Method and apparatus for switching uplink resource type in ambient IoT devices

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for enabling a Radio Access Network, RAN, to control the selection of an uplink resource type to be used by a User Equipment, UE (20), among different types of uplink resources simultaneously allocated to the UE, wherein the UE comprises a wireless device (25) comprising an energy harvesting unit (254) for harvesting ambient energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to wireless communication systems, and more specifically to methods and apparatus for enabling a radio access network (RAN) to control the selection of the type of uplink resource to be used by a wireless device among different types of uplink resources simultaneously allocated to the wireless device. Background Technology

[0002] The Internet of Things (IoT) allows various devices to connect to the internet to send data, receive commands, or both. Tens of billions of IoT devices have already been deployed, and the global number is expected to increase rapidly. Therefore, massive connectivity is needed. However, powering these tens of billions of IoT devices is a key challenge, and deploying cables or regularly replacing / recharging batteries is not a feasible solution.

[0003] 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) is researching new IoT technologies to open up new markets within the 3GPP system. These new IoT technologies can offer several orders of magnitude higher connection counts and / or device density than existing 3GPP IoT technologies, while providing several orders of magnitude lower complexity and power consumption than existing 3GPP technologies such as Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and Long Term Evolution Machine Type Communications (LTE-MTC). More specifically, 3GPP is currently defining Ambient IoT (A-IoT) technologies (see, for example, Technical Report TR 38.848 V18.0.0) aimed at enabling ultra-low-power IoT devices, which can be battery-free devices without energy storage capabilities (performing backscatter transmission) or devices with energy storage that do not require manual replacement or recharging (performing wireless energy harvesting (EH) from one or more energy sources).

[0004] "Ultra-low power" devices or "A-IoT" devices refer to devices with peak power consumption of less than 1 mW, or even less than 100 µW, or even less than 10 µW. For example, Ambient IoT currently aims to achieve A-IoT devices with the following characteristics:

[0005] - Peak power consumption of approximately 1 µW, with energy storage, and no downlink (DL) amplification or uplink (UL) amplification in the device (the device's UL transmission is backscattered on an externally provided carrier).

[0006] - Peak power consumption below a few hundred µW, with energy storage, and DL and / or UL amplification in the device (the UL transmission of the device can be generated internally or backscattered on an externally provided carrier).

[0007] In some cases, such A-IoT devices can be allocated different types of uplink resources simultaneously for transmitting uplink data. For example, an A-IoT device can be allocated (contention-based) Random Access Channel (RACH) uplink resources, (shared or dedicated) Configuration Grant (CG) resources, and Scheduling Request (SR) resources simultaneously.

[0008] In this scenario, it is unclear to the Radio Access Network (RAN) which uplink resource a given A-IoT device will use to perform uplink data transmission. Furthermore, this can increase uplink data transmission latency (e.g., if the A-IoT device chooses a contention-based uplink resource instead of a contention-free one), and increase the probability of collisions on contention-based uplink resources if many A-IoT devices simultaneously attempt to transmit uplink data during the same uplink transmission window. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This disclosure aims to improve this situation. Specifically, this disclosure aims to address at least some of the limitations of the prior art discussed above. In particular, this disclosure aims to provide a solution for improving the use of uplink resources when wireless devices, such as A-IoT devices, are simultaneously allocated different types of uplink resources (RACH, CG, SR, etc.).

[0010] To this end, a proposal is made that enables the RAN to control, at least to some extent, the selection of the type of uplink resource to be used by a wireless device among different types of uplink resources simultaneously allocated to the wireless device. Therefore, the selection of the uplink resource type is more under the control of the RAN, and this enables the reduction of latency and / or collision probability for wireless devices such as A-IoT devices.

[0011] According to a first aspect, this disclosure relates to a method for exchanging data in a wireless communication system, the method being implemented by a wireless device of the wireless communication system, wherein the wireless device includes an energy harvesting unit configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy stored in an energy storage unit of the wireless device, the wireless device further includes a communication unit configured to exchange data with a radio access network (RAN) of the wireless communication system, wherein the wireless device is allocated different types of uplink resources, the method comprising, in response to determining that uplink data is to be transmitted to the RAN:

[0012] - Uplink data is transmitted by using the first type of uplink resources among the different types of uplink resources allocated to the wireless device.

[0013] - Evaluate uplink resource type switching criteria.

[0014] - In response to the uplink resource type switching criterion being verified: uplink data is transmitted by using the second type of uplink resource from the different types of uplink resources allocated to the wireless device.

[0015] In some implementations, the method according to the first aspect may further include one or more of the following optional features, either individually or in any technically possible combination.

[0016] In some implementations of the method according to the first aspect, in response to receiving an uplink resource type switching trigger signal from the RAN, the uplink resource type switching criteria are verified to be passed / met.

[0017] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, at least two different types of uplink resources allocated to the wireless device include:

[0018] - Random Access Channel (RACH) uplink resources, and

[0019] - Configure and authorize CG uplink resources.

[0020] In some implementations of the method according to the first aspect, the first type of uplink resources corresponds to RACH uplink resources, and the second type of uplink resources corresponds to CG uplink resources.

[0021] In some implementations of the method according to the first aspect, the first type of uplink resource corresponds to a contention-based uplink resource, and in response to determining that the number of retransmissions in the first type of uplink resource has reached a predetermined maximum number of retransmissions, the uplink resource type switching criterion is verified.

[0022] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, the maximum number of retransmissions is determined based on information received in system information broadcast by the RAN and / or in signaling messages specifically addressed to the radio device or a group of radio devices including the radio device.

[0023] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, information related to the maximum number of retransmissions is received in response to a user equipment (UE) capability message sent by the radio device from the RAN, or in an uplink transmission trigger signal sent by the RAN, or in a wake-up signal sent by the RAN to transition the radio device from sleep mode to active mode.

[0024] In some implementations of the method according to the first aspect, determining to send uplink data includes receiving an uplink transmission trigger signal from the RAN.

[0025] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, the uplink transmission trigger signal is a wake-up signal that transitions the wireless device from sleep mode to active mode, or a signaling message received after receiving the wake-up signal.

[0026] According to a second aspect, this disclosure relates to a wireless device including at least one memory and at least one processor configured to implement a method according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect.

[0027] According to a third aspect, this disclosure relates to a user equipment (UE) that includes a wireless means according to any one of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0028] According to a fourth aspect, this disclosure relates to a method for exchanging data in a wireless communication system, the method being implemented by a base station (BS) of a radio access network (RAN) of the wireless communication system, wherein the BS is configured to exchange data with a wireless device including an energy harvesting unit configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy stored in an energy storage unit of the wireless device, wherein the method includes: sending to the wireless device information related to a handover between different types of uplink resources allocated to the wireless device.

[0029] In some implementations, the method according to the fourth aspect may further include one or more of the following optional features, either individually or in any technically possible combination.

[0030] In some embodiments of the method according to the fourth aspect, information related to the handover between different types of uplink resources allocated to the wireless device includes uplink resource handover trigger signals and / or information related to the maximum number of retransmissions allowed on contention-based uplink resources.

[0031] In some embodiments of the method according to the fourth aspect, the uplink resource type switching trigger signal includes an indication of the type of uplink resource to be used after the switching, among the different uplink resources allocated to the wireless device.

[0032] In some implementations, the method according to the fourth aspect includes determining whether to send an uplink resource type switching trigger signal based on at least one characteristic of the uplink data to be transmitted by the wireless device and / or including an indication in the uplink resource type switching trigger signal.

[0033] In some embodiments of the method according to the fourth aspect, information related to the maximum number of retransmissions is broadcast in the broadcast system information and / or sent in a signaling message specifically addressed to a wireless device or a group of wireless devices including the wireless device.

[0034] In some implementations, the method according to the fourth aspect includes: sending an uplink transmission trigger signal to the wireless device as an indication that the wireless device should send uplink data to the BS.

[0035] In some embodiments of the method according to the fourth aspect, the uplink transmission trigger signal is a signaling message specifically addressed to a wireless device or a group of wireless devices including that wireless device.

[0036] In some implementations of the method according to the fourth aspect, the uplink transmission trigger signal is a wake-up signal that transitions the wireless device from sleep mode to active mode, or a signaling message sent after the wake-up signal is sent.

[0037] In some implementations, the method according to the fourth aspect includes: starting to send an energy harvesting signal to the wireless device before sending an uplink transmission trigger signal to the wireless device.

[0038] According to the fifth aspect, this disclosure relates to a base station (BS) including at least one memory and at least one processor configured to implement a method according to any one of the embodiments of the fourth aspect.

[0039] According to a sixth aspect, this disclosure relates to a method for exchanging data in a wireless communication system, the method being implemented by a wireless device of the wireless communication system, wherein the wireless device includes an energy harvesting unit configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy stored in an energy storage unit of the wireless device, and the wireless device further includes a communication unit configured to exchange data with a radio access network (RAN) of the wireless communication system, wherein the wireless device is allocated different types of uplink resources, the method comprising:

[0040] - Receive uplink transmission trigger signal from RAN

[0041] - Based on the selection information received from the RAN, select the type of uplink resource from the different types of uplink resources allocated to the radio device.

[0042] - Send uplink data by using the selected type of uplink resources.

[0043] In some implementations, the method according to the sixth aspect may further include one or more of the following optional features, either individually or in any technically possible combination.

[0044] In some implementations, the method according to the sixth aspect includes receiving selection information in a signaling message specifically addressed to the radio device, wherein the signaling message is received after the radio device is authenticated by the RAN and before receiving an uplink transmission trigger signal.

[0045] In some implementations of the method according to the sixth aspect, the signaling message specifically addressed to the radio device is a response from the RAN to a user equipment (UE) capability message sent by the radio device.

[0046] In some implementations, the method according to the sixth aspect includes receiving selection information in system information broadcast by the RAN.

[0047] In some embodiments of the method according to the sixth aspect, selection information is received in the uplink transmission trigger signal or in the wake-up signal received from the RAN, which switches the wireless device from sleep mode to active mode before the uplink transmission trigger signal is received from the RAN.

[0048] In some implementations of the method according to the sixth aspect, the selection information includes an uplink resource type identifier.

[0049] In some implementations of the method according to the sixth aspect, the uplink resource type identifier is provided as a bit vector.

[0050] In some embodiments of the method according to the sixth aspect, the different types of uplink resources allocated to the wireless device include at least two of the following uplink resource types:

[0051] - Random Access Channel (RACH) uplink resources

[0052] - Configure and authorize CG uplink resources,

[0053] - Schedule request SR uplink resources.

[0054] In some embodiments of the method according to the sixth aspect, the uplink transmission trigger signal is a wake-up signal that transitions the wireless device from sleep mode to active mode, or a signaling message received after receiving the wake-up signal.

[0055] According to the seventh aspect, this disclosure relates to a wireless device including at least one memory and at least one processor configured to implement a method according to any one of the embodiments of the sixth aspect.

[0056] According to the eighth aspect, this disclosure relates to a user equipment (UE) including a wireless means according to any one of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0057] According to a ninth aspect, this disclosure relates to a method for exchanging data in a wireless communication system, the method being implemented by a base station (BS) of a radio access network (RAN) of the wireless communication system, wherein the BS is configured to exchange data with a wireless device, the wireless device including an energy harvesting unit configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy, the electrical energy being stored in an energy storage unit of the wireless device, wherein the method includes:

[0058] - Send selection information to the wireless device, which enables the wireless device to select the type of uplink resource to use from the different types of uplink resources allocated to it.

[0059] - Sends an uplink transmission trigger signal to the wireless device as an indication that the wireless device is about to send uplink data to the BS.

[0060] In some implementations, the method according to aspect nine may further include one or more of the following optional features, either individually or in any technically possible combination.

[0061] In some embodiments of the method according to the ninth aspect, selection information is sent in a signaling message specifically addressed to the wireless device, wherein the signaling message is sent after the wireless device is authenticated by the BS and before the uplink transmission trigger signal is sent.

[0062] In some embodiments of the method according to aspect nine, the signaling message specifically addressed to the radio device is a response from the BS to a user equipment (UE) capability message sent by the radio device.

[0063] In some implementations of the method according to aspect nine, the selection information is broadcast in the system information.

[0064] In some embodiments of the method according to the ninth aspect, selection information is sent in the uplink transmission trigger signal or in the wake-up signal, which transitions the wireless device from sleep mode to active mode prior to the transmission of the uplink transmission trigger signal.

[0065] In some implementations, the method according to the ninth aspect includes: determining selection information based on at least one characteristic of the uplink data to be transmitted by the wireless device.

[0066] In some embodiments of the method according to the ninth aspect, the uplink transmission trigger signal is a signaling message specifically addressed to a wireless device or a group of wireless devices including the wireless device.

[0067] In some embodiments of the method according to aspect nine, the uplink transmission trigger signal is a wake-up signal that transitions the wireless device from sleep mode to active mode, or a signaling message sent after the wake-up signal is sent.

[0068] In some implementations, the method according to aspect nine includes: starting to send an energy harvesting signal to the wireless device before sending an uplink transmission trigger signal to the wireless device.

[0069] According to the tenth aspect, this disclosure relates to a base station (BS) including at least one memory and at least one processor configured to implement a method according to any one of the embodiments of the ninth aspect.

[0070] According to the eleventh aspect, this disclosure relates to a wireless communication system including at least one base station according to any one of the embodiments of this disclosure and at least one user equipment according to any one of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0071] According to the twelfth aspect, this disclosure relates to a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, configure the at least one processor to implement a method for exchanging data according to any one of the embodiments of this disclosure. The computer program product may use any programming language and may be in the form of source code, object code, or any intermediate form between source code and object code, such as a partially compiled form, or any other desired form.

[0072] According to the thirteenth aspect, this disclosure relates to a (non-transitory) computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, configure the at least one processor to implement a method for sending control messages according to any one of the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0073] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description, which is given by way of non-limiting example and is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate:

[0074] - Figure 1 Schematic representation of different possible topologies of wireless communication systems.

[0075] - Figure 2 : A schematic representation of an example of a wireless device,

[0076] - Figure 3 : A schematic representation of an example of BS,

[0077] - Figure 4and Figure 5 : Flowcharts showing examples of methods for exchanging data implemented by the UE's radio device and the BS, respectively.

[0078] - Figure 6 and Figure 7 The flowcharts show other examples of methods for exchanging data implemented by the UE's wireless device and the BS, respectively.

[0079] In these accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. For clarity, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the elements shown are not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0080] The detailed description set forth below with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configuration in which the concepts described herein can be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. For example, although 3GPP terms, such as 5G NR, may be used in this disclosure to exemplify embodiments thereof, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0081] Generally, all terms used herein should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant art, unless a different meaning is explicitly given and / or implied in the context of their use. Unless otherwise expressly stated, all references to elements, apparatus, components, means, steps, etc., should be openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of that element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. Furthermore, the order of steps in any method disclosed herein (particularly in the accompanying drawings) is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure, unless a step is explicitly described as following or preceding another step and / or implied that a step must follow or precede another step, or the same steps may be performed in a different order and / or all or part of the steps may be performed in parallel or in combination. Moreover, in a figure, steps enclosed by dashed lines should be considered optional for the embodiment represented in that figure. Where appropriate, any feature of any embodiment of the disclosed embodiments may be applied to any other embodiment. Similarly, any advantage of any embodiment may be applied to any other embodiment, and vice versa. Other objects, features, and advantages of the appended embodiments will be apparent from the following description.

[0082] Figure 1 The illustration depicts an example of a wireless communication system, which could be, for example, a 5G NR wireless communication system. More specifically, Figure 1 This refers to the RAN (Radio Access Network) of the wireless communication system, which is used to exchange data with UE 20 via radio signals. For example, the RAN can send data to UE 20 (downlink DL), such as data received from the core network (CN, not shown in the figure). The RAN can also receive data from UE 20 (uplink UL), which can be forwarded to the CN.

[0083] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the RAN includes one base station BS 30. Of course, the RAN can include more than one BS 30 to increase the coverage of the wireless communication system. Depending on the implemented wireless communication guidelines, each of these BSs can be referred to as an NB, eNodeB (or eNB), gNodeB (or gNB, in the case of a 5G NR wireless communication system), access point, etc.

[0084] exist Figure 1 The example shown represents only one UE 20, which includes a wireless device 25 that provides the UE 20 with wireless connectivity to the RAN of the wireless communication system. Figure 1 Part a) schematically illustrates an example in which UE 20 directly exchanges data (useful data and control data) with BS 30 of RAN (referred to as Topology 1 in TR 38.848 V18.0.0). Figure 1 Part b) schematically illustrates an example in which UE 20 exchanges data (useful data and control data) with BS 30 of the RAN via one or more intermediate nodes 31 (referred to as Topology 2 in TR 38.848 V18.0.0). Each intermediate node 31 may be, for example, a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, another UE 20, a repeater, a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS), etc.

[0085] Figure 2 An example of a wireless device 25 suitable for implementing any of the methods discussed in this disclosure at the UE 20 is illustrated schematically. Essentially, the wireless device 25 corresponds to equipment that provides wireless connectivity to a RAN (Radio Radio Network) of a wireless communication system and can be used to exchange data with that RAN. For example, the wireless device 25 is an A-IoT device, i.e., a wireless device having a peak power consumption of less than 1 mW, or even less than 100 µW, or even less than 10 µW.

[0086] Such a wireless device 25 can be included in the UE 20, such as Figure 2As shown. UE 20 can be, for example, a cellular phone, wireless modem, wireless communication device, handheld device, laptop computer, etc. In a preferred example, UE 20 can also be an Internet of Things (IoT) device, such as a wireless camera, smart sensor, smart meter, smart glasses, (manned or unmanned) vehicle, GPS device, etc., or any other device that can run applications that require exchanging data with a remote receiver via wireless device 25.

[0087] like Figure 2 As shown, the wireless device 25 includes one or more processors 250 and one or more memories 251. The one or more processors 250 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The one or more memories 251 may include any type of computer-readable volatile and non-volatile memory (magnetic hard disk, solid-state drive, optical disk, electronic storage, etc.). The one or more memories 251 may store a computer program product 252 in the form of a set of program code instructions to be executed by the one or more processors 250 to implement all or part of the steps of a method for exchanging data executed at the UE side according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0088] like Figure 2 As shown, the wireless device 25 also includes a (wireless) communication unit 253 configured to exchange data (directly or indirectly) with the BS 30 of the RAN using radio signals. The communication unit 253 can implement one or more wireless communication protocols and can be, for example, a 3G, 4G, 5G, NR, WiFi, WiMax, or other transceivers. In a preferred embodiment, the (wireless) communication unit 253 includes a 5G NR wireless communication unit.

[0089] As discussed above, in some examples, communication unit 253 may not include either downlink (DL) amplification capability or uplink (UL) amplification capability (UL transmission is backscattered on an externally provided carrier). In other examples, communication unit 253 may include DL and / or UL amplification (UL transmission may be generated internally by the wireless device or backscattered on an externally provided carrier).

[0090] like Figure 2 As shown, the wireless device 25 also includes a wireless device energy harvesting unit 254 and an energy storage unit 255.

[0091] The energy storage unit 255 can be any type of electrical energy storage device and may include, for example, one or more capacitors, one or more batteries, etc. The energy storage unit 255 is used to provide power to other devices of the wireless device 25 that require power, such as one or more processors 250, one or more memories 251, and in some examples, (wireless) communication unit 253.

[0092] The energy harvesting unit 254 is configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy, which is stored in the energy storage unit 255. "Ambient energy" refers to energy from an external energy source to the wireless device 25, received at the wireless device 25 without any wires between the energy source and the wireless device 25. Therefore, the energy harvesting unit 254 enables the wireless device 25 to operate autonomously without requiring manual replacement or recharging of the energy storage unit 255. The energy harvesting unit 254 can harvest energy from various energy sources, including solar sources, heat sources, motion or vibration sources, radio frequency (RF) sources, etc.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment, the energy harvesting unit 254 includes at least a radio unit configured to convert RF signals into electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit 255. These RF signals can be, for example, external RF signals, i.e., RF signals originating from an RF source outside the wireless communication system rather than within the system itself. For example, external RF signals can originate from external 3G, 4G, 5G, NR, WiFi, WiMax, Bluetooth, DAB, or other devices located near the wireless device 25. Alternatively or in combination, the RF signals can originate from within the wireless communication system, such as from a BS 30 within the RAN (which can transmit energy harvesting (RF) signals to the (A-IoT) wireless device 25 within its coverage area), and / or from a device separate from the BS 30 but deployed to perform energy harvesting at the (A-IoT) wireless device 25 of the wireless communication system. In some examples, when RF signals are used to harvest electrical energy into the energy storage unit 255, the energy harvesting unit 254 can be included in the (wireless) communication unit 253.

[0094] Figure 3 An example of a BS 30 is schematically shown that is suitable for implementing any of the methods discussed in this disclosure that are performed by the RAN.

[0095] like Figure 3As shown, BS 30 includes one or more processors 300 and one or more memories 301. The one or more processors 300 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The one or more memories 301 may include any type of computer-readable volatile and non-volatile memory (magnetic hard disk, solid-state drive, optical disk, electronic storage, etc.). The one or more memories 301 may store a computer program product 302 in the form of a set of program code instructions to be executed by the one or more processors 300 to implement all or part of the steps of a method for exchanging data executed at the RAN side according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0096] like Figure 3 As shown, BS 30 also includes a wireless communication unit 303 configured to exchange data with UE 20 using radio signals, and more specifically with the (wireless) communication unit 253 of the wireless device 25 included in these UEs 20. The wireless communication unit 303 can be, for example, a 3G, 4G, 5G, NR, WiFi, WiMax, or other transceivers. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless communication unit 303 of BS 30 corresponds to a 5G NR transceiver. In some examples, the wireless communication unit 303 can also transmit a carrier wave to the wireless device 25 performing uplink backscatter transmission.

[0097] like Figure 3 As shown, in some examples, BS 30 may also include a network communication unit 304 configured to exchange data with other base stations in the RAN and / or with the CN. Network communication unit 305 may support one or more suitable communication protocols, which may be wired (including fiber optic) and / or wireless.

[0098] like Figure 3 As shown, in some examples, BS 30 may also include an energy harvesting signal generator 305 that generates an energy harvesting (RF) signal that enables wireless devices 25 within its coverage area to harvest electrical energy in their energy storage units 255 via their energy harvesting units 254. The energy harvesting (RF) signal may take any suitable form that enables the energy harvesting unit 254 to store electrical energy in the energy storage units 255 of the wireless device 25. The choice of a particular energy harvesting (RF) signal format is specific to and non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure. As mentioned above, when present, such an energy harvesting (RF) signal may alternatively or in combination be generated by other devices separate from BS 30 of the RAN.

[0099] As discussed above, this disclosure aims to enable the RAN to reduce the collision probability and latency of the radio device 25 by controlling, to some extent, the selection of the type of uplink resource to be used by the radio device 25 when different types of uplink resources are simultaneously allocated to the radio device 25. Therefore, the selection of uplink resource type is more under the control of the RAN, and this enables the reduction of latency and / or collision probability of the radio device 25.

[0100] For this purpose, in some embodiments, it is proposed that the RAN be able to provide selection information to the radio device 25, thereby instructing the radio device 25 which type of uplink resource should be used among the different types of uplink resources allocated to the radio device 25. Alternatively or in combination, in some embodiments, it is proposed that the RAN be able to provide handover information to the radio device 25, thereby instructing the radio device 25 when to switch from a first type to a second type of allocated uplink resource.

[0101] As discussed above, it is assumed that the wireless device 25 has different types of allocated uplink resources, that is, it can use different types of uplink resources to transmit uplink data. For example, the wireless device 25 may be allocated different types of contention-based uplink resources and / or different types of contention-free uplink resources.

[0102] "Contest-based uplink resources" refers to uplink resources shared by multiple wireless devices 25, on which each of these wireless devices 25 can decide on its own to send a message, which may therefore conflict with messages from other wireless devices 25 sharing these uplink resources.

[0103] "Content-free uplink resources" refers to uplink resources allocated to a specific wireless device 25 that cannot be used by other wireless devices 25.

[0104] In, for example, 5G NR wireless communication systems, an example of contention-based uplink resources includes RACH uplink resources, which are used by radio device 25 to establish communication with BS 30 of the RAN. Such RACH uplink resources are allocated to radio device 25 regardless of its radio resource control RRC state (e.g., RRC connected (RRC_CONNECTED), RRC idle (RRC_IDLE), or RRC inactive (RRC_INACTIVE) state).

[0105] In, for example, 5G NR wireless communication systems, other examples of contention-based uplink resources include publicly configured CG uplink resources. For instance, such publicly configured CG uplink resources are allocated to a radio device 25 in the RRC_CONNECTED state. "Public" means that these CG uplink resources can be shared by multiple radio devices. Furthermore, the 5G NR wireless communication system can also allocate dedicated CG uplink resources to a specific radio device 25 in the RRC_CONNECTED state. These dedicated CG uplink resources are intended for use only by that specific radio device 25 and are therefore contention-free uplink resources.

[0106] In, for example, 5G NR wireless communication systems, other examples of contention-free uplink resources include Schedule Request (SR) uplink resources. In fact, the SR process enables radio device 25 to request uplink resources to send uplink data to the RAN. For this purpose, SR uplink resources can be allocated to radio device 25, which can be used to send uplink requests (SR messages, used to attach uplink resources to an upcoming transmission request). Such SR uplink resources can be allocated by the RAN, for example, to radio device 25 in the RRC_CONNECTED or RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0107] For example, wireless device 25 may be allocated at least two of the following uplink resource types:

[0108] - RACH uplink resources (usually always available for wireless devices 25),

[0109] - CG uplink resources (public and / or private),

[0110] - SR uplink resources.

[0111] We now provide a non-restrictive example of how such uplink resource type selection and / or switching control can be implemented.

[0112] Uplink resource type selection

[0113] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating the steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method 40 for exchanging data, implemented by the wireless device 25 of the UE 20. Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the corresponding steps of an exemplary implementation of a method 50 for exchanging data, implemented by the BS 30 of the RAN.

[0114] like Figure 4As shown, the method 40 for exchanging data includes a step S40 of receiving selection information from the RAN. The selection information corresponds to information that the radio device 25 is to use to select the type of uplink resource to use from different types (RACH, CG, SR, etc.) of uplink resources allocated to the radio device 25 (i.e., the uplink resource in which the radio device 25 is allowed to transmit uplink data without obtaining further consent from the RAN).

[0115] like Figure 4 As shown, the method 40 for exchanging data further includes step S41 of receiving an uplink transmission trigger signal from the RAN. The purpose of the uplink transmission trigger signal is to indicate to the radio device 25 that it may initiate an uplink transmission on the uplink resources allocated to the radio device 25.

[0116] To reduce the power consumption of the wireless device 25, it can be placed in sleep mode. In this case, the wireless device 25 needs to transition to active mode to perform uplink data transmission. This transition can be triggered by the RAN by sending a wake-up signal to the wireless device 25. In this case, the uplink transmission trigger signal can correspond to the wake-up signal that transitions the wireless device 25 from sleep mode to active mode, or it can be sent by the RAN after it has already sent a wake-up signal to the wireless device 25.

[0117] like Figure 4 As shown, the method 40 for exchanging data also includes:

[0118] - Step S42: Based on the selection information received from the RAN, select the type of uplink resource from the different types of uplink resources allocated to the radio device 25, and

[0119] - Step S43: Transmit uplink data by using the selected type of uplink resources (provided that the wireless device 25 has the uplink data to be transmitted, and / or has sufficient electrical energy stored in its energy storage unit 255, etc.).

[0120] It should be noted that during step S42, in some cases, the wireless device 25 may select more than one type of uplink resource for transmission.

[0121] As indicated above, the order of the steps is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. This applies particularly to step S40, receiving selection information, step S41, receiving an uplink transmission trigger signal, and step S42, selecting the type of uplink resource to use. Of course, step S40, receiving selection information, needs to be performed before step S42, selecting the type of uplink resource based on the selection information. For example, step S40, receiving selection information, can be performed as follows:

[0122] - Before receiving the uplink transmission trigger signal in step S41, or

[0123] - Simultaneously with step S41 of receiving the uplink transmission trigger signal (i.e., selection information is included in the uplink transmission trigger signal), or

[0124] - After step S41 of receiving the uplink transmission trigger signal.

[0125] This also applies to step S42, which selects the type of uplink resource to use. This step can be performed, for example, before or after step S41, which receives the uplink transmission trigger signal, but it must be performed after step S40, which receives the selection information. In a preferred embodiment, step S42, which selects the type of uplink resource to use, is performed in response to receiving the uplink transmission trigger signal from the RAN. We will now assume, in a non-limiting manner, that step S42, which selects the type of uplink resource, is performed after the uplink transmission trigger signal has already been received from the RAN.

[0126] Selection information can be received in any type of signaling message, and the selection of a particular type of signaling message corresponds to a specific but non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure.

[0127] For example, the selection information is received in a signaling message specifically addressed to radio device 25, such as after the RAN authenticates radio device 25 and before receiving an uplink transmission trigger signal. For example, this signaling message specifically addressed to radio device 25 could be a response from the RAN to a UE capability message (RRC message) sent by radio device 25. For example, the selection information could be determined by the RAN based on the UE capability message.

[0128] According to another example, the selection information is preferably received in the system information broadcast by the RAN before the uplink transmission trigger signal is received.

[0129] According to another example, the selection information is received in the uplink transmission trigger signal or in the wake-up signal received from the RAN, which transitions the radio device 25 from sleep mode to active mode (e.g., the RAN sends the wake-up signal to ensure that the radio device 25 is in active mode when the RAN sends the uplink transmission trigger signal to the radio device 25).

[0130] When the selection information is received in system information broadcast by the RAN or, for example, in a response to a UE capability message sent by radio device 25, the configuration of the selection information can be static and remain valid for all uplink transmissions of radio device 25. Conversely, sending the selection information in a wake-up signal (if any) or in an uplink transmission trigger signal allows the selection information to be dynamically changed for each uplink transmission.

[0131] It should be noted that in some implementations, these two methods can also be combined by receiving different selection information over time. For example, radio device 25 can receive a static configuration of the selection information to be used by default, such as in system information or in a response to a UE capability message. Subsequently, radio device 25 can receive a dynamic configuration of the selection information, such as in a wake-up signal or in an uplink transmission trigger signal, which temporarily replaces the static configuration (e.g., only for a predetermined number of triggered uplink transmissions). This replacement can also be permanent, in which case the received selection information becomes the new static configuration. Dynamically configuring the selection information allows the RAN to better control latency and collision probability.

[0132] The selection of information may use any suitable format, and the choice of a particular format is specific to, but not limiting, the implementation of this disclosure. In some cases, the format may depend on whether it corresponds to a static or dynamic configuration.

[0133] For example, in a dynamically configured scenario, the RAN knows which different types of uplink resources are allocated to radio device 25, allowing the selection information to directly correspond to the specific type of uplink resource to be used among the different uplink resources allocated to radio device 25. Therefore, the RAN directly selects the type of uplink resource to be used, for example, based on at least one characteristic of the uplink data to be transmitted by radio device 25 (and based on the different types of uplink resources effectively allocated to radio device 25). For example, at least one characteristic of the uplink data to be transmitted may include service classification (priority, latency requirements, etc.) and / or the category of UE 20. In some examples, the RAN may also select the type of uplink resource to be used by radio device 25 based on the RAN's load level. It should be noted that the RAN may also send selection information that directly indicates more than one specific type of uplink resource to be used by radio device 25, in which case radio device 25 may, for example, use all or some of the specific uplink resource types indicated by the RAN.

[0134] In a static configuration, the selection information may correspond to information that enables the radio device 25 to perform a selection based on the uplink transmission context. For example, the uplink transmission context may depend on the different types of uplink resources effectively allocated to the radio device 25 when an uplink transmission trigger signal is received, the service class of the uplink data to be transmitted, the UE class, etc. For example, the selection information may correspond to a mapping between different service classes and the corresponding uplink resource types to be used. In some cases, more than one uplink resource type may be associated with each service class sorted according to preference order in the mapping. In such cases, the radio device 25 identifies the uplink resource type associated with its service class and then selects the best-ordered uplink resource type corresponding to the uplink resource types effectively allocated to the radio device 25.

[0135] In some cases, the selection information includes an uplink resource type identifier indicating a specific type of uplink resource to be used. For example, the uplink resource type identifier can be provided as a bit vector. For example, a bit vector can consist of two (2) bits. For example, a 2-bit bit vector can be used as follows:

[0136] - A bit vector set to '00' can be used to indicate that wireless device 25 should use RACH uplink resources.

[0137] - A bit vector set to '01' can be used to indicate that wireless device 25 should use CG uplink resources.

[0138] - A bit vector set to '10' can be used to indicate that wireless device 25 should use SR uplink resources, etc.

[0139] As discussed above, Figure 5 The diagram illustrates corresponding steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method 50 for exchanging data, which can be implemented in a wireless device 25. Figure 4 The method 40 for exchanging data shown is implemented by BS 30.

[0140] like Figure 5 As shown, the method 50 for exchanging data includes:

[0141] - Step S50: Send selection information (received by the wireless device 25 during step S40) to the wireless device 25, which enables the wireless device 25 to select the type of uplink resource to use from the different types of uplink resources allocated to the wireless device 25.

[0142] - Step S51: Send an uplink transmission trigger signal (received by the wireless device 25 during step S41) to the wireless device 25 as an indication that the wireless device 25 is to send uplink data to the BS 30.

[0143] - Step S52: Receive uplink data from wireless device 25 (provided that wireless device 25 has uplink data to send and / or has sufficient electrical energy stored in its energy storage unit 255, etc.).

[0144] against Figure 4 The order of steps S40 and S41 described herein applies similarly to all other matters. Figure 5 Steps S50 and S51 in the process (for example, the order can be changed, and if the selection information is included in the uplink trigger transmission signal, they can correspond to the same steps). Moreover, step S50, which sends the selection information, can be repeated, for example, for sending static configuration and dynamic configuration.

[0145] As discussed above, the selection information may be sent in signaling messages specifically addressed to radio device 25 (e.g., in response to a UE capability message from radio device 25), or in system information broadcast by BS 30, or in an uplink transmission trigger signal, or in a wake-up signal that transitions radio device 25 from sleep mode to active mode (to prepare radio device 25 to receive the uplink transmission trigger signal), etc.

[0146] It should be noted that any suitable format can be used for the uplink transmission trigger signal, and the choice of a specific format for the uplink transmission trigger signal corresponds to a specific, but not limiting, embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, in some cases, the uplink transmission trigger signal may be a wake-up signal, or it may be a signaling message sent after the wake-up signal has been sent.

[0147] As discussed above, the selection information may correspond to, for example, an indication of one or more specific types of uplink resources to be used (e.g., an uplink resource type identifier), a mapping between different service categories and the corresponding uplink resource types to be used, etc.

[0148] In some examples, and such as Figure 5 As shown, the method 50 for exchanging data includes an optional step S53 of determining selection information based on the uplink transmission context of the radio device 25 (service classification, UE category, type of uplink resources effectively allocated to the radio device 25, load level of the BS 30, etc.).

[0149] In an example where BS 30 includes a power harvesting signal generator 305, BS 30 can, for example, begin sending a power harvesting (RF) signal to wireless device 25 before sending an uplink transmission trigger signal to wireless device 25. In some cases, the power harvesting (RF) signal can be used as a wake-up signal to switch wireless device 25 to an active mode.

[0150] Uplink resource type switching

[0151] Figure 6 A diagram illustrating the steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method 60 for exchanging data, implemented by the wireless device 25 of the UE 20. Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the corresponding steps of an exemplary implementation of a method 70 for exchanging data, implemented by the BS 30 of the RAN.

[0152] like Figure 6 As shown, the method 60 for exchanging data includes step S60: determining that uplink data is to be transmitted by the wireless device 25.

[0153] In some examples, step S60 may involve detecting that uplink data is available at UE 20 and should be transmitted to RAN by radio device 25.

[0154] Alternatively or in combination, uplink data transmission can be triggered by the RAN. In such an example, step S60 may include receiving an uplink transmission trigger signal from the RAN. Therefore, if the radio device 25 receives such an uplink transmission trigger signal from the RAN, the radio device 25 can assess whether uplink data transmission can be initiated, for example, during an upcoming UL transmission opportunity. Of course, such uplink data transmission should only be initiated if uplink data is available at the UE 20 or if the uplink data can be collected by the UE in response to receiving the uplink transmission trigger signal from the RAN.

[0155] In the following text, we assume, in a non-limiting manner, that step S60 of determining to send uplink data includes receiving an uplink transmission trigger signal from the RAN. For Figure 4 All of the contents described in step S41 of method 40 for exchanging data are similarly applicable to... Figure 6 Step S60 of the method 60 for exchanging data. Specifically, in some cases, the uplink transmission trigger signal may correspond to a wake-up signal that transitions the wireless device 25 from sleep mode to active mode, or it may be sent by the RAN after it has transmitted a wake-up signal to the wireless device 25.

[0156] like Figure 6 As shown, the method 60 for exchanging data includes step S61, in response to determining during step S60 that uplink data is to be transmitted, transmitting uplink data by using uplink resources of a first type among different types of uplink resources allocated to the wireless device.

[0157] As indicated above, the wireless device 25 is allocated different types of uplink resources (e.g., RACH, CG, SR, etc.). For example, the different types of uplink resources allocated to the wireless device 25 include at least one type of contention-based uplink resources and at least one type of contention-free uplink resources.

[0158] For example, the first type of uplink resource can be the default type. For example, as previously mentioned, the type of uplink resource used by default when uplink data transmission begins can be indicated by the RAN as selection information, i.e., as a static configuration. According to another example, as previously mentioned, the first type of uplink resource can be indicated as selection information in the uplink transmission trigger signal, i.e., as a dynamic configuration. For example, as previously presented, the first type of uplink resource to be used when data transmission begins can be indicated by an uplink resource type identifier.

[0159] For example, the first type of uplink resource can be associated by default with contention-based uplink resources (such as RACH uplink resources).

[0160] like Figure 6 As shown, the method 60 for exchanging data includes step S62 of evaluating uplink resource type switching criteria.

[0161] If the uplink resource type switching criteria are verified ( Figure 6 If the reference numeral S62a is used in the attached figure, then the method 60 for exchanging data includes step S63 of transmitting uplink data by using a second type of uplink resource among different types of uplink resources allocated to the wireless device 25.

[0162] The second type of uplink resource differs from the first type of uplink resource. For example, the first type of uplink resource corresponds to the RACH uplink resource, and the second type of uplink resource corresponds to the CG or SR uplink resource. In other examples, the first type of uplink resource corresponds to the CG or SR uplink resource, and the second type of uplink resource corresponds to the RACH uplink resource.

[0163] For example, the second type of uplink resource can be predefined. For example, as previously mentioned, the second type of uplink resource can be indicated by the RAN as selection information, as a static configuration. According to another example, as previously mentioned, the second type of uplink resource can be indicated as selection information in the uplink transmission trigger signal, as a dynamic configuration. For example, as previously presented, the second type of uplink resource to be used when data transmission begins can be indicated by an uplink resource type identifier. Other examples are also provided below.

[0164] If the uplink resource type switching criteria are not validated ( Figure 6 If the attached figure shows S62b), then the method 60 for exchanging data continues to use the first type of uplink resources to send uplink data. In some examples, and as shown in the figure... Figure 6 As shown, the evaluation of the uplink resource type switching criteria can be performed in a cyclical manner, for example, until the wireless device 25 stops transmitting uplink data.

[0165] For example, wireless device 25 can evaluate uplink resource type handover criteria based on handover information received from the RAN. Figure 6 In a non-limiting example, method 60 for exchanging data includes an optional step S64 of receiving handover information from the RAN.

[0166] In some cases, the handover information may correspond to an uplink resource type handover trigger signal sent by the RAN. Therefore, in response to receiving the uplink resource type handover trigger signal from the RAN, the uplink resource type handover criteria are verified. As discussed above, upon receiving the uplink resource type handover trigger signal, the radio device 25 switches to a second type of uplink resource that may have been pre-configured, for example, via selection information. Alternatively or in combination, as previously presented, the uplink resource type handover trigger signal may include an indication of the second type of uplink resource to be used, for example, as an uplink resource type identifier.

[0167] In other examples, the handover information may correspond to one or more parameters used to assess whether the wireless device 25 should switch to a different type of uplink resource allocated to the wireless device 25.

[0168] For example, if the first type of uplink resource corresponds to a contention-based uplink resource, the handover information may include the maximum number of retransmissions allowed on the contention-based uplink resource. For instance, for a RACH uplink resource, radio device 25 begins by transmitting a RACH preamble that may conflict with other transmissions from other radio devices. In this case, radio device 25 attempts to retransmit the RACH preamble until it is detected by the RAN. To reduce latency and lower the probability of collisions on the RACH uplink resource, radio device 25 compares the number of retransmissions with the maximum allowed number of retransmissions received as handover information. If the number of retransmissions in the first type of uplink resource reaches the maximum allowed number of retransmissions (…), the handover information is processed accordingly. Figure 6 If the reference numeral S62a in the attached diagram is used, then the wireless device 25 switches to the second type of uplink resource (e.g., CG or SR uplink resource). Conversely ( Figure 6 (Ref. S62b) In the accompanying drawings, the wireless device 25 continues to transmit uplink data in the first type of uplink resource (e.g., RACH uplink resource).

[0169] According to another example, the handover information may include the maximum uplink data volume or the validity period. Therefore, in such a case, the wireless device 25 is allowed to use the first type of uplink resources to transmit at most the maximum uplink data volume, or to transmit for the maximum validity period. In such a case, the first type of uplink resources may correspond to CG or SR uplink resources, and the second type of uplink resources may correspond to RACH uplink resources.

[0170] Such handover information, including one or more parameters to be used during the evaluation (e.g., maximum retransmission count, maximum uplink data volume, validity duration, etc.), is received, for example, in system information broadcast by the RAN and / or in signaling messages specifically addressing radio device 25 or a group of radio devices including said radio device 25. For example, such handover information may be received in a response from the RAN to a UE capability message sent by radio device 25, or in an uplink transmission trigger signal sent by the RAN, or in a wake-up signal sent by the RAN, etc.

[0171] As discussed above, Figure 7 The diagram illustrates corresponding steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method 70 for exchanging data, which can be implemented in a wireless device 25. Figure 6 The method 60 for exchanging data shown is implemented by BS 30.

[0172] like Figure 7 As shown, the method 70 for exchanging data includes a step S70 of sending handover information to the wireless device 25, which is information related to the handover between different types of uplink resources allocated to the wireless device 25 (received by the wireless device 25 during step S64 and used during step S62).

[0173] As discussed above, handover information may correspond to, for example, an uplink resource handover trigger signal and / or one or more parameters to be used during the evaluation (e.g., maximum number of retransmissions, maximum uplink data volume, effective duration, etc.). In some examples, one or more parameters may be broadcast in signaling messages specifically addressed to radio device 25 or a group of radio devices including said radio device 25 and / or in system information transmitted.

[0174] exist Figure 7 In the examples, it is assumed in a non-limiting manner that the handover information includes at least an uplink resource type handover trigger signal. As discussed above, in some cases, the uplink resource type handover trigger signal may include an indication of the type of uplink resource to be used after the handover among the different uplink resources allocated to the wireless device. For example, as previously presented, this indication may be provided as an uplink resource type identifier.

[0175] exist Figure 7In the example, it is assumed in a non-limiting manner that the radio device 25 determines it needs to transmit uplink data when it receives an uplink transmission trigger signal from the RAN. Therefore, the method 70 for exchanging data includes step S71: sending an uplink transmission trigger signal to the radio device 25 as an indication to transmit uplink data to the RAN. It should be noted that any suitable format can be used for the uplink transmission trigger signal, and the choice of a particular format for the uplink transmission trigger signal corresponds to a specific, but non-limiting, embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, in some cases, the uplink transmission trigger signal may be a wake-up signal, or it may be a signaling message sent after the wake-up signal is sent.

[0176] In some cases, and such as Figure 7 As shown, the method 70 for exchanging data may include an optional step S72, which determines whether to send an uplink resource type switching trigger signal and / or its included indications based on the uplink transmission context of the radio device 25 (service classification, UE category, uplink resource type effectively allocated to the radio device 25, load level of the BS 30, etc.).

[0177] For example, BS 30 may determine to send an uplink resource type switching trigger signal when the effective duration since the transmission of the uplink transmission trigger signal has expired, and / or when the amount of uplink data received via the first uplink resource type has reached a predetermined maximum uplink data amount.

[0178] In an example where the BS 30 includes an energy harvesting signal generator 305, the BS 30 may begin sending an energy harvesting (RF) signal to the wireless device 25, for example, before sending an uplink transmission trigger signal to the wireless device 25.

[0179] It should be emphasized that this disclosure is not limited to the above exemplary embodiments. Variations of the above exemplary embodiments are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0180] For example, this disclosure is made primarily with regard to a wireless device 25, which includes an energy harvesting unit 254 configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy stored in an energy storage unit 255. However, in some cases, this disclosure can also be applied to wireless devices 25 that do not include such an energy harvesting unit and operate only with the energy storage unit 255 (which may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable).

[0181] Furthermore, this disclosure is implemented primarily considering the case of A-IoT devices. However, this disclosure can also be applied to non-A-IoT devices.

[0182] It should also be noted that in wireless communication systems, wireless devices 25 using this disclosure and wireless devices not using this disclosure can coexist. For example, this disclosure may apply only to A-IoT devices and not to non-A-IoT devices.

Claims

1. A method (60) for exchanging data in a wireless communication system, the method being implemented by a wireless device (25) of the wireless communication system, wherein the wireless device includes an energy harvesting unit (254) configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy stored in an energy storage unit (255) of the wireless device, the wireless device further including a communication unit (253) configured to exchange data with a radio access network (RAN) of the wireless communication system, wherein the wireless device is allocated different types of uplink resources, the method comprising, in response to determining that uplink data is to be sent to the RAN: - (S61) Uplink data is transmitted by using uplink resources of the first type among the different types of uplink resources allocated to the wireless device. - (S62) Evaluate the uplink resource type switching criteria. - In response to the uplink resource type switching criterion being verified: (S63) Uplink data is transmitted by using the second type of uplink resource among the different types of uplink resources allocated to the wireless device.

2. The method (60) according to claim 1, wherein the uplink resource type switching criterion is verified to pass in response to receiving an uplink resource type switching trigger signal from the RAN.

3. The method (60) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two different types of uplink resources allocated to the wireless device comprise: - Random Access Channel (RACH) uplink resources, and - Configure and authorize CG uplink resources.

4. The method (60) according to claim 3, wherein the first type of uplink resource corresponds to the RACH uplink resource, and the second type of uplink resource corresponds to the CG uplink resource.

5. The method (60) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first type of uplink resource corresponds to a contention-based uplink resource, and in response to determining that the number of retransmissions in the first type of uplink resource has reached a predetermined maximum number of retransmissions, the uplink resource type switching criterion is verified to pass.

6. The method (60) of claim 5, wherein the maximum number of retransmissions is determined based on information received in system information broadcast by the RAN and / or in signaling messages specifically addressed to the radio device or a group of radio devices including the radio device.

7. The method (60) of claim 6, wherein the information related to the maximum number of retransmissions is received in response to a user equipment (UE) capability message sent by the radio device from the RAN, or in an uplink transmission trigger signal sent by the RAN, or in a wake-up signal sent by the RAN to switch the radio device from sleep mode to active mode.

8. The method (60) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein determining to send uplink data includes receiving an uplink transmission trigger signal from the RAN.

9. A wireless device (25) comprising at least one memory and at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to perform the method (60) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. A user equipment (UE) (20), the UE comprising the wireless device according to claim 9.

11. A method (70) for exchanging data in a wireless communication system, the method being implemented by a base station (BS) (30) of a radio access network (RAN) of the wireless communication system, wherein the BS is configured to exchange data with a wireless device (25), the wireless device including an energy harvesting unit (254) configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy stored in an energy storage unit (255) of the wireless device, wherein the method comprises: (S70) Send information to the wireless device (25) related to the switching between different types of uplink resources allocated to the wireless device.

12. The method (70) of claim 11, wherein the information relating to the switching between different types of uplink resources allocated to the wireless device includes an uplink resource switching trigger signal and / or information relating to the maximum number of retransmissions allowed on contention-based uplink resources.

13. The method (70) of claim 12, wherein the uplink resource type switching trigger signal includes an indication of the type of uplink resource to be used after the switching of the different uplink resources allocated to the wireless device.

14. The method (70) according to any one of claims 12 to 13, comprising (S72) determining whether to send an uplink resource type switching trigger signal and / or the indication included in the uplink resource type switching trigger signal based on at least one characteristic of the uplink data to be transmitted by the wireless device.

15. The method (70) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the information related to the maximum number of retransmissions is broadcast in broadcast system information and / or sent in a signaling message specifically addressed to the wireless device or a group of wireless devices including the wireless device.

16. The method (70) according to any one of claims 11 to 15, comprising (S71) sending an uplink transmission trigger signal to the wireless device as an indication that the wireless device (25) is to send uplink data to the BS.

17. A base station BS (30) comprising at least one memory and at least one processor, said at least one processor being configured to perform the method (50) according to any one of claims 11 to 16.

18. A wireless communication system, the wireless communication system comprising: At least one base station (30) according to claim 17; and at least one user equipment (20) according to claim 10.

19. A computer program product (252, 302) comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, configure the at least one processor to perform the method (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the method (70) according to any one of claims 11 to 16.

20. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, configure the at least one processor to perform the method (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the method (70) according to any one of claims 11 to 16.

21. A method (40) for exchanging data in a wireless communication system, the method being implemented by a wireless device (25) of the wireless communication system, wherein the wireless device includes an energy harvesting unit (254) configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy stored in an energy storage unit (255) of the wireless device, the wireless device further including a communication unit (253) configured to exchange data with a radio access network (RAN) of the wireless communication system, wherein the wireless device is allocated different types of uplink resources, the method comprising: - (S41) Receive an uplink transmission trigger signal from the RAN. - (S42) Based on the selection information received from the RAN, select the type of uplink resource from the different types of uplink resources allocated to the radio device. - (S43) Send uplink data by using the selected type of uplink resources.

22. The method (40) of claim 21, further comprising (S40) receiving the selection information in a signaling message specifically addressed to the radio device, wherein the signaling message is received after the radio device is authenticated by the RAN and before the uplink transmission trigger signal is received.

23. The method (40) of claim 22, wherein the signaling message specifically addressed to the radio device is a response from the RAN to a user equipment (UE) capability message sent by the radio device.

24. The method (40) according to any one of claims 21 to 23, comprising (S40) receiving the selection information in system information broadcast by the RAN.

25. The method (40) according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the selection information is received in the uplink transmission trigger signal or in a wake-up signal received from the RAN, the wake-up signal switching the wireless device from sleep mode to active mode before receiving the uplink transmission trigger signal from the RAN.

26. The method (40) according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the selection information includes an uplink resource type identifier.

27. The method (40) of claim 26, wherein the uplink resource type identifier is provided as a bit vector.

28. The method (40) according to any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the different types of uplink resources allocated to the wireless device include at least two of the following uplink resource types: - Random Access Channel (RACH) uplink resources - Configure and authorize CG uplink resources, - Schedule request SR uplink resources.

29. A wireless device (25) comprising at least one memory and at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to perform the method (40) according to any one of claims 21 to 28.

30. A user equipment (UE) (20), the UE comprising the wireless device according to claim 29.

31. A method (50) for exchanging data in a wireless communication system, the method being implemented by a base station (BS) (30) of a radio access network (RAN) of the wireless communication system, wherein the BS is configured to exchange data with a wireless device (25), the wireless device including an energy harvesting unit (254) configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy, the electrical energy being stored in an energy storage unit (255) of the wireless device, wherein the method comprises: - (S50) Send selection information to the wireless device, the selection information enabling the wireless device to select the type of uplink resource to use from the different types of uplink resources allocated to the wireless device. - (S51) Send an uplink transmission trigger signal to the wireless device as an indication that the wireless device is to send uplink data to the BS.

32. The method (50) of claim 31, wherein the selection information is sent in a signaling message specifically addressed to the wireless device, wherein the signaling message is sent after the wireless device is authenticated by the BS and before the uplink transmission trigger signal is sent.

33. The method (50) of claim 32, wherein the signaling message specifically addressed to the radio device is a response from the BS to a user equipment (UE) capability message sent by the radio device.

34. The method (50) according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the selection information is broadcast in system information.

35. The method (50) according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the selection information is transmitted in the uplink transmission trigger signal or in the wake-up signal, the wake-up signal switching the wireless device from sleep mode to active mode prior to the transmission of the uplink transmission trigger signal.

36. The method (50) according to any one of claims 31 to 35, comprising (S53) determining the selection information based on at least one characteristic of the uplink data to be transmitted by the wireless device.

37. A base station (BS) (30), the BS comprising at least one memory and at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to perform the method (50) according to any one of claims 31 to 36.

38. A wireless communication system, the wireless communication system comprising: At least one base station (30) according to claim 37; And at least one user equipment (20) according to claim 30.

39. A computer program product (252, 302) comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, configure the at least one processor to perform the method (40) according to any one of claims 21 to 28 or the method (50) according to any one of claims 31 to 36.

40. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, configure the at least one processor to perform the method (40) according to any one of claims 21 to 28 or the method (50) according to any one of claims 31 to 36.

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