Apparatus, method and computer program

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus comprising means for receiving from a network entity, an indication of a list of a plurality of ambient internet of things, IoT, devices and a plurality of configurations of a gap for receiving a transmission of at least one of the plurality of ambient IoT devices, means for applying a first one of the plurality of configurations at the apparatus, means for receiving at least one signal during the gap at the apparatus from at least one of the plurality of ambient IoT devices, means for determining a number of detected ambient IoT devices based on the received at least one signal, means for, based on the determined number of ambient IoT devices, determining to further apply the first one of the plurality of configurations of the gap or determining to switch to a second one of the plurality of configurations of the gap at the apparatus and means for providing an indication of the determining from the apparatus to the network entity.

Description

[0001] Title

[0002] Apparatus, method and computer program

[0003] Field

[0004] The present application relates to a method, apparatus, system and computer program and in particular but not exclusively to ambient Internet of Things (A-loT) measurement gap (MG) joint configuration.

[0005] Background

[0006] A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as user terminals, base stations and / or other nodes by providing carriers between the various entities involved in the communications path. A communication system can be provided for example by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. The communication sessions may comprise, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, video, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and / or content data and so on. Nonlimiting examples of services provided comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services and access to a data network system, such as the Internet.

[0007] In a wireless communication system at least a part of a communication session between at least two stations occurs over a wireless link. Examples of wireless systems comprise public land mobile networks (PLMN), satellite based communication systems and different wireless local networks, for example wireless local area networks (WLAN). Some wireless systems can be divided into cells, and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

[0008] A user can access the communication system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal. A communication device of a user may be referred to as user equipment (UE) or user device. A communication device is provided with an appropriate signal receiving and transmitting apparatus for enabling communications, for example enabling access to a communication network or communications directly with other users. The communication device may access a carrier provided by a station, for example a base station of a cell, and transmit and / or receive communications on the carrier. The communication system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. Communication protocols and / or parameters which shall be used for the connection are also typically defined. One example of a communications system is Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) (3G radio). Other examples of communication systems are the long-term evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio-access technology and so-called 5G or New Radio (NR) networks. NR is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Other examples of communication systems include 5G-Advanced (NR Rel-18 and beyond) and 6G.

[0009] Summary

[0010] In a first aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means for providing to a first network node at least one configuration of a first gap for activation of at least one ambient internet of things, loT, device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the first network node and means for providing to a second network node at least one configuration of a second gap for receiving a transmission of the at least one ambient loT device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the second network node, each at least one configuration of the second gap corresponding to an at least one configuration of the first gap.

[0011] The apparatus may comprise at least one of means for providing rules to the first network node for reconfiguration of the first gap and means for providing rules to the second network node for reconfiguration of the second gap.

[0012] The apparatus may comprise means for receiving an indication from the second network node of a determination, based on the provided rules, to reconfigure the second gap and means for providing a further indication to the first network node to reconfigure the first gap based on the indication received from the second network node.

[0013] The apparatus may comprise means for receiving an indication from the first network node of a determination, based on the provided rules, to reconfigure the first gap and means for providing a further indication to the second network node to reconfigure the second gap based on the indication received from the first network node. The at least one configuration of the first gap may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the first gap, the periodicity of the first gap and the start time of the first gap. The at least one configuration of the second gap may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the second gap, the periodicity of the second gap and the start time of the second gap.

[0014] The start time of the second gap may be at most equal to the sum of the start time of the first gap, a propagation delay between the first network node and the loT device and a propagation delay between the loT device and the second network node. The length of the second gap may be at least as long as the sum between a maximum excess delay between the first network node and the loT device and a maximum excess delay between the loT device and the second network node.

[0015] The apparatus may comprise means for providing the at least one configuration of the second gap to the second network node as an indication relative to the corresponding at least one configuration of the first gap.

[0016] The first network node may comprise a user equipment. The second network node may comprise a user equipment or an access node.

[0017] In a second aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means for receiving from a network entity at least one configuration of a gap for activation of at least one ambient loT device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the apparatus and means for applying the at least one configuration at the apparatus.

[0018] The apparatus may comprise means for receiving an indication from the network entity to reconfigure the gap.

[0019] The at least one configuration of the gap may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the gap, the periodicity of the gap and the start time of the gap.

[0020] In a third aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means for receiving from a network entity at least one configuration of a gap for receiving a transmission of at least one ambient loT device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the apparatus and means for applying the at least one configuration at the apparatus. The apparatus may comprise means for receiving rules for reconfiguration of the gap from the network entity.

[0021] The apparatus may comprise means for determining to reconfigure the gap based on the rules and means for providing an indication of the determining to the network entity.

[0022] The at least one configuration of the gap may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the gap, the periodicity of the gap and the start time of the gap.

[0023] The apparatus may comprise means for receiving the configuration of the gap as an indication relative to a configuration of a further gap for activation of the at least one ambient loT device.

[0024] In a fourth aspect there is provided a method comprising providing to a first network node at least one configuration of a first gap for activation of at least one ambient internet of things, loT, device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the first network node and providing to a second network node at least one configuration of a second gap for receiving a transmission of the at least one ambient loT device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the second network node, each at least one configuration of the second gap corresponding to an at least one configuration of the first gap.

[0025] The method may comprise at least one of providing rules to the first network node for reconfiguration of the first gap and providing rules to the second network node for reconfiguration of the second gap.

[0026] The method may comprise receiving an indication from the second network node of a determination, based on the provided rules, to reconfigure the second gap and providing a further indication to the first network node to reconfigure the first gap based on the indication received from the second network node.

[0027] The method may comprise receiving an indication from the first network node of a determination, based on the provided rules, to reconfigure the first gap and providing a further indication to the second network node to reconfigure the second gap based on the indication received from the first network node.

[0028] The at least one configuration of the first gap may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the first gap, the periodicity of the first gap and the start time of the first gap. The at least one configuration of the second gap may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the second gap, the periodicity of the second gap and the start time of the second gap.

[0029] The start time of the second gap may be at most equal to the sum of the start time of the first gap, a propagation delay between the first network node and the loT device and a propagation delay between the loT device and the second network node. The length of the second gap may be at least as long as the sum between a maximum excess delay between the first network node and the loT device and a maximum excess delay between the loT device and the second network node.

[0030] The method may comprise providing the at least one configuration of the second gap to the second network node as an indication relative to the corresponding at least one configuration of the first gap.

[0031] The first network node may comprise a user equipment. The second network node may comprise a user equipment or an access node.

[0032] In a fifth aspect there is provided a method comprising receiving at an apparatus from a network entity at least one configuration of a gap for activation of at least one ambient loT device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the apparatus and applying the at least one configuration at the apparatus.

[0033] The method may comprise receiving an indication from the network entity to reconfigure the gap.

[0034] The at least one configuration of the gap may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the gap, the periodicity of the gap and the start time of the gap.

[0035] In a sixth aspect there is provided a method comprising receiving at an apparatus from a network entity at least one configuration of a gap for receiving a transmission of at least one ambient loT device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the apparatus and applying the at least one configuration at the apparatus.

[0036] The method may comprise receiving rules for reconfiguration of the gap from the network entity. The method may comprise determining to reconfigure the gap based on the rules and means for providing an indication of the determining to the network entity.

[0037] The at least one configuration of the gap may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the gap, the periodicity of the gap and the start time of the gap.

[0038] The method may comprise receiving the configuration of the gap as an indication relative to a configuration of a further gap for activation of the at least one ambient loT device.

[0039] In a seventh aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus at least to provide to a first network node at least one configuration of a first gap for activation of at least one ambient internet of things, loT, device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the first network node and provide to a second network node at least one configuration of a second gap for receiving a transmission of the at least one ambient loT device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the second network node, each at least one configuration of the second gap corresponding to an at least one configuration the first gap.

[0040] The apparatus may be caused to, at least one of, provide rules to the first network node for reconfiguration of the first gap and provide rules to the second network node for reconfiguration of the second gap.

[0041] The apparatus may be caused to receive an indication from the second network node of a determination, based on the provided rules, to reconfigure the second gap and provide a further indication to the first network node to reconfigure the first gap based on the indication received from the second network node.

[0042] The apparatus may be caused to receive an indication from the first network node of a determination, based on the provided rules, to reconfigure the first gap and provide a further indication to the second network node to reconfigure the second gap based on the indication received from the first network node.

[0043] The at least one configuration of the first gap may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the first gap, the periodicity of the first gap and the start time of the first gap. The at least one configuration of the second gap may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the second gap, the periodicity of the second gap and the start time of the second gap.

[0044] The start time of the second gap may be at most equal to the sum of the start time of the first gap, a propagation delay between the first network node and the loT device and a propagation delay between the loT device and the second network node. The length of the second gap may be at least as long as the sum between a maximum excess delay between the first network node and the loT device and a maximum excess delay between the loT device and the second network node.

[0045] The apparatus may be caused to provide the at least one configuration of the second gap to the second network node as an indication relative to the corresponding at least one configuration of the first gap.

[0046] The first network node may comprise a user equipment. The second network node may comprise a user equipment or an access node.

[0047] In an eighth aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive from a network entity at least one configuration of a gap for activation of at least one ambient loT device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the apparatus and apply the configuration at the apparatus.

[0048] The apparatus may be caused to receive an indication from the network entity to reconfigure the gap.

[0049] The at least one configuration of the gap may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the gap, the periodicity of the gap and the start time of the gap.

[0050] In a ninth aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive from a network entity at least one configuration of a gap for receiving a transmission of at least one ambient loT device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the apparatus and apply the at least one configuration at the apparatus.

[0051] The apparatus maybe caused to receive rules for reconfiguration of the gap from the network entity. The apparatus may be caused to determine to reconfigure the gap based on the rules and provide an indication of the determining to the network entity.

[0052] The at least one configuration of the gap may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the gap, the periodicity of the gap and the start time of the gap.

[0053] The apparatus may be caused to receive the configuration of the gap as an indication relative to a configuration of a further gap for activation of the at least one ambient loT device.

[0054] In a tenth aspect there is provided a computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following providing to a first network node a configuration of at least one first gap for activation of at least one ambient internet of things, loT, device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the first network node and providing to a second network node a configuration of at least one second gap for a transmission of the at least one ambient loT device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the second network node, each at least one configuration of the second gap corresponding to an at least one configuration of the first gap.

[0055] The apparatus may be caused to perform at least one of providing rules to the first network node for reconfiguration of the first gap and providing rules to the second network node for reconfiguration of the second gap.

[0056] The apparatus may be caused to perform receiving an indication from the second network node of a determination, based on the provided rules, to reconfigure the second gap and providing a further indication to the first network node to reconfigure the first gap based on the indication received from the second network node.

[0057] The apparatus may be caused to perform receiving an indication from the first network node of a determination, based on the provided rules, to reconfigure the first gap and providing a further indication to the second network node to reconfigure the second gap based on the indication received from the first network node.

[0058] The at least one configuration of the first gap may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the first gap, the periodicity of the first gap and the start time of the first gap. The at least one configuration of the second gap may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the second gap, the periodicity of the second gap and the start time of the second gap.

[0059] The start time of the second gap may be at most equal to the sum of the start time of the first gap, a propagation delay between the first network node and the loT device and a propagation delay between the loT device and the second network node. The length of the second gap may be at least as long as the sum between a maximum excess delay between the first network node and the loT device and a maximum excess delay between the loT device and the second network node.

[0060] The apparatus may be caused to perform providing the at least one configuration of the second gap to the second network node as an indication relative to the corresponding at least one configuration of the first gap.

[0061] The first network node may comprise a user equipment. The second network node may comprise a user equipment or an access node.

[0062] In an eleventh aspect there is provided a computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving from a network entity at least one configuration of an gap for activation of at least one ambient loT device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the apparatus; and applying the at least one configuration at the apparatus.

[0063] The apparatus may be caused to perform receiving an indication from the network entity to reconfigure the gap.

[0064] The at least one configuration of the gap may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the gap, the periodicity of the gap and the start time of the gap.

[0065] In a twelfth aspect there is provided a computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving from a network entity at least one configuration of a gap for receiving a transmission of at least one ambient loT device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the apparatus and applying the at least one configuration at the apparatus.

[0066] The apparatus may be caused to perform receiving rules for reconfiguration of the gap from the network entity. The apparatus may be caused to perform determining to reconfigure the gap based on the rules and providing an indication of the determining to the network entity.

[0067] The at least one configuration of the gap may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the gap, the periodicity of the gap and the start time of the gap.

[0068] The apparatus may be caused to perform receiving the configuration of the gap as an indication relative to a configuration of a further gap for activation of the at least one ambient loT device.

[0069] In a thirteenth aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means for receiving from a network entity, an indication of a list of a plurality of ambient internet of things, loT, devices and a plurality of configurations of a gap for receiving a transmission of at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices, means for applying a first one of the plurality of configurations at the apparatus, means for receiving at least one signal during the gap at the apparatus from at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices, means for determining a number of detected ambient loT devices based on the received at least one signal, means for, based on the determined number of ambient loT devices, determining to further apply the first one of the plurality of configurations of the gap or determining to switch to a second one of the plurality of configurations of the gap at the apparatus; and means for providing an indication of the determining from the apparatus to the network entity.

[0070] Determining to further apply the first one of the plurality of configurations of the gap or determining to switch to a second one of the plurality of configurations of the gap may be based on an evaluation of a quality of detection attempts.

[0071] The quality of detection attempts may be further based on a number of detection attempts when applying the first one of the plurality of configurations.

[0072] The evaluation of the quality of detection attempts may be based on at least one threshold.

[0073] The apparatus may comprise means for receiving an indication of the at least one threshold from the network entity. Means for determining a number of detected ambient loT devices based on the received at least one signal may comprise means for performing cross correlation of the received at least one signal.

[0074] The configuration of the gap may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the gap, the periodicity of the gap and the start time of the gap.

[0075] The network entity may comprise a secure communications unit.

[0076] The apparatus may comprise a user equipment or an access node.

[0077] In a fourteenth aspect there is provided a method comprising receiving, at an apparatus from a network entity, an indication of a list of a plurality of ambient internet of things, loT, devices and a plurality of configurations of a gap for receiving a transmission of at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices, applying a first one of the plurality of configurations at the apparatus, receiving at least one signal during the gap at the apparatus from at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices, determining a number of detected ambient loT devices based on the received at least one signal, based on the determined number of ambient loT devices, determining to further apply the first one of the plurality of configurations of the gap or determining to switch to a second one of the plurality of configurations of the gap at the apparatus and providing an indication of the determining from the apparatus to the network entity.

[0078] Determining to further apply the first one of the plurality of configurations of the gap or determining to switch to a second one of the plurality of configurations of the gap may be based on an evaluation of a quality of detection attempts.

[0079] The quality of detection attempts may be further based on a number of detection attempts when applying the first one of the plurality of configurations.

[0080] The evaluation of the quality of detection attempts may be based on at least one threshold.

[0081] The method may comprise receiving an indication of the at least one threshold from the network entity. Determining a number of detected ambient loT devices based on the received at least one signal may comprise performing cross correlation of the received at least one signal.

[0082] The configuration of the gap may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the gap, the periodicity of the gap and the start time of the gap.

[0083] The network entity may comprise a secure communications unit.

[0084] The apparatus may comprise a user equipment or an access node.

[0085] In a fifteenth aspect there is provided at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive from a network entity, an indication of a list of a plurality of ambient internet of things, loT, devices and a plurality of configurations of a gap for receiving a transmission of at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices, apply a first one of the plurality of configurations at the apparatus, receive at least one signal during the gap at the apparatus from at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices, determine a number of detected ambient loT devices based on the received at least one signal, based on the determined number of ambient loT devices, determine to further apply the first one of the plurality of configurations of the gap or determining to switch to a second one of the plurality of configurations of the gap at the apparatus and provide an indication of the determining from the apparatus to the network entity.

[0086] Determining to further apply the first one of the plurality of configurations of the gap or determining to switch to a second one of the plurality of configurations of the gap may be based on an evaluation of a quality of detection attempts.

[0087] The quality of detection attempts may be further based on a number of detection attempts when applying the first one of the plurality of configurations.

[0088] The evaluation of the quality of detection attempts may be based on at least one threshold.

[0089] The apparatus may be caused to receive an indication of the at least one threshold from the network entity. Determining a number of detected ambient loT devices based on the received at least one signal may comprise performing cross correlation of the received at least one signal.

[0090] The configuration of the gap may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the gap, the periodicity of the gap and the start time of the gap.

[0091] The network entity may comprise a secure communications unit.

[0092] The apparatus may comprise a user equipment or an access node.

[0093] In a sixteenth aspect there is provided a computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following receiving from a network entity, an indication of a list of a plurality of ambient internet of things, loT, devices and a plurality of configurations of a gap for receiving a transmission of at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices, applying a first one of the plurality of configurations at the apparatus, receiving at least one signal during the gap at the apparatus from at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices, determining a number of detected ambient loT devices based on the received at least one signal, based on the determined number of ambient loT devices, determining to further apply the first one of the plurality of configurations of the gap or determining to switch to a second one of the plurality of configurations of the gap at the apparatus and providing an indication of the determining from the apparatus to the network entity.

[0094] Determining to further apply the first one of the plurality of configurations of the gap or determining to switch to a second one of the plurality of configurations of the gap may be based on an evaluation of a quality of detection attempts.

[0095] The quality of detection attempts may be further based on a number of detection attempts when applying the first one of the plurality of configurations.

[0096] The evaluation of the quality of detection attempts may be based on at least one threshold.

[0097] The apparatus may be caused to perform receiving an indication of the at least one threshold from the network entity. Determining a number of detected ambient loT devices based on the received at least one signal may comprise performing cross correlation of the received at least one signal.

[0098] The configuration of the gap may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the gap, the periodicity of the gap and the start time of the gap.

[0099] The network entity may comprise a secure communications unit.

[0100] The apparatus may comprise a user equipment or an access node.

[0101] In a seventeenth aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the fourth, fifth, sixth or fourteenth aspect.

[0102] In the above, many different embodiments have been described. It should be appreciated that further embodiments may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the embodiments described above.

[0103] Description of Figures

[0104] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

[0105] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example 5GS communication system;

[0106] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example mobile communication device;

[0107] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an example control apparatus;

[0108] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment;

[0109] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment; Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment;

[0110] Figure 7 shows a signalling diagram for an example embodiment;

[0111] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment;

[0112] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment.

[0113] Detailed description

[0114] Before explaining in detail the examples, certain general principles of a wireless communication system and mobile communication devices are briefly explained with reference to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 to assist in understanding the technology underlying the described examples.

[0115] An example of a suitable communications system is the 5G or NR concept. Network architecture in NR may be similar to that of LTE-advanced. Base stations of NR systems may be known as next generation NodeBs (gNBs). Changes to the network architecture may depend on the need to support various radio technologies and finer Quality of Service (QoS) support, and some on-demand requirements for e.g. QoS levels to support Quality of Experience (QoE) for a user. Also network aware services and applications, and service and application aware networks may bring changes to the architecture. Those are related to Information Centric Network (ICN) and User-Centric Content Delivery Network (UC-CDN) approaches. NR may use Multiple Input - Multiple Output (MIMO) antennas, many more base stations or nodes than the LTE (a so-called small cell concept), including macro sites operating in co-operation with smaller stations and perhaps also employing a variety of radio technologies for better coverage and enhanced data rates.

[0116] Future networks may utilise network functions virtualization (NFV) which is a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions into “building blocks” or entities that may be operationally connected or linked together to provide services. A virtualized network function (VNF) may comprise one or more virtual machines running computer program codes using standard or general type servers instead of customized hardware. Cloud computing or data storage may also be utilized. In radio communications this may mean node operations to be carried out, at least partly, in a server, host or node operationally coupled to a remote radio head. It is also possible that node operations will be distributed among a plurality of servers, nodes or hosts. It should also be understood that the distribution of labour between core network operations and base station operations may differ from that of the LTE or even be non-existent.

[0117] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a 5G system (5GS) 100. The 5GS may comprise a user equipment (UE) 102 (which may also be referred to as a communication device or a terminal), a 5G radio access network (5GRAN) 104, a 5G core network (5GCN) 106, one or more internal or external application functions (AF) 108 and one or more data networks (DN) 110.

[0118] An example 5G core network (CN) comprises functional entities. The 5GCN 106 may comprise one or more Access and mobility Management Functions (AMF) 112, one or more session management functions (SMF) 114, an authentication server function (ALISF) 116, a Unified Data Management (UDM) 118, one or more user plane functions (UPF) 120, a Unified Data Repository (UDR) 122 and / or a Network Exposure Function (NEF) 124. The UPF is controlled by the SMF (Session Management Function) that receives policies from a PCF (Policy Control Function).

[0119] The CN is connected to a UE via the Radio Access Network (RAN). The 5GRAN may comprise one or more gNodeB (gNB) Distributed Unit (DU) functions connected to one or more gNodeB (gNB) Centralized Unit (CU) functions. The RAN may comprise one or more access nodes.

[0120] A User Plane Function (UPF) referred to as PDU Session Anchor (PSA) may be responsible for forwarding frames back and forth between the DN and the tunnels established over the 5G towards the UE(s) exchanging traffic with the DN.

[0121] A possible mobile communication device will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2 showing a schematic, partially sectioned view of a communication device 200. Such a communication device is often referred to as user equipment (UE) or terminal. An appropriate mobile communication device may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples comprise a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a ’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, portable computers, desktop computer, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, vehiclemounted wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), smart devices, wireless customer- premises equipment (CPE), or any combinations of these or the like. A mobile communication device may provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and so on. Users may thus be offered and provided numerous services via their communication devices. Non-limiting examples of these services comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services or simply an access to a data communications network system, such as the Internet. Users may also be provided broadcast or multicast data. Non-limiting examples of the content comprise downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alerts, and other information.

[0122] A mobile device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 201 , at least one memory 202 and other possible components 203 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The data processing, storage and other relevant components can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and / or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 204. The user may control the operation of the mobile device by means of a suitable user interface such as key pad 205, voice commands, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. A display 208, a speaker and a microphone can be also provided. Furthermore, a mobile communication device may comprise appropriate connectors (either wired or wireless) to other devices and / or for connecting external accessories, for example hands-free equipment, thereto.

[0123] The mobile device 200 may receive signals over an air or radio interface 207 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In Figure 2 transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 206. The transceiver apparatus 206 may be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

[0124] Figure 3 shows an example of a control apparatus 300 for a communication system, for example to be coupled to and / or for controlling a station of an access system, such as a RAN node, e.g. a base station, eNB or gNB, a relay node or a core network node such as an MME or Serving Gateway (S-GW) or Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW), or a core network function such as AMF / SMF, or a server or host. The method may be implemented in a single control apparatus or across more than one control apparatus. The control apparatus may be integrated with or external to a node or module of a core network or RAN. In some embodiments, base stations comprise a separate control apparatus unit or module. In other embodiments, the control apparatus can be another network element such as a radio network controller or a spectrum controller. In some embodiments, each base station may have such a control apparatus as well as a control apparatus being provided in a radio network controller. The control apparatus 300 can be arranged to provide control on communications in the service area of the system. The control apparatus 300 comprises at least one memory 301 , at least one data processing unit 302, 303 and an input / output interface 304. Via the interface the control apparatus can be coupled to a receiver and a transmitter of the base station. The receiver and / or the transmitter may be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head.

[0125] The number of Internet of Things (loT) connections has been growing rapidly in recent years and is predicted to be hundreds of billions by 2030. With more and more ‘things’ expected to be interconnected for improving production efficiency and increasing comforts of life, it demands further reduction of size, cost, and power consumption for loT devices. In particular, regular replacement of battery for all the loT devices is impractical due to the tremendous consumption of materials and manpower. It has become a trend to use energy harvested from environments to power loT devices for self-sustainable communications, especially in applications with a huge number of devices (e.g., ID tags and sensors).

[0126] One issue with existing 3GPP technologies for the target use cases is the capability of cooperating with energy harvesting considering limited device size. Cellular devices usually consume tens or even hundreds of milliwatts power for transceiver processing. Taking NB-loT module for example, the typical current consumption for receive processing is about 60mA with supply voltage higher than 3.1V, while 70mA for transmitting processing at OdBm transmit power. Furthermore, the output power provided by typical energy harvester is mostly below 1 milliwatt, considering the small size of a few square centimeters for practical devices. Since the available power is far less than the consumed power, it is impractical to power cellular devices directly by energy harvesting in most cases.

[0127] Passive / Ambient Internet of Things (Ambient loT) relates to loT devices that operate without a dedicated power source. These devices, which may be battery-less or have limited energy storage, derive energy from various ambient sources such as radio waves, light, motion, heat, or other suitable power sources.

[0128] A passive radio is a smart device that utilizes the energy from incoming wireless signals, transmitted on specific carriers and / or bandwidths, to power its circuitry. Once triggered by the incoming energy, the passive radio activates and emits or reflects a signal. A typical passive radio architecture consists of an activator, a device that sends an activation signal; a passive radio, a device that harness energy and listens for activation signal, and a reader, a device that listens and detects passive radio signals.

[0129] Backscatter represents a battery-free technique that utilizes an incoming radio-frequency (RF) signal for data transmission. This method relies on passive reflection and modulation of the RF signal, converting it into a small amount of electricity, typically ranging from tens to hundreds of microwatts. This harvested energy is then harnessed to encode data and facilitate communication without the need for an external power source.

[0130] Three distinct types of devices have been identified. A first device, Device A, operates without any energy storage and relies on backscattering transmission. A second device, Device B, utilizes energy storage and backscattering transmission, which includes amplification capability. A third device, Device C incorporates energy storage and employs an active RF component to generate independent signals.

[0131] The coexistence of AloT and cellular communications may be achieved via fully Integrated AloT and cellular communications, where their coexistence is enabled via network-controlled resource scheduling (i.e. activation and reading of the AloT device is scheduled) and therefore the network is always aware of the impact of the AloT communications into the “normal” cellular operations. One advantage of this approach is the (radio) network control over AloT and therefore any issues related to coexistence (e.g. such as interference) can be mitigated. One disadvantage is that the AloT devices need to implement at least the essential parts of the 3GPP communication stack in both user and control plane, which can be problematic at least for AloT Devices Type A and B.

[0132] Alternatively, or in addition, coexistence of AloT and cellular communications may be achieved via fully decoupled AloT and cellular communications, where their coexistence is enabled via deployment of the AloT in different carriers other than the cellular communications and then the only impact on the cellular devices (which take the role of activators or readers) is the need to configure measurement gaps in order to minimize the disruption of their “normal” cellular communications. One advantage of this approach is that AloT devices (such as Type A and B) will no longer need to implement the full user and control plane stack.

[0133] Alternatively, or in addition, coexistence of AloT and cellular communications may be achieved via partially decoupled AloT and cellular communications, where the activation and reading can occur at different carriers than the “normal” cellular communications or the activator and readers can be under the control of different cells (or even operators). In this case, a combination of resource scheduling and measurement gaps can be deployed to enable the AloT and cellular communications coexistence. One advantage of this approach is that the activators and reader no longer need to be under the same serving cell.

[0134] Measurement gaps (MG), also referred to herein as “gaps”, refer to specific time intervals during which a UE is not engaged in transmitting or receiving data to or from its serving cell. These gaps are intentionally designed to allow the UE to focus on measuring signals from sources beyond its current active Bandwidth Part (BWP). These measurement gaps may be configured by gNB or requested by the UE. In both cases however, the gNB configures the MG for a given duration, with a given periodicity, for a given purpose. The MG length should be sufficiently long so that the UE switches to the new carrier(s), performs all required measurements (on one or more new carriers), and switches back to its original serving carrier.

[0135] Measurement gaps (MG) may be defined as time intervals in which a UE is exempt from UL / DL TX / RX with its serving cell (e.g., an apparatus is not engaged in transmitting or receiving data with its serving cell), so that the UE can perform measurements of signals outside the UE’s current active BWP. Measurement gaps may be configured by the gNB or requested by the UE. In both cases however, the gNB configures the MG for a given duration, with a given periodicity, for a given purpose.

[0136] In A-loT systems, an activator and a reader are configured to detect and manage potentially hundreds or even thousands of A-loT devices. Some of these A-loT devices may operate on different carrier frequencies or utilize various subsets of carriers for their communication. Currently 3GPP specification do not have any provision for A-loT measurement gaps because, the present measurement gap configuration does not support measurements of thousands of potentially concurrent signals. The NR network is also not aware which target A-loT devices enter the coverage of a given gNB at a given time and which of the A-loT devices are in the proximity of which activator and / or readers.

[0137] The following relates to configuration of measurements gaps in an A-loT system to accommodate measurement for A-loT devices.

[0138] In an example embodiment, one or more activator radios (e.g., an NR UE) is configured by a NW entity to discover one or more A-loT devices from a list L. One or more reader radios (e.g., an NR UE, a gNB) is configured to read the AIOT devices from the same list L. The list L is assumed to be provided by the application layer or in alternative, another network element that keeps track of the A-loT devices registered within the RAN or tracking area.

[0139] Each A-loT device of list L is characterized by an activation frequency (AF) (i.e. , a carrier and BW at which the A-loT device can be stimulated to reply, The stimulation happens via an activation signal sent by the activator radio.) and a tag response frequency (TRF) (i.e., a carrier and BW at which the device can reply to the activation signal). For some A-loT device types, the activation and tag response frequency may coincide.

[0140] The activator and reader may need multiple MGs to finalize the sessions of the multiple A-loT devices, and that the MG of the activator and reader, while they need coordination, may not necessarily target the same frequency jump i.e., the activator may apply an MG for moving its transmission to the AF carrier, while the reader may apply an MG for switching its reception to a matched TRF carrier.

[0141] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment. The apparatus may comprise a network function, e.g., a SOU. The apparatus may comprise a gNB or UE. The SOU may reside in an activator device or a reader device. The first network node may be an activator device. The second network node may be a reader device.

[0142] In 401 , the method comprises providing to a first network node at least one configuration of a first gap for activation of at least one ambient internet of things, loT, device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the first network node.

[0143] In 402, the method comprises providing to at least one second network node a configuration of a second gap for receiving a transmission of the at least one ambient loT device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the second network node, each at least one configuration of the second gap corresponding to an at least one configuration of the first gap.

[0144] The first gap may comprise a period during which the first network node is not engaged in transmitting or receiving data with its serving cell. The second gap may comprise a period during which the second network node is not engaged in transmitting or receiving data with its serving cell.

[0145] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment. The method may be performed at an apparatus. The apparatus may be the first network node referred to in the method as described with reference to Figure 4. The apparatus may comprise an activator device (also referred to as an activator radio). The apparatus may be a gNB or a UE.

[0146] In 501 , the method comprises receiving, at an apparatus from a network entity, at least one configuration of a gap for activation of at least one ambient loT device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the apparatus.

[0147] In 502, the method comprises applying the at least one configuration at the apparatus.

[0148] The gap may comprise a period during which the apparatus is not engaged in transmitting or receiving data with its serving cell. The gap may be understood as an activation gap used by the apparatus to transmit an activation signal in a frequency outside its BW and / or BWP.

[0149] Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment. The method may be performed at an apparatus. The apparatus may be the second network node referred to in the method as described with reference to Figure 4. The apparatus may comprise a reader device (also referred to as a reader radio). The apparatus may be a gNB or a UE.

[0150] In 601 , the method comprises receiving, at an apparatus from a network entity, at least one configuration of a gap for receiving a transmission of at least one ambient loT device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the apparatus.

[0151] In 602, the method comprises applying the at least one configuration at the apparatus.

[0152] The gap may comprise a period during which the apparatus is not engaged in transmitting or receiving data with its serving cell. The gap may be understood as a measurement gap used by the apparatus to receive a signal from the loT device outside its BW and / or BWP.

[0153] Ambient loT devices may also be referred to as passive loT devices, passive tags, passive tag devices, tags or tag devices.

[0154] In an example embodiment, there is one or more activator radios (e.g., an NR UE) configured by a NW entity to discover one or more A-loT devices from a list L and one or more reader radios (e.g., an NR UE or a gNB) configured to read the A-loT devices from the same list L.

[0155] Each A-IOT device is characterized by an activation frequency (AF), i.e. , a carrier and BW at which the A-loT device can be stimulated to reply and a tag response frequency (TRF), i.e., a carrier and BW at which the device can reply to the activation signal. The stimulation happens via an activation signal sent by the activator radio. For some A-loT device types, the activation and tag response frequency may coincide.

[0156] The list L may be provided by the application layer or alternatively, or in addition by another network element that keeps track of the A-loT devices registered within the RAN or tracking area.

[0157] The activator device and reader device may need multiple activation gaps and measurement gaps, respectively, to finalize the sessions of the multiple A-loT devices, and that the activation gap of the activator device and the measurement gap of the reader device while they need coordination, may not necessarily target the same frequency jump i.e. , the activator applies an activation gap for moving its transmission to the AF carrier, while the reader applies a measurement gap for switching its reception to a matched TRF carrier.

[0158] A session control unit (SCU) may configure the discovery of the A-loT device list L. The configuration may comprise selecting the reader devices and activator devices, and informing them of the IDs in the list L, their AF and TRF and any additional information about the A-loT reply waveform.

[0159] The configuration of the gap (which may be the first gap or the second gap) may comprise a configuration of at least one of the length of the gap, the periodicity of the gap and the start time of the gap.

[0160] In an example embodiment, a SCU configures and informs an activator device and a reader device about an activation gap start time, length and periodicity of the activator radio and the SCU configures and informs the reader about a MG start time, length and periodicity of the reader radio. The configuration of the activation gap and the configuration of the measurement gap may be coordinated by the SCU.

[0161] The second gap start time may at most be equal to the first gap start time, the propagation delay between the activator device and the loT device and a propagation delay between the loT device and the reader device. The length of the second gap should be at least as long as the sum between the maximum excess delay between the activator device and the loT device and maximum excess delay between the loT device and the reader device. Since these delays are not apriori known, they may be approximated to the delay the signal takes to travel the maximum activation distance (e.g., 20 m) and the delay the signal takes to travel the max reading distance (e.g., 200 m), respectively. An activation distance is the distance from an activator device to loT device, while a reading distance is the distance from an loT device to a reader device.

[0162] The configuration of the second gap may be provided to the second network node as an indication relative to the configuration of the first gap.

[0163] For example, the TRF MG configuration may be absolute i.e., define an TRF MG start time, length, and periodicity, or relative i.e., indicate the TRF MG start relative to the AF MG start, a positive / negative MG length difference, etc.

[0164] A method as described with reference to Figure 4 may comprise at least one of providing rules to the first network node for reconfiguration of the first gap and providing rules to the second network node for reconfiguration of the second gap.

[0165] Reconfiguration may comprise termination of the application of the first gap configuration at the activator device or second gap configuration at the reader device.

[0166] In an example embodiment, a SOU configures the rules for terminating the activation gap or measurement gap configuration application. For example, if a reader is configured with a periodic MG for TRF X, but the last Z reading sessions were unsuccessful, the reader stops applying the MG and informs the NW about the failure.

[0167] Another example rule is if an activator / reader radio has higher priority traffic, the radio may stop applying the activation gap or measurement gap and report the stopping.

[0168] Reconfiguration may comprise switching from one first gap configuration or one second gap configuration to another first gap configuration or another second gap configuration, respectively.

[0169] In an example embodiment, the SOU configures the rules for switching among candidate measurement gap or activation gap configurations. For example, a reader may dynamically switch to another measurement gap configuration e.g. with larger measurement gap length and / or shorter periodicity if the A-loT detection is unsuccessful.

[0170] Upon activation gap or measurement gap configuration, the activator device and reader devices apply the activation gap or measurement gap as configured. If a reader device or an activator device wants to terminate or switch to another configuration application, it informs the SCU, which then may terminate / modify the configuration application for the other entities in the session e.g., if the activator device terminates an activation gap configuration, the SCU stops the matched measurement gap at the reader device as well.

[0171] When the SCU resides in the activator / reader, the termination message may be sent directly via sidelink by the radio entity that issued it in the first place.

[0172] For example, a method as described with reference to Figure 4 may comprise receiving an indication from the second network node of a determination, based on the provided rules, to reconfigure the second gap and providing a further indication to the first network node to reconfigure the first gap based on the indication received from the second network node or receiving an indication from the first network node of a determination, based on the provided rules, to reconfigure the first gap and providing a further indication to the second network node to reconfigure the second gap based on the indication received from the first network node.

[0173] Figure 7 shows a signalling diagram between a SCU, reader device (“reader”), activator device (“activator”) and A-loT device according to an example embodiment.

[0174] In message 1 , the SCU configures a hierarchical list of activation gap configurations (AF MG N) and measurement gap configurations (TRF MG N) and enables MG termination (this is an example of providing rules for reconfiguration).

[0175] In block 2, the reader device and the activator device apply the first configuration in their respective list.

[0176] In block 4, the reader device determines the termination of the applied measurement gap configuration (TRF MG X) based on the provided rules.

[0177] In message 5, the reader device sends a message to the SCU indicating the termination of TRF MG X.

[0178] In message 6, the SCU provides a message to the activator device to terminate the corresponding activation gap configuration (AF MG X). Alternatively, or in addition, in block 8 the reader device determines to switch from the applied measurement gap configuration (TRF MG X) to the next measurement gap configuration in the hierarchical list (TRF MG Y) based on the provided rules.

[0179] In message 9, the reader device sends a message to the SOU indicating the switch to TRF MG Y.

[0180] In message 10, the SOU provides a message to the activator device to switch to the corresponding activation gap configuration (AF MG Y).

[0181] To support message 1 from Figure 7, the IE MeasGapConfig may require definitions of additional fields as shown in Table 1.

[0182] Table 1

[0183] Messages 5 and 9 may be RRC IE or MAC CE. Messages 5 and 9 may be sent by those UE with autonomous gap activation / deactivation capability.

[0184] Messages 6 and 10 may be realized by reconfiguring the contents of the MeasGapConfig IE.

[0185] Apparatus behaviour corresponding to blocks 2, 4 and 8 (e.g., where an apparatus applies a first configuration and determines whether to terminate or reapply the first configuration or switch to a second configuration based on the rules) is now described in more detail with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment. The method may be performed at an apparatus. The apparatus may be a reader device. The reader device may be an access node, such as a gNB, or a UE. The network entity may be a SCU. In the method shown in in Figure 8, the measurement gap is referred to as a gap.

[0186] In 801 , the method comprises receiving, at an apparatus from a network entity, an indication of a list of a plurality of ambient internet of things, loT, devices and a plurality of configurations of a gap for receiving a transmission of at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices.

[0187] In 802, the method comprises applying a first one of the plurality of configurations at the apparatus.

[0188] In 803, the method comprises receiving at least one signal during the gap at the apparatus from at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices;

[0189] In 804, the method comprises determining a number of detected ambient loT devices based on the received at least one signal.

[0190] In 805, the method comprises based on the determined number of ambient loT devices, determining to further apply the first one of the plurality of configurations of the gap or determining to switch to a second one of the plurality of configurations of the gap at the apparatus.

[0191] In 806, the method comprises providing an indication of the determining from the apparatus to the network entity.

[0192] The gap referred to in Figure 8 may comprise a period during which the apparatus is not engaged in transmitting or receiving data with its serving cell. The gap may be understood as a measurement gap used by the apparatus to receive a signal from the loT device outside its BW and / or BWP.

[0193] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of behaviour at a reader device (e.g., a reader UE).

[0194] The UE applies the first configuration (i-th MG) of the plurality of configurations in the hierarchical list as shown in Figure 9. The configuration may comprise carrier fci, bandwidth Bi, for a duration Tgi (e.g., the length of the gap). The UE switches to carrier fci, bandwidth Bi, for a duration Tgi. This is an example of applying a first one of a plurality of configurations at the apparatus.

[0195] During Tgi, the UE proceeds to collect K samples of signals in this spectrum, where K = [Tgi*Bi], This is an example of receiving at least one signal during the gap at the apparatus from at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices. The k-th sample y^]= where y[i](t) is the signal in the i-th MG and is approximated as:

[0196] Where: is the AIOT device’s d reply on carrier fci, bandwidth Bi. We assume only Di devices out of total L reply on carrier fci. is the channel impulse response from AIOT device d, on carrier fci, bandwidth Bi. For simplicity, we approximate the channel as being single tap, where both the gain adand delaydare not carrier dependent: (t) = hd(t) = ad8(t - rd).

[0197] With the approximation above, we can recast the received signal as:

[0198] Determining a number of detected ambient loT devices based on the received at least one signal may comprise performing cross correlation of the received at least one signal.

[0199] In an example embodiment, the UE may sequentially or in parallel attempt to detect all L AIOT devices by performing cross-correlations (*) between all AIOT signals :

[0200] The UE may detect G, <= AIOT devices and their respective channels (ag, zg) g = l-. Gi.

[0201] - As an example, an AIOT device is successfully detected if the peak of the envelope of r([l]is above a noise threshold.

[0202] Determining to further apply the first one of the plurality of configurations of the gap or determining to switch to a second one of the plurality of configurations of the gap may be based on an evaluation of a quality of detection attempts. The method may comprise receiving an indication of the threshold from the network entity.

[0203] In an example embodiment, when the detection is complete, the reader assesses how many devices out of Di managed to detect and computes a success ratio for carrier fci: Rt= The ratio may be used to evaluate a quality of the detection events. The evaluation of the quality of detection attempts may be based on at least one threshold, e.g., success-threshold described below.

[0204] For example, if Rt> Success-threshold then the UE moves to the next carrier fci+1 , and applies the (i+1)-th MG configuration (e.g., switches to a second one of the plurality of configurations of the gap at the apparatus). The success-threshold indicates a minimum performance requirement and may be set by the SCU or by the reader itself.

[0205] The quality of detection attempts may be further based on a number of detection attempts when applying the first one of the plurality of configurations. The at least one threshold may comprise a maximum number of detection events.

[0206] For example, elseif Rt< Success-threshold and attempt_counter < Max_detection_attempts, then the UE stays in the i-th MG and attempts to detect the remaining (O£- GJ AIOT devices (e.g., the apparatus further applies the first one of the plurality of configurations of the gap), in the next MG instance, as long as the reading attempt counter is smaller than a maximum threshold, where said threshold may be configured internally or by the SCU.

[0207] Having detected the GJ AIOT devices, even if said devices continue to reply in the next MG instance, the UE may apply successive interference cancellation reception and subtract their replies from the received signal.

[0208] Elseif Rt < Success-threshold and attempt_counter > Max_detection_attempts, the reading of the (£); - GJ (which may be considered a detection attempt when applying the first one of the plurality of configurations) is considered failed and the UE is forced to switch to the (i+1)- th carrier, bandwidth combination associated with the next MG (e.g., switches to a second one of the plurality of configurations of the gap at the apparatus). A method as described with reference to Figure 9 may comprise receiving an indication of the at least one threshold from the network entity (e.g., the at least one threshold may be configured by a SCU and provided to the apparatus).

[0209] An apparatus may comprise means for providing to a first network node at least one configuration of a first gap for activation of at least one ambient internet of things, loT, device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the first network node and means for providing to a second network node at least one configuration of a second gap for receiving a transmission of the at least one ambient loT device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the second network node, each at least one configuration of the second gap corresponding to an at least one configuration of the first gap.

[0210] An apparatus may comprise means for receiving from a network entity at least one configuration of a gap for activation of at least one ambient loT device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the apparatus and means for applying the at least one configuration at the apparatus.

[0211] An apparatus may comprise means for receiving from a network entity at least one configuration of a gap for receiving a transmission of at least one ambient loT device in a frequency outside an active bandwidth part of the apparatus and means for applying the at least one configuration at the apparatus.

[0212] An apparatus may comprise means for receiving from a network entity, an indication of a list of a plurality of ambient internet of things, loT, devices and a plurality of configurations of a gap for receiving a transmission of at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices, means for applying a first one of the plurality of configurations at the apparatus, means for receiving at least one signal during the gap at the apparatus from at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices, means for determining a number of detected ambient loT devices based on the received at least one signal, means for, based on the determined number of ambient loT devices, determining to further apply the first one of the plurality of configurations of the gap or determining to switch to a second one of the plurality of configurations of the gap at the apparatus and means for providing an indication of the determining from the apparatus to the network entity. The apparatus may comprise a user equipment, such as a mobile phone, or a TRP such as a gNB, or a NF such as a SOU, be the user equipment, gNB or NF or be comprised in the user equipment, gNB or NF or a chipset for performing at least some actions of / for the user equipment, gNB or NF.

[0213] It should be understood that the apparatuses may comprise or be coupled to other units or modules etc., such as radio parts or radio heads, used in or for transmission and / or reception. Although the apparatuses have been described as one entity, different modules and memory may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0214] It is noted that whilst some embodiments have been described in relation to 5G networks, similar principles can be applied in relation to other networks and communication systems such as 6G networks or 5G-Advanced networks. Therefore, although certain embodiments were described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures for wireless networks, technologies and standards, embodiments may be applied to any other suitable forms of communication systems than those illustrated and described herein.

[0215] It is also noted herein that while the above describes example embodiments, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0216] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0217] In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuitry, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the disclosure may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the disclosure is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the disclosure may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof. As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0218] (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and

[0219] (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):

[0220] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and

[0221] (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

[0222] I 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.”

[0223] 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.

[0224] The embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of the mobile device, such as in the processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or program, also called program product, including software routines, applets and / or macros, may be stored in any apparatus-readable data storage medium and they comprise program instructions to perform particular tasks. A computer program product may comprise one or more computerexecutable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it.

[0225] Further in this regard it should be noted that any blocks of the logic flow as in the Figures may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD. The physical media is a non-transitory media. The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e. , tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0226] The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may comprise one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), FPGA, gate level circuits and processors based on multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

[0227] Embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[0228] The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the disclosure is set out by the independent claims. The embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0229] The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this disclosure will still fall within the scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims. Indeed, there is a further embodiment comprising a combination of one or more embodiments with any of the other embodiments previously discussed.

Claims

Claims1. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving from a network entity, an indication of a list of a plurality of ambient internet of things, loT, devices and a plurality of configurations of a gap for receiving a transmission of at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices; means for applying a first one of the plurality of configurations at the apparatus; means for receiving at least one signal during the gap at the apparatus from at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices; means for determining a number of detected ambient loT devices based on the received at least one signal; means for, based on the determined number of ambient loT devices, determining to further apply the first one of the plurality of configurations of the gap or determining to switch to a second one of the plurality of configurations of the gap at the apparatus; and means for providing an indication of the determining from the apparatus to the network entity.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein determining to further apply the first one of the plurality of configurations of the gap or determining to switch to a second one of the plurality of configurations of the gap is based on an evaluation of a quality of detection attempts.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the quality of detection attempts is further based on a number of detection attempts when applying the first one of the plurality of configurations.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the evaluation of the quality of detection attempts is based on at least one threshold.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, comprising means for receiving an indication of the at least one threshold from the network entity.

6. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein means for determining a number of detected ambient loT devices based on the received at least one signal comprises means for performing cross correlation of the received at least one signal.

7. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the configuration of the gap comprises a configuration of at least one of the length of the gap, the periodicity of the gap and the start time of the gap.

8. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the network entity comprises a secure communications unit.

9. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the apparatus comprises a user equipment or an access node.

10. A method comprising: receiving, at an apparatus from a network entity, an indication of a list of a plurality of ambient internet of things, loT, devices and a plurality of configurations of a gap for receiving a transmission of at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices; applying a first one of the plurality of configurations at the apparatus; receiving at least one signal during the gap at the apparatus from at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices; determining a number of detected ambient loT devices based on the received at least one signal; based on the determined number of ambient loT devices, determining to further apply the first one of the plurality of configurations of the gap or determining to switch to a second one of the plurality of configurations of the gap at the apparatus; and providing an indication of the determining from the apparatus to the network entity.

11. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus at least to:receive from a network entity, an indication of a list of a plurality of ambient internet of things, loT, devices and a plurality of configurations of a gap for receiving a transmission of at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices; apply a first one of the plurality of configurations at the apparatus; receive at least one signal during the gap at the apparatus from at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices; determine a number of detected ambient loT devices based on the received at least one signal; based on the determined number of ambient loT devices, determine to further apply the first one of the plurality of configurations of the gap or determining to switch to a second one of the plurality of configurations of the gap at the apparatus; and provide an indication of the determining from the apparatus to the network entity.

12. A computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving from a network entity, an indication of a list of a plurality of ambient internet of things, loT, devices and a plurality of configurations of a gap for receiving a transmission of at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices; applying a first one of the plurality of configurations at the apparatus; receiving at least one signal during the gap at the apparatus from at least one of the plurality of ambient loT devices; determining a number of detected ambient loT devices based on the received at least one signal; based on the determined number of ambient loT devices, determining to further apply the first one of the plurality of configurations of the gap or determining to switch to a second one of the plurality of configurations of the gap at the apparatus; and providing an indication of the determining from the apparatus to the network entity.

Images