GB2420645A

GB2420645A - Communication module for connecting a computer to a network including a processor that allows the module to act independently

Info

Publication number: GB2420645A
Application number: GB0522763A
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: 2006-05-31
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-08
Also published as: GB0425966D0; GB0522763D0; GB0817291D0; GB2451198A; GB2420645B

Abstract

Disclosed is a communication module, eg a modem, server or router, for connecting a computer to a network. The module has a processor 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 2420645

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 enabling a computer to communicate with such a communications 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 communications network. Such known modules appear to the computer as a conventional wired modem. Typically, the computer communicates with the module through a serial communications (COM) 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 wishes to communicate 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 infra-red link or Bluetooth (RTM) link. An AT command to define a Packet Data Protocol (PDP) context is then generated and sent to the modem through one of the computer's serial ports.

In such a conventional arrangement the module requires the host (computer) to initiate and control the module's 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 be 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 problems 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 variation 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 first aspect of the present invention there is provided 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, characterised 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 combination with the computer andlor a cellular telecommunications 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 interrogation and management of the module by the communications network to which the module is connectable.

In its broadest sense, the embodiment provides server functionality 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. The module may further include a hardware interface that can obtain information 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 IP modules.

In one aspect, the module is provided with a memory which stores applications and allows those applications to run automatically. The memory may allow the detection of new software and management of 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 GSM SIM or UMTS USIM. The SIM/USIM may contain basic modem 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 communications network, the method including providing a module for coupling to the computer for receiving messages from the computer and for sending these messages to the communications network, wherein the module includes a processor which communicates with the communications network independently of the computer.

The term "computer" used in the claims should be interpreted broadly, and does not for example, imply that the computer is a Windows (RTM) - based PC. In the embodiment to be described, the computer is a Windows-based laptop PC. However, the computer could be any processor or appliance capable of performing some data processing function - for example an access point.

For a better understanding of the present invention, an embodiment will now be 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; and 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 may be used. The figure shows a cellular network. 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 communicate using mobile telecommunications/wireless data transmission.

Mobile terminal 1 is registered with GSM/GPRS or UMTS (3G) mobile telecommunications network 3. The mobile terminal 1 may be a handheld mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a laptop computer equipped with a datacard ("module"). The mobile terminal 1 communicates wirelessly with mobile telecommunications 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. Communications between the mobile terminal 1 and the mobile telecommunications network 3 are 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 11 and 13. The terminals 11 and 13 communicate with the mobile telecommunications network 3 in a similar manner to the terminal 1, that is via an appropriate Node B 5, RNC 7 and SGSN9.

The mobile telecommunications network 3 includes a gateway GPRS support node (GGSN) 17 which enables IP-based communications with other networks, such as the Internet 19 via an appropriate link 21. A multiplicity of terminals are connected to the Internet (by fixed or wireless links), and a PC terminal 23 and a PDA terminal 25 are shown by way of

example.

Each of the mobile terminals 1,11 and 13 is provided with a respective subscriber identity module (SIM) 15. During the manufacturing process of each SIM, authentication information is stored thereon under the control of the mobile telecommunications network 3. The mobile telecommunications network 3 itself stores details of each of the SIMs issued under its control.

In operation of the mobile telecommunications network 3, a terminal 1, 11, 13 is authenticated (for example, when the user activates the terminal in the network with a view to making or receiving calls) by the network sending a challenge to the terminal 1,11,13 incorporating a SIM 15, in response to which the SIM 15 calculates a reply (dependent on the predetermined information held on the SIM - typically an authentication algorithm and a unique key Ki) and transmits it back to the mobile telecommunications network 3. The mobile telecommunications network 3 includes an authentication processor 17 which generates the challenge and which receives the reply from the terminal 1,11,13. Using information prestored concerning the content of the relevant SIM 15, the authentication processor 17 calculates the expected value of the reply from the mobile terminal 1,11,13. 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 be performed for any terminal provided with a SIM 15 under control of the mobile telecommunications network 3. In the embodiment the terminal communicates wirelessly with the mobile telecommunications network 3 via the network's radio access netivork, 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" and/or via the Internet. The PC 23 and the PDA 25 may also be provided with a SIM 15 under the control of the network.

The SIM 15 used by the terminal 1,11,13,23,25 may be a SIM (or USIM) of the type defined in the GSM or UMTS standards specifications, or may be a simulation of a SIM - that is, software or hardware that performs a function corresponding to that of the SIM. The SIM may be in accordance with the arrangement described in WO-A-2004 036513.

It should be noted that the authentication process being described does not necessarily authenticate the human identity of the user. For example, mobile telecommunication networks have pre-pay subscribers who are issued with SIMs in return for pre-payment, enabling them to use network services. However, the identity 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 usefs SIM - that is, has confirmed that such user is a particular user who has a particular prepaid account with a network.

The network shown in Figure 2 comprises both the mobile telecommunications network 3 and the Internet 19 (which itself comprises a multiplicity 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 GSM or UMTS standard specifications. Such messages are commonly in the form of text messages of limited maximum length, but they can have other forms, such as in the form of binary data, or may contain configuration data for changing the functional parameters of a mobile.

Short messages may be sent to or from mobile terminals such as the mobiles 1,11,13 and the others registered with the network 3. However, in addition, short messages may be sent to or from "short message entities" (SMEs) such as shown at 20,20A,20B. These SMEs may be in the form of terminals 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 SMEs may be in the form of terminals associated with banking computers or computers of other types generating information (control information, for example) for transmission to mobiles and for receiving short messages in response from mobiles, but may be of many other types, such as application servers of various types.

The network 3 has a short message service centre (SMSC) 26 associated with it. The SMEs 20,20A,20B are connected to the SMSC 26 by fixed network 30 of suitable type. When a mobile terminal wishes to send a short message, it will do this via the SMSC 26 of its network 3. Thus, for example, if the mobile terminal I wishes to send a short message to mobile terminal 11, the short message is automatically addressed by the mobile 11 to SMSC26, which then delivers the short message to mobile terminal 11 (after registering the necessary details to enable a charge to be made to mobile 1). Each short message therefore carries the address of the local SMSC (this address is automatically 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 ISDN 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 interface such as a USB interface, a PCMCIA or equivalent interface. The module 62 includes chipset modules 65, including a SIM 66 of the conventional GSM or UMTS type described above. A baseband processor (not shown) communicates with the SIM 66. Further, the chipset modules 65 include a radio module 68 for communicating wirelessly with the radio access network (elements 5,7,9 of Figure 2) of mobile telecommunications network 3. The laptop 60 and module 62 are analogous to the device 1 of Figure 2.

Software installed and executing on the host laptop 60 will connect to the module 62 and will typically have several "serial" ports for communication.

These ports may typically include: 1. An application port which will be configured to appear as a modem device. Typically GSM standard AT commands are transmitted via this port.

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.

Figure 3 shows an improved module 62A in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Like the module 62, the module 62A includes an interface 64A, SIM 66 and radio module 68. The radio module 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 andlor on the laptop 60 under control of the server 72.

Further, the chipset 65 may include IP port 76 for supporting IP-based communication with the laptop 60 via 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 of this connection to be ensured. Communications between the module 62A and the remote host 78 may be transmitted wirelessly via the radio access network 70A. These conimunications may be 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 70,70A 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 GSM 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 802.1 lb/g, for 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 SIM 66 andlor mobile telecommunications network may control establishment of the or each communication channel. For example the communication channel may only be established after the SIM 66 is authenticated with the mobile telecommunications network using the known SIM authentication process described above.

Server functionality In accordance with an important aspect of the embodiment, the server 72 enables the module 62A to perform functions and obtain information 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 70A.

The server 72 may be operable to perform the following functions: communicate via a (logically or physically) independent communication channel 70A as described above.

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

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

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

- provide management information 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 start. 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 interface 64A in order to provide the laptop with an updated configuration for allowing communication with the radio access network 70.

The configuration information on the laptop 60 can thus be updated without requiring any effort or expertise on the part of 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 be controlled by the wake-up event monitor described below.

- upload of firmware updates from the remote host 78.

- upload of applications that could be made available to the host laptop 60 from the remote host 78.

- controlling application management settings of any applications that are loaded or execute to to operate; this could include the deletion of applications andlor addition of 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 interface that may be made available to the application developer.

In its most basic implementation, firmware changes can be made to the chipset 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 62A of Figure 3. A small web-like server can be implemented with very little code and this as a minimum provides a means to execute a small set of functions and return requested information to the remote host 78. The new functionality of the module 62A may be provided without changes to the hardware components, the changes being achieved through modifications to the firmware.

During the bootstrap process the server 72 would use a designated management Access Point Name (APN) that supports the connection of the server 72 to the remote management host 78.

If the hardware of the module 62A does not have sufficient processing capability to support the desired functionality of server 72, additional components such as PICs (Peripheral Interface Controllers - small microprocessors) could provide the minimal functionality needed.

The communication 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 62A and the host laptop 60 (which 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 operation of the server The server 72 should be 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 of circumstances will depend on the scope and capabilities of the module 62A.

Such automatic initiation of the server 72 may be controlled by events that are configured as part of the default build or updated by management commands.

Wake-up event monitor The server 72 may not be active at all times. However, it may be desirable to obtain information from the module at times when it is not active. The module 62A 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 be an SMS 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.

To provide improved security such wake-up control messages comprise data that are time sensitive and data that are only known to the operator authorised to act as the remote host 78 and interact with the module 62A (for example a shared secret key).

Interrogation of hardware of host laptop The server 72 is operable to control the interface 74 to obtain and report information from the host laptop 60. This information may be useful for the support, diagnostics and management of the module 62A. This information would allow the module 62A to automatically adapt itself to optimise 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 from the host laptop 60. That is, the interface 64A may take control of the laptop 60 hardware bus in order to measure voltage levels and determine which processors are running,

for example.

Enhanced interface The interface 64A of the embodiment emulates the conventional interface 64 (Figure 1) in order to support the existing software model. Optionally, the module 62A is enianced to provide a new type of interface as part of the interface 64A that allows an alternative direct network card-type connection to the host laptop 60 - for example the module 60 may provide an Ethernet-type interface. This is in contrast to the known "dumb" modem model of Figure 1, and would allow the host laptop 60 software to control and manage the module 62A in a similar manner to other IP modules.

Executing of applications to support the host laptop 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 minimises problems with host system software compatibility and complexity of the software installation process. The memory 74 is visible to the host laptop via the server 72 of the module 62A. The memory 74 can therefore be monitored and inf&mation returned to the remote host 78. This monitored information may relate to the installation and operation of the module 62A and will be available without intervention of the host laptop 60 or the user of laptop 60.

With the enhanced interface 64A that may be offered, IP-type applications such as browsers, subject to predetermined access rights, may access the server 72 directly from the host laptop 60. This will minimise the need for custom software and integration for any monitoring station.

Executing of 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 62A. This may include module-based update code and other applications that may reside and run entirely on the module 62A to support connectivity, communication and management. Example applications may not relate to connectivity but provide functions for which remote secure management is desirable, such as security or licence enabling applications that can benefit from the independent and secure management channel.

SIM based updates With a basic configuration of the module 62A, it may be possible to set or over-ride the bootstrap settings by placing important information in the SIM 66 (for example, the Management APN may be modified independently of the server 72 application). Configuration information present in the SIM 66 can automatically be read by the server 72 and will over-write any settings that may have previously been present on the module 62A. Advantageously, the module supports OTA updates that may be sent to specific configuration file entries on the SIM 66. For example, these file entries are for configuring communication between the remote host 78 and the module 62A via the radio access network 70A. OTA updates allow the configuration information to be updated without establishment of the communication channel via the radio access network 70A.

Delegated access Because an established secure and independent communications channel 70A between the remote host 78 and the module 62A is established, information from the module 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 module 62A to other authorised parties such as corporate account holders for such tasks as information updates, asset management, location tracking etc. Such parties may access the information through a suitably secured gateway.

The arrangement described may provide the following advantages: 1. 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 independent and remotely manageable management channel via the radio access network 70A (or other channel). 4. It provides a mechanism to update module 62A firmware, applications and

configuration information.

It should be noted that operation of the module 62A is solely reliant on having power and radio coverage. Hence, the operation of the module 62A is possible without the host laptop 60 functioning correctly. The module 62A may typically be powered by the host laptop 60. However, the module 60 may have its own power supply so that it can operate even when no power is available from the laptop 60. For example, the module 60 may have a battery. The battery may be rechargeable by the laptop 60 when power is available therefrom.

Claims

1. 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, 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 wirelessly 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, GPRS or 3G - UMTS cellular telecommunications network.

4. The module of claim 1,2 or 3, wherein the processor communicates with the communications network and transmits said messages via said communications network using respective communication channels.

5. The network of claim 4, wherein the respective communication channels are physically or logically independent.

6. The module of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processor is operable to communicate with the communications network independently of the computer to receive operating instructions for the module.

7. The module of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the processor is operable to communicate 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 communication 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 in the operation of 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 communicate with the communications network independently of the computer.

11. The module of claim 10, wherein said activation message comprises an SMS message.

12. The module of any one of claims 1 to 11, including means for IP-based communication with the computer.

13. The module of any one of claims I to 12, including means for IP-based communication with the communications network.

14. The module of any one of claims 1 to 13, including a memory for storing an application and means for automatically installing that application on the module.

15. The module of any one of claims 1 to 14, including a subscriber identification module for storing predetermined information relating to the communications by the processor with the communications network independently of the computer.

16. The module of claim 15, including means for receiving over-the-air OTA - updates and for directing these updates to the subscriber identity module.

17. The module of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the module is adapted to initiate communication with the computer.

18. The module of any one of claims 1 to 17 in combination with the computer.

19. The module of any one of claims 1 to 18 in combination with a cellular telecommunications network adapted to communicate and control the module.

20. The module substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to andlor substantially as illustrated in any one of or any combination of the accompanying drawings.

21. A method of enabling a computer to communicate via a communications network, the method including providing a module for coupling to the computer for receiving messages from the computer and for sending these messages to the communications network, wherein the module includes a processor which communicates with the communications network independently of the computer.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the module communicates wirelessly with the or each communications network.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein said wireless communication means communicates with a GSM, GPRS or 3G - UMTS - cellular telecommunications network.

24. The method of claim 21,22 or 23, wherein the processor communicates with the communications network and transmits said messages via said communications 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 21 to 26, wherein the processor communicates with the communications network independently of the computer to transmit information obtained from the computer to the communications network.

28. The method of any one of claims 21 to 27, including automatically activating the communication with the communications 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 power-up of the computer, detection of an error in the operation of the computer or the detection of a predetermined time.

30. The method of any one of claims 21 to 29, including receiving a message from the communications network for triggering the processor to communicate with the communications network independently of the computer.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein said activation message comprises an SMS message.

32. The method of any one of claims 21 to 31, including performing IPbased communication with the computer.

33. The method of any one of claims 21 to 32, including performing IPbased communication with the communications network.

34. The method of any one of claims 21 to 33, including storing an application on the module and automatically installing that application on the module.

35. The method of any one of claims 21 to 34, wherein a subscriber identification module associated with the module stores predetermined information relating to the communications by the processor with the communications network independently of the computer.

36. The method of claim 35, including receiving over-the-air-OTA-updates and for directing these updates to the subscriber identity module.

37. The module of any one of claims 21 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.