Apparatus, method, and computer program

Abstract

A first apparatus, such as an ambient Internet of things device, A-IoT Device (D, figure 4) comprising: means for receiving, from a second apparatus (Reader / activator, R1), such as a base station gNB or a user equipment UE, a transmission comprising at least one sequence 1100; means for decoding the at least one sequence 1102; and means for determining whether the at least one sequence is associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus 1104. The transmission may comprise at least one payload. The first apparatus further comprises: means for one of decoding or skipping decoding the at least one payload, if the at least one sequence is determined to be associated with the apparatus identifier, The at least one payload comprises a physical channel conveying at least one of: control information or data. The at least one sequence is comprised in: a preamble; a midamble; or a postamble, and the at least one sequence comprises: a time domain sequence; a frequency domain sequence; or a code domain sequence. The reader R1 may transmit a reader-to-device (R2D) transmission to the A-IoT device D over an R2D link (DL or forward link) whereas the AIoT device may transmit a device-to-reader (D2R) transmission to a reader R2 (also a gNB or a UE) over a D2R link (UL or reverse link). A carrier wave emitter (CWE) may provide a carrier wave (CW) to the A-IoT device over a carrier wave-to device (CW2D) link.

Description

Field of the disclosure The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, a method, and a computer program for managing an apparatus (e.g., ambient Internet of things device or a reader) in a communication system. Background A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as communication devices, base stations and / or other nodes by providing carriers between the various entities involved in the communications path. The communication system may be a wireless communication system. Examples of wireless systems comprise public land mobile networks (PLMN) operating based on radio standards such as those provided by 3GPP, satellite based communication systems and different wireless local networks, for example wireless local area networks (WLAN). The wireless systems can typically be divided into cells, and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems. The communication 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. Examples of standard are the so-called 5G and 6G standards. Summary According to an aspect there is provided a first apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from a second apparatus, a transmission comprising at least one sequence; means for decoding the at least one sequence; and means for determining whether the at least one sequence is associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus. The transmission may comprise at least one payload and the first apparatus may further comprise: means for one of decoding or skipping decoding the at least one payload, if the at least one sequence is determined to be associated with the apparatus identifier. The first apparatus may comprise: means for one of skipping decoding, or decoding the at least one payload, if the at least one sequence is determined to be not associated with the apparatus identifier. The at least one sequence may comprise at least one second sequence and the at least one payload comprises at least one second payload, and the first apparatus may further comprise: means for decoding the at least one second sequence; means for determining whether the at least one second sequence is associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus; and means for one of decoding or skipping decoding the at least one second payload in response to the determination whether the at least one second sequence is associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus. The at least one payload may comprise a physical channel conveying at least one of: control information or data. The sequence may be for timing acquisition. The sequence may be for indicating the start of the transmission in time domain. The sequence may be for determining an intended recipient of the transmission. If the sequence is associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus, the first apparatus may be the intended recipient of the transmission. If the sequence is not associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus, the first apparatus may not be the intended recipient of the transmission. The payload may comprise the apparatus identifier. The at least one sequence may be comprised in: a preamble; a midamble; or a postamble. The at least one sequence may comprise: a time domain sequence; a frequency domain sequence; or a code domain sequence. The means for determining whether the at least one sequence is associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus may comprises: means for determining whether the at least one sequence is associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus based on a mapping rule. The mapping rule may be based on at least one of: a sequence identifier identifying a sequence; an apparatus identifier identifying an apparatus; or a number N of sequences. The number N of sequences may be smaller than a number M of devices. The mapping rule may associate the sequence identifier and the apparatus identifier based on: sequence identifier= apparatus identifier modulo N. The apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus may be pre-stored at the apparatus. The at least one sequence may be determined to be associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus if the sequence identifier identifying the at least one sequence is associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus based on the mapping rule. The first apparatus may comprise: means for receiving, from the second apparatus, configuration information comprising the mapping rule. The first apparatus may comprise: means for receiving, from the second apparatus, configuration information comprising at least one of: a sequence associated with the apparatus identifier; a sequence identifier identifying the sequence associated with the apparatus identifier; an indication that the first apparatus is to decode a payload when the transmission comprises the payload, if a received sequence is determined to match the sequence associated with the apparatus identifier; or an indication that the first apparatus is to not decode a payload when the transmission comprises the payload, if a received sequence is determined to match the sequence associated with the apparatus identifier. The first apparatus may be identified by multiple apparatus identifiers. The multiple apparatus identifiers may comprise at least one of: an apparatus identifier for unicast transmission; an apparatus identifier for multicast transmission; or an apparatus identifier for broadcast transmission. The first apparatus may comprise: means for generating a response to the transmission; and means for transmitting, to the second apparatus or to a third apparatus, the response to the transmission backscattered on a carrier wave. The carrier wave may be received from a carrier wave emitter. The first apparatus may be an Internet of Things device. The first apparatus may be an ambient Internet of Things device. According to an aspect there is provided a method comprising: receiving, from a second apparatus, a transmission comprising at least one sequence; decoding the at least one sequence; and determining whether the at least one sequence is associated with an apparatus identifier identifying a first apparatus. The method may be performed by the first apparatus. The transmission may comprise at least one payload and the first apparatus further comprises: means for one of decoding or skipping decoding the at least one payload, if the at least one sequence is determined to be associated with the apparatus identifier. The method may comprise: one of skipping decoding, or decoding the at least one payload, if the at least one sequence is determined to be not associated with the apparatus identifier. The at least one sequence may comprise at least one second sequence and the at least one payload comprises at least one second payload, and the first apparatus may further comprise: means for decoding the at least one second sequence; means for determining whether the at least one second sequence is associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus; and means for one of decoding or skipping decoding the at least one second payload in response to the determination whether the at least one second sequence is associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus. The at least one payload may comprise a physical channel conveying at least one of: control information or data. The sequence may be for timing acquisition. The sequence may be for indicating the start of the transmission in time domain. The sequence may be for determining an intended recipient of the transmission. If the sequence is associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus, the first apparatus may be the intended recipient of the transmission. If the sequence is not associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus, the first apparatus may not be the intended recipient of the transmission. The payload may comprise the apparatus identifier. The at least one sequence may be comprised in: a preamble; a midamble; or a postamble. The at least one sequence may comprise: a time domain sequence; a frequency domain sequence; or a code domain sequence. The determining whether the at least one sequence is associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus may comprise: determining whether the at least one sequence is associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus based on a mapping rule. The mapping rule may be based on at least one of: a sequence identifier identifying a sequence; an apparatus identifier identifying an apparatus; or a number N of sequences. The number N of sequences may be smaller than a number M of devices. The mapping rule may associate the sequence identifier and the apparatus identifier based on: sequence identifier= apparatus identifier modulo N. The apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus may be pre-stored at the apparatus. The at least one sequence may be determined to be associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus if the sequence identifier identifying the at least one sequence is associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus based on the mapping rule. The method may comprise: receiving, from the second apparatus, configuration information comprising the mapping rule. The method may comprise: receiving, from the second apparatus, configuration information comprising at least one of: a sequence associated with the apparatus identifier; a sequence identifier identifying the sequence associated with the apparatus identifier; an indication that the first apparatus is to decode a payload when the transmission comprises the payload, if a received sequence is determined to match the sequence associated with the apparatus identifier; or an indication that the first apparatus is to not decode a payload when the transmission comprises the payload, if a received sequence is determined to match the sequence associated with the apparatus identifier. The first apparatus may be identified by multiple apparatus identifiers. The multiple apparatus identifiers may comprise at least one of: an apparatus identifier for unicast transmission; an apparatus identifier for multicast transmission; or an apparatus identifier for broadcast transmission. The method may comprise: generating a response to the transmission; and transmitting, to the second apparatus or to a third apparatus, the response to the transmission backscattered on a carrier wave. The carrier wave may be received from a carrier wave emitter. The first apparatus may be an Internet of Things device. The first apparatus may be an ambient Internet of Things device. According to an aspect there is provided a first apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving, from a second apparatus, a transmission comprising at least one sequence; decoding the at least one sequence; and determining whether the at least one sequence is associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus.. According to an aspect there is provided a first apparatus comprising circuitry configured to perform: receiving, from a second apparatus, a transmission comprising at least one sequence; decoding the at least one sequence; and determining whether the at least one sequence is associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus. According to an aspect there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to perform: receiving, from a second apparatus, a transmission comprising at least one sequence; decoding the at least one sequence; and determining whether the at least one sequence is associated with an apparatus identifier identifying a first apparatus. According to an aspect there is provided a second apparatus comprising: means for determining to transmit, to a first apparatus, a transmission comprising at least one sequence associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus; means for determining the at least one sequence associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus; and means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, the transmission comprising the at one the sequence associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus. The transmission may comprise at least one payload. The at least one sequence may be identified by a sequence identifier associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus based on a mapping rule. The mapping rule may be based on at least one of: a sequence identifier; an apparatus identifier identifying an apparatus; or a number N of sequences. The mapping rule may be based on: sequence identifier = apparatus identifier modulo N. The apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus may be pre-stored at the second apparatus. The second apparatus may comprise: means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, configuration information comprising the mapping rule. The mapping rule may associate the sequence identifier and the apparatus identifier based on: sequence identifier= apparatus identifier modulo N. The second apparatus may be a base station or a user equipment. According to an aspect there is provided a method comprising: determining to transmit, to a first apparatus, a transmission comprising at least one sequence associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus; determining the at least one sequence associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus; and transmitting, to the first apparatus, the transmission comprising the at one the sequence associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus. The method may be performed by a second apparatus. The transmission may comprise at least one payload. The at least one sequence may be identified by a sequence identifier associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus based on a mapping rule. The mapping rule may be based on at least one of: a sequence identifier; an apparatus identifier identifying an apparatus; or a number N of sequences. The mapping rule may be based on: sequence identifier = apparatus identifier modulo N. The apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus may be pre-stored at the second apparatus. The method may comprise: transmitting, to the first apparatus, configuration information comprising the mapping rule. The mapping rule may associate the sequence identifier and the apparatus identifier based on: sequence identifier= apparatus identifier modulo N. The second apparatus may be a base station or a user equipment. According to an aspect there is provided a second apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: determining to transmit, to a first apparatus, a transmission comprising at least one sequence associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus; determining the at least one sequence associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus; and transmitting, to the first apparatus, the transmission comprising the at one the sequence associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus. According to an aspect there is provided a second apparatus comprising circuitry configured to perform: determining to transmit, to a first apparatus, a transmission comprising at least one sequence associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus; determining the at least one sequence associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus; and transmitting, to the first apparatus, the transmission comprising the at one the sequence associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus. According to an aspect there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to perform: determining to transmit, to a first apparatus, a transmission comprising at least one sequence associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus; determining the at least one sequence associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus; and transmitting, to the first apparatus, the transmission comprising the at one the sequence associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus. According to an aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods. According to an aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods. According to an aspect, there is provided a non-volatile tangible memory medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods. In the above, many different aspects have been described. It should be appreciated that further aspects may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the aspects described above. Various other aspects are also described in the following detailed description and in the attached claims. List of abbreviations AF: AloT: Application Function Ambient Internet of Things 5 AMF: Access and Mobility Management Function BS: Base Station CU: Centralized Unit CWE: Carrier Wave Emitter CW2D: Carrier Wave emitter to Device 10 D2R: Device to Reader DL: Downlink DU: Distributed Unit gNB: gNodeB ID: Identifier 15 loT: Internet of Things MAC: Medium Access Control MS : Mobile Station MTC : Machine Type Communication N F F * Network Exposure Function 20 NF: Network Function NR: New radio NRF: Network Repository Function PDCCH: Physical Downlink Control Channel PPM: Part Per Million 25 PRDCH: Physical Reader to Device Channel RAM: Random Access Memory (R)AN: (Radio) Access Network R2D: Reader to Device RF-EH: Radio Frequency Energy Harvesting 30 ROM: Read Only Memory SFO: Sampling Frequency Offset SMF: Session Management Function UE: User Equipment 5G: 5th Generation 5GC: 5G Core network 5GS: 5G System Brief Description of the Figures Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a 5G system; Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a control apparatus; Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a user equipment; Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an ambient Internet of things scenario; Fig.5 shows a schematic representation of a reader to device transmission; Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b show a signaling diagram of a process for managing an ambient Internet of things device; Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of time domain preamble sequences; Fig. 8 shows a table mapping device identifiers to preamble sequence identifiers; Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of a reader to device transmission; Fig. 10 shows a block diagram of a method for managing an ambient Internet of things device; Fig. 11 shows a block diagram of a method for managing a first apparatus; Fig. 12 shows a block diagram of a method for managing a second apparatus; and Fig. 13 shows a schematic representation of a non-volatile memory medium storing instructions which when executed by a processor allow a processor to perform one or more of the steps of the methods of Fig. 10 to Fig. 12. Detailed Description of the Figures In the following certain embodiments are explained with reference to mobile communication devices capable of communication via a wireless cellular system and mobile communication systems serving such mobile communication devices. Before explaining in detail the exemplifying embodiments, certain general principles of a wireless communication system, access systems thereof, and mobile communication devices are briefly explained with reference to Fig. 1, Fig.2 and Fig.3 to assist in understanding the technology underlying the described examples. FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a 5G system (5GS). The 5GS may comprises Internet of things (loT) devices, user equipment (UEs), a (radio) access network ((R)AN), a 5G core network (5GC), one or more application functions (AF) and one or more data networks (DN). The loT devices may comprise ambient loT (AloT) devices. An AloT device may be configured to measure ambient conditions, such as location, temperature, pressure, noise, light or other ambient conditions. An AloT device may comprise a sensor. The 5G (R)AN may comprise one or more gNodeBs (gNBs). The gNodeBs may comprise one or more gNB distributed unit functions connected to one or more gNB centralized unit functions. The gNodeBs may comprise activator gNodeBs, reader gNodeBs or activator and reader gNodeBs. The 5GC may comprise an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), an authentication server function (AUSF), a user data management (UDM), a user plane function (UPF), a network exposure function (NEF). Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a control apparatus 200 for controlling a function of the (R)AN or the 5GC as illustrated on Fig. 1. The control apparatus may comprise at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, at least on read only memory (ROM) 211b, at least one processor 212, 213 and an input / output interface 214. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to the RAM 211a and the ROM 211b. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 215. The software code 215 may for example allow to perform one or more steps to perform one or more of the present aspects. The software code 215 may be stored in the ROM 211b. The control apparatus 200 may be interconnected with another control apparatus 200 controlling another function of the 5G (R)AN or the 5GC. In some embodiments, each function of the (R)AN or the 5GC comprises a control apparatus 200. In alternative embodiments, two or more functions of the (R)AN or the 5GC may share a control apparatus. Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a user equipment 300, such as the terminal illustrated on Fig. 1. The UE 300 may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples comprise a user equipment, a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a ’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g.. USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, a machine-type communications (MTC) device, an Internet of things (loT) device or any combinations of these or the like. The UE 300 may provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications. The communications may be one or more of voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia, data, machine data and so on. The UE 300 may receive signals over an air or radio interface 307 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In Fig. 3 transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 306. The transceiver apparatus 306 may be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device. The UE 300 may be provided with at least one processor 301, at least one memory ROM 302a, at least one RAM 302b and other possible components 303 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The at least one processor 301 is coupled to the RAM 302b and the ROM 302a. The at least one processor 301 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 308. The software code 308 may for example allow to perform one or more of the present aspects. The software code 308 may be stored in the ROM 302a. The processor, storage and other relevant control apparatus can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and / or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 304. The device may optionally have a user interface such as keypad 305, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. Optionally one or more of a display, a speaker and a microphone may be provided depending on the type of the device. The ambient Internet of things (AloT) aims to fulfil unmet market requirements in the Internet of Things (loT) domain such as deployment in extreme operational conditions (e.g., high pressure, extremely high / low temperature), maintenance-free devices (e.g., no need for the device battery replacement) and devices with ultra-low complexity, very small device size / form factor (e.g., thickness of mm), longer life cycle, etc. The AloT relies on ultra-low complexity devices with ultra-low power consumption for the very-low end loT applications. An AloT device is an loT device powered by energy harvesting, being either battery-less or with limited energy storage capability (e.g., using a capacitor). The energy may be provided through the harvesting of radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other suitable power source. AloT devices may comprise different types AloT device 1: ~1 pW peak power consumption, has energy storage, initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) up to 10x ppm, neither downlink (DL) nor uplink (UL) amplification in the AloT device. The AloT device’s UL transmission is backscattered on a carrier wave provided externally. AloT device 2a: <a few hundred pW peak power consumption, has energy storage, initial SFO up to 10x ppm, both DL and / or UL amplification in the device. The AloT device’s UL transmission is backscattered on a carrier wave provided externally. AloT device 2b: <a few hundred pW peak power consumption, has energy storage, initial SFO up to 10x ppm, both DL and / or UL amplification in the device. The AloT device’ s UL transmission is generated internally by the AloT device. Fig. 4 illustrates an example AloT scenario. Here, a reader R1 (e.g., gNB or a UE) may transmit a reader-to-device (R2D) transmission to an AloT device D over an R2D link (DL or forward link) whereas the AloT device may transmit a device-to-reader (D2R) transmission to a reader R2 (e.g., gNB or a UE) over a D2R link (UL or reverse link). The reader R1 may also be referred to as an activator. A carrier wave emitter (OWE) may provide a carrier wave (CW) to the AloT device over a carrier wave-to-device (CW2D) link. The AloT device may support at least radio-frequency energy harvesting (RF-EH). Note that in certain scenario, R1, R2 or CWE may reside in same network entity. Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a R2D transmission comprising a preamble and a payload. The preamble may comprise a preamble sequence that is for timing acquisition and indicating the start of the R2D transmission in time domain. The payload may comprise at least one of data or control information (e.g., carried ina PRDCH). Consider a dense AloT device deployment in a large indoor scenario (e.g., warehouse) where a reader is performing most of the R2D transmissions in a unicast manner (e.g., tracking individual tags). Energy harvesting may be limited (e.g., due to lack of solar energy as well as a limited RF-EH because of the need for long range transmissions). Due to the limited energy harvesting opportunities, the effective utilization of the stored energy is key to support AloT use cases. A PRDCH including both data and control may allow for low-complexity at the AloT device since it eliminates the need for monitoring PDCCH-like channel. Note that a PDCCH-like channel may require defining control resource region, control resource element, search space and the corresponding blind decoding scheme. These aspects may be too heavy and complicated for AloT devices and hence may not be feasible. When both data and control are transmitted in the PRDCH, the intended recipient information (e.g., device identifier (ID)), may be contained within the PRDCH. Hence, each AloT device may need to decode PRDCH first to identify whether it is the intended recipient of the PRDCH or not. Consequently, the AloT device needs to decode all PRDCHs irrespective of whether the PRDCHs are intended for the AloT device or not. This introduces unnecessary energy consumption at the AloT device when the PRDCH is not meant for the AloT device. This is particularly significant in the dense device deployment with a large amount of R2D unicast transmissions. Each AloT device is forced to decode a large number of PRDCH that is not intended for the AloT device at the expense of the stored energy. This is not desirable for AloT devices which are highly constrained on the energy availability. In this disclosure the expression device ID and destination ID may be used interchangeably. One or more aspect of this disclosure provides a solution to improve energy efficiency at an AloT device in decoding a R2D transmission. Fig.6a and Fig.6b shows a signaling diagram of a process for managing an ambient Internet of things device according to an example embodiment. The process may be performed in a deployment comprising a reader R and M AloT devices. The reader R may comprise a BS or a UE. The M AloT devices may comprise an AloT device D1 and an AloT device D2. An AloT device may be identified by one or more AloT device ID. For example, an AloT device may be identified by one or more of an AloT device ID for unicast transmission, an AloT device ID for multicast transmission or an AloT device ID for broadcast transmission. The reader R may pre-store the one or more AloT device ID identifying the AloT devices. The AloT device D1 may pre-store the one or more AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D1. The AloT device D2 may pre-store the one or more AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D2. At step 1, the reader R may define N sequences. The devices D1 and D2, and the reader R if it is a UE, may receive the parameter N from a network. The parameter N may be transmitted in system information (e.g., in a system information block). By adjusting the parameter N, the network may dynamically adjust the number of AloT devices addressed with each R2D transmission and may adapt to traffic conditions. In the following, the sequences comprise preamble sequences (i.e., sequences to be comprised in preambles of R2D transmissions).However, it will be understood that the sequences may be midamble sequences (i.e., sequences to be comprised in midambles of R2D transmissions) or postamble sequences (i.e., sequences to be comprised in postambles of R2D transmissions). The number N of preamble sequences may be equal to or smaller than the number M of AloT devices. A preamble sequence may be a time domain sequence, frequency domain sequence or a code domain sequence. Fig. 7 shows an example schematic representation of time domain preamble sequences. A preamble sequence may be identified by a preamble sequence ID. A preamble sequence ID may be associated with one or more AloT device ID. As a result, a preamble sequence identified by a preamble sequence ID may be associated with one or more AloT device ID. In other words, there may be a 1:1 or a 1:X relationship between the preamble sequence IDs and the AloT device IDs. There may be a 1:1 or a 1:X relationship between the preamble sequences and the AloT device IDs (with X greater than 1). The reader R may store the preamble sequences. The reader R may store the preamble sequence IDs identifying the preamble sequences. The reader R may store a mapping table associating preamble sequences with preamble sequence IDs identifying the preamble sequences. In an implementation, the reader R may store a mapping rule associating a preamble sequence ID and one or more AloT device IDs. The mapping rule may be based on one or more of: a preamble sequence ID, an AloT device ID or the number N of preamble sequences. The mapping rule may associate the preamble sequence ID and the AloT device ID based on: Preamble sequence ID = AloT device ID modulo N. For example, the reader R may define 4 preamble sequences . An AloT device may be identified by an AloT device ID set to 1. A preamble sequence ID associated with the AloT device ID may be set to 1 (i.e., 1 modulo 4=1). Similarly, an AloT device may be identified by an AloT device ID set to 2. A preamble sequence ID associated with the AloT device ID may be set to 2 (i.e., 2 modulo 4 = 2). In another implementation, the reader R may store a mapping table associating a preamble sequence ID and one or more AloT device IDs. Fig. 8 shows an example schematic representation of mapping table associating preamble sequence ID and one or more AloT device IDs. In another implementation, the reader R may store a mapping table associating a preamble sequence and one or more AloT device IDs. It will be understood that preamble sequence may be associated with an AloT device ID if the preamble sequence ID identifying the preamble sequence is associated with the AloT device ID based on the mapping rule. A preamble sequence may be used for timing acquisition. A preamble sequence may be used for indicating the start of a R2D transmission in time domain. A preamble sequence may be used by an AloT device for determining an intended recipient of a R2D transmission. If the preamble sequence is associated with an AloT device ID identifying the AloT device, the AloT device may be the intended recipient of the R2D transmission. If the preamble sequence is not associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device, the AloT device may not be the intended recipient of the R2D transmission. It will be understood that any information associated with one or more AloT device ID may be considered to be a preamble sequence or a preamble sequence ID in this disclosure. At step 2 of Fig. 6a, the reader may transmit, to the AloT device D1, configuration information. The configuration may comprise the mapping rule stored at the reader R. Alternatively, the configuration information may comprise the preamble sequence ID associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D1. The reader may determine the preamble sequence ID associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D1 based on a mapping table. Alternatively, the configuration information may comprise the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device Dl.The reader R may determine the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D1 based on a mapping table. The configuration may comprise an indication indicating that the AloT device D1 should decode a payload when a decoded preamble sequence is associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D1. Alternatively, the configuration may comprise an indication indicating that the AloT device D1 should not decode a payload when a decoded preamble sequence is associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D1 (i.e., the AloT device D1 may be muted in response to the decoded preamble sequence being associated with its device ID). In another implementation, the reader may not transmit, to the AloT device D1, configuration information. The AloT device D1 may pre-store the configuration information. The AloT device D1 may pre-store the mapping rule stored at the reader R. Alternatively, the AloT device D1 may pre-store the preamble sequence ID associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D1 .Alternatively, the AloT device D1 may pre-store the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D1. Similarly, the reader may transmit, to the AloT device D2, configuration information. The configuration may comprise the mapping rule stored at the reader R. Alternatively, the configuration information may comprise the preamble sequence ID associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D2. The reader may determine the preamble sequence ID associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D2 based on a mapping table. Alternatively, the configuration information may comprise the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D2.The reader R may determine the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D2 based on a mapping table. The configuration may comprise an indication indicating that the AloT device D2 should decode a payload only when a decoded preamble sequence is associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D2’. Alternatively, the configuration may comprise an indication indicating that the AloT device D2 should not decode a payload when a decoded preamble sequence is associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D2 (i.e., the AloT device D2 is muted in response to the decoded preamble sequence being associated with its device ID). In another implementation, the reader may not transmit, to the AloT device D2, configuration information. The AloT device D2 may pre-store the configuration information. The AloT device D2 may pre-store the mapping rule stored at the reader R. Alternatively, the AloT device D2 may pre-store the preamble sequence ID associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D2.Alternatively, the AloT device D2 may pre-store the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D2. At step 3a of Fig. 6a, the AloT device D1 may determine the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D1. The AloT device D1 may determine the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D1 based on the mapping rule received from the reader R and stored at the AloT device D1. Alternatively, the AloT device D1 may determine the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D1 based on the mapping rule prestored at the AloT device D1. Alternatively, the AloT device D1 may determine the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D1 based on the preamble sequence received from the reader R and stored at the AloT device D1. Alternatively, the AloT device D1 may determine the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D1 based on the preamble sequence pre- stored at the AloT device D1. Alternatively, the AloT device D1 may determine the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D1 based on the preamble sequence ID received from the reader R and stored at the AloT device D1. Alternatively, the AloT device D1 may determine the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D1 based on the preamble sequence ID pre- stored at the AloT device D1. The AloT device DI may store the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D1. At step 3b of Fig. 6a, the AloT device D2 may determine the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D2. The AloT device D2 may determine the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D2 based on the mapping rule received from the reader R and stored at the AloT device D2. Alternatively, the AloT device D2 may determine the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D2 based on the mapping rule pre-stored at the AloT device D2. Alternatively, the AloT device D2 may determine the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D2 based on the preamble sequence received from the reader R and stored at the AloT device D2. Alternatively, the AloT device D2 may determine the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D2 based on the preamble sequence pre- stored at the AloT device D2. Alternatively, the AloT device D2 may determine the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D2 based on the preamble sequence ID received from the reader R and stored at the AloT device D2. Alternatively, the AloT device D2 may determine the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D2 based on the preamble sequence ID pre- stored at the AloT device D2. The AloT device D2 may store the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D2. At step 4 of Fig. 6a, the reader R may determine to transmit, to the AloT device D1, a R2D transmission. The reader R may determine a preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID of the AloT device D1. The reader R may determine the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D1 based on the mapping rule stored at the reader R. Alternatively, the reader R may determine the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID of the AloT device D1 based on the mapping table associating the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D1 with a preamble sequence ID. Alternatively, the reader R may determine the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID of the AloT device D1 based on the mapping table associating theAloT device ID identifying the AloT device D1 with the preamble sequence . At step 5 of Fig. 6b, the reader R may transmit, to the AloT device D1, a R2D transmission. It will be understood that, although the reader R may transmit, to the AloT device D1, the R2D transmission, the R2D transmission may be received by both the AloT device D1 and the AloT device D2 (e.g., due to radio propagation). The R2D transmission may comprise a preamble. The preamble may comprise the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID of the AloT device D1. The R2D transmission may comprise a payload intended for the AloT device D1. The payload may comprise a PRDCH. The payload may comprise data and / or control information. The control information may comprise the AloT device ID of the AloT device D1. The control information may comprise additional AloT device IDs of additional AloT devices (e.g., when the R2D transmission is a multicast R2D transmission). At step 6a of Fig. 6b, the AloT device D1 may receive, from the reader R, the R2D transmission. TheAloT device D1 may decode (e.g., sample) the preamble. TheAloT device D1 may determine that a decoded preamble sequence is associated with the AloT device ID identifying theAloT device D1. TheAloT device D1 may determine that the decoded preamble sequence matches the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying theAloT device D1 stored at theAloT device D1. TheAloT device D1 may determine that theAloT device D1 could be an intended recipient of the R2D transmission. At step 6b, theAloT device D2 may receive, from the reader R, the R2D transmission. TheAloT device D2 may decode (e.g., sample) the preamble. TheAloT device D2 may determine that a decoded preamble sequence is not associated with theAloT device ID identifying the AloT device D2. The AloT device D2 may determine that the decoded preamble sequence does not match the preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device D2 stored at the AloT device D2. The AloT device D2 may determine that the AloT device D2 is not an intended recipient of the R2D transmission. At step 7a, the AloT device D1 may decode the payload. As explained above, the payload may comprise data and / or control information. The control information may comprise the AloT device ID of the AloT device D1. The AloT device D1 may confirm that the AloT device D1 is an intended recipient based on the AloT device ID of the AloT device D1 comprised in the control information. The AloT device D1 may generate a response to the R2D transmission. The AloT device D1 may transmit, to the reader R or to another reader R’, the response to the R2D transmission backscattered on a carrier wave. The carrier wave may be received from a CWE. At step 7b, the AloT device D2 may skip decoding the payload. In this way, the AloT device D2 may save energy. Fig. 9 shows another example schematic representation of R2D transmission. The R2D transmission comprises a preamble, a first payload, a midamble and a second payload. The preamble may comprise a preamble sequence. The first payload may comprise a PRDCH-1. The midamble may comprise a midamble sequence. The second payload may comprise a PRDCH-2. An AloT device may receive the R2D transmission. The AloT device may decode (e.g., sample) the preamble. If a decoded preamble sequence is associated with an AloT device ID of the AloT device, the AloT device may decode the first payload. If a decoded preamble sequence is not associated with an AloT device ID of the AloT device, the AloT device may skip decoding the first payload and may save energy. The AloT device may decode (e.g., sample) the midamble. If a decoded midamble sequence is associated with an AloT device ID of the AloT device, the AloT device may decode the second payload. If a decoded midamble sequence is not associated with an AloT device ID of the AloT device, the AloT device may skip decoding the second payload and may save energy. For simplicity, the midamble sequence may be referred to as a second preamble sequence. Fig. 10 shows a block diagram of a method for managing an AloT device according to an example embodiment. At step 1000, an AloT device may receive, from a reader R, an R2D transmission comprising a preamble and a PRDCH. The AloT device may decode (e.g., sample) the preamble. At step 1002, the AloT device may determine whether a decoded preamble sequence is associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device. The AloT device D1 may determine whether a decoded preamble sequence matches a preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device determined based on a mapping rule . If the decoded preamble sequence matches a preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device based on a mapping rule , the method goes to step 1004. If the decoded preamble sequence does not match a preamble sequence associated with the AloT device ID identifying the AloT device based on a mapping rule , the method goes to step 1006. At step 1004, the AloT device may decode the payload. At step 1008, the AloT device may determine whether decoded control information may comprise the AloT device ID of the AloT device. If the decoded control information comprises the AloT device ID of the AloT device, the method goes to step 1010. If the decoded control information does not comprise the AloT device ID of the AloT device, the method goes to step 1012. At step 1010, the AloT device may generate a response to the R2D transmission. At step 1014, the AloT device may receive, from a CWE, a carrier wave. At step 1016, the AloT device D may transmit, to the reader R or to another reader R’, the response to the R2D transmission backscattered on the carrier wave. At step 1006, the AloT device may skip decoding the payload. At step 1012, the AloT device may remain silent. The AloT device does not generate a response to the R2D transmission. Fig. 11 shows a block diagram of a method for managing a first apparatus according to an example embodiment. At step 1100, a first apparatus may receive, from a second apparatus, a transmission comprising at least one sequence. At step 1102, the first apparatus may decode the at least one sequence. At step 1104, the first apparatus may determine whether the at least one sequence is associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus. Fig. 12 shows a block diagram of a method for managing a first apparatus according to an example embodiment. At step 1200, a second apparatus may determine to transmit, to a first apparatus, a transmission comprising at least one sequence associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus. At step 1202, the second apparatus may determine the at least one sequence associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus. At step 1204, the second apparatus may transmit, to the first apparatus, the transmission comprising the at one the sequence associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus. Fig. 13 shows a schematic representation of non-volatile memory media 1200 storing instructions which when executed by a processor allow the processor to perform one or more of the steps of the methods of Fig. 10 to Fig. 12. It is noted that while the above describes example embodiments, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will be understood that although the above concepts have been discussed in the context of a 5GS, one or more of these concepts may be applied to other cellular systems. The embodiments may thus vary within the scope of the attached claims. In general, some embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although embodiments are not limited thereto. While various embodiments may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof. The embodiments may be implemented by computer software stored in a memory and executable by at least one data processor of the involved entities or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Further in this regard it should be noted that any procedures, e.g., as in Fig. 10 to Fig. 12, may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD. The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), gate level circuits and processors based on multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. Alternatively or additionally some embodiments may be implemented using circuitry. The circuitry may be configured to perform one or more of the functions and / or method steps previously described. That circuitry may be provided in the base station and / or in the communications device. 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 analogue and / or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as: (i) a combination of analogue and / or digital hardware circuit(s) 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 the communications device or base station to perform the various functions previously described; and (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. This 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 integrated device. The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples a full and informative description of some embodiments However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings will still fall within the scope as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A first apparatus comprising:means for receiving, from a second apparatus, a transmission comprising at least one sequence;means for decoding the at least one sequence; andmeans for determining whether the at least one sequence is associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus.

2. The first apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transmission comprises at least one payload and the first apparatus further comprises:means for one of decoding or skipping decoding the at least one payload, if the at least one sequence is determined to be associated with the apparatus identifier.

3. The first apparatus of claim 2, comprising:means for one of skipping decoding, or decoding the at least one payload, if the at least one sequence is determined to be not associated with the apparatus identifier.

4. The first apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one sequence comprises at least one second sequence and the at least one payload comprises at least one second payload, and the first apparatus further comprises:means for decoding the at least one second sequence;means for determining whether the at least one second sequence is associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus; andmeans for one of decoding or skipping decoding the at least one second payload in response to the determination whether the at least one second sequence is associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus.

5. The first apparatus of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the at least one payload comprises a physical channel conveying at least one of: control information or data.

6. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one sequence is comprised in:a preamble;a midamble; ora postamble.

7. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one sequence comprises:a time domain sequence;a frequency domain sequence; ora code domain sequence.

8. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the means for determining whether the at least one sequence is associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus comprises:means for determining whether the at least one sequence is associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus based on a mapping rule.

9. The first apparatus of claim 8, wherein the mapping rule is based on at least one of:a sequence identifier identifying a sequence;an apparatus identifier identifying an apparatus; or a number N of sequences.

10. The first apparatus of claim 9, wherein the mapping rule associates the sequence identifier and the apparatus identifier based on:sequence identifier= apparatus identifier modulo N11. The first apparatus of claim 9 or 10, wherein the at least one sequence is determined to be associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus if the sequence identifier identifying the at least one sequence is associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus based on the mapping rule.

12. The first apparatus of any of claims 8 to 11, comprising: means for receiving, from the second apparatus, configuration information comprising the mapping rule.

13. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first apparatus comprises:means for receiving, from the second apparatus, configuration information comprising at least one of:a sequence associated with the apparatus identifier;a sequence identifier identifying the sequence associated with the apparatus identifier;an indication that the first apparatus is to decode a payload when the transmission comprises the payload, if a received sequence is determined to match the sequence associated with the apparatus identifier; oran indication that the first apparatus is to not decode a payload when the transmission comprises the payload, if a received sequence is determined to match the sequence associated with the apparatus identifier.

14. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first apparatus is identified by multiple apparatus identifiers.

15. The first apparatus of claim 14, wherein the multiple apparatus identifiers comprise at least one of:an apparatus identifier for unicast transmission;an apparatus identifier for multicast transmission; or an apparatus identifier for broadcast transmission.

16. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first apparatus is an Internet of Things device.

17. A second apparatus comprising:means for determining to transmit, to a first apparatus, a transmission comprising at least one sequence associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus;means for determining the at least one sequence associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus; andmeans for transmitting, to the first apparatus, the transmission comprising the at one the sequence associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus.

18. The second apparatus of claim 17, wherein the transmission comprises at least one payload.

19. The second apparatus of claim 17 or 18, wherein the at least one sequence is identified by a sequence identifier associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus based on a mapping rule.

20. The second apparatus of claim 19, comprising:means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, configuration information comprising the mapping rule.

21. The second apparatus of claim 19 or 20, wherein the mapping rule associates the sequence identifier and the apparatus identifier based on:sequence identifier= apparatus identifier modulo N.

22. The second apparatus of any of claims 18 to 21, wherein the second apparatus is a base station or a user equipment.

23. A method comprising:receiving, from a second apparatus, a transmission comprising at least one sequence;decoding the at least one sequence; and5 determining whether the at least one sequence is associated with anapparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus.

24. A method comprising:determining to transmit, to a first apparatus, a transmission comprising at io least one sequence associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus;determining the at least one sequence associated with the apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus; andtransmitting, to the first apparatus, the transmission comprising the at one the 15 sequence associated with an apparatus identifier identifying the first apparatus.

25. A computer program comprising computer executable instructions which when run on one or more processors perform the steps of the method of claim 23 or claim 24.

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