MACHINE TYPE COMMUNICATION VIRTUAL SHARED MOBILE APPARATUS AND METHOD

The present disclosure proposes a Virtual Shared Mobile (VSM) feature at eNodeB level, relay node, ore UE or device level that will allow multiple MTC devices to be grouped together and be presented to the rest of Mobile Network as one Virtual Shared Mobile (VSM). The MTC Application Servers will authenticate and manage individual MTC devices. This will decrease the number of devices that are managed by the mobile network and hence decreasing the control signalling volume. Devices belonging to the same Virtual Shared Mobile Group (VSMG) will use time division to share the same Radio Bearer (same IMSI) and hence decreasing the interference to the other UEs in the mobile network. Overall the disclosure will allow data gathering from a large number of MTC devices with limited impact on the Mobile Network. Disclosed herein are aspects of the VSM concept, including inter alia : (1) the VSM implemented in the eNB; (2) the VSM implemented in a relay node; and (3) the VSM implemented in a UE or device acting as a relay node in a device-to-device configuration.