Selection of ambient Internet of Things (IoT) activator / reader

Abstract

A method is provided that includes receiving a request to select at least one user equipment (UE) as an activator and / or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (IoT) device. The method includes collecting assistance information regarding one or more UEs from at least one network function, the assistance information indicating a capability and status of the one or more UEs. The method includes determining at least one candidate UE that is operational to serve as the activator and / or the reader based on the assistance information. The method includes sending information that identifies the at least one candidate UE to a radio access node that is configured to select the at least one UE from the at least one candidate UE based on one or more local conditions, or provide the one or more local conditions for selection of the at least one UE.

Description

[0002] A telecommunications system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as user terminals, base stations and / or other nodes by providing carriers between the various entities involved in the communications path. A telecommunications system can be provided for example by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. The communication sessions may comprise, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, video, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and / or content data and so on. Non-limiting examples of services provided comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services and access to a data network system, such as the Internet.

[0003] In a wireless telecommunications system at least a part of a communication session between at least two stations occurs over a wireless link. Examples of wireless systems comprise public land mobile networks (PLMN), satellite based communication systems and different wireless local networks, for example wireless local area networks (WLAN). Some wireless systems can be divided into cells, and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

[0004] A user can access the telecommunications system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal. A communication device of a user may be referred to as user equipment (UE) or user device. A communication device is provided with an appropriate signal receiving and transmitting apparatus for enabling communications, for example enabling access to a communication network or communications directly with other users. The communication device may access a carrier provided by a station, for example a base station of a cell, and transmit and / or receive communications on the carrier.

[0005] The telecommunications system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. Communication protocols and / or parameters which shall be used for the connection are also typically defined. One example of a telecommunications system is the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). Other examples of telecommunications systems are Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced and the so-called 5G or New Radio (NR) networks. NR is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] Example implementations of the present disclosure are directed to telecommunications and, in particular, to supporting ambient Internet of Things (loT) services in a telecommunications system. In this regard, a telecommunications system may support ambient loT in a number of different topologies in which a user equipment (UE) may serve as either or both an activator or reader of an ambient loT device. In these topologies, the UE may communicate with a radio access node, and may be selected by the radio access node or core network to serve as an activator, reader, or both activator and reader. This selection may be based on network information and conditions determined by the radio access node. Example implementations of the present disclosure address the problem of determining the specific information consumed by the core network to obtain or derive information that can assist selection of a UE to serve as at least one of an activator or reader, and how this information may be provided to the radio access node.

[0007] The present disclosure thus includes, without limitation, the following example implementations.

[0008] Some example implementations provide an apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least: receive a request to select at least one user equipment (UE) as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device; collect assistance information regarding one or more UEs from at least one network function, the assistance information indicating a capability and status of the one or more UEs; determine at least one candidate UE that is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader based on the assistance information; and send information that identifies the at least one candidate UE to a radio access node that is configured to select the at least one UE from the at least one candidate UE based on one or more local conditions, or provide the one or more local conditions for selection of the at least one UE.

[0009] Some example implementations provide an apparatus comprising: means for receiving a request to select at least one user equipment (UE) as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device; means for collecting assistance information regarding one or more UEs from at least one network function, the assistance information indicating a capability and status of the one or more UEs; means for determining at least one candidate UE that is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader based on the assistance information; and means for sending information that identifies the at least one candidate UE to a radio access node that is configured to select the at least one UE from the at least one candidate UE based on one or more local conditions, or provide the one or more local conditions for selection of the at least one UE.

[0010] Some example implementations provide a method comprising: receiving a request to select at least one user equipment (UE) as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device; collecting assistance information regarding one or more UEs from at least one network function, the assistance information indicating a capability and status of the one or more UEs; determining at least one candidate UE that is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader based on the assistance information; and sending information that identifies the at least one candidate UE to a radio access node that is configured to select the at least one UE from the at least one candidate UE based on one or more local conditions, or provide the one or more local conditions for selection of the at least one UE.

[0011] Some example implementations provide a computer-readable storage medium that is non-transitory and has instructions stored therein that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to at least: receive a request to select at least one user equipment (UE) as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device; collect assistance information regarding one or more UEs from at least one network function, the assistance information indicating a capability and status of the one or more UEs; determine at least one candidate UE that is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader based on the assistance information; and send information that identifies the at least one candidate UE to a radio access node that is configured to select the at least one UE from the at least one candidate UE based on one or more local conditions, or provide the one or more local conditions for selection of the at least one UE.

[0012] Some example implementations provide an apparatus implemented by a radio access node, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least: receive information that identifies at least one candidate user equipment (UE) that is operational to serve as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device; determine one or more local conditions regarding at least one of the radio access node or the at least one candidate UE; and perform one or more procedures to retrieve data from the at least one ambient loT device using at least one UE selected from the at least one candidate UE based on the one or more local conditions.

[0013] Some example implementations provide an apparatus implemented by a radio access node, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving information that identifies at least one candidate user equipment (UE) that is operational to serve as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device; means for determining one or more local conditions regarding at least one of the radio access node or the at least one candidate UE; and means for performing one or more procedures to retrieve data from the at least one ambient loT device using at least one UE selected from the at least one candidate UE based on the one or more local conditions.

[0014] Some example implementations provide a method implemented at a radio access node, the method comprising: receiving information that identifies at least one candidate user equipment (UE) that is operational to serve as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device; determining one or more local conditions regarding at least one of the radio access node or the at least one candidate UE; and performing one or more procedures to retrieve data from the at least one ambient loT device using at least one UE selected from the at least one candidate UE based on the one or more local conditions.

[0015] Some example implementations provide a computer-readable storage medium implemented at a radio access node, the computer-readable storage medium being non-transitory and having instructions stored therein that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to at least: receive information that identifies at least one candidate user equipment (UE) that is operational to serve as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device; determine one or more local conditions regarding at least one of the radio access node or the at least one candidate UE; and perform one or more procedures to retrieve data from the at least one ambient loT device using at least one UE selected from the at least one candidate UE based on the one or more local conditions.

[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying figures, which are briefly described below. The present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined or otherwise recited in a specific example implementation described herein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such that any separable features or elements of the disclosure, in any of its aspects and example implementations, should be viewed as combinable unless the context of the disclosure clearly dictates otherwise.

[0017] It will therefore be appreciated that this Brief Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example implementations so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above described example implementations are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way. Other example implementations, aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of some described example implementations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE(S)

[0018] Having thus described example implementations of the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a telecommunications system that includes one or more public land mobile networks (PLMNs) coupled to one or more external data networks, according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a deployment of a PLMN, according to some example implementations;

[0021] FIG. 3 more particularly depicts aspects of the deployment of FIG. 2, according to some example implementations;

[0022] FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate respective ambient Internet of Things (loT) topologies in a deployment of a PLMN, according to various example implementations;

[0023] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6A, 6B are signaling charts of selecting at least one user equipment (UE) as an activator and / or a reader of at least one ambient loT device, according to various example implementations;

[0024] FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E and 7F are flowcharts illustrating various steps in a method according to various example implementations;

[0025] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D are flowcharts illustrating various steps in a method implemented at a radio access node, according to various example implementations; and

[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates an apparatus according to some example implementations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Some implementations of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which some, but not all implementations of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, various implementations of the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein; rather, these example implementations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0028] Unless specified otherwise or clear from context, references to first, second or the like should not be construed to imply a particular order. A feature described as being above another feature (unless specified otherwise or clear from context) may instead be below, and vice versa; and similarly, features described as being to the left of another feature else may instead be to the right, and vice versa. Also, while reference may be made herein to quantitative measures, values, geometric relationships or the like, unless otherwise stated, any one or more if not all of these may be absolute or approximate to account for acceptable variations that may occur, such as those due to engineering tolerances or the like.

[0029] As used herein, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, the “or” of a set of operands is the “inclusive or” and thereby true if and only if one or more of the operands is true, as opposed to the “exclusive or” which is false when all of the operands are true. Thus, for example, “[A] or [B]” is true if [A] is true, or if [B] is true, or if both [A] and [B] are true. Further, the articles “a” and “an” mean “one or more,” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Furthermore, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified, the terms “data,” “content,” “digital content,” “information,” and similar terms may be at times used interchangeably. The term “network” may refer to a group of interconnected computers including clients and servers; and within a network, these computers may be interconnected directly or indirectly by various means including via one or more switches, routers, gateways, access points or the like.

[0030] Reference may be made herein to terms specific to a particular system, architecture or the like, but it should be understood that example implementations of the present disclosure may be equally applicable to any of a number of systems, architectures and the like. For example, reference may be made to 3GPP technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), UMTS, LTE, LTE Advanced, 5G NR, 5G Advanced and 6G; however, it should be understood that example implementations of the present disclosure may be equally applicable to non-3GPP technologies such as IEEE 802, Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy.

[0031] Further, as used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits) with software / firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions); or (c) hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0032] The above definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a telecommunications system 100 according to various example implementations of the present disclosure. The telecommunications system generally includes one or more telecommunications networks. As shown, for example, the system includes one or more public land mobile networks (PLMNs) 102 coupled to one or more other external data networks 104 - notably including a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. Each of the PLMNs includes a core network (CN) 106 backbone such as the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) of LTE, the 5G core network (5GC) or the like; and each of the core networks and the Internet are coupled to one or more radio access networks (RANs) 108, air interfaces or the like that implement one or more radio access technologies (RATs). As used herein, a “network device” refers to any suitable device at a network side of a telecommunications network. Examples of suitable network devices are described in greater detail below.

[0034] In addition, the system includes one or more radio units that may be varyingly known as user equipment (UE) 110, terminal device, terminal equipment, mobile station or the like. The UE is generally a device configured to communicate with a network device or a further UE in a telecommunication network. The UE may be a portable computer (e.g., laptop, notebook, tablet computer), mobile phone (e.g., cell phone, smartphone), wearable computer (e.g., smartwatch), or the like. In other examples, the UE may be an Internet of Things (loT) device, an industrial loT (IIoT device), a vehicle equipped with a vehicle-to-everythmg (V2X) communication technology, or the like. In some examples, as referenced by 3GPP, the UE may be a narrowband loT (NB-IoT) device, an enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC) device, a reduced capability (RedCap) device, an ambient loT device, or the like.

[0035] In operation, these UEs may be configured to connect to one or more of the RANs 108 according to their particular radio access technologies to thereby access a particular CN 106 of a PLMN 102, or to access one or more of the external data networks 104 (e.g., the Internet). The external data network may be configured to provide Internet access, operator services, 3rd party services, etc. For example, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has classified 5G mobile network services into three categories: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine type communications (mMTC) or massive internet of things (MIoT).

[0036] Examples of radio access technologies include 3GPP radio access technologies such as GSM, UMTS, LTE, LTE Advanced, 5GNR, 5G Advanced, and 6G. Other examples of radio access technologies include IEEE 802 technologies such as IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.15 (including 802.15.1 (WPAN / Bluetooth), 802.15.4 (Zigbee) and 802.15.6 (WBAN)), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ultra wideband (UWB), and the like. Generally, a radio access technology may refer to any 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G or higher generation mobile communication technology and their different versions, as well as to any other wireless radio access technology that may be arranged to interwork with such a mobile communication technology to provide access to the CN 106 of a mobile network operator (MNO).

[0037] In various examples, a RAN 108 may be configured as one or more macrocells, microcells, picocells, femtocells or the like. The RAN may generally include one or more radio access nodes that are configured to interact with UEs 110. In various examples, a radio access node may be referred to as a base station (BS), access point (AP), base transceiver station (BTS), Node B (NB), evolved NB (eNB), macro BS, NB (MNB) or eNB (MeNB), home BS, NB (HNB) or eNB (HeNB), next generation NB (gNB), enhanced gNB (en-gNB), next generation eNB (ng-eNB), or the like. The RAN may include some type of network controlling governing entity responsible for control of the radio access nodes. The network controlling / governing entity and radio access node may be separate or integrated into a single apparatus. The network controlling / governing entity may include processing circuity configured to carry out various management functions, etc. The processing circuity may be associated with a memory, computer-readable storage medium or database for maintaining information required in the management functions.

[0038] A RAN 108 may be centralized or distributed. In various examples, components of a RAN may be interconnected by Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), optical fiber, dark fiber, passive wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), WDM passive optical network (WDM-PON), optical transport network (OTN), time sensitive networking (TSN) and / or any other data link layer network, possibly including radio links. The RAN may be connected to a CN 106 through one or more gateways, network functions or the like.

[0039] As will be appreciated, a PLMN 102 may be deployed in a number of different manners. In a 4G LTE deployment, the EPC is the CN 106, and the evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) is the RAN 108; and the E-UTRAN includes one or more eNBs (radio access nodes) configured to connect UEs 110 to the E-UTRAN to thereby access the EPC. FIG. 2 illustrates a deployment 200, such as a 5G or 6G deployment. As shown, the 5GC 202 is the CN, and the next generation (NG) radio access network (NG-RAN) 204 is the RAN; and the NG-RAN includes one or more gNBs 206 (radio access nodes) configured to connect UEs 208 to the NG-RAN to thereby access the 5GC. The term ‘gNB’ in 5G may correspond to the eNB in 4G LTE.

[0040] Some 4G LTE and 5G deployments are considered standalone (SA) deployments. Other deployments combine 4G LTE and 5G technologies, and are referred to as non-standalone (NSA) deployments. In some deployments, the E-UTRAN includes one or more ng-eNBs that are configured to communicate with the 5GC, and that may also be configured to communicate with one or more gNBs. Similarly, in another deployment, the NG-RAN may include one or more en-gNBs that are configured to communicate with the EPC, and that may also be configured to communicate with one or more eNBs. In various instances, a single UE 110, a dual-mode or multimode UE, may support multiple (two or more) RANs—thereby being configured to connect to multiple RANs, such as 4G LTE and 5G.

[0041] FIG. 3 more particularly depicts aspects of the deployment 200 for a MNO, according to some example implementations. As shown, the deployment includes the 5GC 202, and NG-RAN 204 with one or more gNBs 206 configured to connect UEs 208 to the NG-RAN to thereby access the 5GC. The 5GC may include a number of network functions (NFs) divided between the control plane and the user plane. In particular, the 5GC may include, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF) 302, a session management function (SMF) 304, a user plane function (UPF) 306, and the like. As also shown, for example, the 5GC may include a unified data management (UDM) 308, unified data repository (UDR) 310, network data analytics function (NWDAF) 312, a network exposure function (NEF) 314, and / or an application function (AF) 316. The 5GC may also include one or more other NFs, such as an ambient loT function (AIOTF) 318, as described in greater detail below relative to various example implementations of the present disclosure.

[0042] In the control plane, the AMF 302 is configured to provide UE-based authentication, authorization, mobility management, etc. The SMF 304 is configured to provide various functionality including session management (SM), UE Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management, selection and control of UPF(s) 306, control part of policy enforcement and Quality of Service (QoS), lawful intercept, termination of SM parts of NAS messages, Downlink Data Notification (DNN), roaming functionality, handle local enforcement to apply QoS for Service Level Agreements (SLAs), charging data collection and charging interface, etc. If the UE 208 has multiple sessions, different SMFs may be allocated to each session to manage them individually and possibly provide different functionalities per session.

[0043] The UDM 308 serves as a centralized repository for user-related subscription and authentication data. The UDM manages user authentication, authorization, and profile information, ensuring secure and authorized access to the 5GC 202. The UDR 310 is responsible for storing and managing user-related data, including session and policy information. The UDR facilitates functions such as data storage, retrieval, and update, ensuring the maintenance of user-related information across the 5G network. The NWDAF 312 collects and analyzes network data to provide insights into the performance, optimization, and overall health of the 5GC. This information may be used for network management, optimization, and decision-making processes to enhance the network’s efficiency.

[0044] The UPF 306 supports various user plane operations and functionalities, such as packet routing and forwarding, traffic handling (e.g., QoS enforcement), an anchor point for intra-RAT / inter-RAT mobility (when applicable), packet inspection and policy rule enforcement, lawful intercept (UP collection), traffic accounting and reporting, etc. The UPF is the point of interconnect between the 5GC and at least one external data network (DN) 320 (i.e., point of ingress or egress for a DN), and routes packets to and from the DN. The DN may be configured to provide Internet access, operator services, 3rd party services, etc. The

[0045] The AF 316 may interact with the 5GC 202 to enable the deployment of specific services and applications. The AF communicates with other NFs to request and manage network resources, ensuring that the network adapts to the requirements of different applications and services. The NEF 314 allows authorized third-party applications and services to access specific network functions and services in a controlled manner. The NEF enables the exposure of network capabilities to external entities, fostering innovation and the development of new services.

[0046] In some deployments, such as deployment 200, operations of the gNB 206 or other radio access node may be carried out, at least partly, in a central centralized unit (CU), such as a server, host or node, operationally coupled to a distributed unit (DU), such as a radio head / node. It is also possible that node operations may be distributed among a plurality of servers, hosts or nodes. It should also be understood that the distribution of work between 5GC 202 (or other CN) operations and gNB (or other radio access node) operations may vary depending on implementation.

[0047] A 5G network architecture may be based on a so-called CU-DU split. One gNB-CU (central node) may control one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU may control a plurality of spatially separated gNB-DUs, acting at least as transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) nodes. In some example implementations, however, the gNB-DUs (also called DU) may include, for example, a radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC) layer and a physical (PHY) layer, whereas the gNB-CU (also called a CU) may include the layers above the RLC layer, such as a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio resource control (RRC), and an internet protocol (IP) layer. Other functional splits are also possible. It is considered that a skilled person is familiar with the open systems interconnection (OSI) model and the functionalities within each layer.

[0048] In some example implementations, the server or CU may generate a virtual network through which the server communicates with the radio node. In general, virtual networking may involve a process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, a virtual network. Such virtual network may provide flexible distribution of operations between the server and the radio head / node. In practice, any digital signal processing task may be performed in either the CU or the DU, and the boundary where the responsibility is shifted between the CU and the DU may be selected according to implementation.

[0049] Some deployments support loT devices, and the number loT devices is anticipated to be greatly increase, with the lifespan of many of these devices being very long (e.g., five years or more). In many cases, charging or regularly replacing batteries that power these loT devices is becoming increasingly impractical, considering the significant consumption of manpower and materials.

[0050] Ambient loT devices are loT devices powered by energy harvesting, making them either battery-less or equipped with limited energy storage capabilities (e.g., using a capacitor). In some of these deployments, ambient loT complements other loT technologies such as NB-IoT / eMTC and RedCap. Ambient loT aims to cover additional use cases that demand more cost-effective, power-efficient, and particularly battery-less functionalities. In particular, for example, ambient loT may be used in ID tags (replacing radio frequency (RF) identification with a wider range), sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, humidity sensors), healthcare (e.g., monitoring personal medical information), logistics (e.g., tracking objects), and the like.

[0051] An ambient loT device may be passive or active. An ambient loT device may harvest energy and then use an active circuit to transmit. An active ambient loT device may include, for example, active components such as amplifiers, while a passive ambient loT device generally does not include active components. Rather, a passive ambient loT device uses a communication technique known as backscattering, in which an external RF signal is used for activation / excitation of the device, and in which the RF signal is modulated with information by the passive device before being reflected / backscattered. In various examples, the modulating of information on the reflected / backscattering signal may be referred to as transmitting the backscattered signal. In some examples, an ambient device may have capability to switch between being active or passive.

[0052] An ambient loT system architecture may include the ambient loT device, as well as an activator (or illuminator) and a reader. As explained above, an ambient loT device may include a passive radio, and the activator is a device configured to send an activation signal (external RF signal) to provide energy to wake-up the passive radio, and thereby allow the ambient loT device to transmit one or more signals (backscattered signals) that carry messages. The reader is a device configured to listen and detect the signal(s) from the ambient loT device. The activator and reader may be co-located or separate devices.

[0053] In 3GPP, an ambient loT device may be categorized by type as a Device A, Device B or Device C. In this regard, Device A (passive) are pure battery-less devices with no energy storage capability at all, incapable of independent signal generation / amplification (only capable of backscattering). These devices rely completely on the availability of an external source of energy. Device B (semi-passive) are devices with limited energy storage capability that do not require manual replacement or recharging. These devices do not generate independent signals but may utilize backscattering with potential reflection gain. Device C (active) are actively-transmitting devices with limited energy storage capabilities based on ambient energy sources.

[0054] A deployment of a PLMN, such as deployment 200, may support ambient loT in a number of different topologies. FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate respective ambient loT topologies 400A, 400B, 400C, according to various example implementations of the present disclosure. As shown, these topologies include a gNB 206 (or other radio access node), a UE 208 and an ambient loT device 402. In ambient loT topology 400A, the ambient loT device is configured to bidirectionally communicate with the UE between the ambient loT device and the gNB. The UE is an intermediate node, and configured to transfer ambient loT device and / or signaling between the gNB and the ambient loT device.

[0055] In ambient loT topology 400B, the ambient loT device 402 is configured to transmit data / signaling to the gNB 206, and receive data / signaling from the UE 208. Conversely, in ambient loT topology 400C, the ambient loT device is configured to receive data / signaling from the gNB, and transmit data / signaling to the UE. In these ambient loT topologies, the UE is an assisting node.

[0056] In various ambient loT topologies, the UE 208 may operate as both an activator and a reader (e.g., in ambient loT topology 400A), an activator alone (e.g., in ambient loT topology 400B), or a reader alone (e.g., in ambient loT topology 400C). In these topologies, the UE is configured to communicate with the gNB 206, and may be selected by the gNB and / or 5GC 202 to serve as an activator, reader, or both activator and reader. This selection may be based on 5GC network information and conditions determined by the gNB. Example implementations of the present disclosure address the problem of determining the specific information consumed by the 5GC to obtain or derive information that can assist selection of a UE to serve as at least one of an activator or reader, and how this information may be provided to the gNB.

[0057] Some example implementations provide the AIOTF 318 to support the selection of at least one UE 208 as an activator and / or a reader of at least one ambient loT device 402. In FIG. 3, the AIOTF is shown as a dedicated NF in the 5GC 202. In some examples, however, the AIOTF may be co-located or even implemented together with another NF, such as the NEF 314 that is configured to expose network functions and services to an AF 316 for specific services and applications that employ the ambient loT device(s).

[0058] According to some example implementations, the 5GC 202 (e.g., AIOTF 318) may be configured to determine collect assistance information regarding one or more UEs 208 from at least one NF, and determine or select at least one candidate UE that is operational to serve as an activator, a reader, or both an activator and reader, based on the assistance information. As explained in greater detail below, the assistance information may be associated with the UE(s), such as their capabilities, status, location and performance.

[0059] In some examples, the UE(s) may be identified in a request from an AF 316, where the request may include identifiers (IDs) of one or more activators and / or readers. This may be useful in a number of different use cases, such as in those in which ambient loT service providers like Amazon pre-install dedicated activators and readers in their warehouses. In some of these examples, the 5GC 202 may validate whether the requested UE(s) are currently operational to serve as the activator(s) and / or reader(s), from the core perspective based on the assistance information.

[0060] If the validation is successful, the 5GC may forward the IDs of the activator(s) and / or reader(s) to the gNB 206 covering the activator(s) and / or reader(s). If the validation is unsuccessful, the 5GC 202 may re-try the selection based on alternate UEs 208, which may be provided by the AF 316 or derived based on the assistance information (e.g., target location, capabilities of UEs, information on their presence m the target location, their mobility status). In this case, the 5GC may provide IDs of the alternate UE(s) to the gNB 206 instead of forwarding the IDs provided by the AF. The gNB may further validate the UE(s) / alternate UE(s) based on local conditions (e.g., response time, received signal strength, battery status of the UEs), and select at least one of the UE(s) / alternate UE(s). The gNB may then report the selected at least one of the UE(s) / alternate UE(s) to the AF. Alternatively, the gNB may instead report the local conditions back to the 5GC, which may make the selection, and which may be particularly useful when multiple gNBs are involved.

[0061] In other examples, the request from the AF 316 may include location information instead of identifying the UE(s) 208. This may be useful in a number of different use cases, such as in those in which ambient loT service providers like Amazon have knowledge of the approximate locations / coverage area of target ambient loT devices. In some of these examples, 5GC 202 may use the location information and assistance information to determine the IDs of activator(s) and / or reader(s) that may be optimal for the target ambient loT devices. Similar to before, the 5GC may forward the IDs of the activator(s) and / or reader(s) to the gNB 206 covering the activator(s) and / or reader(s). The gNB may further validate the UE(s) based on local conditions (e.g., response time, received signal strength, battery status of the UEs), and select at least one of the UE(s). The gNB may then report the selected at least one of the UE(s). Alternatively, the gNB may instead report the local conditions back to the 5GC, which may make the selection.

[0062] According to some example implementations of the present disclosure, then, theAIOTF 318 is configured to receive a request to select at least one UE 208 as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient loT device 402. The AIOTF is configured to collect assistance information regarding one or more UEs from at least one NF, with the assistance information indicating a capability and status of the UE(s). In some examples, the NF(s) from which the assistance information is collected includes a UDM 308, NWDAF 312 and / or A MF 302. In some examples, the assistance information may be provided with a corresponding timestamp within which the assistance information is timely and considered most useful.

[0063] The assistance information collected from the NF(s) may be categorized as basic assistance information and advanced assistance information. One example of suitable basic assistance information includes UE IDs requested by the AF 316, or (target) geographic location of target ambient loT device(s) 402 provided by AF. In some examples the geographic location may be provided as a geographic area or postal index number (PIN) code, etc, which may be converted to a network location, such as one or more tracking area identities, cell IDs, etc.

[0064] Other examples of suitable basic assistance information include UE connection status (from the AMF 302), UE capability information (activator, reader or both) (from the UDM 308 or AMF), UE ambient loT authorization information (from UDM or AMF), battery indication (from UDM), or the like.

[0065] Examples of suitable advanced assistance information include last selected / used UE(S) (at the AIOTF 318), UE location(s) from a location management function (LMF) of the 5GC 202, UE moving trajectory analytics (from the NWDAF 312), UE load analytics (from the NWDAF), stationary / mobility indication (from the UDM 308), or the like. Other examples of suitable advanced assistance information include density of ambient loT devices 402 in the target geographic or network location (from the NWDAF), traffic pattern prediction (from the NWDAF), or the like. And yet other examples of suitable advanced assistance information include UE resource availability (from the AF 316), UE performance information (from the AF), desired or prioritized UE types (from the AF), UE abnormal behavior (from the NWDAF), or the like.

[0066] Once the AIOTF 318 has collected the assistance information, the AIOTF is configured to determine at least one candidate UE 208 that is operational to serve as the activator and / or the reader based on the assistance information. In this regard, the AIOTF may be configured to validate at least one of the UE(s) is operational to serve as the activator and / or the reader based on the assistance information, with the at least one of the UE(s) thereby determined to be the candidate UE(s). The AIOTF may be configured to then send information that identifies the candidate UE(s) to the gNB 206 or other radio access node that is configured to select the UE(s) from the candidate UE(s) based on one or more local conditions, or provide the local condition(s) for selection of the UE(s) (by the AIOTF).

[0067] As indicated above, in some examples, the request to select the UE(s) 208 identifies the UE(s), and the assistance information is collected regarding the UE(s) identified in the request. In some of these examples, the candidate UE(s) are determined from the UE(s) identified in the request, or from one or more alternate UEs based on an unsuccessful validation of at least one of the UE(s) as being operational. In particular, for example, the request may indicate that alternate UEs are acceptable. The AIOTF 318 may be configured to perform a validation to determine whether at least one of the UE(s) identified in the request is operational to serve as the activator and / or the reader; and based on the unsuccessful validation, validate at least one of the one or more alternate UEs is operational to serve as the activator and / or the reader. The at least one of one or more alternate UEs thereby determined to be the candidate UE(s).

[0068] In some examples, the request indicates a geographic location of the ambient loT device(s) 402. In some of these examples, the AIOTF 318 may be configured to convert the geographic location to a network location, and collect the assistance information regarding a plurality of UEs 208 at the network location. In this regard, the AIOTF may be configured to query an AMF 302 serving the network location for the plurality of UEs at the network location. The AIOTF may be configured to then preselect the candidate UE(s) from the plurality of UEs. In some exmaples, this may include the AIOTF configured to perform one or more location services procedures to determine respective geographic locations of the plurality of UEs, and preselect the candidate UE(s) from the plurality of UEs, based on the geographic location indicated in the request, and the respective geographic locations of the plurality of UEs.

[0069] The gNB 206 or other radio access node may be configured to receive information that identifies candidate UE(s) 208 that are operational to serve as an activator and / or a reader of ambient loT device(s) 402. The gNB may be configured to determine one or more local conditions regarding at least one of the gNB or the candidate UE(s). In some examples, the gNB may be configured to perform a validation of the candidate UE(s) based on the local condition(s), and select the at least one UE from the candidate UE(s) based on the validation. In some of these examples, the gNB may report the UE(s) to the AIOTF. In other examples, the gNB may be configured to report the local condition(s) to the AIOTF 318, and receive a message from the AIOTF that identifies the at least one UE selected at the network function based on the local condition(s). The gNB may be configured to then perform one or more procedures to retrieve data from the ambient loT device(s) using UE(s) as selected.

[0070] To further illustrate example implementations of the present disclosure, FIGS. 5 A and 5B illustrate a signaling chart 500 of selecting at least one UE 208 as an activator and / or a reader of at least one ambient loT device 402, according to some example implementations. Generally, as shown, an AF 316 provides information about one or more ambient loT devices 402, followed by the AIOTF 318 fetching assistance information from one or more NFs, such as the UDM 306, NWDAF 312 and AMF 302. TheAIOTF validates this information and communicates it to the gNB 206. In the illustrated example implementations, an ID of at least one UE requested for selection to serve as an activator and / or reader (ACT RD) may be provided by the AT to the AIOTF. As described below, the UE or UEs may be referred to as an activator, reader, or both an activator and reader.

[0071] As shown at step 501 of FIG. 5A, the AF 316 sends an ambient loT (AIoT) request to the 5GC 202 via the NEF 314. The request may include at least one target ambient loT device ID, and at least one UE ID that may serve as an activator and / or reader. In some examples, the AIoT request may include one or more lists of UE IDs, such as preferred and / or alternate UE IDs. Additionally or alternatively, the AIoT request may include a flag (e.g., alternative flag) or other indicator that alternate UEs (other than those requested) are acceptable, if the requested UEs are not operational.

[0072] The NEF 314 performs an authorization of the AF 316, as shown at step 502; and if authorized, the NEF at step 503 communicates with the UDM 306 to identify the serving AMF 302 for the preferred activator and / or reader (UEs 208). In other examples, the NEF may only identify and forward the request to the AIOTF 318 which may identify the serving AMF for the preferred activator and / or reader and process the request.

[0073] The NEF 314 at step 504 forwards the request received from the AF 316 to the AIOTF 318, along with the discovered serving AMF information, if identified by the NEF 314. TheAIOTF may be responsible for handling ambient loT services; and as described above, the AIOTF may be a dedicated NF, or the AIOTF may be co-located or even implemented together with the NEF.

[0074] As shown at steps 505a, 505b and 505c, the AIOTF 318 collects assistance information regarding the preferred UEs from one or more relevant NFs. As shown at step 505a, the AIOTF may retrieve UE-related information from the UDM 306 to check, for example, whether the UEs 208 are registered, authenticated, and authorized to serve as activator and / or reader for the requesting AF 316, capable of serving as an activator and / or reader. The information from UDM may also include expected UE behavior, which can be used to check the battery indication, stationary indication among others.

[0075] The AIOTF 318 at step 505b may retrieve UE-related analytics information from the NWDAF 312 to check, for example, if the preferred UEs 208 are not too loaded to serve the ambient loT devices 402, function well without abnormal behavior, or will not move out of the coverage for a significant period. In some examples, this analytics information may be instantaneously retrieved if there has already been subscription for the UEs; otherwise, the analytics information may take time for the NWDAF to analyze the requested information.

[0076] As shown at step 505c, the AIOTF 318 may retrieve UE-related information from the AMF 302 to check, for example, if the preferred UEs 208 are connected and reachable, and their locations. In examples in which more precise location information is desired, a GMLC-based (gateway mobile location center) procedure may be used instead.

[0077] As shown at step 506 of FIG. 5B, the AIOTF 318 validates whether the preferred UE IDs provided in the AF request are operational to serve as activator and / reader, based on the assistance information collected in steps 505a-505c. If the AIOTF decides that the preferred activator and / or reader are not in operation based on the assistance information (e.g. if the requested UEs are unreachable and / or unauthorized), and at least one alternate activator and / or reader is included in the AF request, the AIOTF may repeat steps 505a-505c and 506 for the alternate UEs. If the AIOTF decides that both preferred and alternate, if available, activator and / or reader are not operational, and there is no alternative flag included in the AF request, the AIOTF may at step 507 respond to the AF 316 including a failure cause and the process ends.

[0078] If the AIOTF 318 decides that both preferred and alternate, if available, activator and / or reader are not operational based on the assistance information collected in steps 505a-505c (e.g., if the requested UEs 208 are unreachable and / or unauthorized), and there is the alternative flag included in the AF request, the AIOTF selects a different list of one or more alternate UEs, as shown at step 508. That is, the AIOTF selects one or more alternate UEs (outside the list of UEs requested by the AF 316) that are operational to serve as the activator and / or reader. This selection may be based on the assistance information, for example, target location, capabilities of UEs, and / or information on their presence in the target location, their mobility status, etc.

[0079] By the above, the AIOTF 318 may determine at least one candidate UE that is operational to serve as the activator and / or reader. The AIOTF 318 then identifies the serving AMF 302 for the activator and / or reader (candidate UEs), if not provided by the NEF 314 in step 504. At step 509, the AIOTF provides subscription permanent identifiers (SUPIs) of the activator and / or reader to the serving AMF, which may be provided by the NEF in step 504. The serving AMF then at step 510 converts the received SUPIs into NG application protocol (NGAP) IDs, and provides the NGAP IDs to the gNB 206.

[0080] The gNB 206 performs additional validation to assess if the received NGAP IDs of the UEs 208 are optimal for serving the ambient loT devices 402, considering its local conditions such as response time, received signal strength, etc. The gNB then at step 511 makes a final, fine selection on the UEs. In cases where multiple lists of UEs as alternates are provided, the gNB may select the best set of activator and / or reader. It is also possible that the gNB does not select any of the requested UEs if local conditions are not satisfied. And in some examples, the gNB may only report the local conditions back to the AIOTF 318, and the AIOTF makes the fine selection.

[0081] As shown at step 512, the gNB 206 reports the result of the fine selection to the AMF 302, including either the NGAP IDs of the activator and / or reader selected by the gNB or none if nothing is selected. The AMF at step 513 converts the NGAP IDs, if available, into the SUPIs and forwards the result to the AIOTF 318. The AIOTF may then at step 514 store the information about the last selected activator and / or reader for future use and the finally selected IDs may be reported to the AF 316. And as shown at 515, one or more additional procedures may be be performed to retrieve the data from the target ambient loT devices 402 using the selected activator and / or reader.

[0082] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a signaling chart 600 of selecting at least one UE 208 as an activator and / or a reader of at least one ambient loT device 402, according to some example implementations. Generally, as shown, an AF 316 provides information about one or more ambient loT devices 402, followed by the AIOTF 318 fetching assistance information from one or more NFs, such as the AMF 302, UDM 306 and NWDAF 312. The AIOTF then derives at least one candidate list of activator and / or reader and communicates the at least one candidate list to the gNB 206. In these illustrated example implementations, the AF may provide the location of the target ambient loT devices.

[0083] As shown at step 601 of FIG. 6A, the AF 316 sends an AIoT request to the 5GC 202 via the NEF 314. The request may include at least one target ambient loT device ID, and a geographic location of the target ambient loT devices. The NEF performs an authorization of the AF, as shown at step 602; and if authorized, the NEF at step 603 communicates with the UDM 306 to identify the serving AMF 302 for the requested location of the target ambient loT devices 402. The NEF converts the geographic location into one or more network locations (e.g., cell-IDs). In other examples, the NEF may only identify and forward the request to the AIOTF 318 which may identify the serving AMF and process the request.

[0084] The NEF 314 at step 604 forwards the request received from the AF 316 to the AIOTF 318, along with the discovered serving AMF information, if identified by the NEF 314 The AIOTF then at steps 605a, 605b and 605c collects assistance information regarding one or more UEs 208 from one or more NFs. As shown at step 505a, the AIOTF may retrieve UE-related information from the AMF 302 to check, for example, the UEs at or in vicinity of the network location(s) (converted from the geographic location of the target ambient loT devices 402), and if those UEs are connected and reachable. In examples in which more precise location information is desired, a GMLC-based procedure may be used instead.

[0085] The AIOTF 318 at step 605b may retrieve UE-related information from the UDM 306 to check, for example, whether the UEs 208 are registered, authenticated, and authorized to serve as activator and / or reader, capable of serving as an activator and / or reader. The information from UDM may also include expected UE behavior, which can be used to check the battery indication, stationary indication among others.

[0086] The AIOTF 318 at step 605b may retrieve UE-related analytics information from the NWDAF 312 to check, for example, if the UEs 208 are not too loaded to serve the ambient loT devices 402, function well without abnormal behavior, or will not move out of the coverage for a significant period. In some examples, this analytics information may be instantaneously retrieved if there has already been subscription for the UEs; otherwise, the analytics information may take time for the NWDAF to analyze the requested information.

[0087] As shown at step 606 of FIG. 6B, the AIOTF 318 preselects one or more lists of UEs 208 that are operational to serve as activator and / reader, based on the assistance information collected in steps 605a-605c In some examples, the AIOTF may preselect lists of preferred UEs and alternate UEs. If the AIOTF decides that no activator and / or reader is operational, the AIOTF may at step 607 respond to the AF 316 including a failure cause and the process ends. The AIOTF 318 may otherwise therefore determine at least one candidate UE that is operational to serve as the activator and / or reader.

[0088] The AIOTF 318 identifies the serving AMF 302 for the activator and / or reader (candidate UEs), if not provided by the NEF 314 in step 604. At step 608, the AIOTF provides SUPIs of the activator and / or reader to the serving AMF, which may be provided by the NEF in step 604. The serving AMF then at step 609 converts the received SUPIs into NG application protocol (NGAP) IDs, and provides the NGAP IDs to the gNB 206.

[0089] The gNB 206 performs additional validation to assess if the received NGAP IDs of the UEs 208 are optimal for serving the ambient loT devices 402, considering its local conditions such as response time, received signal strength, etc. The gNB then at step 610 makes a final, fine selection on the UEs. In cases where multiple lists of UEs as alternates are provided, the gNB may select the best set of activator and / or reader. It is also possible that the gNB does not select any of the requested UEs if local conditions are not satisfied. And in some examples, the gNB may only report the local conditions back to the AIOTF 318, and the AIOTF makes the fine selection.

[0090] As shown at step 611, the gNB 206 reports the result of the fine selection to the AMF 302, including either the NGAP IDs of the activator and / or reader selected by the gNB or none if nothing is selected. The AMF at step 612 converts the NGAP IDs, if available, into the SUPIs and forwards the result to the AIOTF 318. The AIOTF may then at step 613 store the information about the last selected activator and / or reader for future use and the finally selected IDs may be reported to the AF 316. And as shown at 614, one or more additional procedures may be performed to retrieve the data from the target ambient loT devices 402 using the selected activator and / or reader.

[0091] FIGS. 7A-7E are flowcharts illustrating various steps in a method 700 according to various example implementations. The method includes receiving a request to select at least one user equipment (UE) as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device, as shown at block 702 of FIG. 7A. The method includes collecting assistance information regarding one or more UEs from at least one network function, the assistance information indicating a capability and status of the one or more UEs, as shown at block 704. The method includes determining at least one candidate UE that is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader based on the assistance information, as shown at block 706. And the method includes sending information that identifies the at least one candidate UE to a radio access node that is configured to select the at least one UE from the at least one candidate UE based on one or more local conditions, or provide the one or more local conditions for selection of the at least one UE, as shown at block 708.

[0092] In some examples, the at least one network function from which the assistance information is collected at block 704 includes at least one of a unified data management (UDM), a network data analytics function (NWDAF), an application function (AF), or an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0093] In some examples, determining the at least one candidate UE at block 706 includes validating at least one of the one or more UEs is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader based on the assistance information, the at least one of the one or more UEs thereby determined to be the at least one candidate UE, as shown at block 710 of FIG. 7B.

[0094] In some examples, the request identifies the one or more UEs, and the assistance information is collected at block 704 regarding the one or more UEs identified in the request.

[0095] In some examples, the at least one candidate UE is determined at block 706 from the one or more UEs identified in the request, or from one or more alternate UEs based on an unsuccessful validation of at least one of the one or more UEs as being operational.

[0096] In some examples, the request indicates that alternate UEs are acceptable, and determining the at least one candidate UE at block 706 includes performing a validation to determine whether at least one of the one or more UEs identified in the request is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader, as shown at block 712 of FIG. 7C. In some of these examples determining the at least one candidate UE also includes, based on the unsuccessful validation, validating at least one of the one or more alternate UEs is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader, the at least one of the one or more alternate UEs thereby determined to be the at least one candidate UE, as shown at block 714.

[0097] In some examples, the request indicates a geographic location of the at least one ambient loT device, and collecting the assistance information at block 704 includes converting the geographic location to a network location, as shown at block 716 of FIG. 7C. In some of these examples, the method includes collecting the assistance information regarding a plurality of UEs at the network location, as shown at block 718. And determining the at least one candidate UE at block 706 includes preselecting the at least one candidate UE from the plurality of UEs, as shown at block 720.

[0098] In some examples, collecting the assistance information at block 718 includes querying an access and mobility management function (AMF) serving the network location for the plurality of UEs at the network location, as shown at block 722 of FIG. 7D.

[0099] In some examples, preselecting the at least one candidate UE at block 720 includes performing one or more location services procedures to determine respective geographic locations of the plurality of UEs, as shown at block 724 of FIG. 7E. And the method includes preselecting the at least one candidate UE from the plurality of UEs, based on the geographic location indicated in the request, and the respective geographic locations of the plurality of UEs, as shown at block 726.

[0100] FIGS. 8A - 8D are flowcharts illustrating various steps in a method 800 implemented at a radio access node, according to various example implementations. The method includes receiving information that identifies at least one candidate user equipment (UE) that is operational to serve as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device, as shown at block 802 of FIG. 8A. The method includes determining one or more local conditions regarding at least one of the radio access node or the at least one candidate UE, as shown at block 804. And the method includes performing one or more procedures to retrieve data from the at least one ambient loT device using at least one UE selected from the at least one candidate UE based on the one or more local conditions, as shown at block 806. [0101 ] In some examples, the method 800 further includes performing a validation of the at least one candidate UE based on the one or more local conditions, as shown at block 808 of FIG. 8B. And the method includes selecting the at least one UE from the at least one candidate UE based on the validation, as shown at block 810.

[0102] In some examples, the information that identifies the at least one candidate UE is received at block 802 from a network function. In some of these examples, the method 800 further includes reporting the at least one UE to the network function, as shown at block 812 of FIG. 8C.

[0103] In some examples, the information that identifies the at least one candidate UE is received at block 802 from a network function. In some of these examples, the method 800 further includes reporting the one or more local conditions to the network function, as shown at block 814 of FIG. 8D. And the method includes receiving a message from the network function that identifies the at least one UE selected at the network function based on the one or more local conditions, as shown at block 816.

[0104] Accord ing to example implementations of the present disclosure, a telecommunications system 100 or PLAIN 102, and its components such as a UE 110, CN 106, RAN 108, 5GC 202, NG-RAN 204, gNB 206, UE 208, NF (e.g., AMF 302, S.MF 304, UPF 306, UDM 308, UDR 310, N^DAF 312, NEF 314, AF 316, AIOTF 318) and / or ambient loT device 402, may be implemented by various means. Means for implementing the system and its components may include hardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof. In some examples, one or more apparatuses may be configured to function as or otherwise implement the system and its components shown and described herein. In examples involving more than one apparatus, the respective apparatuses may be connected to or otherwise in communication with one another in a number of different manners, such as directly or indirectly via a wired or wireless network or the like.

[0105] According to some example implementations, at least some of the method 700 described with respect to FIGS. 7A-7F may be carried out by an apparatus comprising means for performing functions corresponding steps of the method. Similarly, at least some of the method 800 described with respect to FIGS. 8A-8D may be carried out by an apparatus comprising means for performing functions corresponding steps of the method. Examples of a suitable apparatus may include NF (e.g., AIOTF, NEF), a gNB ( e.g., gNB-DU, gNB-CU), ng-eNB or any suitable apparatus, such as a server, host or node.

[0106] FIG. 9 illustrates an apparatus 900 in which means for performing various functions includes hardware, alone or under direction of one or more computer programs from a computer-readable storage medium or other memory, such as computer memory, according to some example implementations of the present disclosure. The apparatus may include one or more of each of a number of components such as, for example, processing circuitry 902 connected to computer-readable storage medium or other memory' 904.

[0107] The processing circuitry 902 may be composed of one or more processors alone or in combination with one or more computer-readable storage media. The processing circuitry is generally any piece of computer hardware that is capable of processing information such as, for example, data, computer programs and / or other suitable electronic information. The processing circuitry is composed of a collection of electronic circuits some of which may be packaged as an integrated circuit or multiple interconnected integrated circuits (an integrated circuit at times more commonly referred to as a “chip”). The processing circuitry may be configured to execute computer programs, which may be stored onboard the processing circuitry or otherwise stored in the memory 904 (of the same or another apparatus).

[0108] The processing circuitry 902 may be a number of processors, a multi-core processor or some other type of processor, depending on the particular implementation. Further, the processing circuitry' may be implemented using a number of heterogeneous processor systems in which a main processor is present with one or more secondary' processors on a single chip. As another illustrative example, the processing circuitry' may be a symmetric multi-processor system containing multiple processors of the same type. In yet another example, the processing circuitry may be embodied as or otherwise include one or more ASICs, FPGAs or the like. Thus, although the processing circuitry may be capable of executing a computer program to perform one or more functions, the processing circuitry of various examples may be capable of performing one or more functions without the aid of a computer program. In either instance, the processing circuitry may be appropriately programmed to perform functions or operations according to example implementations of the present disclosure.

[0109] The memory 904 is generally any piece of computer hardware that is capable of storing information such as, for example, data, computer programs, instructions 906 (e.g., computer-readable program code) and / or other suitable information either on a temporary basis and / or a permanent basis. The memory may include volatile and / or nonvolatile memory, and may be fixed or removable. Examples of suitable memory include recording media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard drive, a flash memory, a thumb drive, a removable computer diskette, an optical disk or some combination thereof.

[0110] The memory 904 is a non-transitory device capable of storing information. One example of a suitable memory7 is a computer-readable storage medium, which is distinguishable from a computer-readable transmission medium capable of carrying information from one location to another. Examples of suitable computer-readable transmission media comprise electronic earner signals, telecommunications signals, software distribution packages, or some combination thereof. As used herein, the term “non-transitory” is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM versus ROM) A computer-readable medium as described herein generally refers to a computer-readable storage medium or computer-readable transmission medium. A computer-readable medium is any entity or device capable in which information, such as one or more computer programs or portions thereof, may be stored and carried. [1)111] In addition to the memory7 904 (e.g,, computer-readable storage medium), the processing circuitry 902 may also be connected to one or more interfaces for displaying, transmitting and / or receiving information. The interfaces may include a communications interface 908 and / or one or more user interfaces (e.g., display, user input interface). The communications interface may be configured to transmit and / or receive information, such as to and / or from other apparatus(es), network(s) or the like. The communications interface may be configured to transmit and / or receive information by physical (wired) and / or wireless communications links. Examples of suitable communication interfaces include a. network interface controller (NIC), wireless NIC (WNIC) or the tike.

[0112] Execution of the instructions 906 by the processing circuitry 902, or storage of the instructions in the memory 904, supports combinations of operations for implementing example implementations of the present disclosure. In this manner, an apparatus 900 may comprise at least one processing circuitry and at least one memory coupled to the at least one processing circuitry, where the at least one processing circuitry is configured to execute instructions stored in the at least one memory. It will also be understood that one or more functions, and combinations of functions, may be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems and / or processing circuitry which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and program code instructions.

[0113] Some example implementations of the present disclosure may also be carried out in the form of a computer process defined by one or more computer programs or portions thereof. Example implementations of the present disclosure may be carried out by executing at least one portion of a computer program comprising instructions. The computer program may be in source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form. The computer program may be stored m a computer-readable medium that is readable by a computer, processing circuitry or other suitable apparatus. As indicated above, for example, the computer program may be stored in a memory, such as a computer-readable storage medium. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the computer program may be stored in a computer-readable transmission medium. The coding of software for carrying out example implementations of the present disclosure is well within the scope of a person of ordinary? skill in the art.

[0114] As will be appreciated, any suitable instructions may be loaded onto a computer, a. processing circuitry' or other programmable apparatus from a memory or a computer-readable medium (e.g., computer-readable storage medium, computer-readable transmission medium) to produce a particular machine, such that the particular machine becomes a means for implementing the functions specified herein. The instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can direct a computer, a processing circuitry or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner to thereby' generate a particular machine or particular article of manufacture. In some examples, the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium may produce an article of manufacture, where the article of manufacture becomes a means for implementing functions described herein. The instructions may be retrieved from a computer-readable medium and loaded into a computer, processing circuitry or other programmable apparatus to configure the computer, processing circuitry or other programmable apparatus to execute operations to be performed on or by the computer, processing circuitry or other programmable apparatus.

[0115] Retrieval, loading and execution of instructions comprising program code instructions may be performed sequentially such that one instruction is retrieved, loaded and executed at a time. In some example implementations, retrieval, loading and / or execution may be performed in parallel such that multiple instructions are retrieved, loaded, and / or executed together. Execution of the program code instructions may produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions executed by the computer, processing circuitry or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing functions described herein.

[0116] As explained above and reiterated below, the present disclosure includes, without limitation, the following example implementations.

[0117] Clause 1. An apparatus comprising: at least one memory’ configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memoty, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least: receive a request to select at least one user equipment (UE) as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device; collect assistance information regarding one or more UEs from at least one network function, the assistance information indicating a capability and status of the one or more UEs; determine at least one candidate UE. that is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader based on the assistance information, and send information that identifies the at least one candidate UE to a radio access node that is configured to select the at least one UE from the at least one candidate UE based on one or more local conditions, or provide the one or more local conditions for selection of the at least one UE.

[0118] Clause 2. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the at least one network function from which the assistance information is collected includes at least one of a unified data management (UDM), a network data analytics function (NWDAF), an application function (AF), or an access and mobility management function ( / YMF).

[0119] Clause 3. The apparatus of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the apparatus caused to determine the at least one candidate UE includes the apparatus caused to validate at least one of the one or more UEs is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader based on the assistance information, the at least one of the one or more UEs thereby determined to be the at least one candidate UE.

[0120] Clause 4. The apparatus of any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the request identifies the one or more UEs, and the assistance information is collected regarding the one or more UEs identified in the request.

[0121] Clause 5. The apparatus of clause 4, wherein the at least one candidate UE is determined from the one or more UEs identified in the request, or from one or more alternate UEs based on an unsuccessful validation of at least one of the one or more UEs as being operational.

[0122] Clause 6. The apparatus of clause 5, wherein the request indicates that alternate UEs are acceptable, and the apparatus caused to determine the at least one candidate UE includes the apparatus caused to: perform a validation to determine whether at least one of the one or more UEs identified in the request is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader; and based on the unsuccessful validation, validate at least one of the one or more alternate UEs is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader, the at least one of the one or more alternate UEs thereby determined to be the at least one candidate UE.

[0123] Clause 7. The apparatus of any of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the request indicates a geographic location of the at least one ambient ToT device, and the apparatus caused to collect the assistance information includes the apparatus caused to: convert the geographic location to a network location: and collect the assistance information regarding a plurality of UEs at the network location, and wherein the apparatus caused to determine the at least one candidate UE includes the apparatus caused to preselect the at least one candidate UE from the plurality of UEs.

[0124] Clause 8. The apparatus of clause 7, wherein the apparatus caused to collect the assistance information includes the apparatus caused to query an access and mobility' management function (AMF) serving the network location for the plurality of UEs at the network location.

[0125] Clause 9. The apparatus of clause 7 or clause 8, wherein the apparatus caused to preselect the at least one candidate UE includes the apparatus caused to: perform one or more location services procedures to determine respective geographic locations of the plurality of UEs; and preselect the at least one candidate UE from the plurality of UEs, based on the geographic location indicated in the request, and the respective geographic locations of the plurality of UEs.

[0126] Clause 10. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a request to select at least one user equipment (UE) as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device: means for collecting assistance information regarding one or more UEs from at least one network function, the assistance information indicating a capability and status of the one or more UEs; means for determining at least one candidate UE that is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader based on the assistance information; and means for sending information that identifies the at least one candidate UE to a radio access node that is configured to select the at least one UE from the at least one candidate UE based on one or more local conditions, or provide the one or more local conditions for selection of the at least one UE.

[0127] Clause 11. The apparatus of clause 10, wherein the at least one network function from which the assistance information is collected includes at least one of an unified data management (UDM), a network data analytics function (NWD AF), an application function (AF), or an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0128] Clause 12. The apparatus of clause 10 or clause 11, wherein the means for determining the at least one candidate UE includes means for validating at least one of the one or more UEs is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader based on the assistance information, the at least one of the one or more UEs thereby determined to be the at least one candidate UE.

[0129] Clause 13. The apparatus of any of clauses 10 to 12, wherein the request identifies the one or more UEs, and the assistance information is collected regarding the one or more UEs identified in the request.

[0130] Clause 14. The apparatus of clause 13, wherein the at least one candidate UE is determined from the one or more UEs identified in the request, or from one or more alternate UEs based on an unsuccessful validation of at least one of the one or more UEs as being operational.

[0131] Clause 15. The apparatus of clause 14, wherein the request indicates that alternate UEs are acceptable, and the means for determining the at least one candidate UE includes: means for performing a validation to determine whether at least one of the one or more UEs identified in the request is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader; and based on the unsuccessful validation, means for validating at least one of the one or more alternate UEs is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader, the at least one of the one or more alternate UEs thereby determined to be the at least one candidate UE.

[0132] Clause 16. The apparatus of any of clauses 10 to 15, wherein the request indicates a geographic location of the at least one ambient loT device, and the means for collecting the assistance information includes: means for converting the geographic location to a network location; and means for collecting the assistance information regarding a plurality of UEs at the network location, and wherein the means for determining the at least one candidate UE includes means for preselecting the at least one candidate 'UE from the plurality of UEs.

[0133] Clause 17. The apparatus of clause 16, wherein the means for collecting the assistance information includes means for querying an access and mobility management function (AMF) serving the network location for the plurality of UEs at the network location.

[0134] Clause 18. The apparatus of clause 16 or clause 17, wherein the means for preselecting the at least one candidate UE includes: means for performing one or more location services procedures to determine respective geographic locations of the plurality of UEs; and means for preselecting the at least one candidate UE from the plurality of UEs, based on the geographic location indicated in the request, and the respective geographic locations of the plurality of UEs.

[0135] Clause 19. A method comprising: receiving a request to select at least one user equipment (UE) as at least one of an activator or a. reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device; collecting assistance information regarding one or more UEs from at least one network function, the assistance information indicating a capability and status of the one or more UEs; determining at least one candidate UE that is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader based on the assistance information; and sending information that identifies the at least one candidate UE to a radio access node that is configured to select the at least one UE from the at least one candidate UE based on one or more local conditions, or provide the one or more local conditions for selection of the at least one UE.

[0136] Clause 20. The method of clause 19, wherein the at least one network function from which the assistance information is collected includes at least one of a unified data management (UDM), a network data analytics function (NWDAF), an application function (AF), or an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0137] Clause 21. The method of clause 19 or clause 20, wherein determining the at least one candidate UE includes validating at least one of the one or more UEs is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader based on the assistance information, the at least one of the one or more UEs thereby determined to be the at least one candidate UE.

[0138] Clause 22. The method of any of clauses 19 to 21, wherein the request identifies the one or more UEs, and the assistance information is collected regarding the one or more UEs identified in the request.

[0139] Clause 23. The method of clause 22, wherein the at least one candidate UE is determined from the one or more UEs identified in the request, or from one or more alternate UEs based on an unsuccessful validation of at least one of the one or more UEs as being operational.

[0140] Clause 24. The method of clause 23, wherein the request indicates that alternate UEs are acceptable, and determining the at least one candidate UE includes: performing a validation to determine whether at least one of the one or more UEs identified in the request is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader; and based on the unsuccessful validation, validating at least one of the one or more alternate UEs is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader, the at least one of the one or more alternate UEs thereby determined to be the at least one candidate UE.

[0141] Clause 25. The method of any of clauses 19 to 24, wherein the request indicates a geographic location of the at least one ambient loT device, and collecting the assistance information includes: converting the geographic location to a network location; and collecting the assistance information regarding a plurality of UEs at the network location, and wherein determining the at least one candidate UE includes preselecting the at least one candidate UE from the plurality of UEs. [01421 Clause 26. The method of clause 25, wherein collecting the assistance information includes querying an access and mobility management function (AMF) serving the network location for the plurality of UEs at the network location.

[0143] Clause 27. The method of clause 25 or clause 26, wherein preselecting the at least one candidate UE includes: performing one or more location sendees procedures to determine respective geographic locations of the plurality of UEs; and preselecting the at least one candidate UE from the plurality of UEs, based on the geographic location indicated in the request, and the respective geographic locations of the plurality of UEs.

[0144] Clause 28. A computer-readable storage medium that is non-transitory and has instructions stored therein that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry', causes an apparatus to at least' receive a request to select at least one user equipment (UE) as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device; collect assistance information regarding one or more UEs from at least one network function, the assistance information indicating a capability and status of the one or more UEs; determine at least one candidate UE that is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader based on the assistance information; and send information that identifies the at least one candidate UE to a radio access node that is configured to select the at least one UE from the at least one candidate UE. based on one or more local conditions, or provide the one or more local conditions for selection of the at least one UE.

[0145] Clause 29. The computer-readable storage medium of clause 28, wherein the at least one network function from which the assistance information is collected includes at. least one of a unified data management (UDM), a network data analytics function (NWDAF), an application function (AF), or an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0146] Clause 30. The computer-readable storage medium of clause 28 or clause 29, wherein the apparatus caused to determine the at least one candidate UE includes the apparatus caused to validate at least one of the one or more UEs is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader based on the assistance information, the at least one of the one or more UEs thereby determined to be the at least one candidate UE.

[0147] Clause 31. The computer-readable storage medium of any of clauses 28 to 30, wherein the request identifies the one or more UEs, and the assistance information is collected regarding the one or more UEs identified in the request.

[0148] Clause 32. The computer-readable storage medium of clause 31, wherein the at least one candidate UE is determined from the one or more UEs identified in the request, or from one or more alternate UEs based on an unsuccessful validation of at least one of the one or more UEs as being operational.

[0149] Clause 33. The computer-readable storage medium of clause 32, wherein the request indicates that alternate UEs are acceptable, and the apparatus caused to determine the at least one candidate UE includes the apparatus caused to: perform a validation to determine whether at least one of the one or more UEs identified in the request is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader; and based on the unsuccessful validation, validate at least one of the one or more alternate UEs is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader, the at least one of the one or more alternate UEs thereby determined to be the at least one candidate UE.

[0150] Clause 3-4. The computer-readable storage medium of any of clauses 28 to 33, wherein the request indicates a geographic location of the at least one ambient ToT device, and the apparatus caused to collect the assistance information includes the apparatus caused to: convert the geographic location to a network location; and collect the assistance information regarding a plurality of UEs at the network location, and wherein die apparatus caused to determine the at least one candidate UE includes the apparatus caused to preselect the at least one candidate UE from the plurality of UEs.

[0151] Clause 35. The computer-readable storage medium of clause 34, wherein the apparatus caused to collect the assistance information includes the apparatus caused to query an access and mobility management function (AMF) serving the network location for the plurality of UEs at the network location.

[0152] Clause 36. The computer-readable storage medium of clause 34 or clause 35, wherein the apparatus caused to preselect the at least one candidate UE includes the apparatus caused to: perform one or more location services procedures to determine respective geographic locations of the plurality of UEs; and preselect the at least one candidate UE from the plurality of UEs, based on the geographic location indicated in the request, and the respective geographic locations of the plurality of UEs. [01531 Clause 37. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of clauses 19 to 27.

[0154] Clause 38. A computer-readable medium comprising computer-readable program code that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 19 to 27.

[0155] Clause 39. A computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-readable program code that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 19 to 27.

[0156] Clause 40. A computer program comprising computer-readable program code that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 19 to 27.

[0157] Clause 41. An apparatus implemented by a radio access node, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory', and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least: receive information that identifies at least one candidate user equipment (UE) that is operational to serve as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device; determine one or more local conditions regarding at least one of the radio access node or the at least one candidate UE; and perform one or more procedures to retrieve data from the at least one ambient loT device using at least one UE selected from the at least one candidate UE based on the one or more local conditions.

[0158] Clause 42. The apparatus of clause 41, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to further at least: perform a validation of the at least one candidate UE based on the one or more local conditions; and select the at least one UE from the at least one candidate UE based on the validation.

[0159] Clause 43. The apparatus of clause 42, wherein the information that identifies the at least one candidate UE is received from a network function, and the at least one processing circuitry is configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to further report the at least one UE to the network function.

[0160] Clause 44. The apparatus of any of clauses 41 to 43, wherein the information that identifies the at least one candidate UE is received from a network function, and the at least one processing circuitry is configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to further at least: report the one or more local conditions to the network function; and receive a message from the network function that identifies the at least one UE selected at the network function based on the one or more local conditions.

[0161] Clause 45. An apparatus implemented by a radio access node, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving information that identifies at least one candidate user equipment (UE) that is operational to serve as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device; means for determining one or more local conditions regarding at least one of the radio access node or the at least one candidate UE., and means for performing one or more procedures to retrieve data from the at least one ambient loT device using at least one UE selected from the at least one candidate UE, based on the one or more local conditions.

[0162] Clause 46. The apparatus of clause 45, wherein the apparatus further comprises: means for performing a validati on of the at least one candidate UE based on the one or more local conditions, and means for selecting the at least one UE from the at least one candidate UE, based on the validation.

[0163] Clause 47. The apparatus of clause 46, wherein the mformation that identifies the at least one candidate UE is received from a network function, and the apparatus further comprises means for reporting the at least one UE to the network function.

[0164] Clause 48. The apparatus of any of clauses 45 to 47, wherein the information that identifies the at least one candidate UE is received from a network, function, and the apparatus further comprises: means for reporting the one or more local conditions to the network function; and means for receiving a message from the network function that identifies the at least one UE selected at the network function based on the one or more local conditions.

[0165] Clause 49. A method implemented at a radio access node, the method comprising: receiving mformation that identifies at least one candidate user equipment (UE) that is operational to serve as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device; determining one or more local conditions regarding at least one of the radio access node or the at least one candidate UE; and performing one or more procedures to retrieve data from the at least one ambient loT device using at least one UE selected from the at least one candidate UE based on the one or more local conditions.

[0166] Clause 50. The method of clause 49, wherein the method further comprises: performing a validation of the at least one candidate UE based on the one or more local conditions; and selecting the at least one 'UE from the at least one candidate UE based on the validation.

[0167] Clause 51. The method of clause 50, wherein the information that identifies the at least one candidate UE is received from a network function, and the method further comprises reporting the at least one UE to the network function.

[0168] Clause 52. The method of any of clauses 49 to 51, wherein the information that identifies the at least one candidate UE is received from a network function, and the method further comprises: reporting the one or more local conditions to the network function; and receiving a message from the network function that identifies the at least one LIE selected at the network function based on the one or more local conditions.

[0169] Clause 53. A computer-readable storage medium implemented at a radio access node, the computer-readable storage medium being non-transitory and having instructions stored therein that, m response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to at least: receive information that identifies at least one candidate user equipment (UE) that is operational to serve as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device; determine one or more local conditions regarding at least one of the radio access node or the at least one candidate UE, and perform one or more procedures to retrieve data from the at least one ambient loT device using at least one UE selected from the at least one candidate LIE based on the one or more local conditions.

[0170] Clause 54. The computer-readable storage medium of clause 53, wherein the computer-readable storage medium has further instructions stored therein that, in response to execution by the at least one processing circuitry, causes the apparatus to further at least: perform a validation of the at least one candidate UE based on the one or more local conditions; and select the at least one UE from the at least one candidate UE based on the validation. [01711 Clause 55. The computer-readable storage medium of clause 54, wherein the information that identifies the at least one candidate UE is received from a network function, and the computer-readable storage medium has further instructions stored therein that, in response to execution by tire at least one processing circuitry, causes the apparatus to further report the at least one UE to the network function.

[0172] Clause 56. The computer-readable storage medium of any of clauses 53 to 55, wherein the information that identifies the at least one candidate UE is received from a network function, and the computer-readable storage medium has further instructions stored therein that, in response to execution by the at least one processing circuitry, causes the apparatus to further at least: report the one or more local conditions to the network function; and receive a message from the network function that identifies the at least one UE selected at the network function based on the one or more local conditions.

[0173] Clause 57. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of clauses 49 to 52.

[0174] Clause 58. A computer-readable medium comprising computer-readable program code that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 49 to 52.

[0175] Clause 59. A computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-readable program code that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 49 to 52.

[0176] Clause 60. A computer program comprising computer-readable program code that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 49 to 52.

[0177] Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated figures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific implementations disclosed and that modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing description and the associated figures describe example implementations in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by 5 alternative implementations without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:means for receiving a request to select at least one user equipment (UE) as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device;means for collecting assistance information regarding one or more UEs from at least one network function, the assistance information indicating a capability and status of the one or more UEs;means for determining at least one candidate UE that is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader based on the assistance information; andmeans for sending information that identifies the at least one candidate UE to a radio access node that is configured to select the at least one UE from the at least one candidate UE based on one or more local conditions, or provide the one or more local conditions for selection of the at least one UE.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one network function from which the assistance information is collected includes at least one of an unified data management (UDM), a network data analytics function (NWDAF), an application function (AF), or an access and mobility management function (AMF).

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the means for determining the at least one candidate UE includes means for validating at least one of the one or more UEs is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader based on the assistance information, the at least one of the one or more UEs thereby determined to be the at least one candidate UE.

4. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the request identifies the one or more UEs, and the assistance information is collected regarding the one or more UEs identified in the request.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one candidate UE is determined from the one or more UEs identified in the request, or from one or morealternate UEs based on an unsuccessful validation of at least one of the one or more UEs as being operational.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the request indicates that alternate UEs are acceptable, and the means for determining the at least one candidate UE includes:means for performing a validation to determine whether at least one of the one or more UEs identified in the request is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader; and based on the unsuccessful validation,means for validating at least one of the one or more alternate UEs is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader, the at least one of the one or more alternate UEs thereby determined to be the at least one candidate UE.

7. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the request indicates ageographic location of the at least one ambient loT device, and the means for collecting the assistance information includes:means for converting the geographic location to a network location; andmeans for collecting the assistance information regarding a plurality of UEs at the network location, andwherein the means for determining the at least one candidate UE includes means for preselecting the at least one candidate UE from the plurality of UEs.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the means for collecting the assistance information includes means for querying an access and mobility management function (AMF) serving the network location for the plurality of UEs at the network location.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the means for preselecting the at least one candidate UE includes:means for performing one or more location services procedures to determine respective geographic locations of the plurality of UEs; andmeans for preselecting the at least one candidate UE from the plurality of UEs, based on the geographic location indicated in the request, and the respective geographic locations of the plurality of UEs.

10. A method comprising:receiving a request to select at least one user equipment (UE) as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device;collecting assistance information regarding one or more UEs from at least one network function, the assistance information indicating a capability and status of the one or more UEs;determining at least one candidate UE that is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader based on the assistance information; andsending information that identifies the at least one candidate UE to a radio access node that is configured to select the at least one UE from the at least one candidate UE based on one or more local conditions, or provide the one or more local conditions for selection of the at least one UE.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one network function from which the assistance information is collected includes at least one of a unified data management (UDM), a network data analytics function (NWDAF), an application function (AF), or an access and mobility management function (AMF).

12. The method of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein determining the at least one candidate UE includes validating at least one of the one or more UEs is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader based on the assistance information, the at least one of the one or more UEs thereby determined to be the at least one candidate UE.

13. The method of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the request identifies the one or more UEs, and the assistance information is collected regarding the one or more UEs identified in the request.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one candidate UE is determined from the one or more UEs identified in the request, or from one or more alternate UEs based on an unsuccessful validation of at least one of the one or more UEs as being operational.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the request indicates that alternate UEs are acceptable, and determining the at least one candidate UE includes:performing a validation to determine whether at least one of the one or more UEs identified in the request is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader; and based on the unsuccessful validation,validating at least one of the one or more alternate UEs is operational to serve as the at least one of the activator or the reader, the at least one of the one or more alternate UEs thereby determined to be the at least one candidate UE.

16. The method of any of claims 10 to 15, wherein the request indicates a geographic location of the at least one ambient loT device, and collecting the assistance information includes:converting the geographic location to a network location; andcollecting the assistance information regarding a plurality of UEs at the network location, andwherein determining the at least one candidate UE includes preselecting the at least one candidate UE from the plurality of UEs.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein collecting the assistance information includes querying an access and mobility management function (AMF) serving the network location for the plurality of UEs at the network location.

18. The method of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein preselecting the at least one candidate UE includes:performing one or more location services procedures to determine respective geographic locations of the plurality of UEs; andpreselecting the at least one candidate UE from the plurality of UEs, based on the geographic location indicated in the request, and the respective geographic locations of the plurality of UEs.

19. An apparatus implemented by a radio access node, the apparatus comprising:means for receiving information that identifies at least one candidate user equipment (UE) that is operational to serve as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device;means for determining one or more local conditions regarding at least one of the radio access node or the at least one candidate UE; andmeans for performing one or more procedures to retrieve data from the at least one ambient loT device using at least one UE selected from the at least one candidate UE based on the one or more local conditions.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the apparatus further comprises:means for performing a validation of the at least one candidate UE based on the one or more local conditions; andmeans for selecting the at least one UE from the at least one candidate UE based on the validation.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the information that identifies the at least one candidate UE is received from a network function, and the apparatus further comprises means for reporting the at least one UE to the network function.

22. The apparatus of any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the information that identifies the at least one candidate UE is received from a network function, and the apparatus further comprises:means for reporting the one or more local conditions to the network function; andmeans for receiving a message from the network function that identifies the at least one UE selected at the network function based on the one or more local conditions.

23. A method implemented at a radio access node, the method comprising: receiving information that identifies at least one candidate user equipment (UE) that is operational to serve as at least one of an activator or a reader of at least one ambient Internet of Things (loT) device;determining one or more local conditions regarding at least one of the radio access node or the at least one candidate UE; andperforming one or more procedures to retrieve data from the at least one ambient loT device using at least one UE selected from the at least one candidate UE based on the one or more local conditions.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the method further comprises:performing a validation of the at least one candidate UE based on the one or more local conditions; andselecting the at least one UE from the at least one candidate UE based on the validation.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the information that identifies the at least one candidate UE is received from a network function, and the method further comprises reporting the at least one UE to the network function.

26. The method of any of claims 23 to 25, wherein the information that identifies the at least one candidate UE is received from a network function, and the method further comprises:reporting the one or more local conditions to the network function; andreceiving a message from the network function that identifies the at least one UE selected at the network function based on the one or more local conditions.

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