Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication (also referred to as “machine-type communications” or “MTC”) may be seen as a form of data communication between entities that do not necessarily need human interaction.
M2M communication may be used in a variety of areas such as: security, tracking/tracing, healthcare, remote maintenance/control and metering. M2M communication may be used in surveillance systems, order management, gaming machines and remote monitoring of vital signs. M2M communication may be used in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, lighting, vending machine control and in applications related to power, gas, water, heating, grid control, and industrial metering. Additionally, M2M communication based on machine type communication (MTC) technology may be used in areas such as customer service.
Depending on its implementation, M2M communication may be different from some current communication models. For example, M2M communication may a large number of WTRUs, and/or may involve very little traffic per WTRU. Additionally, relative to some current technologies, M2M communication may involve lower costs and less effort to deploy.
M2M communications may take advantage of deployed wireless networks based on Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and/or other technologies such as those developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and 3GPP2. M2M communications may use networks based on these technologies to deliver business solutions in a cost-effective manner. In a circumstance involving ubiquitous deployment of wireless networks, the availability of the wireless networks may facilitate and/or encourage the deployment and use of M2M WTRUs. Additionally, further enhancements to these technologies may provide additional opportunities for the deployment of M2M-based solutions.