Abstract: Facilitating authentication on communication between a mobile terminal and a server is achieved. The communication is made through a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) of a network in which the mobile terminal is operating. A Home Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) of the mobile terminal generates a ciphering key for encryption of packet-switched data between the mobile terminal and the server. As part of a message from a network entity in the Home PLMN to the SGSN in which the SGSN expects to receive the ciphering key, alternative data is communicated in place of the ciphering key. Secure communication between the mobile terminal and the server is performed by applying encryption using a ciphering key generated by a network entity in a Home PLMN of the mobile terminal in messages between the mobile terminal and the server.

Abstract: A mobile telecommunications network includes a core and a radio access network having radio means for wireless communication with mobile terminals registered with the network, wherein the radio access network includes control means 700 operable to control the use of network resources by the mobile terminals. The control means processes control plane signalling.

Abstract: Self-optimization for a base station within a cellular radio network is provided. The base station has a first communication interface for providing a service to mobile terminals and a second communication interface for communication with other network entities of the cellular radio network. A degradation in performance of the service provided over the first communication interface is detected. A reliability level for the second communication interface is identified and a Self-Organizing Network (SON) algorithm is implemented in dependence on the identified reliability level and in response to the detection of degradation.

Abstract: Self-optimisation for a base station within a cellular radio network is provided. The base station has a first communication interface for providing a service to mobile terminals and a second communication interface for communication with other network entities of the cellular radio network. A degradation in performance of the service provided over the first communication interface is detected. A reliability level for the second communication interface is identified and a Self-Organising Network (SON) algorithm is implemented in dependence on the identified reliability level and in response to the detection of degradation.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for operating a cellular communications network including a first base station and a second base station. The method comprises reducing the downlink transmission power of the second base station and increasing the downlink transmission power of the first base station, based upon the level of data traffic being communicated through the second base station; and receiving an initial uplink transmission from a mobile station at the second base station and identifying that the second base station can provide a communications service to the mobile station.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for operation of a cellular network comprising a first base station, a second base station and a mobile station being served by the first base station. Load information is received from the second base station at the mobile station, the load information indicating a load placed on the resources of the second base station and a load indication based on the received load information is communicated from the mobile station to the first base station. The first base station may be a macrocell base station and the second base station may be a non-planned or femtocell base station.

Abstract: Controlling access by a User Equipment (UE) to a cellular network may be effected by: receiving an instruction at the UE from a base station of the cellular network regarding transmission by the UE over a Random Access Channel (RACH) of the cellular network; and controlling when transmissions are made from the UE over the RACH, on the basis of the received instruction. In some cases, a transmission over the RACH may be made in response to the received instruction, which gives permission for the UE to transmit if it has data to send. In other cases, the instruction specifies a Group Identifier, which is compared with a Group Identifier specific to the UE and transmission over the RACH may be avoided based on the comparison. In particular, the UE may be a Machine Type Communication device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for operating a cellular communications network including a first base station and a second base station. The method comprises reducing the downlink transmission power of the second base station and increasing the downlink transmission power of the first base station, based upon the level of data traffic being communicated through the second base station; and receiving an initial uplink transmission from a mobile station at the second base station and identifying that the second base station can provide a communications service to the mobile station.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for operation of a cellular network comprising a first base station, a second base station and a mobile station being served by the first base station. Load information is received from the second base station at the mobile station, the load information indicating a load placed on the resources of the second base station and a load indication based on the received load information is communicated from the mobile station to the first base station. The first base station may be a macrocell base station and the second base station may be a non-planned or femtocell base station.

Abstract: Controlling access by a User Equipment (UE) to a cellular network may be effected by: receiving an instruction at the UE from a base station of the cellular network regarding transmission by the UE over a Random Access Channel (RACH) of the cellular network; and controlling when transmissions are made from the UE over the RACH, on the basis of the received instruction. In some cases, a transmission over the RACH may be made in response to the received instruction, which gives permission for the UE to transmit if it has data to send. In other cases, the instruction specifies a Group Identifier, which is compared with a Group Identifier specific to the UE and transmission over the RACH may be avoided based on the comparison. In particular, the UE may be a Machine Type Communication device.