A data collection system for transmitting data from user equipment to a
user application server over a GSM network is provided. According to an
aspect of the invention, a data terminal apparatus is configured to
simulate a circuit switched call link to the user equipment, while
providing a communications call link to the GSM network over a non-circuit
switched call link. According to embodiments described herein, the
non-circuit switched call link is achieved via packetizing serial data
from the user equipment into short message service messages, or
alternatively via general packet radio service messages. As a result of
the methods and apparatuses of the present inventions, legacy serial
communications equipment can be integrated into a data collection network
and remotely monitored without the costs associated with deploying service
personnel or more costly circuit switched type equipment and services.
