates with the module through a serial communications (CC)M) ports of the computer using exactly the same interfaces and commands that it would use with a wired modem. The advantage of this approach is that existing software, which has been developed for use with conventional wired modems, can be used unchanged with the module. Whilst this is undoubtedly convenient, it does restrict the facilities that can be provided by the module.

In the conventional arrangement, the computer controls the module using modem industry standard Attention (AT) commands.

When a user iv ishes to comnmnicate via a communications network using such a module, the module is connected to the computer using a serial cable -or by some other suitable link such as an infrared link or Bluetooth R.TM) link.. AnAl command to define a Packet Data Protocol (P1W) context is then generated and sent to the modem through. one of the computers serial ports.

in such a conventional arrangement the module requires the host (computer) to initiate and control the modules operation. A problem. with this conventional approach is that no control or information can be received from the module by the host unless the host is working correctly. This requires the module to he correctly installed and set up with respect to the host. However, it is often during this installation phase that information contained in the module would assist in resolving problenis that occur during installation.

Correct installation of the module can be complex because of the wide range of configured host systems. i.e. the wide variatlon of operating systems, hardware configurations patch levels and variations in each company/user application.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved module.

According to a fist aspect of the present invention there is pray id.ed a comr.nunicaflon module for coupling to a computer and operable to enable the corriputer to communicate via a communications network by rnealis of nicssages transmitted from the computer via the. module, characteri sed in that the module includes a processor for communicating with a communications network independently of the computer.

The invention also relates to such a module in combmation with the computer andtor a cellular telecomrnumca.tions network.

In one aspect, the embodiment of the invention to be described., presents a different underlying model used to implement communication modules and give additional functionality on the module that will provide a server capability and that will execute as and when required independently of the host and support nterrogaton and management of the module by the communications network to which the module is connectable.

In its broadest sense, the embodiment provides server th.netionality to the module that enables the module to be accessible independently of the host computer using an independent communication channel. Operation of the module may be initiated in response to predetermined events, such as power-up or error detection. 1 he module may further include a hardware interface that can obtain. intbrmation from the host computer which may be used to request and report information for supporting diagnostics and management of the module.

Advantageously, the module, instead of operating as a simple modem, would provide a direct network card type of connection to the host computer. This move away from the dumb modem model allows the host software to control and manage the module in a similar way to other IF niodul es.

In one aspect, the module is provided with a memory which stores applications and. allows those applications to run automatically. *i'lie memor may allow the detection of new software and management ol software installation. This is analogous to an arrangement where a CD Rom that automatically runs on insertion into a personal computer.

Advantageously, the module includes a subscriber identity module, such as a (JSM SIM or UMTS USIM. The SIN/LISIM may contain basic modern settings which override any settings that may be present on the module.

Conveniently, the module supports over-the-air (OTA) updates. Such OTA updates may be sent to specific configuration file entries on the SIM/USIM.

According to a further aspect of the Invention, there is provided a method of enabling a computer to communicate via a conmiunications network, the method including providing a module for coupling to the computer tbr receiving messages from the computer and for sending these messages to the commumeations network, wherein the module includes a processor which communicates with the co.mmunicato.ns network independently of the computer.

The term "computer" used iii the claims should be interpreted broadly, and does not for example, imply that the computer is a Windows (RTM; -hsed rc'. In the embodiment to he described, the computer is a Windows-based laptop PC. However, the computer could be any processor or appliance capable of perfonnirig sonic data processing function -. for example an.

access porn!.

For a better understanding of the present invention, an embodiment wilt now he described, by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 shows schematically a known communication module coupled to a host laptop: Figure 2 shows schematically the elements of a communications network; at.id Figure 3 shows schematically a module adapted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In the Figures Like elements are generally designated with the same reference sign.

Figure 2 shows schematically a network in which the invention ma be used. The figure shows a cellular netv.rork. However, it should be appreciated that the invention is applicable to any type of network, although it is particularly applicable to a network where at least some of the devices comnmnieate using mobile telecommunications/wireless data transmission.

Mobile terminal 1 is registered with (JSM/GPRS or UNITS (30) mobile tekcommunications network. 3. The mobile terminal I may be a handheld mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or *a laptop computer equipped with a da.tacard ("module't). The mobile termi nat 1 communicates wi relessiy with mobile telecommuntcations network 3 via the radio access network (RAN) of the mobile telecommunications network 3, comprising.

in the case of a UMTS network, base station (Node B) 5, and radio network controller (RNC) 7. Communicahons between the mobile terminal 1 and the mobile telecommunications network 3 arc routed from the radio access network via GPRS support nodes (SGSN) 9, which may be connected by a fixed (cable) link to the mobile telecommunications network 3.

In the conventional manner, a multiplicity of other mobile terminals are registered with the mobile telecommunications network 3. These mobile terminals include mobile terminals H and 13. The terminals 11 and 13 communicate with the mobile telecommuiuicatioris network 3 in a similar manner to the terminal I, that is via an appropriate Node 8 5, RNC 7 and SGSN 9.

l'he mobile telecommunications network 3 includes a gateway GPRS support node (CJCiSN) 1 7 which enables IF-based communications with other networks, such as the Internet 19 via an appropriate link 21. A mulnphcity of terminals are connected to the Internet (by fixed or wireless links), and a PC terminal 2.3. and a FDA terminal 25 are shown by way of

example.

Each of the mobile terminals I, 11 and 13 is provided, with a respective subscriber identity module (S1M) 15. During the manufacturing process of each SIM, authentication information is stored thereon under the control of the mobile telecommunications network. The mobile telecommunications network 3 itself stores details of each of the SiMs issued under its control.

in operahori of the mobile telecommunications network.3. a term.na1 1 * ii 13 is authenticated (for example, when the user activates the terminal in the network with a view to making or receiving c.afls) by the network' sending a challenge to the terminal 1,11,13 incorporating a S IM I 5 in response to which the SIM 15 calculates a reply (dependent on the predetermined infonnation held on the SIM -typically an authenticatjon algorithm and a unique key Ki) and transmits' it back to the mobile telecommunications network 3. The mobile teiecommuncations network 3 includes an authentication processor 1 7 which generates the challenge and x hich receives the: reply from the terminal lii,l 3. Using information pre-stored concerning the conlent of the relevant SIM 1.5, the authentication processor 1 7 calculates the expected value of th,e reply from the mobile terminal I.11,1 3. if the reply received matches the expected calculated reply. the SIM 15 and the associated mobile terminal are considered to be authenticated.

It should be understood that such an authentication process can he performed for any terminal provided with a Si.M 1 5 under control of the mobile telecommunications network 3. In the embodiment the terminal communicates wirelesslv with the mobile telecommunications network 3 via the network's radio access network, although this is not essential. For example. the terminal may communicate with the network via the fixed telephone network (PSTN), via a UMA "access point" andtor via the imernet. The PC 23 and the.PDA 25 ma also be provided, with a SIM 15 under the control of the network.

The SIM 15 used by the terminal 1,1 l,i32325 may be a SIM (or USIM) of the type defined in the GSM or UMTS standards specthcations, or may be a simulation of a SIM -that is, software or hardware that Performs a function corrcspondng to that of the SIM. The SRI may he in accordance with the arrangement described in WO-A2OO4 030513.

it should be noted that the authentication process being described does not necessarily authenticate the human identity of the user. For example, ruobi It telecommunication networks have pre-pav subscribers who are issued with SIMs in return for pre-paymcm, enabling them to use network.

services. However, the identtty of such pre-pay subscribers may not be known by the network. Nevertheless, such a user cannot make use of the network until the network has authenticated. the user's-SIM -that is, has conlirrned that such user is a particular user who has a particular pre-paid account wjth a network.

The network shown in Figure 2 comprises both the mobile telec.onununications network 3 and the Internet 1 9 (which itself comprises t uiultiphcity of other networks).

The procedure for transmission of "short messages" is different. The term "short messages" or "SMS messages" as used in relation to the embodiments means short messages as defined in the OSM or UMTS standard specifications. Such messages are commoffly in the term of text messages of limited maximum length, hut they' can have other forms, such as in the lorm of binary data, or may contam contiguratton data for changing the functional parameters of a mobile.

Short messages may be sent to or from mobile tenninais such as the mobiles 1,1 i,l 3 and the others registered. with the network 3. However, in addition, short messages aiiay he sent to or from "short message entities" (S.M.Es) such as shown at 20.20A20B. These SMEs may he in the form of tenninals of various sorts such as fixed terminals for sending, short messages of various types to mobiles and for receiving short messages from mobiles. For example, the SM Es may he in the form of terminals associated with banking computers or computers of other types generating i nforrnation (control information, for example) thr transmission to inobi Jes and for receiving short messages in response from mobiles, hut may he of many other types, such as application servers of vanous types.

The network 3 has a short message service centre (SMSC) 2o associated with it. The SMEs 20,20.A,20B are connected to the SMSC 26 by fixed network 30 of suitable type. When a mobile termina.l wishes to send a short message, It will (10 this via the SM SC 26 of its network 3. Thus, for example, if the mobile terminal 1 wishes to send. a short message to mobile terminal 11, the short message is auto.rnatica.l ly addressed by the mobile Ii to SMSC2O, which then delivers the short, message to mobile terminal Ii (after registering tile necessary details to enabl.e a charge to be made to mobije I). Each short message therefore carries the address of the local SMSC (t us address is automat ica liv generated by the sender). together with the address of the intended destination of the short message. When the local SMSC receives the short message. it then reads the address (the MSISDN or Mobile Station NON number or telephone number of the intended destination; and despatches the short message accordingly.

in Figure 1 a laptop 60 is shown that is coupled to a conventional data card or module 62. The module 62 comprises an interface 64 for communicating with the laptop 60. The interface may be a serial-type interthce such as a USB interfiice, a PCMCIA or equivalent interface. The module 62 includes chipsct modules 65, including a SIM 66 of the conventional GSM or IJMTS type described above. A baseband processor (not shown) communicates with the SIM 66. Further, the chipset modules 65 include a radio module 68 for communicatir.g wirelessly with the radio access network (elements 57c of Figure 2) ot mobile telecommunications network 3. The laptop 60 and module 62. are analogous to th.e device I of Figure 2..

Software installed arid executing on the host laptop 60 will connect to the module 62 and xviii typically have several seriar ports ihr communication.

These ports may typically include; I. An. application port which will he configured to appear as a modem device. Typically GSM standard AT commands are transmitted via this Pot 2. A diagnostic port that allows the software on the host laptop 62 to interrogate registers of the module 62.

As mentioned above, in known modules of this type. as described above, the module is implemented as a client to the host, laptop 60. The disadvantages of such an arrangement are described above. 14)

Figure 3 shows an improved module 62A in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Like the module $2, the module 62A includes an interthee 64A, SIM 66 and radio module 68. The radio**inodtile 68 communicates with the radio access network 70 in the known way.

The module 62A includes a server 72. Additionally, the chipset modules 65 may further include memory 74 for storing and installing applications on the module 62A and/or on the laptop $0 under control of the server 72.

Further, the chipsel 65 may include IP port 76 fbi supporting IP-based communication with the laptop 60 vta the interface 64A..

The module 62A has access to the radio access network 70 in the conventional way. The module 62A is also capable of communicating with a remote management host 78 via radio access network 70A -for example using a unique Management Access Point Name (APN) that will enable the security ol this connection to be ensured. Communications between the module $2A and the remote host 78 may be transmitted wirelessly via the radio access network 70A. These communications may he transmitted via a communication channel that is logically or physically independent of the communication channel to the radio access network 70, although, in fact, the radio access networks 70,70�\ may be the same physical radio access network. Alternatively, one of the radio access networks 70,70A may be the radio access network of a OSM or UMTS cellular mobile communications network or the like, and the other radio access network may be a local wireless network operating in. accordance with standard 802. I tb/g, tbr example. The information for configuring communication with the remote host 78 via the radio access network 70A may be stored in the SIM 66. The S.lM 66 and/or mobile telecommunications network may control establishment of the or each communication channel. For example the communication channel may only he established after the SIM 6$ is

H

authenticated, with the mobile telecommunications network using the known SIM authentication process described above.

Server_fimctionality In accordance with an important aspect of the embodiment, the server 72 enables the module 62A to perform functions and obtain infbrmaiion independently of its host laptop 60. That is, the. server 72 can initiate functions and data gathering independent of the operation of the laptop 60.

For example, the server 72 can respond to command requests from the remote host 78 which are transmitted via radio access network WA.

The server 72 may be operable to perform the followIng functions: -communicate via a (logically or physically) independent communication channel WA as described above.

-report the status of the module 62A to the laptop 60 (via the interface 64A) andlor to the. remote host 78 (via the radio access network 70.A).

-report information, such as the signal strength, the current access point name (A RN) being used by the host laptop 60 and location (Cell if)) of the module 62\.

management of the configuration of network parameters that could include hut is not limited to parameters that control the operaton of the wireless network elements of the module 62A.

provide management rnfoim.ation on the module that would include but is not limited to its serial number, module type, firmware versions. current voltage levels etc. responding to a management command to stan. Such a management command may be transmitted from the host laptop or, more significantly in the context of the embodiment of the invention, from the remote host 78.

-support the upload of new configuration information to the module 62A from remote host 78. This configuration information is then transmitted to the. laptop 60 via the inter.t'äee 64A in order to provide the laptop with an updated configuration for allowing communication with the radio access network 70.

ihe configuration information on the laptop 60 can titus be updated without requiring any effort or expertise on the part c)f the user of the host laptop 60.

control commands of the module 62A to activate and deactivate the server 72 to make available as and when needed support diagnostic or support functions. This could he controlled by the wake-up event monitor described below.

-upload of firmware updatcs from the remote host 78.

-upload of applications that could be made available to the host laptop 60 from the remote host 78, -controlling appltcation management settings of an applications that are loaded or execute to to operate: this cciud. .include the delcuori of applications and/or addition ol new applications.

application monitoring for those applications that are executing in the server module. this may include any information that the application makes available through a defined monitoring application programming interlace that may be made available to the application developer.

In, its most basic i.mpieni.entarion, firmware changes can be made to the citipset of the module 62 of Figure 1 that would Provide the existing processor with some server capabilities, thereby providing the server 72 of the module (i2A of Figure 3, A small web-like sen'er can be implemented with very little code and this as a minimum provides a means to execute a small set of functions and return requestcd information to the remote host 78. The new functionality of the module 62A may he provided without changes to th.e hardware components, the changes being achieved through modifications to the firmware.

During the bootstrap process the serve.r 72 would usc a designated management Access Point Name (APN) thai supports the connection of' the server 72 to the remote management host 78.

if the. hardware of the module 6.2A does not have sufficient processing capability to support the desired luncuonality of server 72, additional components such as PlCs (Peripheral interlace Controllers -small microprocessors) could provjde the minimal functionality needed.

The coniniunication channel. between the server 72 and the remote management host 78 via the radio access network. 70A may remain always or substantially always available (depending of course on radio coverage). AlternatIvely, once successful installation and a reliable connection has been achieved between the module 62\ and the host laptop Cit) twhicii would typically be initiated by the host laptop 60). the communication channel between the server 72 and the remote management host 78 may be disconnected.

Automatically initiate operati op.. 01:' the serves The server 72 should he available at any times that would require its use. For example, the server may be required during changing circumstances such as, but not limited to, power-up of the module 62A and/or host laptop 60 and when errors are detected by the module 62A. The complete list olcircunistances will depend on the scope and capabilities of the module 62A.

Such automatic initiation of the server 72 ma he controlled by events that are configured as part of the default build or updated by management eonuiiands.

The server 72 may not be active at all times. However, it may he desirable to obtain information from thc modul.e at times when it is not active. The module 62\ therefore advantageously has a wake-up capability. For example. the module 62A may be responsive to a control message received from the remote host 78 via the radio access network 70A. For example, this control message may he an SNt1S message or other control message based on a selected control communications channel. Control messages may be sent from SME 20 in the.

manner described in relation to Figure 2.

Jo provide improved security such wake-up control messages comprise data.

that are time sensitive and data that are only known to the operator a.uthoriscd to act as the remote host 7g and interact with the module 62A (for example a shared secret key).

thterrogaton of hardware ot host I4ptop The server 72 is operable to control the interface 74 to obtain and report information from the host laptop 60. This information may be usefiul for the support, diagnostics and management of the module 62k This information would allow the module 62A to automatically adapt itself to optimi.se itself for use with the host laptop 60. The interface 64A of the module 62A may when Possible act as a. bus controller for the host laptop 60 that will allow it to obtain information and provide maximum support to obtain data fjçy the host laptop 60. That is, the interface 64A may tak.e control of the laptop 60 hardware bus in order to measure voltage levels and determine which processors arc running,

Ibr example.

Enhanced inteiThee.

I he interface 64\ of the embodinicrit emulates the conventional interface 64 (Figure 1) in order to support the existing software model. Optionally, the module 62A is ennaneed to provide a new type of interthee as part of the interface. (4A that allows an alternative direct network eard*type connection to the host laptop 60 for example the module 60 may provide an Ethernet4ype interface. This is in contrast to tlie known "dumlf modem model of Figitre I and would a!low the host. laptop 60 software to control and manage the module o2A in a similar manner to other IF modules.

Exeniting.�=�=Lp liearioristosupLpurtthehosflaptop 60 functionality Advantageously, the memory 74 stores applications and supports the automatic running of these applications in a manner similar to when a. CD ROM is inserted into a PC. The memory 74 allows the detection. of new applications and the automatic management of software installation. Such an arrangement mininlises problems with host system software eompntib lity and complexty of the software instauauon rocess. The. memor 74 is visible to the host laptop via the server 72 of the module 62A. The memory 74 can therefore be monitored and information returned to the remote host 78. This ITh)nitOred mtormation may relate to the installation and operation of the module 62t\ and will be available without intervention of the host laptop 60 or the user of laptop 60.

With the enhanced interface 641\ that may he oflered, IP-type applications such as browsers, subject to predetermined access rights, may access the server 72 directly from the host laptop 60. This will the need for custom software and integration for any monitoring station.

Executing at applications The automatic running capability discussed under the preceding heading may be. extended to support the installation of other applications that could be executed on. the module WA. This may include module-based update code and other applications that may reside and run entirely on the module $2A to support connectivity, communcatton and management. Example applications may riot relate to connectivity but provide functions for which remote secure management is desirable, such as security or licenc.e enabling applications that can benefit from the independent and secure management channeL SiMbasedpdates With a basic configuration ol the module 62\, it may be possible to set or over-ride the bootstrap settings by placing important information in the S1M 66 (for example., the Management APN may be modified independently of the sen'cr 72 appl.icaton). Configuration information present in the SIN'! $6 can automatically he read by thc server 72 and will oven-write any settings that may have previousl been present on the module 62A. Advantageously, the module supports Oi'A updates that may be sent. to specific con liguration file entries on

V

the SIM 66. For example, these file entries are for configuring communication between the remote host 78 and the module 62e\ via the radio access network 70A. OTA updates allow the configuration information to he updated without establishment of the communication channel via the radio access network 70A.

Because an established secure and independent communications channel 7.OA between the remote host 78 and the module 62A is established, information from the medule 62A can be accessible to the remote host 78 independently of the radio access network 70. Additionally, management information and. data may be accessible from the mo dule 62i to other authorised parties such as corporate account holders for such tasks as information updates, asset management, location tracking etc. Such paflies may access the information through a suitably secured gateway.

The arrangement described may provide the following advantages: it reduces the complexity and difficulties associated in installing the module 62A, 2. it enhances the diagnostic infOrmation available to help resolve problems with connecting the module 62A to the host laptop 60.

3. it provides an. ndepcndent and remotely manageable management channel via the radio access network 70A (or other channel).

4. it provides a mechanism to update module (i2A firmware, applcatons and configuration information, it. should be noted that operation of' the module $2A is solely reliant on having power ann radio coverage. Hence, the operation of the module 62A is possible without the host laptop 60 tbncdoning correctly. The module 62A may tiSly be powered by the host laptop 60. However, the module 60 may have its own power supply so that it can operate even wben no power is available from the laptop 60. For example, the module 60 may have a battety. The battery may be rechargeable by the laptop 60 when power is available therefrom.

S t 9

Claims

L A communication module. for couplmg to a computer and operable to enable the computer to communIcate via a communications network by means of message.s transmitted from the compi.ter via the module, wherein the module includes a processor for communicating with a communications network independently of the computer.
2. The module of claim 1, including means operable to communicate wirelesslv with the or each communications network.
3. The module of claim 2, wherein said wireless communication means includes means operable to communicate with a GSM, G.PRS or 3(5 -UMTS -cellular telecommunications network.
4. The module of claim I 2 or 3, wherein the processor communicates with the. communications network, and transmits said messages ia said communications network using respeetve communication channels.
The network of claim 4, wherein the respective communication channels are physically or logical ly independent.
6. The module of any one of claims 1 to 5. wherein the processor is operable to eommu.njcate with the communications network independently of the computer to receive operating nstruetions for the modu.l e.
7. Th.e module of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the processor is op able to cornnwneate with a communications network independently of the computer to transmit information obtained from the computer to the communications network.
8. The module of any one of' claims 1 to 7, including means operable to automatically activate the comniunicabon with the communications network independently of the computer in dependence upon a predetermined event,
9. The module of claim 8. wherein the event includes at least one of power-up of the computer, detection of an error i.n the operation ot the computer or the detection of a predetermined time.
10. The module of any one of claims 1 to 9, including means for receiving a message from the communications network for triggering the processor to communjc.ate wjth the communcat ions network mdependently of the computer.
LI -The module of claim 10, wherein said activation message comprises an SMS message.
1 2. The module of any one of claims I to 1 1, including means for IP-based communication with the computer.
13. The module of any one of claims I to 12, including means for I P-based communication with the communications network.
14. The module of' any one of claims I to 13, inetudmg a memory for sltYring an application and means for automatically installin.g that application on the module.
15. The module of any one of claims I to 14, including a subscriber identification module for storing predetermined informatIon relating to the communications by the processor with the comiminications network i ndepcn denfly of the computer.
16. The module of claim IS, including means for receivmg over-the-air -OTA -updates and for directing these updates to the subscriber identity module.
1 7. The module of any one of claims I to 16, wherein the module is adapted to initiate c.ommunicaton with the computer.
18. The module of any one ot claims 1 to I 7 in combination with the computer.
19. The module of any one of claims 1 to 18 in combination with a. cellular telecommumcations network adapted to communicate and control the module.
20. The module substantially as hcreinbefore desc.nbed with reference to and/or substantially as illustrated In any one of or any combination of the accompanying drawings.
21. A method nt:? enabling a computer to communicate via a. communications network, the. method including providing a module for coupling to the.

computer for receivmg messages [mm tile computer and for sending these messages to the communications network, wherein the module includes a processor which communicates with the comni.uiiications network independently of the computer.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the module communicates wirclessly with the or each communications network.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein said wireless communication means communicates with a CSM, GPRS or 30 L!MTS -cellular telccomrnumcanons network.
24. The method of claim 2l22 or 23, wherein the processor communicates with the communications network and transmits said messages via said cornmumcations network using respective communication channels.
25.. The method of claim 24, wherein the respective communication channels are physically or logically independent.
26. The method of any' one of claims 21 to 25. wherein the processor communicates with the communications network independently of the computer to receive operating instructions for the module,
27. The method of any one of claims 2 1 to 26, wherein the processor communicates with the communications network independently of the computer to transmit nfonnat;on obtained from the computer to the con'nnunieations network.
28. The method of any one of claims 21 to 27, including automatically aetivatng the conununjeaton with the eornnluJ]ications network independently of' the computer in dependence upon a predetermined event.
29. The method of cLaim 28, wherein the event includes at least one of powerup of the computer, detection of an error iii the operanon of the computer or the detection of a predetermined time.
30. The method of any one of claims 2 1 to 29. including receiving a message from the communications network for triggering the processor to communicate with the communications network independently of the computer.
3! The method ol claim 30. wherein said activation rnessagc. comprises an SMS message.
32. The method ol any one of claims 21 to 3i, including pcrfb.rming IP-based communication with, the cofli[3t3ter.
33. The method of any one of claims 21 to 32. including perfonning IP-based coinmun ica ti on wfth the c.ornmi.micati ons network.
34. The method of any one of claims 2.1 to 33, including storing an application on the module and automatically installing that application on the module.
35. Th method of any one of claims 21 to 34, whcrein a subscriber dentilicatio.n module associated with the module stores predetermined information relating to the communications by the processor with the *conirnunjeaton.s network independently of the computer.
36. The method of' ci aim 35. including receiving over-the-air-OTA-updates and br directing these updates to the subscriber identity module.
37. The module of any one of claims 2 1 to 36. wherein the module initiates communication with the computer.
38. The method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or substantially as illustrated in any one of or any combination of the accompanying drawings.