Reader activator synchronization

Abstract

An apparatus for determining activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The example and non-limiting embodiments relate generally to ambient Internet of Things (AIOT) devices and, more particularly, to synchronization of entities in a topology about an AIOT device. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known, for network communication, to perform synchronization between a reader node and an AIOT node. SUMMARY

[0003] The following summary is merely intended to be illustrative. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0004] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; transmit, to the activator node, the assistance information; and transmit, to a reader node, the assistance information.

[0005] In accordance with one aspect, a method comprising: determining, with a network node, assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; transmitting, to the activator node, the assistance information; and transmitting, to a reader node, the assistance information.

[0006] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising means for: determining assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; transmitting, to the activator node, the assistance information; and transmitting, to a reader node, the assistance information.

[0007] In accordance with one aspect, a computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: determining, with a network node, assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; causing transmitting, to the activator node, of the assistance information; and causing transmitting, to a reader node, of the assistance information.

[0008] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a network node, assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the apparatus; and transmit, to the at least one device, at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the assistance information.

[0009] In accordance with one aspect, a method comprising: receiving, with an activator node from a network node, assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the activator node; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the assistance information.

[0010] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising means for: receiving, from a network node, assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the apparatus; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the assistance information.

[0011] In accordance with one aspect, a computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: causing receiving, with an activator node from a network node, of assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the activator node; and causing transmitting, to the at least one device, of at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the assistance information.

[0012] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at 2 least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a network node, assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; monitor for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the assistance information; receive the at least one response; and transmit, to the at least one device, a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response.

[0013] In accordance with one aspect, a method comprising: receiving, with a reader node from a network node, assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; monitoring for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the assistance information; receiving the at least one response; and transmitting, to the at least one device, a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response.

[0014] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising means for: receiving, from a network node, assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; monitor for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the assistance information; receiving the at least one response; and transmitting, to the at least one device, a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response.

[0015] In accordance with one aspect, a computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: causing receiving, with a reader node from a network node, of assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; monitoring for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the assistance information; causing receiving of the at least one response; and causing transmitting, to the at least one device, of a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response.

[0016] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; transmit, to the activator node, the activator assistance information; transmit, to a carrier wave node, the activator assistance information; determine reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node; transmit, to the reader node, the reader assistance information; and transmit, to the carrier wave node, the reader assistance information.

[0017] In accordance with one aspect, a method comprising: determining, with a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; transmitting, to the activator node, the activator assistance information; transmitting, to a carrier wave node, the activator assistance information; determining reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node; transmitting, to the reader node, the reader assistance information; and transmitting, to the carrier wave node, the reader assistance information.

[0018] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising means for: determining activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; transmitting, to the activator node, the activator assistance information; transmitting, to a carrier wave node, the activator assistance information; determining reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node; transmitting, to the reader node, the reader assistance information; and transmitting, to the carrier wave node, the reader assistance information.

[0019] In accordance with one aspect, a computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: determining, with a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; causing transmitting, to the activator node, of the 4 activator assistance information; causing transmitting, to a carrier wave node, of the activator assistance information; determining reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node; causing transmitting, to the reader node, of the reader assistance information; and causing transmitting, to the carrier wave node, of the reader assistance information.

[0020] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the apparatus; and transmit, to the at least one device, at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information.

[0021] In accordance with one aspect, a method comprising: receiving, with an activator node from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the activator node; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information.

[0022] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising means for: receiving, from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the apparatus; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information.

[0023] In accordance with one aspect, a computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: causing receiving, with an activator node from a network node, of activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the activator node; and causing transmitting, to the at least one device, of at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information.

[0024] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a network node, reader assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the apparatus; monitor for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the reader assistance information; receive the at least one response; and transmit, to the device, a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response.

[0025] In accordance with one aspect, a method comprising: receiving, with a reader node from a network node, reader assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the reader node; monitoring for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the reader assistance information; receiving the at least one response; and transmitting, to the device, a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response.

[0026] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising means for: receiving, from a network node, reader assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the apparatus; monitoring for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the reader assistance information; receiving the at least one response; and transmitting, to the device, a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response.

[0027] In accordance with one aspect, a computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: causing receiving, with a reader node from a network node, of reader assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the reader node; monitoring for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the reader assistance information; causing receiving of the at least one response; and causing transmitting, to the device, of a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response.

[0028] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; receive, from the network node, reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node; and transmit, to the at least one device, at least one carrier wave signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information and the reader assistance information.

[0029] In accordance with one aspect, a method comprising: receiving, with a carrier wave node from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; receiving, from the network node, reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one carrier wave signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information and the reader assistance information.

[0030] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising means for: receiving, from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; receiving, from the network node, reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one carrier wave signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information and the reader assistance information.

[0031] In accordance with one aspect, a computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: causing receiving, with a carrier wave node from a network node, of activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; causing 7 receiving, from the network node, of reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node; and causing transmitting, to the at least one device, of at least one carrier wave signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information and the reader assistance information.

[0032] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; transmit, to the activator node, the activator assistance information; transmit, to a carrier wave node, the activator assistance information; determine reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node; and transmit, to the reader node, the reader assistance information.

[0033] In accordance with one aspect, a method comprising: determining, with a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; transmitting, to the activator node, the activator assistance information; transmitting, to a carrier wave node, the activator assistance information; determining reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node; and transmitting, to the reader node, the reader assistance information.

[0034] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising means for: determining activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; transmitting, to the activator node, the activator assistance information; transmitting, to a carrier wave node, the activator assistance information; determining reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein 8 the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node; and transmitting, to the reader node, the reader assistance information.

[0035] In accordance with one aspect, a computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: determining, with a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; causing transmitting, to the activator node, of the activator assistance information; causing transmitting, to a carrier wave node, of the activator assistance information; determining reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node; and causing transmitting, to the reader node, of the reader assistance information.

[0036] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the apparatus; and transmit, to the at least one device, at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information, wherein the at least one activation signal comprises, at least, information associated with a carrier wave node.

[0037] In accordance with one aspect, a method comprising: receiving, with an activator node from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the activator node; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information, wherein the at least one activation signal comprises, at least, information associated with a carrier wave node.

[0038] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising means for: receiving, from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the apparatus; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information, wherein the at least one activation signal comprises, at least, information associated with a carrier wave node.

[0039] In accordance with one aspect, a computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: causing receiving, with an activator node from a network node, of activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the activator node; and causing transmitting, to the at least one device, of at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information, wherein the at least one activation signal comprises, at least, information associated with a carrier wave node.

[0040] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a network node, reader assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for enabling reception of back scattering from at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the apparatus; monitor for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the reader assistance information; receive the at least one response; and transmit, to the at least one device, a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response.

[0041] In accordance with one aspect, a method comprising: receiving, with a reader node from a network node, reader assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the reader node; monitoring for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the reader assistance information; receiving the at least one response; and transmitting, to the at least one device, a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response.

[0042] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising means for: receiving, from a network node, reader assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the apparatus; monitoring for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the reader assistance information; receiving the at least one response; and transmitting, to the at least one device, a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response.

[0043] In accordance with one aspect, a computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: causing receiving, with a reader node from a network node, of reader assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the reader node; monitoring for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the reader assistance information; causing receiving of the at least one response; and causing transmitting, to the at least one device, of a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response.

[0044] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; receive, from the activator node, information associated with the apparatus; and transmit, to the at least one device, at least one carrier wave signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information and the information associated with the apparatus.

[0045] In accordance with one aspect, a method comprising: receiving, with a carrier wave node from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; receiving, from the activator node, first information associated with the carrier wave node; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one carrier wave signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information and the first information associated with the carrier wave node.

[0046] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising means for: receiving, from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; receiving, from the activator node, information associated with the apparatus; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one carrier wave signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information and the information associated with the apparatus.

[0047] In accordance with one aspect, a computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: causing receiving, with a carrier wave node from a network node, of activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node; causing receiving, from the activator node, of first information associated with the carrier wave node; and causing transmitting, to the at least one device, of at least one carrier wave signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information and the first information associated with the carrier wave node.

[0048] According to some aspects, there is provided the subject matter of the independent claims. Some further aspects are defined in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The foregoing aspects and other features are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0050] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example system in which the example embodiments may be practiced;

[0051] FIGs. 2-5 are diagrams illustrating features as described herein;

[0052] FIGs. 6-10 are flowcharts illustrating steps as described herein;

[0053] FIGs. 11-12 are diagrams illustrating features as described herein; and

[0054] FIGs. 13-24 are flowcharts illustrating steps as described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0055] The following abbreviations that may be found in the specification and / or the drawing figures are defined as follows: AF application function AIoT ambient Internet of Things AIoTF ambient Internet of Things function BS base station AMF access and mobility management function CN core network CW carrier wave CW2D carrier wave node to device D2R device to reader loT Internet of Things IWCP independent wave carrier provider R2D reader to device

[0056] Turning to FIG. 1, this figure shows a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example in which the examples may be practiced. A user equipment (UE) 110, radio access network (RAN) node 170, and network element(s) 190 are illustrated. In the example of FIG. 1, the user equipment (UE) 110 is in wireless communication with a wireless network 100. A UE is a wireless device that can access the wireless network 100. The UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected through one or more buses 127. Each of the one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver, Rx, 132 and a transmitter, Tx, 133. The one or more buses 127 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, and the like. A “circuit” may include dedicated hardware or hardware in association with software executable thereon. The one or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. The one or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. The UE 110 includes a module 140, comprising one of or both parts 140-1 and / or 140-2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The module 140 may be implemented in hardware as module 140-1, such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 120. The module 140-1 may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the module 140 may be implemented as module 140-2, which is implemented as computer program code 123 and is executed by the one or more processors 120. For instance, the one or more memories 125 and the computer program code 123 may be configured to, with the one or 13 more processors 120, cause the user equipment 110 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The UE 110 communicates with RAN node 170 via a wireless link 111.

[0057] The UE may also be able to communicate with other UE via link 145. For example, the UE may communicate with other UE via sidelink signaling, Bluetooth™ signaling, and / or direct signaling.

[0058] The RAN node 170 in this example is a base station that provides access by wireless devices such as the UE 110 to the wireless network 100. The RAN node 170 may be, for example, a base station for 5G, also called New Radio (NR). In 5G, the RAN node 170 may be a NG-RAN node, which is defined as either a gNB or a ng-eNB. A gNB is a node providing NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and connected via the NG interface to a 5GC (such as, for example, the network element(s) 190). The ng-eNB is a node providing E-UTRA user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and connected via the NG interface to the 5GC. The NG-RAN node may include multiple gNBs, which may also include a central unit (CU) (gNB-CU) 196 and distributed unit(s) (DUs) (gNB-DUs), of which DU 195 is shown. Note that the DU may include or be coupled to and control a radio unit (RU). The gNB-CU is a logical node hosting RRC, SDAP and PDCP protocols of the gNB or RRC and PDCP protocols of the en-gNB that controls the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU terminates the Fl interface connected with the gNB-DU. The Fl interface is illustrated as reference 198, although reference 198 also illustrates a link between remote elements of the RAN node 170 and centralized elements of the RAN node 170, such as between the gNB-CU 196 and the gNB-DU 195. The gNB-DU is a logical node hosting RLC, MAC and PHY layers of the gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partly controlled by gNB-CU. One gNB-CU supports one or multiple cells. One cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminates the Fl interface 198 connected with the gNB-CU. Note that the DU 195 is considered to include the transceiver 160, e.g., as part of a RU, but some examples of this may have the transceiver 160 as part of a separate RU, e.g., under control of and connected to the DU 195. The RAN node 170 may also be an eNB (evolved NodeB) base station, for LTE (long term evolution), or any other suitable base station, access point, access node, or node.

[0059] The RAN node 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces (N / W I / F(s)) 161, and one or more 14 transceivers 160 interconnected through one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver, Rx, 162 and a transmitter, Tx, 163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. The CU 196 may include the processors) 152, memories 155, and network interfaces 161. Note that the DU 195 may also contain its own memory / memories and processor(s), and / or other hardware, but these are not shown.

[0060] The RAN node 170 includes a module 150, comprising one of or both parts 150-1 and / or 150-2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The module 150 may be implemented in hardware as module 150-1, such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 152. The module 150-1 may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the module 150 may be implemented as module 150-2, which is implemented as computer program code 153 and is executed by the one or more processors 152. For instance, the one or more memories 155 and the computer program code 153 are configured to, with the one or more processors 152, cause the RAN node 170 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. Note that the functionality of the module 150 may be distributed, such as being distributed between the DU 195 and the CU 196, or be implemented solely in the DU 195.

[0061] The one or more network interfaces 161 communicate over a network such as via the links 176 and 131. Two or more gNBs 170 may communicate using, e.g., link 176. The link 176 may be wired or wireless or both and may implement, for example, an Xn interface for 5G, an X2 interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other standards.

[0062] The one or more buses 157 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, and the like. For example, the one or more transceivers 160 may be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH) 195 for LTE or a distributed unit (DU) 195 for gNB implementation for 5G, with the other elements of the RAN node 170 possibly being physically in a different location from the RRH / DU, and the one or more buses 157 could be implemented in part as, for example, fiber optic cable or other suitable network connection to connect the other elements (e.g., a central unit (CU), gNB-CU) of the RAN node 170 to the RRH / DU 195. Reference 198 also indicates those suitable network link(s).

[0063] It is noted that description herein indicates that “cells” perform functions, but it should be clear that equipment which forms the cell will perform the functions. The cell makes up part of a base station. That is, there can be multiple cells per base station. For example, there could be three cells for a single carrier frequency and associated bandwidth, each cell covering one-third of a 360 degree area so that the single base station’s coverage area covers an approximate oval or circle. Furthermore, each cell can correspond to a single carrier and a base station may use multiple carriers. So if there are three 120 degree cells per carrier and two carriers, then the base station has a total of 6 cells.

[0064] The wireless network 100 may include a network element or elements 190 that may include core network functionality, and which provides connectivity via a link or links 181 with a further network, such as a telephone network and / or a data communications network (e.g., the Internet). Such core network functionality for 5G may include access and mobility management function(s) (AMF(s)) and / or user plane functions (UPF(s)) and / or session management function(s) (SMF(s)). Such core network functionality for LTE may include MME (Mobility Management Entity ) / SGW (Serving Gateway) functionality. These are merely illustrative functions that may be supported by the network element(s) 190, and note that both 5G and LTE functions might be supported. The RAN node 170 is coupled via a link 131 to a network element 190. The link 131 may be implemented as, e.g., an NG interface for 5G, or an SI interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other standards. The network element 190 includes one or more processors 175, one or more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces (N / W I / F(s)) 180, interconnected through one or more buses 185. The one or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. The one or more memories 171 and the computer program code 173 are configured to, with the one or more processors 175, cause the network element 190 to perform one or more operations.

[0065] The wireless network 100 may implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is categorized as either external, combining many 16 networks, or parts of networks, into a virtual unit, or internal, providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. For example, a network may be deployed in a tele cloud, with virtualized network functions (VNF) running on, for example, data center servers. For example, network core functions and / or radio access network(s) (e.g. CloudRAN, O-RAN, edge cloud) may be virtualized. Note that the virtualized entities that result from the network virtualization are still implemented, at some level, using hardware such as processors 152 or 175 and memories 155 and 171, and also such virtualized entities create technical effects.

[0066] It may also be noted that operations of example embodiments of the present disclosure may be carried out by a plurality of cooperating devices (e.g. cRAN).

[0067] The computer readable memories 125, 155, and 171 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, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The computer readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be means for performing storage functions. The processors 120, 152, and 175 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) and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as nonlimiting examples. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may be means for performing functions, such as controlling the UE 110, RAN node 170, and other functions as described herein.

[0068] In general, the various example embodiments of the user equipment 110 can include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones such as smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs) having wireless communication capabilities, portable computers having wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras having wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices having wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback appliances having wireless communication capabilities, Internet appliances permitting wireless Internet access and browsing, tablets with wireless communication capabilities, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions.

[0069] Having thus introduced one suitable but non-limiting technical context for the practice of the example embodiments of the present disclosure, example embodiments will now be described with greater specificity.

[0070] Features as described herein may generally relate to ambient Internet of Things (AIoT). Ambient loT refers to loT devices powered by energy harvesting, making them either battery-less or equipped with limited energy storage capabilities (e.g., using a capacitor). Ambient loT devices may be described as low power devices, low cost devices, and / or as devices with limited functionality / processing capability. The capabilities of an AIOT device may be reduced even compared to a reduced capability (RedCap) device. An AIOT UE may have reduced or no capability to generate a signal for transmission to another UE or to a network element.

[0071] In the present disclosure, an AIOT device may also be referred to as an AIoT device, an AIOT UE, a tag, a UE, etc.

[0072] An example of an AIoT device is a passive radio, which may harness energy from wireless signals sent on specific carriers and / or bandwidths and charge a simple circuitry that, once activated, may emit / reflect a signal, which may encode at least the ID of the passive radio. The typical system architecture around a passive radio consists of an activator, a passive radio, and a reader. The activator is an apparatus, node or function that sends an activation signal targeted at waking up the passive radio. The passive radio harnesses energy over a range of frequencies and listens for activation signals. Once such a signal is detected, the passive radio emits / reflects a signal which is specific to that radio ID. The reader is an apparatus, node or function that listens and detects the passive radio signals. The reader may or may not be collocated with the activator.

[0073] In the present disclosure, a reader may also be referred to as a reader UE, a reader node, a transmission and / or reception point (TRP), a base station, a gNB, etc.

[0074] Other examples of AIoT devices include semi-passive devices and batteryless devices. For example, AIoT device may include battery-less passive radio frequency identification (RFID) devices that are capable of performing backscattering transmission. Also it may include active RFID devices with a limited battery or energy harvesting functionality. The active RFID device may use its own battery to generate transmission signals. In addition, the active device may be able to monitor NR wake-up signals. In case it receives a specific wake-up signal, the active device may be activated to transmit required signals.

[0075] It should be noted that backscatter communication, or reflection, is a signal transmission method for loT devices that are battery-less or energy-limited, where a received signal may be modified and / or reflected. When an AIoT device backscatters a reference signal, it reflects or forwards the reference signal, with or without changes, using energy derived from (other) received signals. For example, the AIoT device may modulate a radio ID, or other information, onto the received signal. This is in contrast to (direct) transmission of a reference signal, where the reference signal is transmitted using a battery or energy stored at the AIoT device.

[0076] There are monostatic AIoT devices and bistatic AIoT devices. In the case of a bistatic AIoT device, a transmitter sending a signal to the AIoT device is different than a receiver receiving the signal. In the case of a monostatic AIoT device, the transmitter sending a signal to the AIoT device and the receiver receiving the signal from the AIoT device may be the same node.

[0077] Ambient loT may be necessary to complement existing loT technologies like NB-IoT / eMTC and NR RedCap, defined by 3GPP. It aims to cover additional use cases that demand more cost-effective, power-efficient, and particularly battery-less functionalities. The number of loT devices is anticipated to be enormous in the future, and the lifespan of such devices may preferably be very long (e.g. more than 5 years). Charging or regularly replacing batteries for all these loT devices would be impractical, considering the significant consumption of manpower and materials.

[0078] Some use cases leveraging Ambient loT devices include: ID tags (e.g. replacing RFID with a wider range); sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.); healthcare devices (e.g. monitoring personal medical information); and logistics (e.g. tracking objects).

[0079] Components of the system architecture for Ambient loT may include:

[0080] - Activator (or Illuminator): this apparatus, node or function may send an activation signal to wake up passive radios (e.g. AIoT devices) by providing energy that allows the Ambient loT devices to transmit their messages.

[0081] - Ambient loT devices (radios): loT devices powered by energy harvesting.

[0082] - Reader (or Receiver): this apparatus, node or function may listen and detect the passive radio signals. The reader may or may not be collocated with the activator.

[0083] By incorporating Ambient loT technology into the loT ecosystem, various use cases may be addressed while reducing the dependency on conventional power sources.

[0084] Ambient loT support is a study item in 3GPP R19; the following two topologies are supported: topology 1: BS Ambient loT device, and topology 2: BS «-> intermediate node Ambient loT device.

[0085] In topology 1, the Ambient loT device (220) may directly and bidirectionally communicate with a base station (210), as shown in FIG. 2. In the example of FIG. 2, the communication between the base station (210) and the ambient loT device (220) may include Ambient loT data and / or signalling (240). The link between gNB and the AIoT device in downlink is referred to as R2D (230). The link between AIoT device and the gNB is referred to as D2R (250). This topology includes the possibility that the BS transmitting to the Ambient loT device may be different from the BS receiving from the Ambient loT device.

[0086] In topology 2, the Ambient loT device (330) may communicate bidirectionally with an intermediate node (320) between the device (330) and the base station (310), as shown in FIG. 3. In this topology, the intermediate node may be a relay, IAB node, UE, repeater, a 3GPP apparatus, any apparatus which is capable of Ambient loT, etc. Multiple intermediate (assisting) nodes may be included in topology 2. In the example of FIG. 3, the intermediate node (320) may transfer Ambient loT data and / or signalling (360) between the BS (310) and the Ambient loT device (330). The link between the intermediate node and the AIoT device in downlink is referred to as R2D (350). The link between the AIoT device and the intermediate node is referred to as D2R (370).

[0087] A carrier wave is a wave used by the AIOT device to modulate and backscatter the AIOT reply. The CW signal may be a standalone signal. The CW signal may be different from the activation signal; alternatively, the activation signal may embed a CW. The CW signal may be used to carry the AIOT transmission for those AIOT devices which cannot actively and independently generate a signal of their own (e.g. device types 1 and 2a). In other words, the CW may be transformed (e.g. modulated) by the AIOT device to contain the AIOT payload (e.g. ID, data and other control information, etc.) and reflected (i.e., backscattered) either immediately or with a delay pre-configured by the activator via reader to device (R2D) signal configuration. The CW may be used by multiple AIOT devices.

[0088] The entity generating the CW should be as close as possible, or sufficiently close (e.g. within a minimum distance) to the AIOT device, and should transmit the CW at high enough power, on the correct carrier frequency and for a sufficiently long time, so that: the AIOT device can modulate all its payload onto said CW (i.e. CW is long enough for the payload to be completely provided); and the AIOT reply can be successfully decoded by a reader within the coverage area of said AIOT device. An activator node or an independent carrier wave provider may provide the CW to the AIOT device.

[0089] It is noted that, in Release 18, deployment scenarios, use cases, services, and design targets of Ambient loT were studied in TR 38.848 (3GPP TR 38.848, “Study on Ambient loT (Internet of Things) in RAN”). It is also noted that, in Release 19, a further assessment at RAN WG-level of Ambient loT, a new 3GPP loT technology, suitable for deployment in a 3GPP system, which relies on ultra-low complexity devices with ultralow power consumption for the very-low end loT applications will be performed according to RP-234058 (RP-234058, “New SID: Study on solutions for Ambient loT (Internet of Things) in NR”).

[0090] It is noted that the SA2 RI9 AIoT Study item description (SP-231803 (SP-231803, “New SID: Study on Architecture support of Ambient power-enabled Internet of Things”)) was approved by SA plenary at SA#102 (Dec. 2023).

[0091] It is noted that, in RAN SID (RP-234058 (RP-234058, “New SID: Study on solutions for Ambient loT (Internet of Things) in NR”)), the following objective were included: “...Study and decide which functions are needed for an Ambient loT compact protocol stack and lightweight signalling procedure to enable DO-DTT and DT data transmission, and study those functions. This includes Paging. Identify necessary impacts on signaling and procedures for CN-RAN interface, to enable Paging...”

[0092] It is noted that, In SA2 SID (SP-231803 (SP-231803, “New SID: Study on Architecture support of Ambient power-enabled Internet of Things”)) the following objective were included: “...WT#2 Identification, Subscription, Registration and Connection management to support Ambient loT devices WT#2.2 Study whether and how reachability and paging apply to Ambient loT device(s) considering the Ambient loT devices capability and characteristics, and if so, what are the impacts. WT#2.3 Study how to identify Ambient loT device or group of devices and how to format the identifier...”

[0093] It is noted that, in case of DO-DTT transmissions, the activators send the activation signal to the devices and the devices would backscatter or initiate an UL transmission. If the activator and the reader are different, they need to be synchronized to be able to successfully perform data transmission.

[0094] Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated is an example of a bistatic configuration for topology 2, where the UE may be used as an intermediate node (430), and different UEs may be configured to act as activator and reader. In such a scenario, the gNB (420) may be connected to 5GC (410), and may instruct the activator to send the activation signal to the AIoT device (440), for example over the Uu interface (450). The AIoT device (440) may backscatter or respond to the signal from the activator (460). The reader UE may receive the UL signal from the AIoT device (440) and report it to the gNB (420). To perform this transmission and reception to and from the AIoT device (440), the activator and the reader UE may need to be synchronized. This synchronization may include, for example, aspects such as at what time the activator would / will be activating the AIoT devices, how long should the activation process take place, when should a reader be prepared to receive the signal from the AIoT devices, the band on which transmission will be received, and any device-related information (such as the type of devices expected to respond, whether their transmissions are backscattered or internally generated, and the number / IDs of targeted devices in case the activator triggers multiple specific devices). This problem may be applicable to all the device types, for example 1, 2a and 2b. The device type 1 has no energy storage, and no independent signal generation / amplification, i.e. backscattering transmission. The device type 2a has energy storage, and no independent signal generation, i.e. backscattering transmission. Use of stored energy can include amplification for reflected signals. The device type 2b has energy storage, and has independent signal generation, i.e., active RF components for transmission.

[0095] In the present disclosure, “synchronization” may refer to synchronization in the time domain, synchronization in the frequency domain, or simply a common understanding between two or more entities as to the timeline according to which each entity will perform one or more actions.

[0096] The same observation may hold true in case of topology 1 and a bistatic configuration, where the activator and the reader may be two different gNBs. In this scenario, the two gNBs may need to synchronize between them to perform successful data transmission to and from the AIoT device(s).

[0097] Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated is an example bistatic configuration for topology 2 with two different UEs as assisting nodes (530), along with an independent carrier wave (CW) provider (540). In the example of FIG. 5, the gNB (520) may be connected to 5GC (510), and may instruct the intermediate node (530) to send the activation signal to the AIoT device (550), for example over the Uu interface (560). An independent CW provider (540) may provide the CW to the AIoT device (550), which may backscatter the CW signal as AIoT data / signaling (570).

[0098] The agreed RANI study has an objective to study the necessary characteristics of carrier-wave signal for a carrier wave provided externally to the Ambient loT device, including for interference handling at an Ambient loT UL receiver, and at a NR base station. This objective may allow using CW waveform characteristics, which may need control of the CW node(s), for example control of waveform characteristics that impact interference, such as when the CW is transmitted or not transmitted, power, bandwidth, spectrum, etc. When a carrier wave is provided externally (i.e. from a node that is different from the activator), the activator node(s) and the CW provider may need to be synchronized. This problem may be applicable to both topologies, and to both monostatic and bi static configurations.

[0099] If synchronization is not achieved between relevant parts of a topology around an AIoT device, one or more of the following consequences may result:

[00100] - The activator may activate the AIoT devices when the reader is not listening. This may result in degraded battery life of the activator, reader (particularly in topology 2), and / or the AIoT device.

[00101] - The activator may be activating unavailable devices (e.g. devices that are without energy). The reader may receive, from the unavailable devices, an indication that they may not be available for some time (e.g. due to low energy storage levels).

[00102] - Poor spectral efficiency for AIoT transmissions and receptions.

[00103] - In case of an activator that is different from the CW generator, and the entities (CW generator, and reader(s)) are not synchronized, there may be poor energy utilization in all the three entities; unnecessary high cross interference levels in case the CW signal is transmitted too early before the corresponding R2D signal; failed D2R transmission in case the CW signal is transmitted too late after the corresponding D2R signal such that the time separation between the R2D transmission and the consequent D2R transmission is larger than an allowed limit; and / or failure to receive the desired R2D signal in case there is a timing overlap between the CW signal and the desired R2D signal.

[00104] A technical effect of example embodiments of the present disclosure may be to synchronize the activator and the reader when they are two different entities.

[00105] A technical effect of example embodiments of the present disclosure may be to synchronize the CW provider and the reader or the CW provider and the activator.

[00106] In an example embodiment, time and frequency synchronization may be performed between activator and reader nodes or activator, reader, and CW provider nodes in a bistatic configuration for both / either of the topologies (topology 1&2) and for all the device types (1, 2a and / or 2b).

[00107] In case of topology 1 and a bi static configuration, the CN / AIoTF may decide on (e.g. determine) the synchronization aspects (e.g. information or parameters), and indicate this to the activator gNB and the reader gNB. In an example embodiment, this information may also be provided in the paging message from the CN / AIoTF to the activator gNB and the reader gNB.

[00108] In case of topology 2 and a bistatic configuration, the gNB or CN / AIoTF may select UEs that may act as intermediate nodes, i.e. reader or activator. Post selection of the UEs as intermediate nodes, the gNB may configure the intermediate nodes (both reader and activator) with the synchronization information.

[00109] In both topologies, the synchronization can be for at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation.

[00110] One shot activation means the activation happens in one shot, and there is no repetitions or periodicity. A configuration of this kind of activation may contain / comprise the start time of the activation and the activation duration.

[00111] Periodic activation means the activation happens periodically. The periodicity may be indicated to the activator and reader nodes. A configuration of this kind of activation may contain / comprise the start time of activation, the activation duration, the periodicity, and the stop time.

[00112] Aperiodic activation means the activation happens aperiodically. There is no periodicity involved in the configuration of this kind of activation, but rather a list of tuples (explicitly) indicating the start times and the activation durations may be included.

[00113] Apart from these different kinds of synchronization types between an activator and the reader, there are certain parameters that are common to all the different types that may help the activator and reader to perform efficient data transmission and reception. For example, frequency information of the R2D and D2R signal may be included in the configuration of each of the activation types. Additionally or alternatively, device related information, such as device IDs of devices intended to respond, device type, nature of D2R signals (whether backscattered or internally generated), and the amount of stored energy levels at the device, may be included in the configuration of each of the activation types.

[00114] In an example embodiment, the reader may also share the information about its power sensitivity levels with the activator (e.g. as part of the alignment report). Based on this information, the activator may adjust the power of the activation signal to ensure that the received power at the reader is above a specific threshold. The gNB or the core network may also perform this alignment between activator and the reader.

[00115] The frequency information may help the reader to have an idea on the D2R frequency information of the backscattered / transmitted signals. For backscattered signals, this frequency information may indicate, to the reader, the amount of frequency shifts and the type of frequency shifts (whether large or small) that the device may apply to its D2R transmissions, backscattered signals, resource ID, resource set ID, center frequency ID, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the frequency information may include bandwidth, the number of RBs, starting point of the bandwidth, and / or a starting RB index. For D2R signals that are internally generated at the device, this frequency information may indicate specific center / resource frequency IDs that the device may use for its D2R transmissions. This frequency information may be useful for the reader to perform filtering prior to demodulation of the backscattered signal.

[00116] In the case of having different activator and CW provider, where the CW is provided externally, it may be required to have all the three entities (i.e. the activator, the CW provider and the reader) in synchronization. In this scenario, the activator may be responsible for only providing the R2D transmission, and the carrier wave (i.e. CW2D) may be provided externally. If not synchronized, the devices may not be able to read the R2D transmission and respond. The reader may also be synchronized with the CW generator, as the reader needs to receive the backscattered response from the devices. Without synchronization, the reader may fail to read the D2R transmission; this may lead to poor spectral efficiency, energy utilization and throughput.

[00117] In an example embodiment, synchronization information may be indicated to the (independent) CW provider.

[00118] In an example embodiment, the information for synchronization may be indicated to CW provider in the same way as it is indicated to the activator and reader as described above (i.e., directly by the CN / AIoTF or gNB).

[00119] In another example embodiment, the information for synchronization may be indicated to the CW provider via the R2D message sent to the device (e.g., in a header or footer). This may take advantage of the fact that the CW transmission (for backscattering) may need to start only after the completion of the R2D transmission. That is, the CW provider may decode the R2D transmission and extract the synchronization 26 information embedded in the message (e.g., in the header or footer). This approach may be independent of the activation type (e.g. one-shot / periodic / aperiodic), since the CW provider may obtain synchronization information each time from the R2D message.

[00120] It may be noted that CW transmission may be for energy harvesting, backscattering, or both. CW signal transmission may occur before or after completion of R2D transmission.

[00121] In an example embodiment, in an AIoT architecture with separate nodes for CW generation and reader functionality for Tl, the gNB controlling CW generation may inform its CW node details to the CN / AIOTF including location, frequency and / or timing information, and / or power of transmission. In an example embodiment, the gNB acting as reader may indicate its location and the receiver frequency it supports to the CN / AIOTF. In an example embodiment, the gNB may include information for the CW node in a paging message to the reader, which may include CW node ID and / or other timing information.

[00122] In an example embodiment, the CN / AIOTF may coordinate R2D transmission (e.g. paging transmission) via activator node, CW signal transmission via CW node (either directly or via the R2D message) and / or D2R response reception (e.g., paging response reception) via reader node by sending an AIoT synchronization message to the aforementioned entities, including start, duration, frequency information, and / or periodicity of activation.

[00123] In an example embodiment, the CN / AIOTF may send a new message for paging reception along with details of expected device-ID information for the receiver to decode the paging response. In an example embodiment, the reader may send an AIoT reader synchronization message to the activator and / or CN / AIoTF that may indicate non reception of a valid D2R response (e.g., paging response), which may allow the CN / AIOTF and the activator to trigger the CW transmission and R2D transmission, respectively, again. Additionally or alternatively, the synchronization message may include CW node and timing information (optionally, this may be transparent to the reader). Additionally or alternatively, the synchronization message may include information about the power sensitivity levels of the reader; the activator may adjust the activation signal transmission power accordingly. Additionally or alternatively, the synchronization message may share information about the status current energy levels stored at the AIoT device(s) and whether the AIoT device(s) will be able to receive subsequent R2D transmissions or not.

[00124] In an example embodiment, the activator may send an AIoT activator synchronization message to the reader and / or CN / AIoTF that may indicate frequency information (e.g., resource ID(s), amount and type of frequency shifts) of corresponding D2R transmissions that will be received from the AIoT device(s). Additionally or alternatively, the AIoT activator synchronization message from the activator to the reader may share device related information such as device type(s), type of expected D2R transmissions (backscattered or internally generated), and / or the number / IDs of targeted devices, for example in case the activator triggers multiple specific devices.

[00125] In an example embodiment, the CW node may receive a trigger message from the CN / AIOTF or the gNB with CW node and timing information. In an example embodiment, the CW node may determine a start time for CW transmission and / or duration of the CW transmission based on, at least, the timing information. In an example embodiment, the CW node may transmit the CW signal based on the determined timing information. In an example embodiment, the CW node may receive a trigger message for retransmission (e.g. the CW provider may need to store the command for retransmission).

[00126] In an example embodiment, the CW node may receive a paging message (e.g. sent to the AIoT device) from the activator that may comprise a CW node header and timing information. In an example embodiment, the CW node may determine R2D signal end timing information and CW signal start time and duration by decoding the R2D message. In an example embodiment, the CW node may transmit the CW signal based on the determined timing information. In an example embodiment, the CW node may receive a paging command for retransmission (e.g. the CW node may need to store the command for retransmission).

[00127] In an example embodiment, the reader and the CW provider node may communicate via AIoT interface. In an example embodiment, the activator gNB (which may also provide the AIoT device with a CW signal) may send the reader activation related message via a separate frequency. In an example embodiment, the reader gNB may need to monitor this frequency continuously for short commands. In an example embodiment, the actual Reader interface may be activated on a different frequency for actual data transmission.

[00128] Referring now to FIG. 6, illustrated is an example of activator gNB and reader gNB synchronization in a bistatic configuration in topology 1, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00129] In an example embodiment, in case of bistatic configuration, the assistance information of synchronization between the activator gNB and the reader gNB may be communicated from the CN / AIoTF to the activator gNB and the reader gNB. In an example embodiment, this assistance information may be communicated via a service request from the CN / AIoTF to the activator gNB and the reader gNB. Alternatively, the assistance information may be transmitted via paging message.

[00130] In the present disclosure, the terms synchronization message, AIoT synchronization message, assistance information, and synchronization information may be used interchangeably.

[00131] In the present disclosure, the terms activator, activator UE, activator apparatus, activator function, activator gNB, activator node, and activator network node may be used interchangeably.

[00132] In the present disclosure, the terms reader, reader UE, reader apparatus, reader function, reader gNB, reader node, and reader network node may be used interchangeably.

[00133] In the example of FIG. 6, three different assistance information examples are illustrated, which are respectively associated with different types of activation / synchronization. In each of the examples, the assistance information may be provided by the 5GC / AMF to the activator gNB and the reader gNB. However, this is not limiting; other nodes, user equipments, network functions, or entities may perform the functions of the reader and / or of the activator.

[00134] In option 1 (610), an example of assistance information for one shot activation is illustrated. The assistance information for synchronization may be applied one-shot to the activator gNB and the reader gNB in this kind of activation mechanism. One shot activation assistance information may contain / comprise the start time of the activation, the activation duration, and / or frequency information of the activation signal. In case this assistance information is communicated via a service request, then it may also contain / comprise information of whether this synchronization message is for reading or transmitting the activation signal.

[00135] In option 2 (620), an example of assistance information for periodic activation is illustrated. In this type of the activation, the assistance information for synchronization may be used periodically, depending upon the configuration. Periodic activation assistance information may include the start time of the activation, the activation duration, the periodicity of the activation, the end time of the activation, and / or the frequency information of the activation signal. In case this assistance information is communicated via a service request, then it may also contain information of whether this synchronization message is for reading or transmitting the activation signal.

[00136] In an example, the start time of activation may be 9AM, the activation duration may be 2 mins, and the periodicity may be 1 hour. This may indicate that the activation should happen every 1 hour starting from 9AM, and activation duration may be 2 mins until the indicated stop time. The activation duration and slots in this case may b e be 9AM to 9:02AM, 10AM to 10:02AM, etc. The end time of 2:02PM may indicate that this periodic activation may continue / repeat / happen until 2:02PM; the information may be discarded post / after that time instance.

[00137] In option 3 (630), an example of assistance information for aperiodic activation is illustrated. In this type of activation, multiple instances of the assistance information for synchronization may be provided, along with the complete information, and may be aperiodic in nature. Aperiodic activation assistance information may contain a list of tuples of start time and activation duration, as well as frequency information of the activation signal. If this assistance information is communicated via a service request from the CN / AIOTF to the activator gNB and the reader gNB, the assistance information may also contain information of whether this synchronization message is for reading or transmitting the activation signal.

[00138] The following may be an example of an aperiodic synchronization schedule: start time - 9AM, activation duration 2 mins; start time - 9:20AM, activation duration 1 min; start time - 10:00 AM, activation duration 3 mins; start time 11PM, activation duration 1 min.

[00139] In an example embodiment, for any of the activation types, the activator gNB may transmit, to the CN / AIoT and / or the reader gNB, an AIoT activator synchronization message. The AIoT activator synchronization message may include frequency information of backscattered or internally generated D2R transmissions. For backscattered D2R transmission, such frequency information may be the amount and type (large or small) of frequency shift(s) that the AIoT device may use for its D2R signals, backscattered signals, resource ID, resource set ID, center frequency ID, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the frequency information may include bandwidth, the number of RBs, starting point of the bandwidth, and / or a starting RB index. For internally generated D2R signals, such frequency information may be center frequency and resource frequency ID(s). In an example embodiment, such frequency information may assist the reader gNB to align its Uu transmission / reception to happen outside these time / frequency resources. In addition, the reader gNB may utilize this frequency information to perform the reader-based measurements (e.g. timing measurements) that may be used for AIoT device localization / proximity estimation from the reader gNB. The accuracy of the reader-based measurements may depend on knowing the exact time / frequency resources that the AIoT device used for its D2R transmissions.

[00140] Additionally or alternatively, the AIoT activator synchronization message may include device-related information, such as the device type, the type of D2R transmission(s) expected to be received (backscattered or internally generated), and / or the number / IDs of needed devices to respond in case the activator gNB triggers specific known device(s). This may be beneficial for the reader gNB to report, to the CN / AIoTF or activator gNB, the devices that didn’t respond, or to directly indicate to the activator gNB to re-trigger these devices again.

[00141] In an example embodiment, the assistance information transmitted to the activator and reader gNBs may comprise a list of AIoT devices that are targeted to be activated, and / or the number of AIoT devices that are targeted to be activated.

[00142] In an example embodiment, the activator gNB may transmit, to the reader gNB and / or the network, an indication of which AIoT devices, or how many AIoT devices, are to be targeted for activation. When received by the 5GC / AMF, the synchronization assistance information may be determined based, at least partially, on this information. When received by the reader gNB, this information may be used by the reader gNB to perform monitoring of the AIoT device.

[00143] At 640, the activator gNB may activate the AIoT device(s) based on the synchronization information. In an example embodiment, the activator gNB may transmit, to the AIoT device, an activation signal based, at least partially, on the assistance information (e.g. schedule, start and end time, validity time, etc.).

[00144] At 650, the reader gNB may read the signals from the AIoT devices based, at least partially, on the synchronization information. In an example embodiment, the AIoT device may backscatter a message in response to the activation signal. The reader gNB may read the backscattered message of the AIoT device based, at least partially, on the assistance information (e.g. schedule, start and end time, etc.).

[00145] In an example embodiment, the reader gNB may share a AIoT reader synchronization message with the CN / AIoT and / or activator gNB. In an example embodiment, the AIoT reader synchronization message may comprise information about the energy storage level at the AIoT device, and / or whether the AIoT device will be able to receive the subsequent R2D transmission(s) or not. The AIoT device may share such information with the reader gNB in case it is about to run out of energy, or if it needs additional energy harvesting time before being ready again for receiving R2D transmissions and backscattering / sending the corresponding D2R transmissions. A technical effect of the activator gNB receiving such information may be to avoid waiting for the D2R transmissions while the AIoT device is not available (i.e. out of energy) and / or to avoid sending R2D transmissions to the AIoT device until it is ready for responding to them again. A technical effect of the activator gNB receiving such information may be to enable the activator gNB to align its Uu transmissions based on the newly indicated availability times of the AIoT device and / or avoiding scheduling of Uu transmissions during these time periods during which the AIoT device is available.

[00146] Additionally or alternatively, the AIoT reader synchronization message may comprise, during the AIoT access procedure, an indication of whether Msg 1 / MsgA and / or Msg3 are received from the AIoT device or not, and / or some or all of the contents of these messages. A technical effect of the activator gNB receiving such information may be to enable the activator gNB to decide whether to complete the access procedure with the AIoT device, or retrigger it again.

[00147] In an example embodiment, the reader gNB may determine how many, or which, AIoT devices have responded to the activation. The reader gNB may then indicate, to the network or the activator gNB, how many / which of the targeted AIoT devices have responded. Additionally or alternatively, the reader gNB may indicate an identifier of at least one AIoT device that did not provide a response (e.g. backscattered CW signal), or from which a response was not received. Based on this information, the activator gNB may be caused to activate the AIoT devices that did not previously respond to an activation signal. When received by the 5GC / AMF, the synchronization assistance information may be determined based, at least partially, on this information. When received by the activator gNB, this information may serve as assistance information that causes the activator gNB to send an activation signal to one or more non-responding AIoT devices again. In other words, the activator gNB may transmit at least one activation signal to at least one user equipment based on the synchronization assistance information received from the 5GC / AMF and based on the assistance information received from the reader gNB.

[00148] At 660, the reader gNB may communicate / transmit, to the 5GC / AMF, the AIoT response received from the AIoT device.

[00149] In topology 1, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the synchronization information may be shared from the 5GC / AMF to the reader gNB via the PAGING message defined in clause 9.2.4 in TS 38.413. New information elements may be added to the PAGING message indicating the synchronization requirements and the details of the synchronization.

[00150] Referring now to FIG. 7, illustrated is an example of activator UE-reader UE synchronization in a bistatic configuration in topology 2, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 7, three different assistance information examples are illustrated, which are respectively associated with different types of activation / synchronization. In each of the examples, the assistance information may be provided by the gNB to the activator UE and the reader UE. However, this is not limiting; other nodes, user equipments, network functions, or entities may perform the functions of the reader and / or of the activator. The assistance information may be provided, for example, via AIoT synchronization message.

[00151] At 705, the CN / AIoTF may forward the AIoT data request or discovery request to the gNB. In case of bistatic configuration, the network (CN / AIoTF and the gNB) may together identify the intermediate node (UEs) that may serve as the reader and the activator. The assistance information of synchronization between the activator UE and the reader UE may be communicated from the gNB to the activator UE and the reader UE. In an example embodiment, this assistance information may be communicated via a NAS message from the 5GC to the activator UE and the reader UE.

[00152] In option 1 (710), an example of assistance information for one shot activation is illustrated. The assistance information for synchronization may be applied one-shot to the activator UE and the reader UE in this kind of activation mechanism. The one shot activation assistance information may contain the start time of the activation, the activation duration, and / or the frequency band of the activation signal (e.g. frequency information). This may be similar to the information described with respect to 610 of FIG. 6.

[00153] In option 2 (720), an example of assistance information for periodic activation is illustrated. In this type of activation, the assistance information for synchronization may be used periodically depending upon the configuration. Periodic activation assistance information may include the start time of the activation, the activation duration, the periodicity of the activation, the end time of the activation, and / or the frequency band of the activation signal (e.g. frequency information). This may be similar to the information described with respect to 620 of FIG. 6.

[00154] In option 3 (730), an example of assistance information for aperiodic activation is illustrated. In this type of activation, multiple instances of the assistance information for synchronization may be provided, along with the complete information, and the activation may be aperiodic in nature. Aperiodic activation assistance information may contain a list of tuples of start time and activation duration, as well as frequency band of the activation signal (e g. frequency information). This may be similar to the information described with respect to 630 of FIG. 6.

[00155] In an example embodiment, for all the above activation types, the activator UE may share an AIoT activator synchronization message with the gNB, reader UE and / or CN / AIoTF. In an example embodiment, the AIoT activator synchronization message may comprise frequency information of backscattered or internally generated D2R transmissions. For backscattered D2R transmission(s), such information may be the amount and type (large or small) of frequency shift(s) that the AIoT device is indicated to use for its D2R signals, backscattered signals, resource ID, resource set ID, center frequency ID, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the frequency information may include bandwidth, the number of RBs, starting point of the bandwidth, and / or a starting RB index. For internally generated D2R signals, such frequency information may be center frequency and resource frequency ID(s). Such frequency information may be used by the reader UE to align its Uu transmission(s) / reception(s) to happen outside these time / frequency resources. In addition, the reader UE may utilize this frequency information to perform the reader-based measurements (such as timing measurements) that may be used for AIoT device localization / proximity estimation from the reader UE. The accuracy of the reader-based measurements may depend on knowing the exact time / frequency resources that the device used for its D2R transmissions.

[00156] Additionally or alternatively, the AIoT activator synchronization message may comprise device-related information such as the device type, the type of D2R transmissions expected to be received (e.g. backscattered or internally generated), and / or the number / IDs of needed devices to respond in case the activator UE triggers specific known device(s). Based on this information, the CN / AIoTF, activator UE, or gNB may determine which devices didn’t respond; the activator UE may be indicted to re-trigger these devices again.

[00157] For example, if the activator UE triggers 50 AIoT devices and their IDs are known to the activator UE, the activator UE may indicate the IDs of the devices for which it is expecting a response in the synchronization message. Similarly, the activator may indicate how many devices are expected to, or should, respond in the synchronization message.

[00158] In another example, the IDs or number of to-be-triggered AIoT devices may not be known to the activator UE. Accordingly, inclusion of information about IDs / numbers of devices needed to respond in the synchronization message may be contingent upon the availability of this information at the activator UE.

[00159] At 740, the activator UE may activate the AIoT device(s) based on the received synchronization information. For example, the activator UE may determine when to transmit an activation signal based, at least partially, on the synchronization information. At 750, the reader UE may read the signals (e.g. backscattered signals) from the AIoT device(s) based, at least partially, on the synchronization information. For example, the reader UE may determine when to monitor for the D2R signals based, at least partially, on the synchronization information.

[00160] In an example embodiment, the reader UE may share an AIoT reader synchronization message with the gNB, CN / AIoT, and / or activator UE. The AIoT reader synchronization message may comprise information about the energy storage level at the AIoT device and / or an indication of whether the AIoT device will be able to receive the subsequent R2D transmissions or not. The AIoT device may share such information with the reader UE in case it is about to run out of energy, or if it needs additional energy harvesting time before being ready again for receiving R2D transmissions and backscattering / sending the corresponding D2R transmissions. Based on this information, the activator UE may be able to avoid waiting for the D2R transmissions while the device is not available (i.e., out of energy), and / or may be able to avoid sending R2D transmissions to the AIoT device until the AIoT device is ready for responding to them again. The activator UE may align its Uu transmissions based on the newly indicated availability times of the AIoT device by avoiding scheduling of Uu transmissions during these time periods.

[00161] Additionally or alternatively, the AIoT reader synchronization message may comprise, during the AIoT access procedure, an indication of whether Msg 1 / Msg A and / or Msg3 are received from the AIoT device or not, and may also share / comprise some / all of the contents of these messages. Based on this information, the activator UE may decide whether to complete the access procedure with the AIoT device, or retrigger it again.

[00162] At 750, the reader UE may communicate the AIoT response further to the core, via the gNB, and subsequently the core may forward the AIoT response to the AF.

[00163] In topology 2, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the synchronization information may be indicated to the reader UE from the gNb via RRC signaling. After the RRC connection has been established, the RRC connection reconfiguration signaling may indicate the kind of activation as described above, and carry the associated information required for synchronization.

[00164] In an alternative example embodiment, the synchronization parameters may be signaled via MAC CE. A new MAC CE may carry the type of activation and the associated synchronization information. TS 38.321 may be enhanced with a new MAC CE for this purpose.

[00165] Referring now to FIG. 8, illustrated is an example of activator gNB-reader gNB synchronization with an independent carrier wave provider in a bistatic configuration in topology 1, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example embodiment, direct CW provider control may be enabled.

[00166] In FIG. 8, three different assistance information examples are illustrated, which are respectively associated with different types of activation / synchronization. In each of the examples, assistance information may be provided by the 5GC to the activator gNB, the reader gNB, and the independent CW provider. However, this is not limiting; other nodes, user equipments, network functions, or entities may perform the functions of the reader, the activator, and / or the CW provider.

[00167] In the present disclosure, the terms carrier wave provider, independent carrier wave provide, carrier wave node, node configured to provide carrier waves, and carrier wave node may be used interchangeably. A carrier wave node may be a network node. Additionally or alternatively, the carrier wave node may be implemented in a same entity as a reader.

[00168] In an example embodiment, in case of a bistatic configuration with an independent carrier wave provider (ICWP), the synchronization may need to happen between two pair of entities. In an example embodiment, one synchronization may occur between the activator gNB and the ICWP, and another kind of synchronization may occur between the reader gNB and the ICWP.

[00169] The ICWP may receive the synchronization parameters from the CN / AIoTF and use the parameters to transmit a CW signal to the AIoT device. The AIoT device may use the CW signal from the ICWP for backscattering, but it may also use the CW signal for harvesting energy. The latter may happen before the activator gNB sends the activation signal to the AIoT device, whereas backscattering may happen in response to the activation signal.

[00170] In some cases, the AIoT device may also use the CW signal to harvest additional energy for receiving the activation (R2D) signal. In some other cases, the AIoT device may harvest the energy from the R2D signal itself.

[00171] In the next set of synchronization, the reader gNB and the ICWP may be synchronized. This may help the ICWP to provide the frequency information to the AIoT device, which may be used by the AIoT device to backscatter the D2R signal.

[00172] While FIG. 8 illustrates examples in which the activator-CW synchronization information is provided before the reader gNB -CW synchronization information is provided, this is not limiting; the assistance information may be provided in a different order, or at least partially concurrently.

[00173] In option 1 (810), an example of assistance information for one shot activation is illustrated. At 812, assistance information may be provided to the activator gNB and the ICWP for synchronizing the activator gNB and the ICWP. At 814, assistance information may be provided to the reader gNB and the ICWP for synchronizing the reader gNB and the ICWP.

[00174] As part of one shot synchronization between the activator gNB and the ICWP, the following synchronization parameters may be communicated from CN / AIoTF to the activator gNB and the ICWP: the start time and duration of the activation for the ICWP and the activator gNB (e.g. a start time for the ICWP, a start time for the activator gNB, a duration for the ICWP, and a duration for the activator gNB). The time duration may be the same or different for each of the ICWP and the activator gNB; this may depend on the AIoT device’s capability to harvest and read at the same time, or in a sequential manner. If the device capability does not support concurrent energy harvesting and reading, then the timelines (e.g. of when each node will perform one or more actions) for the ICWP and the activator gNB may be sequential. For example, the ICWP may transmit the CW signal first, and then the activator gNB may send the activation signal or R2D signal to the AIoT device or vice versa.

[00175] In an example embodiment, the start time for the ICWP may comprise a start time for carrier wave transmission. In an example embodiment, the duration for the ICWP may comprise a duration for the carrier wave transmission.

[00176] If this assistance information is communicated via a paging message, it may also contain information of whether this synchronization message is for reading or transmitting the activation signal.

[00177] The CN / AIoTF or gNB may indicate the assistance information to the activator gNB and the IWCP.

[00178] Between the reader gNB and the ICWP, the following information may be communicated: the start time, the duration, and the frequency band (e.g. frequency information) for the ICWP and the reader gNB (e.g. a start time, duration, and frequency information for the ICWP, and a start time, duration, frequency information for the reader gNB). The values for the ICWP and the values for the reader gNB may be the same, or may be different. The ICWP may use this information to reach the AIoT device(s) and to provide the carrier wave for the backscattering by the AIoT device(s).

[00179] In an example embodiment, the start time for the reader gNB may comprise a start time for reception of at least one D2R signal. In an example embodiment, the duration for the reader gNB may comprise a duration for reception of the at least one D2R signal.

[00180] If this assistance information is communicated via a paging message, then it may also contain information of whether this synchronization message is for reading or transmitting the activation signal.

[00181] The CN / AIoTF or gNB may indicate the assistance information to the reader gNB and the IWCP. Alternatively, the reader gNB and the ICWP synchronization may be performed implicitly by synchronization between the reader gNB and the activator gNB, and between the activator gNB and the ICWP.

[00182] In option 2 (820), an example of assistance information for periodic activation is illustrated. At 822, assistance information may be provided to the activator gNB and the ICWP for synchronizing the activator gNB and the ICWP. At 824, assistance information may be provided to the reader gNB and the ICWP for synchronizing the reader gNB and the ICWP.

[00183] In this case, the assistance information for the synchronization may be used periodically, depending upon the configuration. Periodic activation assistance information may include the start time of the activation, the activation duration, the periodicity of the activation, and / or the end time of the activation for both the ICWP and the activator gNB (e.g. start time, duration, periodicity, and / or end time for the ICWP, and start time, duration, periodicity, and / or end time for the activator gNB). As mentioned in the one-shot activation case, the timelines may overlap between the activator gNB and the ICWP, or the timelines may be mutually exclusive. This may depend on the capability of the AIoT device.

[00184] In an example embodiment, the start time for the ICWP may comprise a start time for carrier wave transmission. In an example embodiment, the duration for the ICWP may comprise a duration for the carrier wave transmission. In an example embodiment, the end time for the ICWP may comprise an end time for the carrier wave transmission. In an example embodiment, the periodicity for the ICWP may comprise a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission.

[00185] The reader gNB and the ICWP synchronization may have the same kind of assistance information as for the activator gNB - ICWP synchronization.

[00186] If this assistance information is communicated via a paging message, then it may also contain information as to whether this synchronization message is for reading or transmitting the activation signal.

[00187] The CN / AIoTF or gNB may indicate the assistance information to the activator gNB and the IWCP.

[00188] Between the reader gNB and the IWCP, the same kind of information may be provided as for the activator gNB - ICWP synchronization. The start time, periodicity and the duration of the activation may be synchronized between the reader gNB and the ICWP. Along with that, the frequency information of the D2R transmission(s) may be provided to both the reader gNB and the ICWP. This frequency information may be used by the ICWP to provide the carrier wave to the AIoT device and enable the AIoT device to backscatter the CW signal.

[00189] In an example embodiment, the start time for the reader gNB may comprise a start time for reception of at least one D2R signal. In an example embodiment, the duration for the reader gNB may comprise a duration for reception of the at least one D2R signal. In an example embodiment, the end time for the reader gNB may comprise an end time for reception of the at least one D2R signal. In an example embodiment, the periodicity for the reader gNB may comprise a periodicity for reception of the at least one D2R signal.

[00190] If this assistance information is communicated via a paging message, it may also contain information as to whether this synchronization message is for reading or transmitting the activation signal.

[00191] The CN / AIoTF or gNB may indicate the assistance information to the reader gNB and the IWCP.

[00192] In option 3 (830), an example of assistance information for aperiodic activation is illustrated. At 832, assistance information may be provided to the activator gNB and the ICWP for synchronizing the activator gNB and the ICWP. At 834, assistance information may be provided to the reader gNB and the ICWP for synchronizing the reader gNB and the ICWP.

[00193] In case of activator gNB - ICWP synchronization, multiple instances of the assistance information for synchronization may be provided, along with the complete information, and the activation may be aperiodic in nature. Aperiodic activation assistance information may contain a list of tuples of start time and activation duration, as well as the activation signal power.

[00194] If this assistance information is communicated via a paging message, then it may also contain information as to whether this synchronization message is for reading or transmitting the activation signal.

[00195] The CN / AIoTF or gNB may indicate the assistance information to activator gNB and IWCP.

[00196] In case of reader gNB - ICWP synchronization, the same parameters as in the case of activator gNB - ICWP synchronization may be provided, along with the frequency information of the D2R transmissions. This may help the ICWP to provide the signal to the AIoT device to backscatter its D2R signals.

[00197] If this assistance information is communicated via a paging message, then it may also contain information as to whether this synchronization message is for reading or transmitting the activation signal.

[00198] The CN / AIoTF or gNB may indicate the assistance information to the activator gNB and the IWCP.

[00199] At 840, the ICWP may provide the carrier wave to the AIoT device for backscattering based, at least partially, on the activator-CW synchronization information.

[00200] At 850, the activator gNB may communicate the activation data (e.g. activation signal) based, at least partially, on the activator gNB -CW synchronization information.

[00201] At 860, the ICWP may provide the carrier wave for the AIoT device(s) to backscatter their D2R signals based, at least partially, on the reader gNB -CW synchronization information.

[00202] At 870, the AIoT device may backscatter its D2R transmission(s) using the signal(s) from the ICWP. The response may be further forwarded, for example by the reader gNB, to the core (e.g. 5GC).

[00203] In topology 1, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the synchronization information may be shared from the AMF to the reader gNB via the PAGING message defined in clause 9.2.4 in TS 38.413. New information elements may be added to the PAGING message indicating the synchronization requirements and the details of the synchronization as explained above.

[00204] Referring now to FIG. 9, illustrated is an example of activator UE-reader UE synchronization with an independent carrier wave provider in a bi static configuration in topology 2, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example embodiment, direct CW provider control may be enabled.

[00205] In FIG. 9, three different assistance information examples are illustrated, which are respectively associated with different types of activation / synchronization. In each of the examples, assistance information may be provided by the 5GC and / or the gNB to the activator UE, the reader UE, and the independent CW provider. However, this is not limiting; other nodes, user equipments, network functions, or entities may perform the functions of the reader, the activator, and / or the CW provider.

[00206] At 905, the 5GC may send the AIoT request to the gNB. As described with reference to FIG. 8, synchronization between two different pairs of nodes or entities may be applied. One synchronization may be performed between the activator UE and the ICWP, and another synchronization may be performed between the reader UE and the ICWP. The assistance information may be communicated from the gNB to the activator UE and the ICWP, or from the core to the activator UE and the ICWP. Also, the assistance information may be communicated via a NAS message from 5GC to the activator UE and the ICWP, or to the reader UE and the ICWP.

[00207] In option 1 (910), an example of assistance information for one shot activation is illustrated. At 912, assistance information may be provided to the activator UE and the ICWP for synchronizing the activator UE and the ICWP. At 914, assistance information may be provided to the reader UE and the ICWP for synchronizing the reader UE and the ICWP.

[00208] The assistance information between the activator UE and the ICWP may contain the start time and the duration for both the entities. The timelines may overlap, or may be mutually exclusive.

[00209] In an example embodiment, the start time for the ICWP may comprise a start time for carrier wave transmission. In an example embodiment, the duration for the ICWP may comprise a duration for the carrier wave transmission.

[00210] Along with the start time and duration, the frequency information of the reader UE may be indicated to both the reader UE and the ICWP. This may help the ICWP to appropriately send the carrier wave for the AIoT device(s) to backscatter.

[00211] In an example embodiment, the start time for the reader UE may comprise a start time for reception of at least one D2R signal. In an example embodiment, the duration for the reader UE may comprise a duration for reception of the at least one D2R signal.

[00212] In option 2 (920), an example of assistance information for periodic activation is illustrated. At 922, assistance information may be provided to the activator UE and the ICWP for synchronizing the activator UE and the ICWP. At 924, assistance information may be provided to the reader UE and the ICWP for synchronizing the reader UE and the ICWP.

[00213] In an example embodiment, the start time for the ICWP may comprise a start time for carrier wave transmission. In an example embodiment, the duration for the ICWP may comprise a duration for the carrier wave transmission. In an example embodiment, the end time for the ICWP may comprise an end time for the carrier wave transmission. In an example embodiment, the periodicity for the ICWP may comprise a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission.

[00214] The synchronization may be like that of the periodic activation in case of topology 1 with ICWP. The start time, end time, duration and the periodicity may be provided to the activator UE and the ICWP.

[00215] The start time, end time, duration, periodicity and the frequency information of the reader UE and the ICWP may be provided to the reader UE and the ICWP.

[00216] In an example embodiment, the start time for the reader UE may comprise a start time for reception of at least one D2R signal. In an example embodiment, the duration for the reader UE may comprise a duration for reception of the at least one D2R signal. In an example embodiment, the end time for the reader UE may comprise an end time for reception of the at least one D2R signal. In an example embodiment, the periodicity for the reader UE may comprise a periodicity for reception of the at least one D2R signal.

[00217] In option 3 (930), an example of assistance information for aperiodic activation is illustrated. At 932, assistance information may be provided to the activator UE and the ICWP for synchronizing the activator UE and the ICWP. At 934, assistance information may be provided to the reader UE and the ICWP for synchronizing the reader UE and the ICWP.

[00218] The synchronization parameters may contain a list of tuples of start time and activation duration for the activator UE and the ICWP. In case of reader UE and ICWP synchronization, additionally the frequency information may be provided.

[00219] At 940, the ICWP may provide the carrier wave to the AIoT device for energy harvesting based, at least partially, on the received activator UE -CW synchronization information.

[00220] At 950, the activator UE may communicate the activation data (e.g. activation signal) to the AIoT device based, at least partially, on the received activator UE -CW synchronization information.

[00221] At 960, the ICWP may provide the carrier wave for the AIoT device(s) to backscatter in the UL based, at least partially, on the reader UE -CW synchronization information.

[00222] At 970, the AIoT device may backscatter the D2R signals to the reader UE using the signal from the ICWP to the reader UE. The response may be further forwarded to the core.

[00223] In topology 2, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the synchronization information may be indicated to the reader UE from the gNb via RRC signaling. After the RRC connection has been established, RRC connection reconfiguration signaling may indicate the kind of activation, as described above, and carry the associated information required for synchronization.

[00224] In an alternative example embodiment, the synchronization parameters may be signaled via MAC CE. A new MAC CE may carry the type of activation and the associated synchronization information. TS 38.321 may be enhanced with a new MAC CE for this purpose.

[00225] Referring now to FIG. 10, illustrated is an example of activator gNB -reader gNB synchronization with an independent carrier wave provider in a bistatic configuration in topology 1 with indirect CW provider control, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00226] In FIG. 10, three different assistance information examples are illustrated, which are respectively associated with different types of activation / synchronization. In each of the examples, assistance information may be provided by the 5GC to the activator gNB, the reader gNB, and the independent CW provider. However, this is not limiting; other nodes, user equipments, network functions, or entities may perform the functions of the reader, the activator, and / or the CW provider. The assistance information may be provided, for example, via an AIoT discovery / data request.

[00227] It may be noted that the example of FIG. 10 is similar to the example of FIG. 8, with the exception in the approach for synchronizing the CW signal for backscattering with the reader gNB.

[00228] In option 1 (1010), an example of assistance information for one shot activation is illustrated. At 1012, assistance information may be provided to the activator gNB and the ICWP for synchronizing the activator gNB and the ICWP. At 1014, assistance information may be provided to the reader gNB for synchronizing the reader gNB and the ICWP.

[00229] As part of this, between the activator gNB and the ICWP, the following synchronization parameters may be communicated from the CN / AIoTF to the activator gNB and the ICWP: the start time and duration of the activation for the ICWP and the activator gNB. The time duration may be the same or different, for example depending on the AIoT device’s capability to harvest and read at the same time. If the device capability does not support that, then the timelines for ICWP and activator gNB may be sequential. The ICWP may transmit the CW signal first, and then the activator gNB may send the activation signal to the AIoT device or vice versa.

[00230] In an example embodiment, the start time for the ICWP may comprise a start time for carrier wave transmission. In an example embodiment, the duration for the ICWP may comprise a duration for the carrier wave transmission.

[00231] If this assistance information is communicated via a paging message, then it may also contain information as to whether this synchronization message is for reading or transmitting the activation signal.

[00232] The CN / AIoTF or the gNB may indicate the assistance information to the activator gNB and the IWCP. Additional CW information comprising the CW node ID, and / or the start time duration of the CW signal may also be included.

[00233] In an example embodiment, for the activator gNB -ICWP synchronization, the CN / AIoTF may receive information from the activator gNB about the possible / candidate starting transmission time for the R2D signals. The CN / AIoTF may then assign time stamps to the starting transmission times of the CW2D and R2D signals. These time stamps may be within a specific threshold of each other. The CN / AIoTF may indicate this threshold to the activator gNB and the ICWP.

[00234] The start time, duration, and frequency information of the D2R signal may be communicated to the reader gNB. CW information may also be communicated to the reader gNB. If this assistance information is communicated via a paging message, then it may also contain information as to whether this synchronization message is for reading or transmitting the activation signal, and the CN / AIoTF or gNB may indicate the assistance information to the reader gNB.

[00235] In an example embodiment, the start time for the reader gNB may comprise a start time for reception of at least one D2R signal. In an example embodiment, the duration for the reader gNB may comprise a duration for reception of the at least one D2R signal.

[00236] In option 2 (1020), an example of assistance information for periodic activation is illustrated. At 1022, assistance information may be provided to the activator gNB and the ICWP for synchronizing the activator gNB and the ICWP. At 1024, assistance information may be provided to the reader gNB for synchronizing the reader gNB and the ICWP.

[00237] In this case, the assistance information for synchronization may be used periodically, for example depending upon the configuration. Periodic activation assistance information may include the start time of the activation, the activation duration, the periodicity of the activation, and / or the end time of the activation for both the ICWP and the activator gNB. As mentioned in the one-shot activation case, the timelines may overlap between the activator gNB and the ICWP, or they may be mutually exclusive. This may depend on the capability of the AIoT device. The reader gNB and the ICWP synchronization may have the same kind of assistance information as the activator gNB - ICWP synchronization. If this assistance information is communicated via a paging message, then it may also contain information as to whether this synchronization message is for reading or transmitting the activation signal. The CN / AIoTF or the gNB may indicate the assistance information to the activator gNB and the IWCP. Additional CW information, which may comprise the CW node ID and / or the start time duration of the CW signal, may also be included.

[00238] In an example embodiment, the start time for the ICWP may comprise a start time for carrier wave transmission. In an example embodiment, the duration for the ICWP may comprise a duration for the carrier wave transmission. In an example embodiment, the end time for the ICWP may comprise an end time for the carrier wave transmission. In an example embodiment, the periodicity for the ICWP may comprise a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission.

[00239] In an example embodiment, for the activator gNB -ICWP synchronization, the CN / AIoTF may receive information from the activator gNB about the possible / candidate starting transmission times for periodic R2D signals and the periodicity of these signals. The CN / AIoTF may then assign time stamps to the starting transmission times of the CW2D and R2D signals. These time stamps may be within a specific threshold. The CN / AIoTF may indicate this threshold to the activator gNB and the ICWP. The CN / AIoTF may also request the ICWP to send the CW signals to the AIoT device with the same periodicity of the R2D signals indicated by the activator gNB, while keeping an indicated specific time separation (threshold) between the starting transmission times of the CW2D and R2D signals.

[00240] The start time, periodicity, the duration, and frequency information of the D2R signal may be provided to the reader gNB. CW information may also be communicated to the reader gNB. Along with that, the frequency information of the D2R transmissions may be provided to both the reader gNB and the ICWP. If this assistance information is communicated via a paging message, then it may also contain information as to whether this synchronization message is for reading or transmitting the activation signal, and the CN / AIoTF or the gNB may indicate the assistance information to the reader gNB and the IWCP.

[00241] In an example embodiment, the start time for the reader gNB may comprise a start time for reception of at least one D2R signal. In an example embodiment, the duration for the reader gNB may comprise a duration for reception of the at least one D2R signal. In an example embodiment, the end time for the reader gNB may comprise an end time for reception of the at least one D2R signal. In an example embodiment, the periodicity for the reader gNB may comprise a periodicity for reception of the at least one D2R signal.

[00242] In option 3 (1030), an example of assistance information for aperiodic activation is illustrated. At 1032, assistance information may be provided to the activator gNB and the ICWP for synchronizing the activator gNB and the ICWP. At 1034, assistance information may be provided to the reader gNB for synchronizing the reader gNB and the ICWP.

[00243] In case of activator gNB ICWP synchronization, multiple instances of the assistance information for synchronization may be provided along, with the complete information, and the activation may be aperiodic in nature. Aperiodic activation assistance information may contain a list of tuples of start time and activation duration, as well as the activation signal power. If this assistance information is communicated via a paging message, then it may also contain information as to whether this synchronization message is for reading or transmitting the activation signal, and the CN / AIoTF or the gNB may indicate the assistance information to activator gNB and IWCP. Additional CW information, for example comprising the CW node ID and / or the start time duration of the CW signal, may also be included.

[00244] In an example embodiment, for the activator gNB -ICWP synchronization, the CN / AIoTF may receive information from the activator gNB about the possible / candidate starting transmission times for the tuples of the R2D signals. The CN / AIoTF may then assign time stamps to the starting transmission times of each R2D tuple and the corresponding CW2D signal. The time stamps of the R2D tuples and the corresponding CW2D signals may be within specific threshold(s). The CN / AIoTF may indicate the time separation threshold(s) to the activator gNB and the ICWP.

[00245] The same parameters as activator gNB - ICWP synchronization may be provided to the reader gNB, along with the frequency information of the D2R transmissions. CW information may also be communicated to the reader gNB. If this assistance information is communicated via a paging message, then it may also contain information as to whether this synchronization message is for reading or transmitting the activation signal. The CN / AIoTF or the gNB may indicate the assistance information to the reader gNB.

[00246] At 1040, the ICWP may provide the carrier wave to the AIoT device for energy harvesting based, at least partially, on the received activator gNB -CW synchronization information.

[00247] In an example embodiment, the ICWP may also provide the AIoT device with the CW signal, before the activation signal, for energy harvesting. In such cases, the activator gNB may send information to the CN / AIoTF about the time needed by the AIoT device for energy harvesting (A). The CN / AIoTF may request the ICWP and the activator gNB to maintain a specific time separation threshold between the starting transmission times of the CW2D and R2D signals, respectively. For example, the ICWP may send its CW2D signal at time stamp Tl, and the activator gNB may send its R2D signal (based on the CN / AIoTF request) at time stamp Tl+A to give the AIoT device enough time for energy harvesting before receiving the R2D signal.

[00248] At 1050, the activator gNB may transmit the activation data in the R2D message based, at least partially, on the activator gNB -CW synchronization information. A header (1110) or footer (1120) containing additional synchronization information for the ICWP may also be added to the R2D message (1130), as illustrated in FIG. 11, which may be ignored by the reader gNB. An example of the CW header or footer is provided in FIG. 12. The timing information (1230) may include the CW signal start time (e.g., relative to the end of the R2D message) and / or the CW duration. The 1 -bit flag F (1210) in the header / footer may indicate the presence or absence of CW node information (1220) in the following field. Alternatively, the 1 -bit flag (1210) may indicate the presence or absence of CW node information field (1220). The AIoT device may only read the R2D message (1130) and skip the remainder of the header / footer when upon reading the 1 -bit flag.

[00249] The ICWP may receive the CW header / footer in the R2D signal and may decode the flag. If the flag is set, the ICWP may extract the CW node information field. If the CW node ID in the information field matches its own ID, the ICWP may store the timing information. The ICWP may determine the end of the R2D signal either by decoding the R2D message, or based on a postamble at the end of the R2D signal.

[00250] In an example embodiment, when a CW signal is sent after the activation signal for backscattering, the CN / AIoTF may indicate to the reader gNB to wait a minimum time of (Tr7.d min + 5) to receive the D2R transmission before considering the R2D transmission as a failure, where (8) may be the time needed by the ICWP to send its CW2D signal to the device for backscattering. Note that Tr2d min was defined during RAN1#116 as a minimum time between a R2D transmission and the corresponding D2R transmission following; it does not take the time needed for transmitting and receiving the CW2D signal into account.

[00251] At 1060, the ICWP may provide the carrier wave for the AIoT device(s) to backscatter their D2R signals. The carrier wave may be transmitted based, at least partially, on the additional synchronization information for the ICWP included in the activation signal.

[00252] At 1070, the AIoT device may backscatter its D2R transmissions using the signal from the ICWP. The response may be further forwarded to the core by the reader gNB based, at least partially, on the reader gNB -CW synchronization information.

[00253] In topology 1, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the synchronization information may be shared from the AMF to the reader gNB via the PAGING message defined in clause 9.2.4 in TS 38.413. New information elements may be added to the PAGING message indicating the kind of synchronization and the details of the synchronization as explained above.

[00254] Referring now to FIG. 13, illustrated is an example of activator UE-reader UE synchronization with an independent carrier wave provider in a bistatic configuration in topology 2, with indirect CW provider control, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00255] In FIG. 13, three different assistance information examples are illustrated, which are respectively associated with different types of activation / synchronization. In each of the examples, assistance information may be provided by the gNB to the activator UE, the reader UE, and the independent CW provider. However, this is not limiting; other nodes, user equipments, network functions, or entities may perform the functions of the reader, the activator, and / or the CW provider. The assistance information may be provided, for example, via an AIoT discovery / data request.

[00256] At 1305, the 5GC may send the AIoT request to the gNB.

[00257] As described with respect in FIG. 8, synchronization between two different pairs of nodes or entities may be applied. One synchronization may be performed between the activator UE and the ICWP, and another synchronization may be performed between the reader UE and the ICWP. The assistance information may be communicated from the gNB to the activator (or reader) UE and the ICWP, or from the core network to the activator (or reader) UE and the ICWP. Also, the assistance information may be communicated via a NAS message from the 5GC to the activator UE and the ICWP, or to the reader UE and the ICWP.

[00258] In option 1 (1310), an example of assistance information for one shot activation is illustrated. At 1312, assistance information may be provided to the activator UE and the ICWP for synchronizing the activator UE and the ICWP. At 1314, assistance information may be provided to the reader UE for synchronizing the reader UE and the ICWP.

[00259] The assistance information for synchronization between the activator UE and the ICWP may contain the start time and the duration for both the entities. The timelines may overlap or be mutually exclusive. Additional CW information, which may comprise the CW node ID and / or the start time duration of the CW signal, may also be included.

[00260] In an example embodiment, the start time for the ICWP may comprise a start time for carrier wave transmission. In an example embodiment, the duration for the ICWP may comprise a duration for the carrier wave transmission.

[00261] In an example embodiment, for the activator UE -ICWP synchronization, the gNB may send information to the activator UE about the possible / candidate starting transmission times for the R2D signals. The gNB may then assign time stamps to the starting transmission times of the CW2D and R2D signals. These time stamps may be within a specific threshold of each other. The gNB may indicate this threshold to the activator UE and the ICWP.

[00262] Along with the start time and duration, the frequency information of the reader UE may be indicated to the reader UE. CW information may also be communicated to the reader UE.

[00263] In an example embodiment, the start time for the reader UE may comprise a start time for reception of at least one D2R signal. In an example embodiment, the duration for the reader UE may comprise a duration for reception of the at least one D2R signal.

[00264] In option 2 (1320), an example of assistance information for periodic activation is illustrated. At 1322, assistance information may be provided to the activator UE and the ICWP for synchronizing the activator UE and the ICWP. At 1324, assistance information may be provided to the reader UE for synchronizing the reader UE and the ICWP.

[00265] The synchronization assistance information may be like that of the periodic activation in case of topology 1 with ICWP. For example, the start time, end time, duration and the periodicity may be provided to the activator UE and the ICWP. Additional CW information, which may for example comprise the CW node ID and / or the start time duration of the CW signal, may also be included.

[00266] In an example embodiment, for the activator UE -ICWP synchronization, the gNB may send information to the activator UE about the possible / candidate starting transmission times for periodic R2D signals and the periodicity of these signals. The gNB may then assign time stamps to the starting transmission times of the CW2D and the periodic R2D signals. These time stamps may be within a specific threshold of each other. The gNB may indicate this threshold to the activator UE and the ICWP. The gNB may also request the ICWP to send the CW signals to the AIoT device with the same periodicity of the R2D signals (as may be indicated to the activator UE) while keeping an indicated specific time separation threshold between the starting transmission times of the CW2D and R2D signals.

[00267] In an example embodiment, the start time for the ICWP may comprise a start time for carrier wave transmission. In an example embodiment, the duration for the ICWP may comprise a duration for the carrier wave transmission. In an example embodiment, the end time for the ICWP may comprise an end time for the carrier wave transmission. In an example embodiment, the periodicity for the ICWP may comprise a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission.

[00268] The start time, end time, duration, periodicity and the frequency information of the reader UE and ICWP may be communicated to the reader UE.

[00269] In an example embodiment, the start time for the reader UE may comprise a start time for reception of at least one D2R signal. In an example embodiment, the duration for the reader UE may comprise a duration for reception of the at least one D2R signal. In an example embodiment, the end time for the reader UE may comprise an end time for reception of the at least one D2R signal. In an example embodiment, the periodicity for the reader UE may comprise a periodicity for reception of the at least one D2R signal.

[00270] In option 3 (1330), an example of assistance information for aperiodic activation is illustrated. At 1332, assistance information may be provided to the activator UE and the ICWP for synchronizing the activator UE and the ICWP. At 1334, assistance information may be provided to the reader UE for synchronizing the reader UE and the ICWP.

[00271] The synchronization parameters may contain a list of tuples of start time and activation duration for the activator UE and the ICWP. Additional CW information, which may for example comprise the CW node ID and / or the start time duration of the CW signal, may also be included.

[00272] In an example embodiment, for the activator UE -ICWP synchronization, the gNB may send information to the activator UE about the possible / candidate starting transmission times for the tuples of the R2D signals. The gNB may then assign time stamps to the starting transmission times of each R2D tuple and the corresponding CW2D signal. The time stamps of the R2D tuples and the corresponding CW2D signals may be within specific threshold(s) of each other. The gNB may indicate the time separation threshold(s) to the activator UE and the ICWP.

[00273] In the case of reader UE and ICWP synchronization, additionally the frequency information may be provided to the reader UE. CW information may also be communicated to the reader UE.

[00274] At 1340, the ICWP may provide the carrier wave to the AIoT device for energy harvesting based, at least partially, on the received activator UE -CW synchronization information.

[00275] In an example embodiment, the ICWP may also provide the AIoT device with the CW signal before the activation signal for energy harvesting. In such cases, the activator UE may send information to the gNB about the time needed by the AIoT device for energy harvesting (A). The gNB may request the ICWP and the activator UE to maintain a specific time separation threshold between the starting transmission times of the CW2D and R2D signals, respectively. For example, the ICWP may send its CW2D signal at time stamp Tl, and the activator UE may send its R2D signal (based on the gNB request) at time stamp Tl+A. This may have the technical effect of giving the AIoT device enough time for energy harvesting before receiving the R2D signal.

[00276] At 1350, the activator UE may communicate the activation data in the R2D message based, at least partially, on the received activator UE -CW synchronization information. A header or footer containing additional synchronization information for the ICWP may also be added to the R2D message. The timing information may include the CW signal start time (e.g. relative to the end of the R2D message) and / or the CW duration. The 1-bit flag F in the header / footer may indicate the presence or absence of CW node information in the following field. Alternatively, the 1-bit flag may indicate the presence or absence of the CW node information field. The AIoT device may read the 1-bit flag in the header / footer, and accordingly, may skip the remainder of the header / footer. The ICWP may receive the CW header / footer in the R2D signal and decode the flag. If the flag is set, the ICWP may extract the CW node information field. If the CW node ID in the information field matches its own ID, the ICWP may store the timing information. The ICWP may determine the end of the R2D signal either by decoding the R2D message or based on a postamble at the end of the R2D signal.

[00277] In an example embodiment, when the CW signal is sent after the activation signal for backscattering, the gNB may indicate, to the reader UE, to wait a minimum time of (Tr2d min + 5) to receive the D2R transmission before considering the R2D transmission as a failure, where (5) may be the time needed by the ICWP to send its CW2D signal to the device for backscattering.

[00278] At 1360, the ICWP may provide the carrier wave for the devices to backscatter the D2R signals to the reader UE. The CW signal may be provided according to the assistance information provided to the reader UE.

[00279] At 1370, the AIoT device may backscatter the D2R signals to the reader UE using the CW signal from the ICWP to the reader UE. The response may be further forwarded to the core by the reader UE based, at least partially, on the reader UE -CW synchronization information.

[00280] In topology 2, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the synchronization information may be indicated to the reader UE from the gNB via RRC signaling. After the RRC connection has been established, RRC connection reconfiguration signaling may indicate the kind of activation as described above and carry the associated information required for synchronization.

[00281] In an alternative example embodiment, the synchronization parameters may be signaled via MAC CE. A new MAC CE may carry the type of activation and the associated synchronization information. TS 38.321 may be enhanced with a new MAC CE for this purpose.

[00282] FIG. 14 illustrates the potential steps of an example method 1400. The example method 1400 may include: determining assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node, 1410; transmitting, to the activator node, the assistance information, 1420; and transmitting, to a reader node, the assistance information, 1430. The example method 1400 may be performed, for example, with a network node, a network device, a base station, a core network node, a gNB, an AMF, a 5GC, etc.

[00283] FIG. 15 illustrates the potential steps of an example method 1500. The example method 1500 may include: receiving, from a network node, assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node, 1510; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the assistance information, 1520. The example method 1500 may be performed, for example, with an activator node, an activator device, a UE, a gNB, etc.

[00284] FIG. 16 illustrates the potential steps of an example method 1600. The example method 1600 may include: receiving, from a network node, assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node, 1610; monitoring for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the assistance information, 1620; receiving the at least one response, 1630; and transmitting, to the at least one device, a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response, 1640. The example method 1600 may be performed, for example, with a reader node, a reader device, a UE, a gNB, etc.

[00285] FIG. 17 illustrates the potential steps of an example method 1700. The example method 1700 may include: determining activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node, 1710; transmitting, to the activator node, the activator assistance information, 1720; transmitting, to a carrier wave node, the activator assistance information, 1730; determining reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node, 1740; transmitting, to the reader node, the reader 56 assistance information, 1750; and transmitting, to the carrier wave node, the reader assistance information, 1760. The example method 1700 may be performed, for example, with a network node, a network device, a base station, a core network node, a gNB, an AMF, a 5GC, etc.

[00286] FIG. 18 illustrates the potential steps of an example method 1800. The example method 1800 may include: receiving, from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node, 1810; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information, 1820. The example method 1800 may be performed, for example, with an activator node, an activator device, a UE, a gNB, etc.

[00287] FIG. 19 illustrates the potential steps of an example method 1900. The example method 1900 may include: receiving, from a network node, reader assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node, 1910; monitoring for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the reader assistance information, 1920; receiving the at least one response, 1930; and transmitting, to the device, a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response, 1940. The example method 1900 may be performed, for example, with a reader node, a reader device, a UE, a gNB, etc.

[00288] FIG. 20 illustrates the potential steps of an example method 2000. The example method 2000 may include: receiving, from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node, 2010; receiving, from the network node, reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node, 2020; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one carrier wave signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information and the reader assistance information, 2030. The example method 2000 may be performed, for example, with a carrier wave provider, a carrier wave node, etc.

[00289] FIG. 21 illustrates the potential steps of an example method 2100. The example method 2100 may include: determining activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node, 2110; transmitting, to the activator node, the activator assistance information, 2120; transmitting, to a carrier wave node, the activator assistance information, 2130; determining reader assistance information for synchronization for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node, 2140; and transmitting, to the reader node, the reader assistance information, 2150. The example method 2100 may be performed, for example, with a network node, a network device, a base station, a core network node, a gNB, an AMF, a 5GC, etc.

[00290] FIG. 22 illustrates the potential steps of an example method 2200. The example method 2200 may include: receiving, from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node, 2210; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information, wherein the at least one activation signal comprises, at least, information associated with a carrier wave node, 2220. The example method 2200 may be performed, for example, with an activator node, an activator device, a UE, a gNB, etc.

[00291] FIG. 23 illustrates the potential steps of an example method 2300. The example method 2300 may include: receiving, from a network node, reader assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes enabling reception of backscattering from at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node, 2310; monitoring for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the reader assistance information, 2320; receiving the at least one response, 2330; and transmitting, to the at least one device, a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response, 2340. The example method 2300 may be performed, for example, with a reader node, a reader device, a UE, a gNB, etc.

[00292] FIG. 24 illustrates the potential steps of an example method 2400. The example method 2400 may include: receiving, with a carrier wave node from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an 58 activator node, 2410; receiving, from the activator node, information associated with the carrier wave node, 2420; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one carrier wave signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information and the information associated with the carrier wave node, 2430. The example method 2400 may be performed, for example, with a carrier wave provider, a carrier wave node, etc.

[00293] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise: 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: determine assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, an activator node; transmit, to the activator node, the assistance information; and transmit, to a reader node, the assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation, a duration for the one shot activation, frequency information for an activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation, a duration for the periodic activation, a periodicity for the periodic activation, an end time for the periodic activation, frequency information for at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, frequency information for at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission. The example apparatus may be further configured to: receive, from the reader node, a response associated with the at least one device. The assistance information may be transmitted to at least one of the activator node or the reader node via at least one of: a service request, or a paging message. The example apparatus may be further configured to: receive, from the activator node, a message comprising information associated with the at least one device, wherein the information may comprise at least one of: an amount of frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing at least one message, a type of the frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of a frequency the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, a device type of the at least one device, a transmission type the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, or an identifier of a group of devices; and determine the assistance information based, at least partially, on the information. The example apparatus may be further configured to: receive, from the reader node, a message comprising at least one of: an energy storage level of the at least one device, an indication of whether the at least one device is able to receive a next transmission, or an indication of whether or not a predetermined type of message has been received with the reader node from the at least one device during an access procedure; and determine the assistance information based, at least partially, on the received message. The assistance information may be transmitted to at least one of the activator node or the reader node via at least one intermediate node. The example apparatus may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node. The example apparatus may comprise a base station, and the example apparatus may be further configured to: receive, from a core network node, a request, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: an ambient Internet of Things discovery request, or an ambient Internet of Things data request. The assistance information may be transmitted to at least one of the activator node or the reader node via at least one of: a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling.

[00294] In accordance with one aspect, an example method may be provided comprising: determining, with a network node, assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, an activator node; transmitting, to the activator node, the assistance information; and transmitting, to a reader node, the assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation, a duration for the one shot activation, frequency information for an activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation, a duration for the periodic activation, a periodicity for the periodic activation, an end time for the periodic activation, frequency information for at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, frequency information for at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission. The example method may further comprise: receiving, from the reader node, a response associated with the at least one device. The assistance information may be transmitted to at least one of the activator node or the reader node via at least one of: a service request, or a paging message. The example method may further comprise: receiving, from the activator node, a message comprising information associated with the at least one device, wherein the information may comprise at least one of: an amount of frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing at least one message, a type of the frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of a frequency the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, a device type of the at least one device, a transmission type the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, or an identifier of a group of devices; and determining the assistance information based, at least partially, on the information. The example method may further comprise: receiving, from the reader node, a message comprising at least one of: an energy storage level of the at least one device, an indication of whether the at least one device is able to receive a next transmission, or an indication of whether or not a predetermined type of message has been received with the reader node from the at least one device during an access procedure; and determine the assistance information based, at least partially, on the received message. The assistance information may be transmitted to at least one of the activator node or the reader node via at least one intermediate node. The network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node. The network node may comprise a base station, and the example method may further comprise: receiving, from a core network node, a request, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: an ambient Internet of Things discovery request, or an ambient Internet of Things data request. The assistance information may be transmitted to at least one of the activator node or the reader node via at least one of: a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling.

[00295] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” or “means” 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) and (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog 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 a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) 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 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.

[00296] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise means for: determining assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, an activator node; transmitting, to the activator node, the assistance information; and transmitting, to a reader node, the assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation, a duration for the one shot activation, frequency information for an activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation, a duration for the periodic activation, a periodicity for the periodic activation, an end time for the periodic activation, frequency information for at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, frequency information for at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission. The means may be further configured for: receiving, from the reader node, a response associated with the at least one device. The assistance information may be transmitted to at least one of the activator node or the reader node via at least one of: a service request, or a paging message. The means may be further configured for: receiving, from the activator node, a message comprising information associated with the at least one device, wherein the information may comprise at least one of: an amount of frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing at least one message, a type of the frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of a frequency the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, a device type of the at least one device, a transmission type the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, or an identifier of a group of devices; and determining the assistance information based, at least partially, on the information. The means may be further configured for: receiving, from the reader node, a message comprising at least one of: an energy storage level of the at least one device, an indication of whether the at least one device is able to receive a next transmission, or an indication of whether or not a predetermined type of message has been received with the reader node from the at least one device during an access procedure; and determining the assistance information based, at least partially, on the received message. The assistance information may be transmitted to at least one of the activator node or the reader node via at least one intermediate node. The example apparatus may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node. The example apparatus may comprise a base station, and the means may be further configured for: receiving, from a core network node, a request, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: an ambient Internet of Things discovery request, or an ambient Internet of Things data request. The assistance information may be transmitted to at least one of the activator node or the reader node via at least one of: a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling.

[00297] A processor, memory, and / or example algorithms (which may be encoded as instructions, program, or code) may be provided as example means for providing or causing performance of operation.

[00298] In accordance with one example embodiment, a (non-transitory) computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: determining, with a network node, assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, an activator node; causing transmitting, to the activator node, of the assistance information; and causing transmitting, to a reader node, of the assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation, a duration for the one shot activation, frequency information for an activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation, a duration for the periodic activation, a periodicity for the periodic activation, an end time for the periodic activation, frequency information for at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, frequency information for at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission. The example computer-readable medium may further comprise program instructions stored thereon for performing: causing receiving, from the reader node, of a response associated with the at least one device. The assistance information may be transmitted to at least one of the activator node or the reader node via at least one of: a service request, or a paging message. The example computer-readable medium may further comprise program instructions stored thereon for performing: causing receiving, from the activator node, of a message comprising information associated with the at least one device, wherein the information may comprise at least one of: an amount of frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing at least one message, a type of the frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of a frequency the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, a device type of the at least one device, a transmission type the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, or an identifier of a group of devices; and determining the assistance information based, at least partially, on the information. The example computer-readable medium may further comprise program instructions stored thereon for performing: causing receiving, from the reader node, of a message comprising at least one of: an energy storage level of the at least one device, an indication of whether the at least one device is able to receive a next transmission, or an indication of whether or not a predetermined type of message has been received with the reader node from the at least one device during an access procedure; and determining the assistance information based, at least partially, on the received message. The assistance information may be transmitted to at least one of the activator node or the reader node via at least one intermediate node. The network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node. The network node may comprise a base station, and the example computer-readable medium may further comprise program instructions stored thereon for performing: causing receiving, from a core network node, of a request, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: an ambient Internet of Things discovery request, or an ambient Internet of Things data request. The assistance information may be transmitted to at least one of the activator node or the reader node via at least one of: a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling.

[00299] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise: 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: receive, from a network node, assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, the apparatus; and transmit, to the at least one device, at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation, a duration for the one shot activation, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation, a duration for the periodic activation, a periodicity for the periodic activation, an end time for the periodic activation, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission. The assistance information may be received via at least one of: a service request, a paging message, a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The example apparatus may be further configured to: transmit, to at least one of the network node or a reader node, a message comprising information associated with the at least one device, wherein the information may comprise at least one of: an amount of frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing at least one message, a type of the frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of a frequency the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, a device type of the at least one device, a transmission type the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, or an identifier of a group of devices. The example apparatus may be further configured to: receive, from a reader node, a message comprising at least one of: an energy storage level of the at least one device, an indication of whether the at least one device is able to receive a next transmission, or an indication of whether or not a predetermined type of message has been received with the reader node from the at least one device during an access procedure, wherein the at least one activation signal may be transmitted to the at least one device further based, at least partially, on the received message. The example apparatus may be further configured to: align communication with the network node based, at least partially, on the received message. The example apparatus may comprise at least one of: an activator network node or an activator user equipment, and wherein the network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node.

[00300] In accordance with one aspect, an example method may be provided comprising: receiving, with an activator node from a network node, assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, the activator node; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation, a duration for the one shot activation, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation, a duration for the periodic activation, a periodicity for the periodic activation, an end time for the periodic activation, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission. The assistance information may be received via at least one of: a service request, a paging message, a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The example method may further comprise: transmitting, to at least one of the network node or a reader node, a message comprising information 67 associated with the at least one device, wherein the information may comprise at least one of: an amount of frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing at least one message, a type of the frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of a frequency the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, a device type of the at least one device, a transmission type the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, or an identifier of a group of devices. The example method may further comprise: receiving, from a reader node, a message comprising at least one of: an energy storage level of the at least one device, an indication of whether the at least one device is able to receive a next transmission, or an indication of whether or not a predetermined type of message has been received with the reader node from the at least one device during an access procedure, wherein the at least one activation signal may be transmitted to the at least one device further based, at least partially, on the received message. The example method may further comprise: aligning communication with the network node based, at least partially, on the received message. The activator node may comprise at least one of: an activator network node or an activator user equipment, and wherein the network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node.

[00301] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise means for: receiving, from a network node, assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, the apparatus; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation, a duration for the one shot activation, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation, a duration for the periodic activation, a periodicity for the periodic activation, an end time for the periodic activation, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission. The assistance information may be received via at least one of: a service request, a paging message, a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The means may be further configured for: transmitting, to at least one of the network node or a reader node, a message comprising information associated with the at least one device, wherein the information may comprise at least one of: an amount of frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing at least one message, a type of the frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of a frequency the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, a device type of the at least one device, a transmission type the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, or an identifier of a group of devices. The means may be further configured for: receiving, from a reader node, a message comprising at least one of: an energy storage level of the at least one device, an indication of whether the at least one device is able to receive a next transmission, or an indication of whether or not a predetermined type of message has been received with the reader node from the at least one device during an access procedure, wherein the at least one activation signal may be transmitted to the at least one device further based, at least partially, on the received message. The means may be further configured for: aligning communication with the network node based, at least partially, on the received message. The example apparatus may comprise at least one of: an activator network node or an activator user equipment, and wherein the network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node.

[00302] In accordance with one example embodiment, a (non-transitory) computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: causing receiving, with an activator node from a network node, of assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, the activator node; and causing transmitting, to the at least one device, of at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation, a duration for the one shot activation, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation, a duration for the periodic activation, a periodicity for the periodic activation, an end time for the periodic activation, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission. The assistance information may be received via at least one of: a service request, a paging message, a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The example computer-readable medium may further comprise program instructions stored thereon for performing: causing transmitting, to at least one of the network node or a reader node, of a message comprising information associated with the at least one device, wherein the information may comprise at least one of: an amount of frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing at least one message, a type of the frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of a frequency the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, a device type of the at least one device, a transmission type the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, or an identifier of a group of devices. The example computer-readable medium may further comprise program instructions stored thereon for performing: causing receiving, from a reader node, of a message comprising at least one of: an energy storage level of the at least one device, an indication of whether the at least one device is able to receive a next transmission, or an indication of whether or not a predetermined type of message has been received with the reader node from the at least one device during an access procedure, wherein the at least one activation signal is transmitted to the at least one device further based, at least partially, on the received message. The example computer-readable medium may further comprise program instructions stored thereon for performing: aligning communication with the network node based, at least partially, on the received message. The activator node may comprise at least one of: an activator network node or an activator user equipment, and wherein the network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node.

[00303] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise: 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: receive, from a network node, assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, an activator node; monitor for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the assistance information; receive the at least one response; and transmit, to the at least one device, a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation, a duration for the one shot activation, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation, a duration for the periodic activation, a periodicity for the periodic activation, an end time for the periodic activation, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission. The assistance information may be received via at least one of: a service request, a paging message, a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The example apparatus may be further configured to: receive, from the activator node, a message comprising information associated with the at least one device, wherein the information may comprise at least one of: an amount of frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing at least one message, a type of the frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of a frequency the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, a device type of the at least one device, a transmission type the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, or an identifier of a group of devices, wherein the monitoring may be further based, at least partially, on the received message. The example apparatus may be further configured to: estimate a location or proximity of the at least one device based, at least partially, on the received message. The example apparatus may be further configured to: align communication with the network node based, at least partially, on the received message. The example apparatus may be further configured to: transmit, to the network node or the activator node, a message comprising at least one of: an energy storage level of the at least one device, an indication of whether the at least one device is able to receive a next transmission, or an indication of whether or not a predetermined type of message has been received with the apparatus from the at least one device during an access procedure. The example apparatus may comprise at least one of: a reader network node or a reader user equipment, and wherein the network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node.

[00304] In accordance with one aspect, an example method may be provided comprising: receiving, with a reader node from a network node, assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, an activator node; monitoring for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the assistance information; receiving the at least one response; and transmitting, to the at least one device, a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation, a duration for the one shot activation, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation, a duration for the periodic activation, a periodicity for the periodic activation, an end time for the periodic activation, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission. The assistance information may be received via at least one of: a service request, a paging message, a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The example method may further comprise: receiving, from the activator node, a message comprising information associated with the at least one device, wherein the information may comprise at least one of: an amount of frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing at least one message, a type of the frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of a frequency the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, a device type of the at least one device, a transmission type the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, or an identifier of a group of devices, wherein the monitoring may be further based, at least partially, on the received message. The example method may further comprise: estimating a location or proximity of the at least one device based, at least partially, on the received message. The example method may further comprise: aligning communication with the network node based, at least partially, on the received message. The example method may further comprise: transmitting, to the network node or the activator node, a message comprising at least one of: an energy storage level of the at least one device, an indication of whether the at least one device is able to receive a next transmission, or an indication of whether or not a predetermined type of message has been received with the reader node from the at least one device during an access procedure. The reader node may comprise at least one of: a reader network node or a reader user equipment, and wherein the network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node.

[00305] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise means for: receiving, from a network node, assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, an activator node; monitor for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the assistance information; receiving the at least one response; and transmitting, to the at least one device, a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation, a duration for the one shot activation, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation, a duration for the periodic activation, a periodicity for the periodic activation, an end time for the periodic activation, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission. The assistance information may be received via at least one of: a service request, a paging message, a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The means may be further configured for: receiving, from the activator node, a message comprising information associated with the at least one device, wherein the information may comprise at least one of: an amount of frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing at least one message, a type of the frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of a frequency the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, a device type of the at least one device, a transmission type the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, or an identifier of a group of devices, wherein the monitoring may be further based, at least partially, on the received message. The means may be further configured for: estimating a location or proximity of the at least one device based, at least partially, on the received message. The means may be further configured for: aligning communication with the network node based, at least partially, on the received message. The means may be further configured for: transmitting, to the network node or the activator node, a message comprising at least one of: an energy storage level of the at least one device, an indication of whether the at least one device is able to receive a next transmission, or an indication of whether or not a predetermined type of message has been received with the apparatus from the at least one device during an access procedure. The example apparatus may comprise at least one of: a reader network node or a reader user equipment, and wherein the network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node.

[00306] In accordance with one example embodiment, a (non-transitory) computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: causing receiving, with a reader node from a network node, of assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, an activator node; monitoring for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the assistance information; causing receiving of the at least one response; and causing transmitting, to the at least one device, of a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation, a duration for the one shot activation, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation, a duration for the periodic activation, a periodicity for the periodic activation, an end time for the periodic activation, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, frequency information for the at least one activation signal, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission. The assistance information may be received via at least one of: a service request, a paging message, a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The example computer-readable medium may further comprise program instructions stored thereon for performing: causing receiving, from the activator node, of a message comprising information associated with the at least one device, wherein the information may comprise at least one of: an amount of frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing at least one message, a type of the frequency shifts the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of a frequency the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, a device type of the at least one device, a transmission type the at least one device uses for providing the at least one message, an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, or an identifier of a group of devices, wherein the monitoring may be further based, at least partially, on the received message. The example computer-readable medium may further comprise program instructions stored thereon for performing: estimating a location or proximity of the at least one device based, at least partially, on the received message. The example computer-readable medium may further comprise program instructions stored thereon for performing: aligning communication with the network node based, at least partially, on the received message. The example computer-readable medium may further comprise program instructions stored thereon for performing: transmitting, to the network node or the activator node, a message comprising at least one of: an energy storage level of the at least one device, an indication of whether the at least one device is able to receive a next transmission, or an indication of whether or not a predetermined type of message has been received with the reader node from the at least one device during an access procedure. The reader node may comprise at least one of: a reader network node or a reader user equipment, and wherein the network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node.

[00307] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise: 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: determine activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, an activator node; transmit, to the activator node, the activator assistance information; transmit, to a carrier wave node, the activator assistance information; determine reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, a reader node; transmit, to the reader node, the reader assistance information; and transmit, to the carrier wave node, the reader assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation for the activator node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the one shot activation for the activator node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, the indication of whether the paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation for the activator node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the periodic activation for the activator node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, an end time for the periodic activation for the activator node, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for the periodic activation for the activator node, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, an end time for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, the periodicity for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, the indication of whether the paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: the list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, the indication of whether the paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The example apparatus may be further configured to: receive, from the reader node, a response associated with the at least one device. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via at least one of: a service request, or a paging message. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via the at least one intermediate node. The example apparatus may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node. The example apparatus may comprise a base station, and the example apparatus may be further configured to: receive, from a core network node, a request, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: an ambient Internet of Things discovery request, or an ambient Internet of Things data request. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via at least one of: a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling.

[00308] In accordance with one aspect, an example method may be provided comprising: determining, with a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, an activator node; transmitting, to the activator node, the activator assistance information; transmitting, to a carrier wave node, the activator assistance information; determining reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node; transmitting, to the reader node, the reader assistance information; and transmitting, to the carrier wave node, the reader assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation for the activator node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the one shot activation for the activator node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, the indication of whether the paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation for the activator node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the periodic activation for the activator node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, an end time for the periodic activation for the activator node, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for the periodic activation for the activator node, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, an end time for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, the periodicity for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, the indication of whether the paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: the list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, the indication of whether the paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The example method may further comprise: receiving, from the reader node, a response associated with the at least one device. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via at least one of: a service request, or a paging message. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via the at least one intermediate node. The network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node. The network node may comprise a base station, and the example method may further comprise: receiving, from a core network node, a request, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: an ambient Internet of Things discovery request, or an ambient Internet of Things data request. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via at least one of: a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling.

[00309] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise means for: determining activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, an activator node; transmitting, to the activator node, the activator assistance information; transmitting, to a carrier wave node, the activator assistance information; determining reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node; transmitting, to the reader node, the reader assistance information; and transmitting, to the carrier wave node, the reader assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation for the activator node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the one shot activation for the activator node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, the indication of whether the paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation for the activator node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the periodic activation for the activator node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, an end time for the periodic activation for the activator node, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for the periodic activation for the activator node, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, an end time for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, the periodicity for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, the indication of whether the paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: the list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, the indication of whether the paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The means may be further configured for: receiving, from the reader node, a response associated with the at least one device. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via at least one of: a service request, or a paging message. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via the at least one intermediate node. The example apparatus may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node. The example apparatus may comprise a base station, wherein the means may be further configured for: receiving, from a core network node, a request, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: an ambient Internet of Things discovery request, or an ambient Internet of Things data request. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via at least one of: a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling.

[00310] In accordance with one example embodiment, a (non-transitory) computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: determining, with a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, an activator node; causing transmitting, to the activator node, of the activator assistance information; causing transmitting, to a carrier wave node, of the activator assistance information; determining reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node; causing transmitting, to the reader node, of the reader assistance information; and causing transmitting, to the carrier wave node, of the reader assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation for the activator node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the one shot activation for the activator node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, the indication of whether the paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation for the activator node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the periodic activation for the activator node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, an end time for the periodic activation for the activator node, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for the periodic activation for the activator node, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for enabling energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, an end time for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, the periodicity for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, the indication of whether the paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: the list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, the indication of whether the paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The example computer-readable medium may further comprise program instructions stored thereon for performing: causing receiving, from the reader node, of a response associated with the at least one device. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via at least one of: a service request, or a paging message. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via the at least one intermediate node. The network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node. The network node may comprise a base station, and the example computer-readable medium may further comprise program instructions stored thereon for performing: causing receiving, from a core network node, of a request, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: an ambient Internet of Things discovery request, or an ambient Internet of Things data request. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via at least one of: a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling.

[00311] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise: 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: receive, from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, the apparatus; and transmit, to the at least one device, at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation for the apparatus, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for a carrier wave node, a duration for the one shot activation for the apparatus, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation for the apparatus, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for a carrier wave node, a duration for the periodic activation for the apparatus, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, an end time for the periodic activation for the apparatus, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for the periodic activation for the apparatus, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise 85 aperiodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission. The assistance information may be received via at least one of: a service request, a paging message, a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The example apparatus may comprise at least one of: an activator network node or an activator user equipment, and wherein the network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node.

[00312] In accordance with one aspect, an example method may be provided comprising: receiving, with an activator node from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, the activator node; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation for the activator node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for a carrier wave node, a duration for the one shot activation for the activator node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device comprises periodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation for the activator node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for a carrier wave node, a duration for the periodic activation for the activator node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, an end time for the periodic activation for the activator node, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for the periodic activation for the activator node, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may 86 comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission. The assistance information may be received via at least one of: a service request, a paging message, a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The activator node may comprise at least one of: an activator network node or an activator user equipment, and wherein the network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node.

[00313] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise means for: receiving, from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, the apparatus; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation for the apparatus, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for a carrier wave node, a duration for the one shot activation for the apparatus, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation for the apparatus, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for a carrier wave node, a duration for the periodic activation for the apparatus, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, an end time for the periodic activation for the apparatus, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for the periodic activation for the apparatus, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission. The assistance information may be received via at least one of: a service request, a paging message, a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The example apparatus may comprise at least one of: an activator network node or an activator user equipment, and wherein the network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node.

[00314] In accordance with one example embodiment, a (non-transitory) computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: causing receiving, with an activator node from a network node, of activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, the activator node; and causing transmitting, to the at least one device, of at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation for the activator node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for a carrier wave node, a duration for the one shot activation for the activator node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation for the activator node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for a carrier wave node, a duration for the periodic activation for the activator node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, an end time for the periodic activation for the activator node, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for the periodic activation for the activator node, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission. The assistance information may be received via at least one of: a service request, a paging message, a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The activator node may comprise at least one of: an activator network node or an activator user equipment, and wherein the network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node.

[00315] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise: 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: receive, from a network node, reader assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, the apparatus; monitor for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the reader assistance information; receive the at least one response; and transmit, to the device, a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the apparatus, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for a carrier wave node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the apparatus, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the apparatus and the carrier wave node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the apparatus, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for a carrier wave node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the apparatus, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, an end time for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the apparatus, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the apparatus, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the apparatus and the carrier wave node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the apparatus and the carrier wave node. The reader assistance information may be received via at least one of a service request, a paging message, a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The example apparatus may comprise at least one of: a reader network node or a reader user equipment, and wherein the network node may comprise at least one of a base station, or a core network node.

[00316] In accordance with one aspect, an example method may be provided comprising: receiving, with a reader node from a network node, reader assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, the reader node; monitoring for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the reader assistance information; receiving the at least one response; and transmitting, to the device, a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for a carrier wave node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for a carrier wave node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, an end time for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The reader assistance information may be received via at least one of: a service request, a paging message, a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The reader node may comprise at least one of: a reader network node or a reader user equipment, and wherein the network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node.

[00317] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise means for: receiving, from a network node, reader assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, the apparatus; monitoring for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the reader assistance information; receiving the at least one response; and transmitting, to the device, a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot 91 activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the apparatus, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for a carrier wave node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the apparatus, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the apparatus and the carrier wave node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the apparatus, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for a carrier wave node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the apparatus, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, an end time for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the apparatus, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the apparatus, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the apparatus and the carrier wave node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the apparatus and the carrier wave node. The reader assistance information may be received via at least one of: a service request, a paging message, a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The example apparatus may comprise at least one of: a reader network node or a reader user equipment, and wherein the network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node.

[00318] In accordance with one example embodiment, a (non-transitory) computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: causing receiving, with a reader node from a network node, of reader assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, the reader node; monitoring for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the reader assistance information; causing receiving of the at least one response; and causing transmitting, to the device, of a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for a carrier wave node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for a carrier wave node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, an end time for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the apparatus, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The reader assistance information may be received via at least one of: a service request, a paging message, a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The reader node may comprise at least one of: a reader network node or a reader user equipment, and wherein the network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node.

[00319] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise: 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: receive, from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, an activator node; receive, from the network node, reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node; and transmit, to the at least one device, at least one carrier wave signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information and the reader assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation for the activator node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the apparatus, a duration for the one shot activation for the activator node, a duration for carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the apparatus, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the apparatus, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the apparatus, the indication of whether the paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the apparatus. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation for the activator node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the apparatus, a duration for the periodic activation for the activator node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the apparatus, an end time for the periodic activation for the activator node, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the apparatus, a periodicity for the periodic activation for the activator node, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the apparatus, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the apparatus, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the apparatus, an end time for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the apparatus, a periodicity for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the apparatus, the indication of whether the paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the apparatus. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: the list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, the indication of whether the paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the apparatus. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be received via at least one of: a service request, a paging message, a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The example apparatus may comprise a carrier wave node, and wherein the network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node. The at least one carrier wave signal may comprise at least: at least one carrier wave signal configured to enable energy harvesting at the at least one device, or at least one carrier wave signal configured to enable backscattering at the at least one device.

[00320] In accordance with one aspect, an example method may be provided comprising: receiving, with a carrier wave node from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, an activator node; receiving, from the network node, reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one carrier wave signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information and the reader assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation for the activator node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the one shot activation for the activator node, a duration for carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, the indication of whether the paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation for the activator node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the periodic activation for the activator node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, an end time for the periodic activation for the activator node, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for the periodic activation for the activator node, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, an end time for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, the indication of whether the paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: the list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, the indication of whether the paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be received via at least one of: a service request, a paging message, a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node. The at least one carrier wave signal may comprise at least: at least one carrier wave signal configured to enable energy harvesting at the at least one device, or at least one carrier wave signal configured to enable backscattering at the at least one device.

[00321] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise means for: receiving, from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, an activator node; receiving, from the network node, reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node; and transmitting, to the at least one device, at least one carrier wave signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information and the reader assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation for the activator node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting for the apparatus, a duration for the one shot activation for the activator node, a duration for carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting for the apparatus, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the apparatus, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the apparatus, the indication of whether the paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the apparatus. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation for the activator node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the apparatus, a duration for the periodic activation for the activator node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the apparatus, an end time for the periodic activation for the activator node, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the apparatus, a periodicity for the periodic activation for the activator node, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the apparatus, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the apparatus, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the apparatus, an end time for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the apparatus, a periodicity for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the apparatus, the indication of whether the paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the apparatus. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: the list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, the indication of whether the paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the apparatus. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be received via at least one of: a service request, a paging message, a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The example apparatus may comprise a carrier wave node, and wherein the network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node. The at least one carrier wave signal may comprise at least: at least one carrier wave signal configured to enable energy harvesting at the at least one device, or at least one carrier wave signal configured to enable backscattering at the at least one device.

[00322] In accordance with one example embodiment, a (non-transitory) computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: causing receiving, with a carrier wave node from a network node, of activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, an activator node; causing receiving, from the network node, of reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node; and causing transmitting, to the at least one device, of at least one carrier wave signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information and the reader assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the one shot activation for the activator node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the one shot activation for the activator node, a duration for carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, or an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, the indication of whether the paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for the periodic activation for the activator node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the periodic activation for the activator node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, an end time for the periodic activation for the activator node, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for the periodic activation for the activator node, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for energy harvesting, for the carrier wave node, or an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a start time for carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, an end time for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, an end time for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a periodicity for the carrier wave transmission, for backscattering, for the carrier wave node, the indication of whether the paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, or an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: the list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, the indication of whether the paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, or frequency information for the reader node and the carrier wave node. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be received via at least one of: a service request, a paging message, a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The network node may comprise at least one of: a base station, or a core network node. The at least one carrier wave signal may comprise at least: at least one carrier wave signal configured to enable energy harvesting at the at least one device, or at least one carrier wave signal configured to enable backscattering at the at least one device.

[00323] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise: 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: determine activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, an activator node; transmit, to the activator node, the activator assistance information; transmit, to a carrier wave node, the activator assistance information; determine reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, a reader node; and transmit, to the reader node, the reader assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, an identifier of a group of devices, a start time for the one shot activation for the activator node, a duration for the one shot activation for the activator node, an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, or first information associated with the carrier wave node; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, the indication of whether the paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, second information associated with the carrier wave node, or frequency information for the reader node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, an identifier of a group of devices, a time separation threshold between: transmission of at least one activation signal from the activator node to the at least one device, and transmission of at least one carrier wave signal from the carrier wave node to the at least one device, a start time for the periodic activation for the activator node, a duration for the periodic activation for the activator node, an end time for the periodic activation for the activator node, a periodicity for the periodic activation for the activator node, an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, or first information associated with the carrier wave node; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, an end time for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, the periodicity for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, the indication of whether the paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, second information associated with the carrier wave node, or frequency information for the reader node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, an identifier of a group of devices, a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, or first information associated with the carrier wave node, wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: the list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, the indication of whether the paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, second information associated with the carrier wave node, or frequency information for the reader node. The first information associated with the carrier wave node may be configured to enable the carrier wave node to transmit at least one carrier wave signal to enable energy harvesting at the at least one device, wherein the information associated with the carrier wave node may comprise at least one of: a start time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, an end time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, frequency information for the carrier wave node, or an identifier associated with the carrier wave node. The second information associated with the carrier wave node may be configured to enable the carrier wave node to transmit at least one carrier wave signal to enable backscattering at the at least one device, wherein the information associated with the carrier wave node may comprise at least one of: a start time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, an end time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, frequency information for the carrier wave node, or an identifier associated with the carrier wave node. The example apparatus may be further configured to: receive, from the activator node, information associated with a candidate transmission time for at least one activation signal from the activator node to the at least one device; and determine at least one first time stamp for the candidate transmission time for the at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the received information; determine at least one second time stamp for a candidate transmission time of at least one carrier wave signal from the carrier wave node to the at least one device, wherein the activator assistance information may further comprise at least one of: the at least one first time stamp, the at least one second time stamp, or a time interval within which the at least one first time stamp and the at least one second time are included. The example apparatus may be further configured to: receive, from the reader node, a response associated with the at least one device. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via at least one of: a service request, or a paging message. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via at least one intermediate node. The example apparatus may comprise a base station, wherein the example apparatus may be further configured to: receive, from a core network node, a request, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: an ambient Internet of Things discovery request, or an ambient Internet of Things data request. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via at least one of: a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The example apparatus may be further configured to: receive, from the activator node, an amount of time the at least one device uses to perform energy harvesting; and transmit, to the activator node and the carrier wave node, a request to maintain a time separation threshold between: transmission of at least one activation signal from the activator node to the at least one device, and transmission of at least one carrier wave signal from the carrier wave node to the at least one device.

[00324] In accordance with one aspect, an example method may be provided comprising: determining, with a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, an activator node; transmitting, to the activator node, the activator assistance information; transmitting, to a carrier wave node, the activator assistance information; determining reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, a reader node; and transmitting, to the reader node, the reader assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, an identifier of a group of devices, a start time for the one shot activation for the activator node, a duration for the one shot activation for the activator node, an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, or first information associated with the carrier wave node; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, the indication of whether the paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, second information associated with the carrier wave node, or frequency information for the reader node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, an identifier of a group of devices, a time separation threshold between: transmission of at least one activation signal from the activator node to the at least one device, and transmission of at least one carrier wave signal from the carrier wave node to the at least one device, a start time for the periodic activation for the activator node, a duration for the periodic activation for the activator node, an end time for the periodic activation for the activator node, a periodicity for the periodic activation for the activator node, an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, or first information associated with the carrier wave node; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, an end time for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, the periodicity for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, the indication of whether the paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, second information associated with the carrier wave node, or frequency information for the reader node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, an identifier of a group of devices, a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, or first information associated with the carrier wave node, wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: the list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, the indication of whether the paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, second information associated with the carrier wave node, or frequency information for the reader node. The first information associated with the carrier wave node may be configured to enable the carrier wave node to transmit at least one carrier wave signal to enable energy harvesting at the at least one device, wherein the information associated with the carrier wave node may comprise at least one of: a start time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, an end time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, frequency information for the carrier wave node, or an identifier associated with the carrier wave node. The second information associated with the carrier wave node may be configured to enable the carrier wave node to transmit at least one carrier wave signal to enable backscattering at the at least one device, wherein the information associated with the carrier wave node may comprise at least one of: a start time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, an end time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, frequency information for the carrier wave node, or an identifier associated with the carrier wave node. The example method may further comprise: receiving, from the activator node, information associated with a candidate transmission time for at least one activation signal from the activator node to the at least one device; determining at least one first time stamp for the candidate transmission time for the at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the received information; and determining at least one second time stamp for a candidate transmission time of at least one carrier wave signal from the carrier wave node to the at least one device, wherein the activator assistance information may further comprise at least one of: the at least one first time stamp, the at least one second time stamp, or a time interval within which the at least one first time stamp and the at least one second time are included. The example method may further comprise: receiving, from the reader node, a response associated with the at least one device. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via at least one of: a service request, or a paging message. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via at least one intermediate node. The network node may comprise a base station, wherein the example method may further comprise: receiving, from a core network node, a request, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: an ambient Internet of Things discovery request, or an ambient Internet of Things data request. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via at least one of: a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The example method may further comprise: receiving, from the activator node, an amount of time the at least one device uses to perform energy harvesting; and transmitting, to the activator node and the carrier wave node, a request to maintain a time separation threshold between: transmission of at least one activation signal from the activator node to the at least one device, and transmission of at least one carrier wave signal from the carrier wave node to the at least one device.

[00325] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise means for: determining activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, an activator node; transmitting, to the activator node, the activator assistance information; transmitting, to a carrier wave node, the activator assistance information; determining reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, a reader node; and transmitting, to the reader node, the reader assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, an identifier of a group of devices, a start time for the one shot activation for the activator node, a duration for the one shot activation for the activator node, an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, or first information associated with the carrier wave node; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, the indication of whether the paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, second information associated with the carrier wave node, or frequency information for the reader node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, an identifier of a group of devices, a time separation threshold between: transmission of at least one activation signal from the activator node to the at least one device, and transmission of at least one carrier wave signal from the carrier wave node to the at least one device, a start time for the periodic activation for the activator node, a duration for the periodic activation for the activator node, an end time for the periodic activation for the activator node, a periodicity for the periodic activation for the activator node, an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, or first information associated with the carrier wave node; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, an end time for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, the periodicity for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, the indication of whether the paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, second information associated with the carrier wave node, or frequency information for the reader node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, an identifier of a group of devices, a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, or first information associated with the carrier wave node, wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: the list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, the indication of whether the paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, second information associated with the carrier wave node, or frequency information for the reader node. The first information associated with the carrier wave node may be configured to enable the carrier wave node to transmit at least one carrier wave signal to enable energy harvesting at the at least one device, wherein the information associated with the carrier wave node may comprise at least one of: a start time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, an end time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, frequency information for the carrier wave node, or an identifier associated with the carrier wave node. The second information associated with the carrier wave node may be configured to enable the carrier wave node to transmit at least one carrier wave signal to enable backscattering at the at least one device, wherein the information associated with the carrier wave node may comprise at least one of: a start time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, an end time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, frequency information for the carrier wave node, or an identifier associated with the carrier wave node. The means may be further configured for: receiving, from the activator node, information associated with a candidate transmission time for at least one activation signal from the activator node to the at least one device; determining at least one first time stamp for the candidate transmission time for the at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the received information; and determining at least one second time stamp for a candidate transmission time of at least one carrier wave signal from the carrier wave node to the at least one device, wherein the activator assistance information may further comprise at least one of: the at least one first time stamp, the at least one second time stamp, or a time interval within which the at least one first time stamp and the at least one second time are included. The means may be further configured for: receiving, from the reader node, a response associated with the at least one device. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via at least one of: a service request, or a paging message. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via at least one intermediate node. The example apparatus may comprise a base station, wherein the means may be further configured for: receiving, from a core network node, a request, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: an ambient Internet of Things discovery request, or an ambient Internet of Things data request. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via at least one of: a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling. The means may be further configured for: receiving, from the activator node, an amount of time the at least one device uses to perform energy harvesting; and transmitting, to the activator node and the carrier wave node, a request to maintain a time separation threshold between: transmission of at least one activation signal from the activator node to the at least one device, and transmission of at least one carrier wave signal from the carrier wave node to the at least one device.

[00326] In accordance with one example embodiment, a (non-transitory) computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: determining, with a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, an activator node; causing transmitting, to the activator node, of the activator assistance information; causing transmitting, to a carrier wave node, of the activator assistance information; determining reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling 109 reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes may comprise, at least, a reader node; and causing transmitting, to the reader node, of the reader assistance information. The at least one device may comprise at least one ambient Internet of Things device. The activation of the at least one device may comprise at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation. The activation of the at least one device may comprise one shot activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, an identifier of a group of devices, a start time for the one shot activation for the activator node, a duration for the one shot activation for the activator node, an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, or first information associated with the carrier wave node; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, the indication of whether the paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, second information associated with the carrier wave node, or frequency information for the reader node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise periodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, an identifier of a group of devices, a time separation threshold between: transmission of at least one activation signal from the activator node to the at least one device, and transmission of at least one carrier wave signal from the carrier wave node to the at least one device, a start time for the periodic activation for the activator node, a duration for the periodic activation for the activator node, an end time for the periodic activation for the activator node, a periodicity for the periodic activation for the activator node, an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, or first information associated with the carrier wave node; wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, an end time for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, the periodicity for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, the indication of whether the paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, second information associated with the carrier wave node, or frequency information for the reader node. The activation of the at least one device may comprise aperiodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information may comprise at least one of: an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, an identifier of a group of devices, a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples may comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, or first information associated with the carrier wave node, wherein the reader assistance information may comprise at least one of: the list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, the indication of whether the paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, second information associated with the carrier wave node, or frequency information for the reader node. The first information associated with the carrier wave node may be configured to enable the carrier wave node to transmit at least one carrier wave signal to enable energy harvesting at the at least one device, wherein the information associated with the carrier wave node may comprise at least one of: a start time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, an end time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, frequency information for the carrier wave node, or an identifier associated with the carrier wave node. The second information associated with the carrier wave node may be configured to enable the carrier wave node to transmit at least one carrier wave signal to enable backscattering at the at least one device, wherein the information associated with the carrier wave node may comprise at least one of: a start time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, an end time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, frequency information for the carrier wave node, or an identifier associated with the carrier wave node. The example computer-readable medium may further comprise program instructions stored thereon for performing: causing receiving, from the activator node, of information associated with a candidate transmission time for at least one activation signal from the activator node to the at least one device; determining at least one first time stamp for the candidate transmission time for the at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the received information; and determining at least one second time stamp for a candidate transmission time of at least one carrier wave signal from the carrier wave node to the at least one device, wherein the activator assistance information may further comprise at least one of: the at least one first time stamp, the at least one second time stamp, or a time interval within which the at least one first time stamp and the at least one second time are included. The example computer-readable medium may further comprise program instructions stored thereon for performing: causing receiving, from the reader node, of a response associated with the at least one device. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via at least one of: a service request, or a paging message. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via at least one intermediate node. The network node may comprises a base station, wherein the example computer-readable medium may further comprise program instructions stored thereon for performing: causing receiving, from a core network node, of a request, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: an ambient Internet of Things discovery request, or an ambient Internet of Things data request. At least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information may be transmitted via at least one of: a n...

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising means for:determining activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node;transmitting, to the activator node, the activator assistance information;transmitting, to a carrier wave node, the activator assistance information;determining reader assistance information for synchronization between a second plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from the at least one device, wherein the second plurality of nodes comprises, at least, a reader node; andtransmitting, to the reader node, the reader assistance information.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one device comprises at least one ambient Internet of Things device.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the activation of the at least one device comprises at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation.

4. The apparatus of any of claims 1 through 3, wherein the activation of the at least one device comprises one shot activation, wherein the activator assistance information comprises at least one of: an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, an identifier of a group of devices, a start time for the one shot activation for the activator node, a duration for the one shot activation for the activator node, an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, or first information associated with the carrier wave node;wherein the reader assistance information comprises at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node,a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, the indication of whether the paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, second information associated with the carrier wave node, or frequency information for the reader node.

5. The apparatus of any of claims 1 through 3, wherein the activation of the at least one device comprises periodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information comprises at least one of: an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, an identifier of a group of devices, a time separation threshold between: transmission of at least one activation signal from the activator node to the at least one device, and transmission of at least one carrier wave signal from the carrier wave node to the at least one device, a start time for the periodic activation for the activator node, a duration for the periodic activation for the activator node, an end time for the periodic activation for the activator node, a periodicity for the periodic activation for the activator node, an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, or first information associated with the carrier wave node;wherein the reader assistance information comprises at least one of: a start time for reception of at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, a duration for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, an end time for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, the periodicity for the reception of the at least one signal from the at least one device for the reader node, the indication of whether the paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, second information associated with the carrier wave node, or frequency information for the reader node.

6. The apparatus of any of claims 1 through 3, wherein the activation of the at least one device comprises aperiodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information comprises at least one of: an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, an identifier of a group of devices, a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, or first information associated with the carrier wave node,wherein the reader assistance information comprises at least one of: the list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, the indication of whether the paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, second information associated with the carrier wave node, or frequency information for the reader node.

7. The apparatus of any of claims 4 through 6, wherein the first information associated with the carrier wave node is configured to enable the carrier wave node to transmit at least one carrier wave signal to enable energy harvesting at the at least one device, wherein the information associated with the carrier wave node comprises at least one of: a start time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, an end time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, frequency information for the carrier wave node, or an identifier associated with the carrier wave node.

8. The apparatus of any of claims 4 through 7, wherein the second information associated with the carrier wave node is configured to enable the carrier wave node to transmit at least one carrier wave signal to enable backscattering at the at least one device, wherein the information associated with the carrier wave node comprises at least one of: a start time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, an end time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, frequency information for the carrier wave node, or an identifier associated with the carrier wave node.

9. The apparatus of any of claims 1 through 8, wherein the means are further configured for:receiving, from the activator node, information associated with a candidate transmission time for at least one activation signal from the activator node to the at least one device;determining at least one first time stamp for the candidate transmission time for the at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the received information; anddetermining at least one second time stamp for a candidate transmission time of at least one carrier wave signal from the carrier wave node to the at least one device,wherein the activator assistance information further comprises at least one of: the at least one first time stamp, the at least one second time stamp, or a time interval within which the at least one first time stamp and the at least one second time are included.

10. The apparatus of any of claims 1 through 9, wherein the means are further configured for:receiving, from the reader node, a response associated with the at least one device.

11. The apparatus of any of claims 1 through 10, wherein at least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information is transmitted via at least one of: a service request, or a paging message.

12. The apparatus of any of claims 1 through 11, wherein at least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information is transmitted via at least one intermediate node.

13. The apparatus of any of claims 1 through 12, wherein the apparatus comprises a base station, wherein the means are further configured for:receiving, from a core network node, a request, wherein the request comprises at least one of: an ambient Internet of Things discovery request, or an ambient Internet of Things data request.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein at least one of the activator assistance information or the reader assistance information is transmitted via at least one of: a non access stratum message, radio resource control signaling, or medium access control signaling.

15. The apparatus of any of claims 1 through 14, wherein the means are further configured for:receiving, from the activator node, an amount of time the at least one device uses to perform energy harvesting; andtransmitting, to the activator node and the carrier wave node, a request to maintain a time separation threshold between: transmission of at least one activation signal from the activator node to the at least one device, and transmission of at least one carrier wave signal from the carrier wave node to the at least one device.16 . An apparatus comprising means for:receiving, from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the apparatus; andtransmitting, to the at least one device, at least one activation signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information, wherein the at least one activation signal comprises, at least, information associated with a carrier wave node.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one device comprises at least one ambient Internet of Things device.

18. The apparatus of claim 16 or 17, wherein the activation of the at least one device comprises at least one of: one shot activation, periodic activation, or aperiodic activation.

19. The apparatus of any of claims 16 through 18, wherein the activation of the at least one device comprises one shot activation, wherein the activator assistance information comprises at least one of: an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, an identifier of a group of devices, a start time for the one shot activation for the apparatus, a duration for the one shot activation for the apparatus, an indication of whether a paging message of the one shot activation is for reception or transmission, or information associated with the carrier wave node.

20. The apparatus of any of claims 16 through 18, wherein the activation of the at least one device comprises periodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information comprises at least one of: an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, an identifier of a group of devices, a time separation threshold between: the transmission of the at least one activation signal from the apparatus to the at least one device, and transmission of at least one carrier wave signal from the carrier wave node to the at least one device, a start time for the periodic activation for the apparatus, a duration for the periodic activation for the apparatus, an end time for the periodic activation for the apparatus, a periodicity for the periodic activation for the apparatus, an indication of whether a paging message of the periodic activation is for reception or transmission, or information associated with the carrier wave node.

21. The apparatus of any of claims 16 through 18, wherein the activation of the at least one device comprises aperiodic activation, wherein the activator assistance information comprises at least one of: an identifier of respective ones of the at least one device, an identifier of a group of devices, a list of tuples for the aperiodic activation, wherein tuples of the list of tuples comprise pairs of start time information and activation duration information, an indication of whether a paging message of the aperiodic activation is for reception or transmission, or information associated with the carrier wave node.

22. The apparatus of any of claims 19 through 21, wherein the information associated with the carrier wave node is configured to enable the carrier wave node to transmit at least one carrier wave signal to enable energy harvesting at the at least one device, wherein the information associated with the carrier wave node comprises at least one of: a start time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a duration for the carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, an end time for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, a periodicity for carrier wave transmission for the carrier wave node, frequency information for the carrier wave node, or an identifier associated with the carrier wave node.

23. The apparatus of any of claims 16 through 22, wherein the means are further configured for:transmitting, to the network node, information associated with a candidate transmission time for at least one activation signal from the apparatus to the at least one device,wherein the activator assistance information further comprises at least one of: at least one first time stamp for the candidate transmission time for the at least one activation signal, at least one second time stamp for a candidate transmission time of the at least one carrier wave signal from the carrier wave node to the at least one device, or a time interval within which the at least one first time stamp and the at least one second time are included.

24. An apparatus comprising means for:receiving, from a network node, reader assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for enabling reception of backscattering from at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, the apparatus;monitoring for at least one response from the at least one device based, at least partially, on the reader assistance information;receiving the at least one response; andtransmitting, to the at least one device, a response based, at least partially, on the at least one received response.

25. An apparatus comprising means for:receiving, from a network node, activator assistance information for synchronization between a plurality of nodes for activation of at least one device, wherein the plurality of nodes comprises, at least, an activator node;receiving, from the activator node, information associated with the apparatus; andtransmitting, to the at least one device, at least one carrier wave signal based, at least partially, on the activator assistance information and the information associated with the apparatus.

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