WO2004077842A2

WO2004077842A2 - Wireless communication system, wireless communication unit and remote control thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2004077842A2
Application number: PCT/EP2004/050198
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas C. Kildegaard; Svend Frandsen
Original assignee: Motorola Inc
Priority date: 2003-02-27
Filing date: 2004-02-24
Publication date: 2004-09-10
Also published as: WO2004077842A3; EP1597926A2; GB2398966A; GB2398966B; CN1757248A; GB0304499D0

Abstract

A wireless communication system (400, 500, 600) comprises a wireless communication unit (440, 560, 660) operably coupled to a communication infrastructure (470, 580, 680) via an air interface (456, 556, 656). The wireless unit comprises a receiver and a processor for processing an over-the-air message. The wireless communication unit also comprises a mapping function (460, 550) to map the processed message to a standardised interface message thereby enabling the processor to re-configure an operation of the wireless communication unit to facilitate remote control and/or remote monitoring of attributes or operations of the wireless communication unit.

Description

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, WIRELESS COMMUNICATION UNIT AND REMOTE CONTROL THEREOF

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to remote control and/or monitoring of wireless communication devices. The invention is applicable to, but not limited to, using short data messages for such purposes.

Background of the Invention

Wireless communication systems, for example cellular telephony or private mobile radio communication systems, typically provide for radio telecommunication links to be arranged berween a plurality of base transceivex stations (BTSs) and a plurality of subscriber units, often termed mobile stations (MSs) or mooile terrniπslp (MTs) or Mobile Equipment (ME) . In this specification, t.e terms mobile station (MS) , mobile terminal (MT) and mobile equipment (ME) are used interchangeably.

Methods for communicating information simultaneously exist where communication resources in a communication system are shared by a number of users. Such methods are termed multiple access techniques. A number of multiple access techniques exist, for example frequency division multiple access (FDMA) , time division multiple access (TDMA) and code division multiple access (CDMA) , whereby a finite communication resource is divided into any number of physical parameters. Within such multiple access techniques, different duplex {two-way communication) paths are arranged. Such paths can be arranged in a frequency division duplex (FDD) configuration, whereby a frequency is dedicated for uplink communication, i.e. from a MS to its serving BTS and a second frequency is dedicated for downlink communication, i.e. from a serving BTS to one or more MS. Alternatively, the paths can be arranged in a time division duplex (TDD) configuration, whereby a first time period is dedicated for up-link communication and a second time period is dedicated for downlin communication .

An example of a zone/cell-based wireless communication system is a TErrestrial Trunked RAdio (TETRA) system, as defined by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) . A primary focus for TETRA equipment is the emergency services,, as TETRA provides a dispatch and control operation. Each mobile station (MS) is able to transmit and receive control, voice and data information. The system inf astructure in a TETRA system is generally referred to as a switching and management infrastructure (SwMI), which substantially contains all of the system elements apart from the wireless (mobile) communication units. This includes base transceiver stations (BTSs) connected to a conventional public-switched telephone network (PSTN), through base station controllers (BSCs) and mobile switching centres (MSCs) .

In the field of this invention it is known that a number of radio applications have been developed such that a radio system's infrastructure is able to transmit radio applications and configuration parameters to a number of wireless subscriber units in an over-the-ai-r (OTA) manner.

A network Operator, or indeed third party software vendor, is able to download (or upgrade) related software and/or operational parameters to a number (or fleet) of wireless subscriber units without the need for the wireless subscriber units to be recalled to the factory for re-programming.

Configuration and reprogramming can also be performed by physically connecting a programming device to the radio. On a TETRA radio, configuration and control can be achieved by use of the AT and TNP1 interface. GSM phones also have an AT command interface through which control over the radio can be achieved. A programming tool, such as a laptop computer (hereinafter referred to as a test equipment (TE) ) , and an ME are then coupled together with a hard-wired connection therebetween, to facilitate re- programming, control over, and configuration of, the ME using the AT interface.

FIG. 1 shows a simplified block diagram 100 illustrating a first known mechanism for using a hard-wired connection 122 to externally monitor or program a ME 140. This mechanism for externally programming or monitoring an operation of the ME is applicable to a TETRA MT or a GSM phone. A TE 110 is coupled to the MT 140 via the first hard-wired connection 122, which facilitates programming of the MT 140 using AT commands.

The TE 110 includes a TE control application block that is used for monitoring and controlling the MT 140. The TE control AT commands are routed to the MT 140 via the RS-232 interface. The MT 140 receives the AT commands via its RS-232 interface 152 and routes the SDS-AT message via its 'AT' function 148, which separates the AT command (used for configuration and external monitoring) from the SDS portion of the message. The SDS portion of the message is then routed via SDS relay function 146 to an SDS application 142.

In the field of the present invention, a second hardwired connection mechanism is known, as shown in the simplified block diagram 200 of FIG. 2. The second hardwired connection mechanism uses a TETRA network protocol (TNPl) communication link between the TE 220 and an MT 260, to facilitate external monitoring or control of the MT 260.

The TNPl mechanism uses the known Internet Protocol (I?) to effect the external control or monitoring of the MT 260. A TE 220 includes a TNPl application 222, which provides the software TNPl code via a user datagram protocol (UDP) function 224, an IP formatting function 226 and an IP relay 228 to a point-to-point protocol (PPP) function 230. The TNPl code is then loaded into the MT in an IP formatted message via hard-wired link 232.

The MT 260 receives the IP formatted TNPl code in its PPP function 272. The TNPl code is then routed to the TNPl Relay application 264. The IP address used is a special IP address used by all MTs, as defined in the TETRA standard. IP datagrams addressed to other IP addresses are sent over the air to the SwMI . It is known that, internally within the MT, one or more IP applications may exist. Wireless Application Protocol (^"WAP) is such an application. Messages from the WAP application are routed over the air. Messages to the MT internal application are, dependent upon the IP port number used in the message, routed not to the external TE application but to the internal WAP application.

The configuration shown in FIG. 2 allows a hard-wired TE 220, such as a laptop computer, to be physically connected 232 to the MT 260, in order to configure and monitor the MT 260. However, the TNP1-IP mechanism, in the same manner as the SDS-AT mechanism, requires a physical hard-wired connection tc the MT 260.

OTA configuration and control is not shown in any of the diagrams. It is noteworthy that, TETRA OTA configuration and control messages use individually designed protocols, which are different from SDS and IP.

It is known that the TNPl mechanism enables programming or remote control of a single hard-wired MT. This is the standard TETRA IP connectivity mechanism via the TNPl PEI interface.

As indicated previously, there is only one IP address allocated for remote programming or remote control functions, and this IP address is the same for all MTs in the TETRA system. Hence, for an IP-based OTA programming arrangement, the MT 260 is assigned an IP address from the SwMI 280. The unique address enables IP datagrams 282 to be sent from the SwMI 280 to the MT' s WAP application 262 or to the external application 222 on TE 220.

Likewise, it is possible for the MT' s internal WAP application 262, or the TE' s external TNPl application 222, to send IP datagrams to the SwMI 280. These messages are sent between the SwMI 280 and MT 260 via layez-2 to layer~l conversion functions 276, 286 and subnet dependent convergence protocol (SNDCP) functions 274, 284 as shown. Control messages between the TE 220 and the MT 260 are routed to the MT 260 using the special IP address (standardized in the TETRA standard)

In either of the above two (TNPl or SDS-AT) mechanisms, it is known that the TE 110, 220 may be configured to include a 'virtual' remote control head of the radio in the lap-top to allow a number of performance attributes of the MT 140, 260 to be externally monitored (using a local hard-wired connection) . In this manner, the TE 110, 220 is able to gather radio information, such as receiver field strength, battery charge, bit error rate (BER) , etc.

In the TETRA standard, in addition to the hard-wired alternatives described above, specific OTA programming and configuring mechanisms have been described in order to facilitate a number of applications being downloaded to MTs. However, each of these applications is a standalone application, with its own specific mechanism for being downloaded to, and re-configuring an operation of, an MT. Thus, there is no general mechanism for reconfiguring MTs such that each new application to be written is able to re-use the standardised interfaces or programming functions of previous applications.

However, this known prior art has the disadvantages that, although the MT may be controlled locally by developing TNPl code that allows external, local application software to be run, a physical connection of the programming device (TE) and the MT is required. This is cumbersome, not dynamic and unfeasibly restrictive for most practical scenarios where remote control/monitoring/programming is desired.

Within the TETRA field, remote control application software has been developed to enable remote control of the radio in various situations. Examples of such remote control include:

(i) Dynamic Group Number Assignment (DGNA), which allows a radio to affiliate to certain groups; or

(ii) A Supplementary Service of Ambience Listening (SS-AL) , which, is used to set up a call from a console, so that the console can listen in to the MT'ε microphone, without the mobile user knowing.

The technology developed to perform remote control of the TETRA MT (such as DGNA and SS-AL) is designed such that each application requires its own protocol. This makes the use of remote application control software unattractive, and the implementation very complex.

Thus, there exists a need for an improved and simplified mechanism for remote control/monitoring of a communication device, without requiring that the supporting software include its own protocol. Statement of Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a

communication system as claimed in Claim 1.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless communication unit, as claimed in Claim 9.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless communication unit, as claimed in Claim 12.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium, as claimed in Claim 13.

Further aspects of the present invention are provided in the dependent Claims.

In summary, the preferred embodiment of the present invention proposes a mechanism that uses standardised connection interfaces on a wireless communication unit to be used in an over-the-air monitoring and configuration function. By re-configuring wireless subscriber units on an individual basis, an operation or performance attribute of the wireless subscriber unit can be monitored or controlled remotely, for example by the system infrastructure. Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a known mechanism for configuring a mobile terminal (MT) in a cellular or TETRA communication system using short data service Au fixed connection; and

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a known mechanism for configuring and monitoring a mobile terminal (MT) in a TETRΛ communication system using a TETRA network protocol (TNPl) fixed connection, and an IP-based over-the-air communication mechanism.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a mobile terminal (MT) such as a cellular or TETRA MT capable of being adapted in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a mechanism for configuring and monitoring a mobile terminal (MT) ih a cellular or TETRA communication system for use in an OTA- based snort data service-AT connection, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a mechanism for configuring and monitoring a mobile terminal (MT) in a TETRA communication system for use in an OTA-based short data service employing a TETRA network protocol connection, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of a mechanism for configuring a mobile terminal (MT) in a TETRA communication system using an OTA IP-based TETRA network protocol connection, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

The inventive concepts described herein outline a number of mechanisms to utilise standardised external interfaces on a mobile radio, such as a TETRA radio, or a cellular phone operating under the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM System) a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) System, Enhanced Data fcx GSM Evolution (EDGE) System or Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) or any ether telecommunications system.

The invention will be described with reference to a TETRA radio. In TETRA, a Peripheral Equipment Interface (PEI) has been standardised. This interface includes two mechanisms for communicating with the MT, for example by AT or by network protocol (TNPl) commands. The PEI interface enables an external application or device (hereinafter referred to as a test equipment (TE) ) to be hard-wire connected to the interface to control the MT. In accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the PEI is configured in a manner that facilitates OTA remote control and remote monitoring of the MT. In order to control remotely an MT, when the MT is busy for example participating in a voice call, the MT needs to be capable of transmitting and receiving IP datagrams and voice at the same time. In accordance with the preferred emoodiments of the present invention, "these restrictions are circumvented by sending TNPl or AT commands in SDS over-the-air. In the context of the present invention, the expression short data service (SDS) messages is used to encompass any short data message, for example a short message service (SMS) message in a cellular system or a short data service (SDS) message in a private (or public) radio system.

It is envisaged that when the MT is in an idle mode of operation, then IP can be used to transport the AT or TNPl commands to the MT . IP can also be used when control and monitoring is desired when the TM is in a voice call.

Thus, in accordance with the present invention, SDS-AT or SDS TNPl or IP-TNPl commands are sent to an individually identified and addressed MT over the air, encapsulated in either a SDS message or a UDP/IP message. In this manner, a MT can be monitoreα and remote controlled from the infrastructure or indeed from another MT.

A first embodiment of the present invention utilises an SDS-AT-based message, whilst a second embodiment of the present invention utilises an SDS-TNP1 protocol.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram of a wireless communication device (MT) 300, adapted to support the inventive concepts of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, is shown. The MT 300 contains an antenna 302 preferably coupled to a duplex filter or circulator or antenna switch 304 that provides isolation between receive and transmit chains within wireless communication device 300.

The receiver chain includes receiver front-end circuitry 306 (effectively providing reception, filtering and intermediate or base-band frequency conversion) , which may provide a scanning function (the ability to sample information on more than one channel) . The front-end circuit 306 is serially coupled to a signal processing function (processor, generally realised by a digital signal processor (DSP) ) 308 via a baseband (back-end) processing circuit 307-

A controller 314 is operably coupled to the front-end circuitry 306 so that the receiver can calculate receive bit-error-rate (BER) or frame-error-rate (FER) or similar link-quality measurement data from recovered information, which may also incorporate a received signal strength indication (RSS1) 312 function. The RSSI function 312 is operably coupled to the front-end circuit 306. The memory device 316 stores a wide array of device-specific data, for example decoding/encoding functions, frequency and timing information for the MT 300, etc.

A timer 318 is operably coupled to the controller 314 to control the timing of operations, namely the transmission or reception of time-dependent signals, within the MT 300. As known in the art, received signals that are processed by the signal processing function are typically input to an output device, such as a speaker or visual display unit (VDTJ)

The transmit chain essentially includes an input device 320, such as a microphone, coupled in series through a processor 308, transmitter/modulation circuitry 322 and a power amplifier 324. The processor 308, transmitter/modulation circuitry 322 and the power amplifier 324 are operationally responsive to the controller, with an output from the power amplifier coupled to the duplex filter or circulator or antenna switch 204, as known in the art.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the signal processing function 308, in conjunction with the memory device 316 and controller 314 have been adapted to map received OTA SDS or SMS messages to standardised AT or network protocol (such as TNPl) messages (only previously used in hard-wired connections). It is envisaged that for some embodiments, the memory device may comprise mapping data with the controller having been adapted to route messages in accordance with the preferred embodiments described below.

In the MT 300, the signal processor function 308 in the transmit chain may be implemented as distinct from the processor in the receive chain. Alternatively, a single processor 308 may be used to implement the processing of both transmit and receive signals, as shown in FIG. 3.

Of course, the various components within the MT 300 may be realised in discrete or integrated component form. Furthermore, it is within the contemplation of the invention that the MT 300 may be any wireless communication device, such as a portable or mobile PMR radio, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, a wireless laptop computer, etc.

More generally, any re-programming or adaptation of the processor 308, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, may be implemented in any suitable manner. For example, a new processor 308 or memory device 316 may be added to a conventional MT 300, or alternatively existing parts of a conventional MT may be adapted, for example by reprogramming one or more processors therein. As such the required adaptation may be implemented in the form of prGcessor-imple entable instructions stored on a storage medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, programmable read-only memory (PROM) , random access memory {RAM) or any combination of these or other storage media.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a block diagram of a mechanism 400 for remotely controlling and monitoring an MT in a cellular or TETRA communication system is shown. The communication system uses a short data service message containing an AT command, in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

A TE 410 is shown as optionally coupled to the MT 440 via a hard-wired connection 422, as known in the art. In addition to the hard-wired connection 422 facilitating a programming of the MT 440 using short data service (SDS) messages, an OTA mechanism is used. An network infrastructure (SwMI in a TETRA System) 470 includes an SDS application block that facilitates SDS control and monitoring of the MT. The SDS messages carrying the AT commands are routed to a new SDS-to-AT mapping function 460 in the MT 440 via a circuit mode control entity (CMCE) 450, 474 and a layer-2 to layer-1 conversion function 454, 476 in both the network infrastructure 470 and the MT 440. An SDS relay function 446 routes the SDS messages to the correct application. The SDS-to-AT function 460 strips off one or more 'attention (AT)' commands from the SDS message.

In FIG. 4, SDS messages are therefore configured to carry AT commands. Notably, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an MT 440 has been adapted (for example, by adapting signal processor 308 of FIG. 3) by incorporating an SDS-to-AT mapping function 460, to strip AT commands from received OTA SDS messages. When a SDS message is received at the MT 440, the SDS-to- AT mapping function 460 strips off the SDS message and forwards the extracted AT command to the AT function 448.

In this manner, there is no need to employ a fixed RS-232 connection 422 to implement the external control or external monitoring of the MT 440, as they can be performed remotely. In the context of the present invention, the expression 'external' is primarily used to indicate an external hard-wired connection, whereas the expression remotely' is used to indicate a distal OTA connection to the MT.

Advantageously, this mechanism for remote controlling and/ or remote monitoring an MT via a specific OTA message from the network infrastructure (for example the TETRA SwMI) offers a network operator significantly more flexibility in tracking and/or controlling the operational performance of MTs in the communication system. It is noteworthy that TETRA SDS functions used in this manner have the capability to address a TE as well as a specific application in the MT.

The second mechanism using SDS messages for network protocol (TNPl) codes is illustrated in FIG. 5, whilst a third mechanism using an IP datagram-based TNPl network protocol message to remote controlling and/or remote monitoring of the MT 560 is illustrated in FIG. 6.

Referring now to FIG. 5 a block diagram 500 is shown illustrating a second mechanism for configuring an MT 560 in a TETRA communication system using a short data service employing a TETRA network protocol connection, in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The second mechanism again illustrates an optional IP- based TETRA network protocol (TNPl) communication link between the TE 520 and an MT 560, to externally monitor or configure an individual MT 560, as known in the art. The TE 520 includes a TNPl application 522 that provides the software TNPl code via a UDP 524, an IP formatting function 526 and an IP relay 528 to a PPP function 530, as known in the art. The IP address used by the TE to address the MT, when using the TNPl protocol, is fixed and standardised in the TETRA standard. In accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention, and in addition to the TNPl code being loadable to the MT in an IP formatted message via hard-wired link 232, the MT has been adapted to receive OTA TNPl software codes. In this regard, for example, it is envisaged that the signal processor 308 of FIG. 3 has been adapted to receive and process OTA TNPl software codes.

The MT 560 has been adapted tc include a SDS-to-TNPl mapping function 550, which unpacks TNPl commands contained within SDS OTA messages that are received from •the network infrastructure (SwMI) 580. These SDS messages are routed via an SDS relay function 552. The message to network protocol (SDS-to-TNPl) mapping function 550 then sends the unpacked network protocol (TNPl) commands to the MT' s internal TNPl relay function 564.

Advantageously, in this manner, the MT 560 is now able to receive TNPl network protocol commands in an OTA manner, in addition to the known mechanism of using hard-wired network protocol (TNPl) commands received from the TE 520.

It is also within the contemplation of the present invention that the new functions, i.e. either the SDS-to- AT application 460 and/or the SDS-to-TNPl application 550, may be arranged to reside in the TE 520, for example in a TE TNPl application 522. Clearly, in this configuration, the external application must be connected to the TM 440, 560 for the proposed programming or remote control/monitoring functions to work.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the MT 560 requests and obtains a unique IP address from the network infrastructure (SwMI) 580, i.e. an address that distinguishes that particular MT from other MTs in the communication system. The mechanism used to obtain a unique IP address is instigated, for example, when an external application such as TNPl function 522 from TE 520, registers through a point-to-point protocol (PPP) link 532. Alternatively, the process can be instigated when the MT's internal IP application (which could for example be a WAP-based application) is initiated. In response to such a trigger, the MT 560 requests an IP address from the network infrastructure (SwMI) 580. This IP address can then be used to address that particular MT 560 from the network infrastructure (SwMI) 580. The above unique address process follows the TETRA standard.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternative simplified mechanism to that described in FIG. 5 is illustrated, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. In this alternative configuration, substantially the same configuration and functionality of the functions in FIG. 5 apply. However, here, the IP relay function 670 (preferably implemented within a signal processor, for example signal processor 308 of FIG. 3) has been adapted, so that IP datagrams and IP addresses can be used. By allowing the IP relay function 670 to accept and interpret IP datagram addresses, the IP relay function 670 is able to accept IP datagrams that are sent from the TE (per the TETRA standard) as well as IP datagrams addressed from the network infrastructure (SwMI) . The IP relay function 670 has therefore been adapted to identify the specified route of IP datagram messages passing there through. In this manner, the network infrastructure (SwMI; is able to send network protocol (TNPl) commands tc the MT.

In this embodiment, it is envisaged that the network infrastructure (SwMI) would need to distinguish between respective MTs on the basis of their International Terminal Subscriber Identity (ITSI) or International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) rather on their IP address. In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is also envisaged that the IP relay may reserve a port number for network protocol (TNPl) connections. In this way the network infrastructure (SwMI) is able to address the MT using the IP address assigned to the MT. By adapting the MT 660 in this manner, the MT is able to communicate with the network infrastructure (SwMI) 680 using network protocol (TNPl) commands carried in IP datagrams.

Notably, this configuration is limited in TETRA radios in that it cannot be used whilst the MT is in a call, as the TETRA standard has dictated that it is not possible to communicate with IP datagrams whilst in a call. However, it is envisaged that this embodiment is particularly useful for implementing intermittent measurements, such as remotely monitoring RSSI levels or MT battery levels .

In the second and third embodiments of the present invention, it is envisaged that standard remote control TNPl commands are used. For example, some standard TNPl commands that can be used include:

(i) 'TNP1-STATE' ;

(ii) 'TNP1-STATE request' - to be used by a TE user application 522 to request basic information of the operational state of the MT 560 ; (iii) 'TNP1-STATE indication' - to indicate a state information request to the MT user application that co-ordinates providing information of the operational state of the MT 560;

(iv) 'TNP1-STATE response' - to be used to initiate the state information delivery by the MT application co-ordinating the provision of state information; and

(v) ^TNPl-STATE confirm' - to be used to deliver the state information to a TE application 522.

A preferred example defining the parameters of the primitives is shown below in Table 1:

Table 1: Parameters for the primitive TNP1-STATE

Furthermore, it is envisaged that the over-the-air TNPl commands can be sent using a standard "TEMM ATTACH DETACH GROUP IDENTITY REQ" message. This packet data unit (PDU) message is then used to convey the parameters of TNMM- ATTACH DETACH GROUP IDENTITY request from the network infrastructure 580, 680 to the MT 560, 660, as defined in Table 2 below.

Table 2: TEMM-ATTACH DETACH GROUP IDENTITY REQ PDU contents

The above tables describe the information that is preferably carried by the network protocol (TNPl) commands .

The exemplary new SDS-to-AT function in the MT 440 of FIG. 4, or the exemplary new SDS-to TNPl function in the MT 560 of FIG. 5 or the modified IP relay function 670 in the MT 660 of FIG. 6, is/are preferably implemented within a signal processor function, for example signal processor 308 of FIG. 3. Alternatively, it is envisaged that new hardware or firmware may be incorporated into the MT to provide such functionality.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to an application for remote control and monitoring of a TETRA subscriber device, it is envisaged that the inventive concepts are equally applicable for Cellular platforms, such as the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) or the GSM-based General Packet radio system (GPRS) or the universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) or CDMA-2000. In such cellular-based system, the inventive concepts hereinbefore described, particularly with regard to use of AT commands may be utilised for remote control and/or monitoring of subscriber devices using, say SMS messages, as supported by these standards.

It will be understood that the mechanisms described above to remotely monitor and/or control the functionality of an MT tend to provide at least one or more of the following advantages:

(i) It is now possible to remotely monitor and/or control a wireless subscriber unit over-the-air by use of a standardised interface.

(ii) In order to control a MT when the MT is busy- in a voice call, the MT is capable of transmitting/ receiving IP data and voice at the same time by sending network protocol commands in a data message.

(iii) The capabilities of the AT and TNPl interface are significantly enhanced over the standardised AT and network protocol mechanisms to provide over-the-air control and monitoring interfaces. Thus, by using the AT or network protocol (TNPl) interface over-the-air, substantial additional functionality can be obtained using a slightly modified standardised interface.

Whilst specific, and preferred, implementations of the present invention are described above, it is clear that one skilled in the art could readily apply further variations and modifications of such inventive concepts.

Thus, a communication system and a wireless communication unit have been provided that tend to alleviate the known remote control or remote monitoring problems.

Claims

1. A wireless communication unit (300, 440, 560, 660) , comprising a receiver (306) for receiving an over- the-air message and a processor (308), operably coupled to the receiver {306), for processing said over-the-air message, the wireless communication unit (300,440,560) characterised by a mapping function (460, 550, 670), operably coupled to or forming part of said processor, to map said message to a standardised interface message in said wireless communication unit (440, 560, 660) thereby- enabling said processor to re-configure an operation of said wireless communication unit (440, 560, 660) tc facilitate remote control and/or remote monitoring of attributes or operations of said wireless communication unit (440, 560, 660) .

2. The wireless communication unit (300,440,560,660) according to Claim 1, wherein said mapping function strips a standardised interface message from said processed message received from a communication infrastructure (470, 580, 680) .

3. The wireless communication uit (300,440,560,660) according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, further characterised by said over-the-air message being received by said wireless communication unit using a short message service (SMS) message or a short data service (SDS) message.

4. The wireless communication unit (300,440,560,660) according tc any preceding claim, further characterised

by said message being configured to support a Network Protocol (TNPl) messages.

5. The wireless communication unit (300,440,560,660) according to Claim 4 when dependent upon Claim 3, the wireless communication unit further characterised by a short message service-to-network protocol mapping function (450), such that a received SMS or SDS message is processed and one or more network protocol (TNPl) commands extracted therefrom.

6. The wireless communication unit (300,440,560,660) according to Claim 5, the wireless communication unit further characterised by said short message service-to- network protocol mapping function (450) being operably coupled to a short message service relay function and a circuit mode control entity to enable wireless remote monitoring/control of said wireless subscriber unit.

7. The wireless communication unit (300,440,560,660) according to Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein said wireless communication unit is configured to request at least two unique IP addresses, for example where a first IP address is used for network protocol for one or more internal applications and a second IP address is used for one or more external applications.

8. The wireless communication unit (300,440,560,660) according to any preceding Claim, wherein said mapping function is a SDS-to-AT conversion function (460) to- extract AT commands from a received SDS message, whereby

the AT command is used to re-configure said wireless communication unit to facilitate remote control and/or remote monitoring of attributes or operations of said wireless communication unit.

9. A wireless communication system (400,500,600) comprising a wireless communication unit (300,440,560,660) in accordance with any preceding claim.

10. A storage medium storing processor-implementable instructions or data adapted to be implemented in the wireless communication unit of any of Claims 1-8.