7.2.14 Group Based MTC Features

22.3683GPPRelease 17Service requirements for Machine-Type Communications (MTC)Stage 1TS

7.2.14.1 General

A Group Based MTC Feature is a MTC Feature that applies to an MTC Group.

– The system shall be optimized to handle MTC Groups. The system shall provide a mechanism to associate an MTC Device to a single MTC Group.

– Each Group Based MTC Feature is applicable to all the members of the MTC Group.

– An MTC Group shall be identified uniquely across 3GPP networks.

Note 1: With Group Based MTC Features, each MTC Device is visible from the 3GPP Network perspective.

Note 2: MTC Features that are not Group Based MTC Features can also be applied to MTC Group members.

Note 3: An MTC Device can belong to more than one MTC group, but policy conflicts need to be avoided through administrative means.

7.2.14.2 Group Based Policing

The MTC Feature Group Based Policing is intended for use with a MTC Group for which the network operator wants to enforce a combined QoS policy.

For the Group Based Policing MTC Feature:

– A maximum bit rate for the data that is sent/received by a MTC Group shall be enforced.

Note: Policy control could be static to reduce complexity. In this case, static means that the policy for a specific MTC Group is fixed for the group and does not change due to dynamic conditions.

7.2.14.3 Group Based Addressing

MTC Feature Group Based Addressing is intended for use with a MTC Group for which the network operator wants to optimize the message volume when many MTC Devices need to receive the same message.

For the Group Based Addressing MTC Feature:

– The network shall provide a mechanism to send a broadcast message within a particular geographic area, e.g. to wake up the MTC Devices that are members of that MTC Group; only MTC Devices of the target group configured to receive the broadcast message will recognize it.

Note 1: The geographic area for the broadcast may be a cell sector, a cell or a group of cells.

Note 2: Verification of receipt of a broadcast message is not necessary.

Annex A (informative):
Use cases

Addressing from a centralized entity Use Case

Metering devices are typically monitored and controlled by a centralized entity outside or inside the network operator system. Due to the need for centralized control, the centralized entity will inform or poll the metering device when it needs measurement information rather than the metering device autonomously sending measurements. Depending on the nature of the metering application, low latency responses are sometimes required (metering for high pressure pipelines for example). To accomplish this, the centralized entity will need to inform the metering device when it needs a measurement. Typically due to the limitation of IPv4 address space, the metering terminal is behind a NAT (Network Address Translator) where it is not assigned a routable IPv4 address.

Theft /Vandalism Vulnerable MTC Application Use Case

In contrast to the traditional H2H devices, which are carefully held and protected by a person, MTC Devices are often located in remote areas and ideally are untouched after installation for many years. The remote locations make these devices more susceptible to tampering by unauthorized persons. The tampering of the MTC Device is often accompanied by damage to the metering device. The network has security mechanisms for protection for this type of activity which may not be effective for MTC Devices. The network can not prevent it but can detect it as early as possible in order to deactivate the ME’s service and the related USIM. In addition, often theft/vandalism vulnerable MTC Devices are stationary after initial installation and activation. The stationality of the MTC Device can be utilized to improve the detection of theft. If a known stationary devices moves, it can be concluded that the MTC Device has been stolen and thus the account deactivated.

Time Controlled MTC Application Use Case

For some MTC applications the actual time at which communication takes place is less important, but low communication costs are extremely important. A network operator can offer low communication fees for this type of applications by allowing communication to take place during low traffic time periods only. Possibly the network operator may want to dynamically adjust these time periods based on the actual network traffic load at a specific time.

Radio Network Congestion Use Case

Radio network congestion because of mass concurrent data transmission takes place in some MTC applications. One of the typical applications is the bridge monitoring with a mass of sensors. When a train passes through the bridge, all the sensors transmit the monitoring data almost simultaneously. The same thing happens in hydrology monitoring during the time of heavy rain and in building monitoring when intruders break in. The network should be optimized to enable a mass of MTC Devices in a particular area to transmit data almost simultaneously.

Core Network Congestion Use Case

With many MTC applications, a large number of MTC Devices is affiliated with a single MTC User. These MTC Devices together are part of a MTC Group. The MTC User associated with the MTC Group owns a MTC Server which is connected to the PS network of a mobile network operator via an Access Point Name (APN) using the Gi interface. The MTC Devices in the MTC Group communicate with this MTC Server.

Typically, the MTC Devices in the MTC Group are scattered over the network in such a way that the data simultaneously sent by the MTC Devices in any particular cell is limited and will not cause a radio network overload. Despite this, when a high number of MTC Devices are sending/receiving data simultaneously, data congestion may occur in the mobile core network or on the link between mobile core network and MTC Server where the data traffic related to MTC Group is aggregated. Preferably, a network operator and the MTC User have means to enforce a maximum rate for the data sent/received by the MTC Group.

Figure A-1: Congestion in mobile core network and on the link between mobile core network and MTC Server

Signalling Network Congestion Use Case

Congestion in the signalling network is caused by a high number of MTC Devices trying almost simultaneously: (1) to attach to the network or (2) to activate/modify/deactivate a connection. In a 3GPP system supporting MTC applications such an overload of the network can be caused by e.g. many mobile payment terminals that become active on a national holiday or by high numbers of metering devices becoming active almost simultaneously after a period of power outage. Also some MTC applications generate recurring data transmissions at precisely synchronous time intervals (e.g. precisely every hour or half hour). Preferably, the 3GPP system provides means to the network operator and MTC User to spread the resulting peaks in the signalling traffic.

Figure A-2: Signalling network congestion

Access Control with billing plan Use Case

In some configurations, it may be necessary to restrict the access of a UICC that is dedicated to be used only with machine-type modules associated with a specific billing plan. It should be possible to associate a list of UICC to a list of terminal identity such as IMEISV so that if the UICC is used in an other terminal type, the access will be refused.
See the following configuration:

Figure A-3: Access Control with billing plan

Extra Low Power Consumption Use Case

For high mobility case, tracking MTC devices such as animal tracking MTC devices in natural world with high mobility require extra low power consumption because it is almost impossible to replace the battery or recharge the battery for animal tracking MTC device. Compared to the tracking devices installed in the cars and trucks because cars and trucks could generate electricity by themselves, extra low power consumption for these MTC devices is required.

For cargo tracking, the cargo with a tracking MTC device could move very fast such as on a train or lorry and could stand still such as in the dock before loading or unloading. It is not desired to either change its battery or replace battery during the transport period, so extra low power consumption MTC devices are also required.

For prisoner tracking MTC devices are already used by police, prisoners will not cooperate with police and would wish the MTC devices have flat batteries; therefore, extra low power consumption feature is required for these MTC devices. For the tracking MTC devices of elder people who have memory problem, children or pets, even the batteries of these MTC devices could be replaced or charged, however, considering the worst scenario – if they are missing, it requires the MTC devices with extra low power consumption and long working time in order to find them.

For low mobility case, the gas meter MTC devices must be battery powered. Extra low power consumption for gas MTC devices is much more critical than electricity meters.

Extra Low Power Consumption with Time Controlled MTC Devices Use Case

Time Controlled MTC Devices which send or receive data only at certain pre-defined periods may be operated in one or more modes that minimize power consumption.

An MTC Device may be operated in a mode where it is expected to receive non-periodic messages (e.g. emergency messages or notifications of altered access period as with the MTC Feature Time Controlled outside the time controlled periods. The MTC Device should minimize power consumption while in a mode to support this.

If the application requires the MTC Device to send or receive data within pre-defined periods and receive non-periodic messages outside these periods, operation at the lowest possible power consumption level to extend battery life should be achieved.

End-to-end security for roaming MTC devices

An MTC Application communicates with a large number of MTC Devices that are located globally and may or may not be mobile. Examples of such devices are mobile navigation systems and payment terminals. Connectivity for the MTC Devices is provided by a single network operator that uses its roaming agreements to connect MTC Devices that are not within range of its own network.

From the perspective of the operator of the MTC application its MTC Server and the domain of its network operator are part of a trusted domain. However, the domain of the roaming operator are not seen as part of the trusted domain, as is depicted in the figure below.

Figure A-4: End-to-end security for roaming MTC devices

The operator of the MTC application therefore requires end-to-end security for messages exchanged between MTC application and MTC Devices. The network operator does not have control over the security features in the domain of the roaming operators. Furthermore, for efficiency reasons the roaming operators may decide on a local breakout to for instance the Internet for MTC traffic in which case the information partly travels over the Internet. The network operator needs to satisfy the MTC application owner’s end-to-end security requirement without relying on network security alone.

Annex B (informative):
Examples of MTC applications

Some examples of machine‑type communication applications are listed in the following table. This list is not exhaustive and is intended to be indicative of the scope of machine‑type communication applications.

Service Area

MTC applications

Security

Surveillance systems

Backup for landline

Control of physical access (e.g. to buildings)

Car/driver security

Tracking & Tracing

Fleet Management

Order Management

Pay as you drive

Asset Tracking

Navigation

Traffic information

Road tolling

Road traffic optimization/steering

Payment

Point of sales

Vending machines

Gaming machines

Health

Monitoring vital signs

Supporting the aged or handicapped

Web Access Telemedicine points

Remote diagnostics

Remote Maintenance/Control

Sensors

Lighting

Pumps

Valves

Elevator control

Vending machine control

Vehicle diagnostics

Metering

Power

Gas

Water

Heating

Grid control

Industrial metering

Consumer Devices

Digital photo frame

Digital camera

eBook

Annex C (informative):
Change history

TSG SA#

SA Doc.

SA1 Doc

Spec

CR

Rev

Rel

Cat

Subject/Comment

Old

New

WI

SP-47

SP-100192

22.220

Raised from v1.2.2 to v.2.0.0 for approval

1.2.2

2.0.0

NIMTC

SP-47

22.220

Raised from v.2.0.0 to v.10.0.0 after approval of SA#47

2.0.0

10.0.0

NIMTC

SP-48

SP-100400

S1-101157

22.368

0001

2

Rel-10

F

Deletion of section 5.2

10.0.0

10.1.0

NIMTC

SP-48

SP-100400

S1-101158

22.368

0003

2

Rel-10

F

Clarification of PAM

10.0.0

10.1.0

NIMTC

SP-48

SP-100400

S1-101138

22.368

0005

1

Rel-10

F

CR to TS22.368 Clarification of Location Specific Trigger

10.0.0

10.1.0

NIMTC

SP-48

SP-100400

S1-101139

22.368

0006

1

Rel-10

F

CR to TS22.368 Clarification of Infrequent Transmission

10.0.0

10.1.0

NIMTC

SP-48

SP-100400

S1-101159

22.368

0009

3

Rel-10

F

Clarification of Requirements for Time Controlled MTC Feature

10.0.0

10.1.0

NIMTC

SP-48

SP-100435

S1-101143r

22.368

0010

2

Rel-10

F

Clarification and completion of PAM requirements

10.0.0

10.1.0

NIMTC

SP-48

SP-100400

S1-101142

22.368

0011

1

Rel-10

F

Clarification of local network in Time Controlled

10.0.0

10.1.0

NIMTC

SP-48

SP-100400

S1-101077

22.368

0013

Rel-10

F

Correction of missing changes to clause 7.2.2

10.0.0

10.1.0

NIMTC

SP-48

SP-100400

S1-101078

22.368

0014

Rel-10

F

Correction of terminology

10.0.0

10.1.0

NIMTC

SP-48

SP-100400

S1-101080

22.368

0015

Rel-10

F

Clarification of "may" in clause 7.2.2

10.0.0

10.1.0

NIMTC

SP-48

SP-100400

S1-101083

22.368

0017

Rel-10

F

Correction of MTC User shall in 7.2.8

10.0.0

10.1.0

NIMTC

SP-49

SP-100579

S1-102258

22.368

0023

1

Rel-10

F

Simplification of Mobile Originated Only feature

10.1.0

10.2.0

NIMTC

SP-49

SP-100579

S1-102259

22.368

0024

1

Rel-10

F

Simplification of Infrequent Mobile Terminated feature

10.1.0

10.2.0

NIMTC

SP-49

SP-100579

S1-102260

22.368

0025

1

Rel-10

F

Clarification of MTC Monitoring feature

10.1.0

10.2.0

NIMTC

SP-49

SP-100579

S1-102264

22.368

0029

1

Rel-10

F

Clarification of Group Based MTC Features

10.1.0

10.2.0

NIMTC

SP-49

SP-100579

S1-102280

22.368

0038

2

Rel-10

F

Clarification of subscription

10.1.0

10.2.0

NIMTC

SP-49

SP-100579

S1-102281

22.368

0018

2

Rel-10

F

Clarification on MTC Server relationship to network operator

10.1.0

10.2.0

NIMTC

SP-49

SP-100579

S1-102282

22.368

0027

2

Rel-10

F

Clarification of Location Specific Trigger

10.1.0

10.2.0

NIMTC

SP-49

SP-100579

S1-102287

22.368

0034

1

Rel-10

F

MTC Group Features definition clarification

10.1.0

10.2.0

NIMTC

SP-49

SP-100579

S1-102288

22.368

0035

1

Rel-10

F

MTC Infrequent Transmission clarification

10.1.0

10.2.0

NIMTC

SP-49

SP-100579

S1-102289

22.368

0036

1

Rel-10

F

MTC Secure Connection

10.1.0

10.2.0

NIMTC

SP-49

SP-100579

S1-102290

22.368

0037

2

Rel-10

F

MTC Time Controlled clarification

10.1.0

10.2.0

NIMTC

SP-50

SP-100798

S1-103312

22.368

0049

2

Rel-10

F

NIMTC Terminology

10.2.0

10.3.0

NIMTC

SP-50

SP-100798

S1-103311

22.368

0051

2

Rel-10

B

Clarification of data delay in case of Overload

10.2.0

10.3.0

NIMTC

SP-50

SP-100801

S1-103209

22.368

0045

1

Rel-11

C

Clarification on the requirements of Low Mobility MTC Feature

10.2.0

11.0.0

SIMTC

LTE logo changed into LTE Advanced logo

11.0.0

11.0.1

SP-51

SP-110162

S1-110427

22.368

0069

2

Rel-11

A

MTC charging requirements in Rel-11

11.0.1

11.1.0

NIMTC

SP-51

SP-110162

S1-110411

22.368

0071

Rel-11

A

Clarification of EAB

11.0.1

11.1.0

NIMTC

SP-51

SP-110167

S1-110429

22.368

0058

3

Rel-11

B

Additional security for MTC Triggering requirements

11.0.1

11.1.0

SIMTC

SP-51

SP-110167

S1-110414

22.368

0059

2

Rel-11

B

Suppress MTC device triggering

11.0.1

11.1.0

SIMTC

SP-51

SP-110167

S1-110420

22.368

0080

2

Rel-11

B

MTC – IMS Service Layer Capabilities

11.0.1

11.1.0

SIMTC

SP-52

SP-110374

S1-111026

22.368

0075

Rel-11

F

Correction of charging requirements

11.1.0

11.2.0

SIMTC

SP-52

SP-110374

S1-111036

22.368

0072

Rel-11

B

MTC – IMS Service Layer Capabilities

11.1.0

11.2.0

SIMTC

SP-52

SP-110374

S1-111304

22.368

0091

Rel-11

F

Clarification of MTC Device management requirement

11.1.0

11.2.0

SIMTC

SP-52

SP-110374

S1-111328

22.368

0088

1

Rel-11

F

Clarification of MTC identifier to aligning it with MTC Group feature

11.1.0

11.2.0

SIMTC

SP-52

SP-110374

S1-111329

22.368

0083

2

Rel-11

B

New Requirements for MTC Monitoring Feature

11.1.0

11.2.0

SIMTC

SP-52

SP-110374

S1-111373

22.368

0092

2

Rel-11

A

Correction of SIMTC requirements to define the precedence for NAS configuration parameters in case they are defined in the device and in the USIM

11.1.0

11.2.0

SIMTC

SP-52

SP-110374

S1-111374

22.368

0078

2

Rel-11

C

MTC Device Trigger and Time Controlled MTC Feature

11.1.0

11.2.0

SIMTC

SP-52

SP-110374

S1-111375

22.368

0081

3

Rel-11

F

Clarification on MTC User

11.1.0

11.2.0

SIMTC

SP-52

SP-110374

S1-111377

22.368

0089

2

Rel-11

F

Clarification of requirements for MTC

11.1.0

11.2.0

SIMTC

SP-52

SP-110374

S1-111379

22.368

0079

3

Rel-11

C

Introduction of new scenarios for IP addressing

11.1.0

11.2.0

SIMTC

SP-53

SP-110578

S1-112334

22.368

0095

3

Rel-11

F

Clarification to small data transmissions requirement

11.2.0

11.3.0

SIMTC

SP-53

SP-110578

S1-112335

22.368

0103

2

Rel-11

C

Clarification of MTC Small Data

11.2.0

11.3.0

SIMTC

SP-53

SP-110578

S1-112336

22.368

0101

1

Rel-11

B

Location Monitoring Requirement for MTC Monitoring Feature

11.2.0

11.3.0

SIMTC

SP-53

SP-110578

S1-112337

22.368

0096

2

Rel-11

F

Correction of offline MTC Device Triggering

11.2.0

11.3.0

SIMTC

SP-53

SP-110578

S1-112338

22.368

0108

1

Rel-11

D

Editorial CR on offline MTC Devices

11.2.0

11.3.0

SIMTC

SP-53

SP-110578

S1-112339

22.368

0098

2

Rel-11

C

MTC Group-Based Addressing

11.2.0

11.3.0

SIMTC

SP-53

SP-110578

S1-112412

22.368

0099

3

Rel-11

F

MTC Small Data Transmissions

11.2.0

11.3.0

SIMTC

SP-53

SP-110651

S1-112169

22.368

0106

2

Rel-11

F

CR to 22.368 – Moving "Network provided destination for uplink data" requirement from 22.368 into 22.101

11.2.0

11.3.0

SIMTC

SP-53

SP-110651

S1-112171

22.368

0107

2

Rel-11

F

CR to 22.368 – Moving PS-Only requirements from 22.368 into 22.101

11.2.0

11.3.0

SIMTC

SP-55

SP-120103

S1-120334

22.368

0120

3

Rel-11

F

Security to MTC server and MTC application

11.3.0

11.4.0

SIMTC

SP-56

SP-120289

S1-121376

22.368

0126

1

Rel-11

F

Clarify restricting use of a USIM to specific MEs/MTC Devices

11.4.0

11.5.0

SIMTC

SP-56

SP-120289

S1-121447

22.368

0128

4

Rel-11

F

MTC Server Definition

11.4.0

11.5.0

SIMTC

SP-56

SP-120288

S1-121457

22.368

0130

5

Rel-11

F

MTC Device Power Level Monitoring

11.4.0

11.5.0

TEI11

SP-56

SP-120289

S1-121458

22.368

0131

4

Rel-11

F

Connection Error Codes for Troubleshooting Requirement

11.4.0

11.5.0

SIMTC

SP-57

SP-120524

S1-122513

22.368

0133

2

Rel-12

F

Clarification of MTC Charging Requirements wrt on line/off line

11.5.0

12.0.0

MTCe-SRM

SP-57

SP-120533

S1-122516

22.368

0127

7

Rel-12

C

External identifier availability

11.5.0

12.0.0

MTCe-SIMSE

SP-57

SP-120533

S1-122435

22.368

0132

1

Rel-12

B

MTC Device and MTC Server relation with Service Enablement Frameworks

11.5.0

12.0.0

MTCe-SIMSE

SP-58

SP-120868

S1-124465

22.368

0144

Rel-12

C

Removal of requirement to be able to count for device initiated signalling

12.0.0

12.1.0

MTCe-SRM

SP-58

SP-120868

S1-124489

22.368

0139

2

Rel-12

C

Clean-up of Location specific trigger Requirement

12.0.0

12.1.0

MTCe-SRM

SP-58

SP-120868

S1-124512

22.368

0145

2

Rel-12

C

Moving MTC Feature Infrequent Transmission into a generic requirement

12.0.0

12.1.0

MTCe-SRM

SP-58

SP-120868

S1-124488

22.368

0136

2

Rel-12

C

Clean-up of Time Tolerant Requirement

12.0.0

12.1.0

MTCe-SRM

SP-59

SP-130104

S1-131289

22.368

0146

2

Rel-12

C

Clarification and merge of Mobile Originated Only and Infrequent Mobile Terminated

12.1.0

12.2.0

MTCe-SRM

SP-59

SP-130104

S1-131290

22.368

0147

2

Rel-12

C

Moving MTC Priority Alarm into a generic requirement

12.1.0

12.2.0

MTCe-SRM

SP-59

SP-130109

S1-131302

22.368

0148

2

Rel-12

D

Clarification of requirements for the support of multiple service enablement frameworks

12.1.0

12.2.0

MTCe-SIMSE

SP-62

SP-130593

S1-135102

22.368

0151

Rel-12

F

Removal of group based charging requirements

12.2.0

12.3.0

MTCe-SRM

SP-64

Rel.13 version created to keep text applicable to Rel-13 only, removed in the Rel-12 version 12.4.0 by CR0153r1

12.3.0

13.0.0

SP-66

SP-140751

S1-144352

22.368

155

Rel-13

F

Align the MTC monitoring requirements with Service Exposure requirements

13.0.0

13.1.0

TEI13

SP-75

Rel-14

Updated to Rel-14 by MCC

13.1.0

14.0.0

Aug. 2017

Rel-14

Previous version was incorrectly saved as “22638-e10.doc” instead of “22368-e00.doc”

14.0.0

14.0.1

July 2019

Rel-15

Updated to Rel-15 by MCC

14.0.1

15.0.0

Change history

Date

Meeting

TDoc

CR

Rev

Cat

Subject/Comment

New version

2020-07

SA#88e

Updated to Rel-16 by MCC

16.0.0

2022-03

SA#95e

Updated to Rel-17 by MCC

17.0.0