Method and device for performing internet of things-based communication in wireless communication system

Abstract

A method and a device for performing Internet of Things-based communication in a wireless communication system are disclosed. The method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise steps in which a device: receives, from a specific node, a first signal directed toward a plurality of devices including the device from the specific node; and transmits, in response to the first signal, a second signal directed toward the specific node from the device. On the basis that the first signal is received through a first frequency resource, the second signal is transmitted by selecting, as a second frequency resource, one of N number of frequency resources based on the first frequency resource, and with respect to the plurality of devices, frequency resources for transmitting a signal corresponding to the response to the first signal can be set to be different for each device.

Description

Method and device for performing Internet of Things-based communication in a wireless communication system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system, and more particularly, to a method and device for performing Internet of Things (IoT)-based communication in a wireless communication system.

[0002] The fifth generation (5G) wireless communication system, the successor to 4G LTE (long-term evolution), is a new, clean-slate mobile communication system characterized by high performance, low latency, and high availability. 5G NR (New Radio) can utilize all available spectrum resources, from low-frequency bands below 1 GHz, to intermediate-frequency bands between 1 GHz and 10 GHz, and to high-frequency (or millimeter wave) bands above 24 GHz. 6G wireless communication systems are being developed based on the underlying technologies of 5G wireless communication.

[0003] The 6G wireless communication system is being developed with the goals of (i) very high data rates per device, (ii) a very large number of connected devices, (iii) global connectivity, (iv) very low latency, (v) reduced energy consumption of battery-free Internet of Things (IoT) devices, (vi) ultra-reliable connectivity, and (vii) connected intelligence with machine learning capabilities. The vision of the 6G system can be divided into four aspects: intelligent connectivity, deep connectivity, holographic connectivity, and ubiquitous connectivity. Considering the requirements of the 6G system, such as a peak data rate of 1 Tbps per device, an end-to-end latency of 1 ms, a maximum spectrum efficiency of 100 bps / Hz, support for mobility of 1000 km / h, satellite integration, artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous vehicles, extended reality (XR), and haptic communication, various technologies are being researched.

[0004] The technical problem of the present disclosure relates to a method and device for performing Internet of Things (IoT)-based communication in a wireless communication system.

[0005] The technical problem of the present disclosure relates to a method and device for collision avoidance in ambient IoT communication.

[0006] The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0007] A method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: receiving, by a device, a first signal from a specific node, from the specific node, directed to a plurality of devices including the device; and transmitting, by the device, a second signal from the device toward the specific node in response to the first signal. Here, based on the first signal being received through a first frequency resource, the second signal is transmitted by selecting one of N frequency resources based on the first frequency resource as a second frequency resource, and, for the plurality of devices, frequency resources for transmitting signals corresponding to responses to the first signal may be set differently for each device.

[0008] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method may include: transmitting, by a specific node, a first signal from the specific node toward a plurality of devices; and receiving, in response to the first signal, a second signal from the devices toward the specific node. Here, based on the first signal being transmitted through a first frequency resource, the second signal is received through a second frequency resource corresponding to one of N frequency resources based on the first frequency resource, and the second frequency resource may be set differently for each of the plurality of devices.

[0009] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method and device for performing Internet of Things (IoT)-based communication in a wireless communication system can be provided.

[0010] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method and device for collision avoidance in ambient IoT communication can be provided.

[0011] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and are part of the detailed description to aid in understanding the present disclosure, provide embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description, describe the technical features of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates a flexible network topology to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a communication system to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a wireless device to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0016] FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates a communication procedure between a first node and a second node to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a functional framework for AI operations to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of operations related to AI model training and AI model inference to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates another example of operations related to AI model training and AI model inference to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates another example of operations related to AI model training and AI model inference to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates an electromagnetic spectrum to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a system information transmission / reception procedure to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0023] FIG. 11 exemplarily illustrates a beam management procedure to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0024] Figure 12 illustrates an example NTN scenario to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0025] Figure 13 illustrates another example of an NTN scenario to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0026] FIG. 14 illustrates examples of sensing operations to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0027] FIG. 15 illustrates topologies that can be supported in ambient IoT communications to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0028] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for an ambient IoT device to access a leader device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a method for setting a symbol interval for AmIoT terminal communication according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a process in which an AmIoT terminal performs a backscattering operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a signaling procedure between an AmIoT terminal and a network node according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 20 illustrates the operation of a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 21 illustrates the operation of a specific node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of device 2a according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of device 2b according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description set forth below, together with the accompanying drawings, is intended to explain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. The following detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details.

[0038] In some cases, to avoid obscuring the concepts of the present disclosure, known structures and devices may be omitted or illustrated in block diagram form focusing on the core functions of each structure and device.

[0039] In the present disclosure, when a component is said to be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, this may include not only a direct connection but also an indirect connection in which another component exists between them. Furthermore, the terms "comprises" or "has" in the present disclosure specify the presence of the mentioned features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0040] In this disclosure, terms such as “first,” “second,” etc. are used only to distinguish one component from another and are not used to limit the components, and do not limit the order or importance between the components unless specifically stated otherwise. Accordingly, within the scope of this disclosure, a first component in one embodiment may be referred to as a second component in another embodiment, and similarly, a second component in one embodiment may be referred to as a first component in another embodiment.

[0041] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. As used in the description of the embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0042] In this disclosure, "A or B" can mean "only A," "only B," or "both A and B." In other words, "A or B" in this disclosure can be interpreted as "A and / or B." For example, "A, B or C" in this disclosure can mean "only A," "only B," "only C," or "any combination of A, B and C."

[0043] As used herein, a slash ( / ) or a comma may mean "and / or." For example, "A / B" may mean "A and / or B." Accordingly, "A / B" may mean "only A," "only B," or "both A and B." For example, "A, B, C" may mean "A, B, or C."

[0044] In the present disclosure, “at least one of A and B” may mean “only A,” “only B,” or “both A and B.” Additionally, in the present disclosure, the expressions “at least one of A or B” or “at least one of A and / or B” may be interpreted identically to “at least one of A and B.”

[0045] Additionally, in the present disclosure, “at least one of A, B and C” can mean “only A,” “only B,” “only C,” or “any combination of A, B and C.” Additionally, “at least one of A, B or C” or “at least one of A, B and / or C” can mean “at least one of A, B and C.”

[0046] Additionally, parentheses used in the present disclosure may mean "for example." Specifically, when indicated as "control information (PDCCH)", "PDCCH" may be described as an example of "control information." In other words, "control information" in the present disclosure is not limited to "PDCCH," and "PDCCH" may be described as an example of "control information." Furthermore, even when indicated as "control information (i.e., PDCCH)", "PDCCH" may be described as an example of "control information."

[0047] In the following description, 'when, if, in case of' can be replaced with 'based on'.

[0048] Technical features individually described in one drawing in this disclosure may be implemented individually or simultaneously.

[0049] In the present disclosure, a terminal or user equipment (UE) may be a portable device and may be a first node that receives a signal from a base station / second node / IAB (integrated access backhaul) node.

[0050] In the present disclosure, a base station (BS) may be a second node / IAB node / Transmission-Reception Point (TRP).

[0051] In the present disclosure, higher layer parameters may be parameters configured, pre-configured, or pre-defined for the terminal. For example, a base station or a network may transmit higher layer parameters to the terminal. For example, the higher layer parameters may be transmitted via radio resource control (RRC) signaling or medium access control (MAC) signaling.

[0052] In the present disclosure, "setting or defining" may be interpreted as being set to a device through predefined signaling (e.g., SIB (system information block), MAC, RRC) from a base station or network. In the present disclosure, "setting or defining" may be interpreted as being set to a device through separate signaling or being defined in advance without separate signaling.

[0053] In the present disclosure, transmitting or receiving a channel means transmitting or receiving information or a signal through the channel. For example, transmitting a control channel means transmitting control information or a signal through the control channel. Similarly, transmitting a data channel means transmitting data information or a signal through the data channel.

[0054] The technology described in the present disclosure can be used in various wireless communication systems such as CDMA (code division multiple access), FDMA (frequency division multiple access), TDMA (time division multiple access), OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiple access), and SC-FDMA (single carrier frequency division multiple access). CDMA can be implemented with wireless technologies such as UTRA (universal terrestrial radio access) or CDMA2000. TDMA can be implemented with wireless technologies such as GSM (global system for mobile communications) / GPRS (general packet radio service) / EDGE (enhanced data rates for GSM evolution). OFDMA can be implemented with wireless technologies such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802-20, E-UTRA (evolved UTRA), LTE (long term evolution), and 5G NR.

[0055] The technology described in the present disclosure can be implemented with 6G wireless technology and applied to various 6G systems. For example, the 6G system can have key factors such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), artificial intelligence (AI) integrated communication, tactile internet, high throughput, high network capacity, high energy efficiency, low backhaul and access network congestion, and enhanced data security.

[0056] Network structure

[0057] Figure 1 illustrates a flexible network topology to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0058] To compensate for incomplete network coverage areas, a network topology that allows for more flexible and resilient split radio access networks (RANs) may be considered. For this purpose, various nodes, such as integrated access backhaul (IAB) nodes, relays, and radio frequency (RF) repeaters, as illustrated in Figure 1, may be applied, or a non-terrestrial network (NTN) may be integrated. For example, an IAB node may correspond to a node that provides wireless backhaul. For example, a relay may refer to any intermediate point, and in the case of a sidelink relay where a terminal functions as a relay, it may collectively refer to a terminal-to-network (U2N) relay and a terminal-to-terminal (U2U) relay. For example, an RF repeater may correspond to a node that simply performs the function of signal amplification and forwarding, or in the case of a network-controlled repeater, it may not only amplify and forward signals but also adjust its transmission and reception settings based on information provided by the network. For example, NTN nodes could be satellites or aircraft that provide NTN coverage that terrestrial networks struggle to provide. Beyond these examples, various intermediate points can be introduced to improve the network topology.

[0059] Referring to Figure 1, a split RAN can support the division of a base station into a centralized unit (CU) and one or more distributed units (DUs). The CU and DU can correspond to logical units. The CU can be further divided into a control plane (CP) portion and one or more user plane (UP) portions. Since a failure in the CU-CP affects not only the CU-UP but also the DUs, various intermediate points can be introduced to compensate for this.

[0060] An intermediate point may correspond to a terminal or a base station, depending on its relationship to other nodes. For example, an IAB node may include a mobile-termination (MT) portion and a unit (DU). The MT may connect the IAB node to a donor node. The unit (DU) of an IAB node may serve other terminals or connect to other IAB nodes to provide multi-hop wireless backhaul to the terminal. For example, an IAB node may correspond to a base station in its relationship to a user-side node, and to a terminal in its relationship to a network-side node.

[0061] In some examples of the present disclosure, the description of a terminal may equally apply not only to a user-side endpoint, but also to an intermediate point corresponding to a terminal in a relative relationship with a network-side endpoint. Similarly, in some examples of the present disclosure, the description of a base station may equally apply not only to a network-side endpoint, but also to an intermediate point corresponding to a base station in a relative relationship with a user-side endpoint. In most cases where there is no additional description of the operations of three or more entities, the communicating entities in the present disclosure are briefly described as terminals and / or base stations (or first nodes and / or second nodes), where the terms terminal and / or base stations (or first nodes and / or second nodes) are interpreted to include / replace any endpoint or any intermediate point in relation to other nodes.

[0062] As such, in some examples of the present disclosure, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the subjects of the operation may be referred to as terminals and / or base stations (or first nodes and / or second nodes). In addition, the terms terminal and / or base station (or first node and / or second node) may also be interpreted / replaced as in the following examples: For example, the terminal (or first node) and the base station (or second node) may respectively correspond to the first endpoint and the second endpoint; may respectively correspond to the endpoint and the intermediate point; may respectively correspond to the intermediate point and the endpoint; or may respectively correspond to the first intermediate point and the second intermediate point.

[0063] In the present disclosure, there may be zero or more intermediate points between the base station and the terminal. If an intermediate point exists, it may correspond to an IAB node / relay / RF repeater / NTN node, or a node supporting other functions. The intermediate point may be a node with a fixed location or a node with an unfixed location.

[0064] Systems applicable to this disclosure

[0065] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a communication system to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0066] The communication system (100) applied to the present disclosure includes a wireless device (110), a network device (120), and a network (130). Here, the wireless device (110) refers to a device that performs communication using a wireless access technology (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A pro, NR, 5G, 5G-A, 6G) and may be referred to as a communication / wireless / 5G / 6G device. Although not limited thereto, the wireless device (110) may include a robot (110a), a vehicle (110b-1, 110b-2), an XR (extended reality) device (110c), a hand-held device (110d), a home appliance (110e), an IoT (Internet of Things) device (110f), and an AI (artificial intelligence) device / server (110g). For example, the vehicle may include a vehicle equipped with a wireless communication function, an autonomous vehicle, a vehicle capable of performing vehicle-to-vehicle communication, etc. Here, the vehicle (110b-1, 110b-2) may include an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (e.g., a drone). The XR device (110c) includes an augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) / mixed reality (MR) device, and may be implemented in the form of a head-mounted device (HMD), a head-up display (HUD) equipped in a vehicle, a television, a smartphone, a computer, a wearable device, a home appliance, digital signage, a vehicle, a robot, etc. The portable device (110d) may include a smartphone, a smart pad, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, smart glasses), a computer (e.g., a laptop, etc.), etc. The home appliance (110e) may include a TV, a refrigerator, a washing machine, etc. The IoT device (110f) may include a sensor, a smart meter, etc. The wireless device (110) may correspond to a terminal (or first node) or an intermediate point.The network device (120) may correspond to a base station (or second node) or another intermediate point. For example, the network device (120) may also be implemented as a wireless device (110), and a specific wireless device (120a) may act as a network device (120) to another wireless device (110).

[0067] Wireless devices (110a to 110f) can be connected to a network (130) via a network device (120). AI technology can be applied to the wireless devices (110a to 110f), and the wireless devices (110a to 110f) can be connected to an AI server (110g) via a network (130). The network (130) can be configured using a 3G network, a 4G (e.g., LTE) network, a 5G (e.g., NR), or a 6G network. The wireless devices (110a to 110f) can communicate with each other via the network device (120) / network (130), but can also communicate directly (e.g., sidelink communication) without going through the network device (120) / network (130). For example, vehicles (110b-1, 110b-2) can communicate directly (e.g., V2V (vehicle to vehicle) / V2X (vehicle to everything) communication). Additionally, an IoT device (110f) (e.g., a sensor) can communicate directly with another IoT device (e.g., a sensor) or another wireless device (110a to 110f).

[0068] Wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c) can be established between wireless devices (110a to 110f) / network devices (120), network devices (120) / network devices (120). Here, the wireless communication / connection can be established through various wireless access technologies such as uplink / downlink communication (150a), sidelink communication (150b) (or D2D communication), and communication between network devices (150c) (e.g., relay, IAB (integrated access backhaul)). Through the wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c), the wireless device and the network device / wireless device, and the network device and the network device can transmit / receive wireless signals to each other. For example, the wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c) can transmit / receive signals through various physical channels. To this end, based on various descriptions of the present disclosure, at least some of various configuration information setting processes for transmitting / receiving wireless signals, various signal processing processes (e.g., channel encoding / decoding, modulation / demodulation, resource mapping / demapping, etc.), resource allocation processes, etc., may be performed.

[0069] Device applicable to the present disclosure

[0070] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a wireless device to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 3, the wireless device (200) can transmit and receive wireless signals via various wireless access technologies (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A pro, NR, 5G, 5G-A, 6G). The wireless device (200) includes at least one processor (202) and at least one memory (204), and may additionally include at least one transceiver (206) and / or at least one antenna (208).

[0072] The processor (202) controls the memory (204) and / or the transceiver (206), and may be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document. For example, the processor (202) may process information in the memory (204) to generate first information / signal, and then transmit a wireless signal including the first information / signal via the transceiver (206). In addition, the processor (202) may receive a wireless signal including second information / signal via the transceiver (206), and then store information obtained from signal processing of the second information / signal in the memory (204). The memory (204) may be connected to the processor (202) and may store various information related to the operation of the processor (202). For example, the memory (204) may store software code including instructions for performing some or all of the processes controlled by the processor (202), or for performing the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein. Here, the processor (202) and the memory (204) may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement wireless communication technology. The transceiver (206) may be connected to the processor (202) and may transmit and / or receive wireless signals via at least one antenna (208). The transceiver (206) may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. The transceiver (206) may be used interchangeably with an RF (radio frequency) unit. In the present disclosure, a wireless device may also mean a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0073] Hereinafter, the hardware elements of the wireless device (200) will be described in more detail. Although not limited thereto, at least one protocol layer may be implemented by at least one processor (202). For example, at least one processor (202) may implement at least one layer (e.g., a functional layer such as physical (PHY), media access control (MAC), radio link control (RLC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), radio resource control (RRC), and service data adaptation protocol (SDAP)). At least one processor (202) may generate at least one Protocol Data Unit (PDU) and / or at least one Service Data Unit (SDU) according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document. At least one processor (202) may generate a message, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document. At least one processor (202) can generate a signal (e.g., a baseband signal) comprising a PDU, an SDU, a message, control information, data or information according to the functions, procedures, proposals and / or methods disclosed in this document, and provide the signal to at least one transceiver (206). At least one processor (202) can receive a signal (e.g., a baseband signal) from at least one transceiver (206) and obtain the PDU, SDU, message, control information, data or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document.

[0074] At least one processor (202) may be referred to as a controller, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, or a microcomputer. The at least one processor (202) may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one digital signal processor (DSP), at least one digital signal processing device (DSPD), at least one programmable logic device (PLD), or at least one field programmable gate array (FPGA) may be included in the at least one processor (202). The descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document may be implemented using firmware or software, and the firmware or software may be implemented to include modules, procedures, functions, etc. The descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document may be included in the at least one processor (202), or may be stored in at least one memory (204) and driven by the at least one processor (202). The descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or flowcharts disclosed in this document may be implemented using firmware or software in the form of code, instructions and / or sets of instructions.

[0075] At least one memory (204) can be connected to at least one processor (202) and can store various forms of data, signals, messages, information, programs, codes, instructions and / or commands. The at least one memory (204) can be configured as a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, a hard drive, a register, a cache memory, a computer readable storage medium and / or a combination thereof. The at least one memory (204) can be located internally and / or externally to the at least one processor (202). In addition, the at least one memory (204) can be connected to the at least one processor (202) via various technologies such as a wired or wireless connection.

[0076] At least one transceiver (206) can transmit user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., mentioned in the methods and / or flowcharts of this document to at least one other device. At least one transceiver (206) can receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. mentioned in the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or flowcharts disclosed in this document from at least one other device. For example, at least one transceiver (206) can be connected to at least one processor (202) and can transmit and receive wireless signals. For example, at least one processor (202) can control at least one transceiver (206) to transmit user data, control information, or wireless signals to at least one other device. Furthermore, at least one processor (202) can control at least one transceiver (206) to receive user data, control information, or wireless signals from at least one other device. Additionally, at least one transceiver (206) may be connected to at least one antenna (208), and at least one transceiver (206) may be configured to transmit and receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. mentioned in the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document via at least one antenna (208). In this document, at least one antenna may be a plurality of physical antennas or a plurality of logical antennas (e.g., antenna ports). At least one transceiver (206) may convert the received wireless signals / channels, etc. from RF band signals to baseband signals in order to process the received user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. using at least one processor (202).At least one transceiver (206) may convert user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. processed by at least one processor (202) from a baseband signal to an RF band signal. For this purpose, at least one transceiver (206) may include an (analog) oscillator and / or filter.

[0077] The components of the wireless device described with reference to FIG. 3 may be referred to by different terms in terms of functionality. For example, the processor (202) may be referred to as a control unit, the transceiver (206) as a communication unit, and the memory (204) as a storage unit. In some cases, the communication unit may be used to mean at least a portion of the processor (202) and the transceiver (206).

[0078] The structure of the wireless device described with reference to FIG. 3 can be understood as the structure of at least a portion of various devices. For example, the structure of the wireless device illustrated in FIG. 3 can be at least a portion of various devices described with reference to FIG. 2 (e.g., a robot (110a), a vehicle (110b-1, 110b-2), an XR device (110c), a portable device (110d), a home appliance (110e), an IoT device (110f), an AI device / server (110g)). Furthermore, according to various embodiments, in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 3, the device may further include other components.

[0079] For example, the device may be a portable device such as a smartphone, a smart pad, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, smart glasses), or a portable computer (e.g., a laptop, etc.). In this case, the device may further include at least one of a power supply unit that supplies power and includes a wired / wireless charging circuit, a battery, etc., an interface unit that includes at least one port for connection with another device (e.g., an audio input / output port, a video input / output port), and an input / output unit for inputting and outputting image information / signals, audio information / signals, data, and / or information input from a user.

[0080] For example, the device may be a mobile device such as a mobile robot, a vehicle, a train, an aerial vehicle (AV), a ship, etc. In this case, the device may further include at least one of a driving unit including at least one of an engine, a motor, a power train, wheels, brakes, and a steering unit of the device, a power supply unit including a wired / wireless charging circuit, a battery, etc. that supplies power, a sensor unit that senses status information, environmental information, and user information of the device or its surroundings, an autonomous driving unit that performs functions such as path maintenance, speed control, and destination setting, and a position measurement unit that obtains location information of the mobile device through a global positioning system (GPS) and various sensors.

[0081] For example, the device may be an XR device such as an HMD, a head-up display (HUD) installed in a vehicle, a television, a smartphone, a computer, a wearable device, a home appliance, a digital signage, a vehicle, a robot, etc. In this case, the device may further include at least one of a power supply unit that supplies power and includes a wired / wireless charging circuit, a battery, etc., an input / output unit that obtains control information, data, etc. from the outside and outputs the generated XR object, and a sensor unit that senses status information, environmental information, and user information of the device or the surroundings of the device.

[0082] For example, the device may be a robot that can be classified into industrial, medical, household, military, etc. types depending on the purpose or field of use. In this case, the device may further include at least one of a sensor unit that senses status information, environmental information, and user information of the device or its surroundings, and a driving unit that performs various physical actions, such as moving the robot joints.

[0083] For example, the device may be an AI device such as a TV, a projector, a smartphone, a PC, a laptop, a digital broadcasting terminal, a tablet PC, a wearable device, a set-top box (STB), a radio, a washing machine, a refrigerator, digital signage, a robot, a vehicle, etc. In this case, the device may further include at least one of an input unit that acquires various types of data from the outside, an output unit that generates output related to sight, hearing, or touch, a sensor unit that senses status information, environmental information, and user information of the device or its surroundings, and a training unit that trains a model composed of an artificial neural network using learning data.

[0084] The structure of the wireless device illustrated in FIG. 3 may be understood as a part of a terminal (or first node), or as a part of an intermediate point, or as a part of a base station (or second node). If the device illustrated in FIG. 3 is a base station (or second node), the device may further include a wired transceiver for front haul and / or back haul communications. If the front haul and / or back haul communications are based on wireless communications, at least one transceiver (206) illustrated in FIG. 3 may be used for front haul and / or backhaul communications, and a wired transceiver may not be included.

[0085] Communication procedures

[0086] FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates a communication procedure between a first node and a second node to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0087] FIG. 4 illustrates operations of a first node (110) (e.g., a terminal) and a second node (120) (e.g., a base station) transmitting and / or receiving data and operations performed prior thereto.

[0088] In step S101, the first node (110) and the second node (120) can perform synchronization. For example, the terminal (110) performs an initial cell search operation. Specifically, the terminal (110) can detect at least one synchronization signal transmitted from the base station (120) according to a predefined rule. Here, the synchronization signal can include a plurality of synchronization signals (e.g., a primary synchronization signal, a secondary synchronization signal) classified according to a structure or purpose. Through this, the terminal (110) can confirm the boundaries of the frame, subframe, slot, and / or symbol of the base station (120) and obtain information (e.g., a cell identifier) ​​about the base station (120).

[0089] In step S103, the first node (110) can obtain system information transmitted from the second node (120). For example, the system information is information related to the properties, characteristics, and / or capabilities of the base station (120) required to access the base station (120) and use the service, and can be classified according to the content (e.g., whether it is essential for access), transmission structure (e.g., the channel used, whether it is provided in an on-demand manner), etc., and can be classified into, for example, a master information block (MIB) and a system information block (SIB). If necessary, the terminal (110) can transmit a signal requesting system information before receiving the system information. Such requesting and providing of system information may be performed after a random access procedure described below.

[0090] In step S105, the first node (110) and the second node (120) can perform a random access procedure. For example, the terminal (110) can transmit and / or receive at least one message (e.g., a random access preamble, a random access response (RAR) message, etc.) for a random access procedure based on information related to a random access channel of the base station (120) obtained through system information (e.g., channel position, channel structure, structure of a supported preamble, etc.). For example, the terminal (110) may transmit a preamble (e.g., message 1 (MSG1)) over a random access channel, receive a random access response (RAR) message (e.g., message 2 (MSG2)), transmit a message (e.g., message 3 (MSG3)) including information related to the terminal (110) (e.g., identification information) using scheduling information included in the RAR message to the base station (120), and receive a message for contention resolution and / or connection establishment (e.g., message 4 (MSG4)). As another example, MSG1 and MSG3 may be transmitted and received as one message (e.g., message A (MSG A)), or MSG2 and MSG4 may be transmitted and received as one message (e.g., message B (MSG B)).

[0091] In step S107, the first node (110) and the second node (120) can perform signaling of control information. For example, the control information can be defined in various layers, such as a layer that controls a connection (e.g., a radio resource control (RRC) layer), a layer that handles mapping between logical channels and transmission channels (e.g., a media access control (MAC) layer), and a layer that handles physical channels (e.g., a physical (PHY) layer). For example, the terminal (110) and the base station (120) can perform at least one of signaling for establishing a connection, signaling for determining settings related to communication, and signaling for indicating allocated resources.

[0092] In step S109, the first node (110) and the second node (120) can transmit and / or receive data. For example, the terminal (110) and the base station (120) can process, transmit, and / or receive data based on signaling of control information. For example, when transmitting data, the terminal (110) or the base station (120) can perform at least one of channel encoding, rate matching, scrambling, constellation mapping, layer mapping, waveform modulation, antenna mapping, and resource mapping on information bits. For example, when receiving data, the terminal (110) or the base station (120) can perform at least one of signal extraction from resources, waveform demodulation for each antenna, signal arrangement considering layer mapping, constellation demapping, descrambling, and channel decoding.

[0093] 6G system core technologies

[0094] As core implementation technologies of the 6G system, technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), THz (terahertz) communication, optical wireless technology, free space optics (FSO) backhaul network, massive MIMO (multiple input multiple output) technology, blockchain, 3D networking, quantum communication, unmanned aerial vehicles, cell-free communication, wireless information and energy transfer (WIET), integration of sensing and communication, integration of access backhaul networks, holographic beamforming, big data analysis, and large intelligent surface (LIS) can be adopted.

[0095] artificial intelligence

[0096] Incorporating AI into communications can streamline and improve real-time data transmission. AI can use numerous analytics to determine how complex target tasks should be performed. AI can increase efficiency and reduce processing delays. Time-consuming tasks such as handovers, network selection, and resource scheduling can be performed instantly using AI. AI can also play a crucial role in machine-to-machine (M2M), machine-to-human, and human-to-machine communications. Furthermore, AI can facilitate rapid communication in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). AI-based communication systems can be supported by metamaterials, intelligent structures, intelligent networks, intelligent devices, intelligent cognitive radios, self-sustaining wireless networks, and machine learning.

[0097] FIG. 5 illustrates a functional framework for AI operations to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0098] Below, to explain AI (or AI / ML (machine learning)) in more detail, the terms can be defined as follows.

[0099] - Data collection: Data collected from network nodes, management entities, or terminals as a basis for AI model training, data analysis, and inference.

[0100] - AI model: A data-driven algorithm that applies AI technology to generate a set of outputs containing predictive information and / or decision parameters based on a set of inputs.

[0101] - AI / ML training: An online or offline process of training an AI model by learning features and patterns that best represent the data and obtain a trained AI / ML model for inference.

[0102] - AI / ML inference: The process of making predictions or inducing decisions based on collected data and the AI ​​model using a trained AI model.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 5, the data collection function (10) is a function that collects input data and provides processed input data to the model training function (20) and the model inference function (30).

[0104] Examples of input data may include measurements from terminals or other network entities, feedback from actors, and output from AI models.

[0105] The data collection function (10) performs data preparation based on input data and provides input data processed through the data preparation. Here, the data collection function (10) does not perform data preparation specific to each AI algorithm (e.g., data pre-processing and cleaning, formatting, and transformation), but can perform data preparation common to all AI algorithms.

[0106] After the data preparation process is performed, the data collection function (10) may provide training data (11) to the model training function (20) and may provide inference data (12) to the model inference function (30). Here, the training data (11) may correspond to data required as input for the AI ​​model training function (20), and the inference data (12) may correspond to data required as input for the AI ​​model inference function (30).

[0107] The data collection function (10) may be performed by a single entity (e.g., a terminal, a RAN node, a network node, etc.), but may also be performed by multiple entities. In this case, training data (11) and inference data (12) may be provided to the model training function (20) and model inference function (30), respectively, from multiple entities.

[0108] The model training function (20) may correspond to a function that performs AI model training, validation, and testing, which can generate model performance metrics as part of the AI ​​model testing procedure. If necessary, the model training function (20) may also be responsible for data preparation (e.g., data pre-processing and cleaning, formatting, and transformation, etc.) based on training data (11) provided by the data collection function (10).

[0109] Here, model deployment / update (13) can be used to initially deploy a trained, validated and tested AI model to the model inference function (30) or to provide an updated model to the model inference function (30).

[0110] The model inference function (30) may correspond to a function that provides AI model inference output (16) (e.g., prediction or decision). If applicable, the model inference function (30) may provide model performance feedback (14) to the model training function (20). In addition, the model inference function (30) may also be responsible for data preparation (e.g., data pre-processing and cleaning, formatting and transformation, etc.) based on inference data (12) provided by the data collection function (10), if necessary.

[0111] Here, output (16) refers to the inference output of the AI ​​model generated by the model inference function (30), and the details of the inference output may vary depending on the use case.

[0112] Model performance feedback (14) can be used to monitor the performance of the AI ​​model, if available, and this feedback may be omitted.

[0113] An actor function (40) is a function that receives an output (16) from a model inference function (30) and triggers or performs a corresponding task / action. The actor function (40) can trigger tasks / actions for other entities (e.g., one or more terminals, one or more RAN nodes, one or more network nodes, etc.) or for itself.

[0114] Feedback (15) can be used to derive training data (11), inference data (12), or to monitor the performance of the AI ​​model, its impact on the network, etc.

[0115] Meanwhile, the definitions of training / validation / test in data sets used in AI / ML can be distinguished as follows.

[0116] - Training data: refers to a data set for learning a model.

[0117] - Validation data: This refers to a dataset used to validate a model that has already completed training. Validation data can typically be used to prevent overfitting of the training data set. It can also be used to select the best model among the various models learned during the training process. Therefore, validation can be considered a type of learning.

[0118] - Test data: This refers to the data set for final evaluation. This data is unrelated to learning.

[0119] For example, the training and validation data can be divided into an 8:2 or 7:3 ratio within the entire data set. Alternatively, the training data:validation data:test data can be divided into a 6:2:2 ratio within the entire data set.

[0120] The level of cooperation can be defined as follows depending on whether the base station and the terminal have capabilities for AI / ML functions, and variations due to combination of multiple levels or separation of any one level are also possible.

[0121] Category 0a: This category corresponds to a no-collaboration framework. In this case, AI / ML algorithms are purely implementation-based and may not require any changes to the wireless interface.

[0122] Category 0b: Frameworks that involve a wireless interface modified to fit efficient implementation-based AI / ML algorithms, but without collaboration.

[0123] Category 1: This category applies to cases where inter-node support is required to improve the AI / ML algorithms of each node. For example, this applies when a terminal receives support from a base station (for training, adaptation, etc.), and vice versa. At this level, model exchange between network nodes is not required.

[0124] Category 2: This applies to cases where joint ML tasks can be performed between terminals and base stations. This level requires exchange of AI / ML model commands or network nodes.

[0125] The functions exemplified in FIG. 5 above may be implemented in a RAN node (e.g., a base station, a TRP, a CU of a base station, etc.), a network node, an OAM (operation administration maintenance) of a network operator, or a terminal.

[0126] Alternatively, two or more entities, such as a RAN, a network node, a network operator's OAM, or a terminal, may cooperate to implement the functions illustrated in FIG. 5. For example, one entity may perform some of the functions of FIG. 5, and another entity may perform the remaining functions. In this way, since some of the functions illustrated in FIG. 5 are performed by a single entity (e.g., a terminal, a RAN node, a network node, etc.), the transmission / provision of data / information between each function may be omitted. For example, if the model training function (20) and the model inference function (30) are performed by the same entity, the transmission / provision of model deployment / update (13) and model performance feedback (14) may be omitted.

[0127] Alternatively, any one of the functions illustrated in FIG. 5 may be performed collaboratively by two or more entities, including a RAN, a network node, a network operator's OAM, or a terminal. This may be referred to as a split AI operation.

[0128] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of operations related to AI model training and AI model inference to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0129] For example, the AI ​​model training function may be performed by a network node (e.g., a core network node, an OAM of a network operator, etc.), and the AI ​​model inference function may be performed by a RAN node (e.g., a base station, a TRP, a CU of a base station, etc.).

[0130] Step 1: RAN node 1 and RAN node 2 can transmit input data (e.g., training data) for AI model training to the network node. Here, RAN node 1 and RAN node 2 can also transmit data collected from the terminal (e.g., terminal measurements related to RSRP (reference signal received power), RSRQ (reference signal received quality), SINR (signal to interference-plus-noise ratio) of the serving cell and neighboring cells, terminal location, speed, etc.) to the network node.

[0131] Step 2: Network nodes can train AI models using the received training data.

[0132] Step 3: The network node may distribute / update the AI ​​model to RAN node 1 and / or RAN node 2. RAN node 1 (and / or RAN node 2) may also continue model training based on the received AI model.

[0133] For convenience of explanation, we assume that the AI ​​model is deployed / updated only to RAN node 1.

[0134] Step 4: RAN node 1 can receive input data (e.g., inference data) for AI model inference from the terminal and RAN node 2.

[0135] Step 5: RAN node 1 can perform AI model inference using the received inference data to generate output data (e.g., prediction or decision).

[0136] Step 6: If applicable, RAN node 1 may send model performance feedback to the network nodes.

[0137] Step 7: RAN node 1, RAN node 2, and the terminal (or 'RAN node 1 and the terminal', or 'RAN node 1 and RAN node 2') may perform actions based on the output data. For example, in the case of a load balancing operation, the terminal may move from RAN node 1 to RAN node 2.

[0138] Step 8: RAN node 1 and RAN node 2 can transmit feedback information to the network nodes.

[0139] FIG. 7 illustrates another example of operations related to AI model training and AI model inference to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0140] For example, both AI model training functions and AI model inference functions can be performed by RAN nodes (e.g., base stations, TRPs, CUs of base stations, etc.).

[0141] Step 1: The terminal and RAN node 2 can transmit input data (e.g., training data) for AI model training to RAN node 1.

[0142] Step 2: RAN node 1 can train an AI model using the received training data.

[0143] Step 3: RAN node 1 can receive input data (e.g., inference data) for AI model inference from the terminal and RAN node 2.

[0144] Step 4: RAN node 1 can perform AI model inference using the received inference data to generate output data (e.g., prediction or decision).

[0145] Step 5: RAN node 1, RAN node 2, and the terminal (or 'RAN node 1 and the terminal', or 'RAN node 1 and RAN node 2') may perform actions based on the output data. For example, in the case of a load balancing operation, the terminal may move from RAN node 1 to RAN node 2.

[0146] Step 6: RAN node 2 may transmit feedback information to RAN node 1.

[0147] FIG. 8 illustrates another example of operations related to AI model training and AI model inference to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0148] For example, the AI ​​model training function may be performed by a RAN node (e.g., a base station, a TRP, a CU of a base station, etc.), and the AI ​​model inference function may be performed by a terminal.

[0149] Step 1: The terminal may transmit input data (e.g., training data) for AI model training to the RAN node. Here, the RAN node may collect data (e.g., terminal measurements related to RSRP, RSRQ, SINR of the serving cell and neighboring cells, terminal location, speed, etc.) from various terminals and / or from other RAN nodes.

[0150] Step 2: RAN nodes can train AI models using the received training data.

[0151] Step 3: The RAN node can distribute / update the AI ​​model to the terminal. The terminal can also continue model training based on the received AI model.

[0152] Step 4: Input data (e.g., inference data) for AI model inference can be received from the terminal and RAN node (and / or from another terminal).

[0153] Step 5: The terminal can perform AI model inference using the received inference data to generate output data (e.g., prediction or decision).

[0154] Step 6: If applicable, the terminal may send model performance feedback to the RAN node.

[0155] Step 7: The terminal and RAN node can perform actions based on the output data.

[0156] Step 8: The terminal may transmit feedback information to the RAN node.

[0157] THz communication (terahertz communication)

[0158] Data transmission rates can be increased by increasing bandwidth. This can be achieved by utilizing sub-THz communications with wide bandwidths and applying advanced massive MIMO technology. THz waves, also known as sub-millimeter waves, typically refer to the frequency range between 0.1 THz and 10 THz, with corresponding wavelengths ranging from 0.03 mm to 3 mm. The 100 GHz to 300 GHz band (the sub-THz band) is considered a key part of the THz spectrum for cellular communications. Adding the sub-THz band to the mmWave band will increase 6G cellular capacity. Among the defined THz bands, 300 GHz to 3 THz lies in the far infrared (IR) frequency band. While part of the optical band, the 300 GHz to 3 THz band lies at the boundary of the optical band, immediately following the RF band. Therefore, this 300 GHz to 3 THz band exhibits similarities to RF.

[0159] FIG. 9 illustrates an electromagnetic spectrum to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0160] Key characteristics of THz communications include (i) the widely available bandwidth to support very high data rates, and (ii) the high path loss at high frequencies (which necessitates highly directional antennas). The narrow beamwidths generated by highly directional antennas reduce interference. The small wavelength of THz signals allows for a significantly larger number of antenna elements to be integrated into devices and base stations operating in this band. This enables the use of advanced adaptive array technologies to overcome range limitations.

[0161] Transmitting system information (e.g., MIB) in a cell in the THz frequency band can be inefficient because the beam width in high-frequency bands narrows, requiring more beam sweeps to cover the entire cell area. This method is particularly inefficient when there are only a few users within the cell.

[0162] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a system information transmission / reception procedure to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0163] The example of Fig. 10 is applicable not only to THz communication environments but also to 6G communication environments where THz communication is not applicable. Furthermore, the procedure illustrated in Fig. 10 can be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure described below. For example, the embodiments described below can be performed based on system information acquired through the procedure illustrated in Fig. 10.

[0164] In step S1010, the second node (120) (e.g., base station) can transmit system information of cell #1 via cell #2. For example, the base station provides at least two cells, cell #1 uses a THz frequency band, and cell #2 uses a non-THz frequency band. Here, the system information may include at least one of an SFN (system frame number), a PDCCH configuration for SIB1, cell barring, cell re-selection, and subcarrier spacing generated in a higher layer, and may include at least one of an SFN, a half frame indicator, and an SSB index (synchronization signal / PBCH (physical broadcast channel) block index) generated in a physical layer. For this purpose, as an example, cell #1 and cell #2 may have a relationship of a secondary cell and a primary cell.

[0165] At step S1030, the first node (110) (e.g., terminal) can acquire synchronization for cell #1. Synchronization can be acquired by detecting a synchronization signal. Typically, synchronization is acquired before receiving system information, but since the system information for cell #1 is received from cell #2, synchronization acquisition for cell #1 can be performed after receiving the system information. For example, the terminal can acquire synchronization based on the system information. Alternatively, synchronization acquisition can be performed before step S1010.

[0166] At step S1050, the first node (110) may transmit a signal for accessing cell #1. For example, the signal may include a random access preamble. The structure of this signal and the resources (e.g., channels) for transmitting the signal may be identified through system information. Thereafter, at step S1070, the first node (110) and the second node (120) may perform an access procedure for cell #1 and communicate.

[0167] The procedure described with reference to FIG. 10 may be performed when the first node (110) initially connects to cell #1 of the second node (120). Alternatively, a similar procedure may be performed when the first node (110) hands over to cell #1 of the second node (120). However, in the case of handover, the system information of cell #1 may be received from a cell of a base station other than cell #2 of the second node (120).

[0168] Communications in the THz band are expected to experience extremely severe path loss, and to overcome this, terminals and base stations may be required to use very sharp beams. The use of sharp beams means that terminals and base stations must perform beam control in addition to beamforming, and the number of beams used increases significantly. Consequently, it takes a very long time to align the transmit and receive beams between the base station and terminals. Furthermore, if the beam alignment between the base station and terminals is misaligned due to movement or movement of the terminals, frequent re-alignment of the beams may be required, resulting in link instability.

[0169] FIG. 11 exemplarily illustrates a beam management procedure to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0170] Although FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a procedure for searching and / or selecting beams for THz communication, this procedure is not limited to a THz environment and can also be applied to a 6G communication environment where THz communication is not applied.

[0171] Here, beam may be interpreted as other terms having equivalent technical meanings that can distinguish beams, such as 'spatial domain filter', 'spatial domain transmit filter', 'spatial domain receive filter', reference signal (RS) resource that distinguishes beams, SSB index, etc.

[0172] In step S1110, the second node (120) (e.g., base station) can set resources for beam management to the first node (110) (e.g., terminal). Here, the resources can include at least one of time-frequency resources, channels, and spatial resources (e.g., antenna ports). For example, the base station can utilize a beam search signal (BSS) that is transmitted spatially separated from an existing downlink signal / channel for beam search. Here, the BSS can be transmitted based on a dedicated port for beam search. The dedicated port can be a different port from a port for transmitting an existing downlink signal / channel (e.g., SSB, PDSCH (physical downlink shared channel), etc.). BSS is a term defined for convenience of explanation, and the technical concept according to the present embodiment is not limited to the term BSS itself. For example, a signal transmitted based on a dedicated port defined / set for beam search can be included in the technical concept according to the present embodiment.

[0173] In step S1130, the second node (120) (e.g., base station) transmits measurement signals using a plurality of transmission beams. For example, the measurement signals may include at least one of a reference signal and a synchronization signal. At this time, the measurement signals may be transmitted as many times as the number of beams that require measurement, and may also be transmitted in a multi-beam transmission method that forms a plurality of beams simultaneously to reduce sweeping time. Here, the multi-beam transmission may be performed based on at least one of a multi-panel, a sub-array, and a true time delay (TTD).

[0174] At step S1150, a first node (110) (e.g., a terminal) may transmit a feedback signal to a second node (120) (e.g., a base station). The feedback signal may indicate at least one beam selected by the terminal. The terminal may select at least one preferred beam based on the measurement signals received at step S1130.

[0175] In step S1170, the first node (110) and the second node (120) can perform communication. For example, the second node (120) can perform transmission to the first node (110) using the reception beam of the first node (110) selected in step S1150. If channel reciprocity is established, the transmission beam of the first node (110) can also be determined through steps S1130 and S1150, so that the transmission operation from the first node (110) can also be performed using a beam that has a reciprocal relationship with the beam selected in step S1150. If channel reciprocity is not established, a procedure including transmission of measurement signal(s) by the first node (110) and transmission of feedback signal(s) by the second node (120) may be performed first to determine the transmission beam of the first node (110).

[0176] non-terrestrial networks (NTN)

[0177] Figures 12 and 13 illustrate examples of NTN scenarios to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0178] NTN can represent a network or network segment that uses radio frequency (RF) resources mounted on a satellite (or unmanned aerial system (UAS) platform).

[0179] Figure 12 shows an example of a typical scenario of NTN based on transparent payload, and Figure 13 shows an example of a typical scenario of NTN based on regenerative payload.

[0180] Referring to Figure 12, a satellite (or UAS platform) can establish a service link with a terminal. The satellite (or UAS platform) can be connected to a gateway via a feeder link. The satellite can be connected to a data network via the gateway. The beam footprint can refer to the area where the signal transmitted by the satellite can be received.

[0181] Referring to Figure 13, a satellite (or UAS platform) can establish a service link with a terminal. A satellite (or UAS platform) connected to a terminal can be connected to another satellite (or UAS platform) via an inter-satellite link (ISL). The other satellite (or UAS platform) can be connected to a gateway via a feeder link. Based on the regenerated payload, the satellite can be connected to a data network through another satellite and the gateway. If an ISL does not exist between the satellite and another satellite, a feeder link between the satellite and the gateway may be required.

[0182] Figures 12 and 13 are merely examples of NTN scenarios, and NTN can be implemented based on various scenarios. For example, a satellite (or UAS platform) can implement a transparent or regenerative (e.g., with onboard processing) payload. For example, a satellite (or UAS platform) can generate multiple beams across a designated service area depending on the field of view of the satellite (or UAS platform). For example, the field of view of the satellite (or UAS platform) can vary depending on the onboard antenna diagram and the minimum elevation angle.

[0183] For example, a transparent payload may include radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification. Therefore, the waveform signal repeated by the payload may remain unchanged.

[0184] For example, a regenerative payload may include radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion and amplification, demodulation / decoding, switching and / or routing, and coding / modulation. For example, a regenerative payload may be substantially equivalent to mounting all or part of a base station function on a satellite (or UAS platform).

[0185] Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC)

[0186] Wireless sensing is a technology that uses radio frequencies to determine the instantaneous linear velocity, angle, distance (or range) of an object, and thus obtain information about the characteristics of the environment and / or objects within the environment. Because radio frequency sensing does not require a networked device to connect to the object, it can provide a service for object positioning without a device. The ability to obtain range, velocity, and angle information from radio frequency signals can enable a wide range of new capabilities, such as various object detection, object recognition (e.g., vehicles, humans, animals, UAVs), and high-precision localization, tracking, and activity recognition. Wireless sensing services can provide information to a variety of industries (e.g., drones, smart homes, V2X, factories, railways, public safety, etc.), enabling applications such as intruder detection, assisted vehicle steering and navigation, trajectory tracking, collision avoidance, traffic management, and health and traffic management. In some cases, wireless sensing can utilize non-3GPP type sensors (e.g., radar, cameras) to further support 3GPP-based sensing. For example, the operation of wireless sensing services, such as sensing operations, may depend on the transmission, reflection, and scattering of wireless sensing signals. Therefore, wireless sensing offers an opportunity to enhance existing communication systems from a communications network to a wireless communication and sensing network.

[0187] FIG. 14 illustrates examples of sensing operations to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0188] Specifically, Fig. 14(a) shows an example of a monostatic sensing operation using a sensing receiver and a sensing transmitter located in the same location. Fig. 14(b) shows an example of a bistatic sensing operation using a sensing receiver and a sensing transmitter located in separate locations. A sensing signal transmitted from a sensing transmitter is reflected / scattered by a sensing object, and the sensing receiver can receive the signal, and extract / obtain sensing data based on the received signal. A sensing result can be generated / determined through appropriate processing of the sensing data. The sensing result can be provided to a trusted third-party entity / service outside the 3GPP system through an entity / service within the 3GPP system.

[0189] Ambient IoT (ambient internet of things)

[0190] The Internet of Things (IoT) has recently attracted significant attention in the wireless communications world. By reducing the size, complexity, and power consumption of IoT devices and installing and connecting hundreds of billions to trillions of IoT devices, it can be applied to a wide range of applications.

[0191] In this regard, the IoT technology is being developed for various use cases, scenarios, requirements, signaling, settings, etc. under the name of ambient IoT (AmIoT).

[0192] For example, active signal generation and / or backscattering may be among the communication technologies considered to achieve low-power operation of AmIoT devices. For example, backscattering could allow the device to communicate with the network by reflecting incident waves after modulating them with information to be transmitted. For example, the device could be powered by the incident RF signal or by stored energy.

[0193] AmIoT devices can be categorized into various device types, such as passive, semi-passive, and active, based on how they store energy and generate transmission signals. For example, passive devices do not have energy storage devices (e.g., capacitors) and can communicate based on backscatter communication technology. For example, semi-passive devices have energy storage devices and can communicate using backscatter communication technology with the help of energy storage devices. For example, active devices have energy storage devices and can actively generate signals using active RF components and stored energy to communicate.

[0194] In the present disclosure, the following types of IoT devices may be considered.

[0195] Device Type 1 has a maximum power consumption of approximately 1 uW and can perform uplink transmission by backscattering a carrier wave (CW) provided from an external source (e.g., a reader such as a base station / terminal or a separate node). For example, Device Type 1 may be a device without energy storage or independent signal generation.

[0196] Device Type 2 has a maximum power consumption of approximately several hundred microwatts (µW) and can perform uplink transmission by backscatter-ing a carrier wave provided from an external source (e.g., a leader such as a base station / terminal or a separate node) or by internally generating a signal. Specifically, a device type that performs signal transmission by backscatter may be referred to as device type 2a, and a device type that performs signal transmission by internally generating a signal may be referred to as device type 2b. For example, device type 2a is a device that has energy storage and no independent signal generation, in which case the use of stored energy may include amplification of a reflected signal. Also, for example, device type 2b may be a device that has energy storage and independent signal generation (e.g., a device with an active RF component for transmission).

[0197] In addition to the above-described classification methods, the type / class of an AmIoT device can be distinguished based on parameters associated with device characteristics (e.g., presence / capacity of energy storage, energy / power consumption, presence / capacity of amplification, presence / capacity of BPF (band-pass filter), supported DL / UL transmission method(s), etc.) or a combination of parameters.

[0198] In relation to AmIoT communications, various basic topologies may be considered to support AmIoT devices in indoor and outdoor scenarios. For example, basic topologies may include a direct connection topology between a base station and an AmIoT device, a topology in which the base station and an AmIoT device are connected via an intermediate node, a topology in which connections are supported by auxiliary nodes, and / or a connection topology between a terminal and an AmIoT device.

[0199] The basic topology described in this disclosure is merely an example, and the proposals of this disclosure can be extended and applied to other types of topologies.

[0200] FIG. 15 illustrates topologies that can be supported in ambient IoT communications to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0201] FIG. 15 (a) illustrates a direct connection topology (e.g., topology 1) between a base station and an AmIoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0202] Referring to (a) of FIG. 15, an AmIoT device can communicate directly and bidirectionally with a base station. For example, communication between the base station and the AmIoT device may include AmIoT data and / or signals. For example, the AmIoT data and / or signals may be transmitted or received based on a control channel and / or a data channel (e.g., a shared channel). In this regard, the base station that performs transmission to the AmIoT device and the base station that performs reception from the AmIoT device may be different. For example, in topology 1, the base station and the AmIoT device in a micro-cell environment may perform direct communication with each other. For example, the base station may be located at a co-site with a base station equipped with existing 3GPP technology.

[0203] Figure 15 (b) shows a topology (e.g., topology 2) in which a base station and an AmIoT device are connected through an intermediate node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0204] Referring to (b) of FIG. 15, an AmIoT device can bidirectionally communicate with an intermediate node between the device and a base station. For example, the intermediate node may be an AmIoT-capable relay, an IAB node, a terminal, a repeater, etc. The intermediate node may transmit AmIoT data and / or signals between the base station and the AmIoT device. The AmIoT data and / or signals may be transmitted or received based on a control channel and / or a data channel (e.g., a shared channel). In this regard, the intermediate node that performs transmission to the AmIoT device and the intermediate node that performs reception from the AmIoT device may be different. For example, in topology 2, an intermediate node may exist between a base station and an AmIoT device in a macro-cell environment. For example, the base station may be co-sited with a base station equipped with existing 3GPP technology. For example, the intermediate node may be limited to a terminal, and the intermediate node may be located indoors.

[0205] Figure 15 (c) shows a topology (e.g., topology 3) in which connection by an auxiliary node is supported according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0206] Referring to the left topology of Fig. 15 (c), an auxiliary node may be supported for downlink reception. For example, an AmIoT device may transmit data / signals to a base station, and the AmIoT device may receive data / signals from the auxiliary node. Also, referring to the right topology of Fig. 15 (c), an auxiliary node may be supported for uplink transmission. For example, an AmIoT device may receive data / signals from a base station, and the AmIoT device may transmit data / signals to an auxiliary node. For example, the auxiliary node may be an AmIoT-capable relay, an IAB node, a terminal, a repeater, etc.

[0207] Figure 15 (d) shows a connection topology (e.g., topology 4) between a terminal and an AmIoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0208] Referring to (d) of FIG. 15, an AmIoT device can communicate bidirectionally with a terminal. For example, communication between a terminal and an AmIoT device may include AmIoT data and / or signals. The AmIoT data and / or signals may be transmitted or received based on a control channel and / or a data channel (e.g., a shared channel).

[0209] Additionally, AmIoT devices may require externally provided CW for backscatter transmission. For example, CW may be used to power AmIoT devices or as CW for downlink transmission, regardless of the transmission mode (e.g., backscatter transmission or internally generated transmission).

[0210] In this regard, CW waveforms can be supported in various types. For example, the CW waveform type can be a single-tone CW waveform or a more complex multi-tone CW waveform type. For example, single-tone CW can be advantageous over multi-tone CW in terms of multiplexing capacity of tags or readers and interference reduction due to its lower resource consumption. In contrast, multi-tone CW has advantages such as being able to transmit more energy when transmitting CW in DL and securing greater coverage from a single device.

[0211] Considering the advantages of these different CW waveform types, multiple CW waveform types can be supported in the AmIoT system, and the base station / IN / AN / UE can configure the CW waveform type. For example, one or more CW waveform types supported in the AmIoT communication system can be configured / defined in advance, and the base station / IN / AN / UE can select one of the one or more supported CW waveform types and transmit it to the AmIoT device. For example, the base station / IN / AN / UE can configure / instruct / indicate the selected CW waveform type to the AmIoT device in the form of a command / message transmitted as a preamble / frame-sync or payload.

[0212] In the present disclosure, for AmIoT communication, at least one of the following may be proposed: frame structure, synchronization and timing, random access, numerology, bandwidth, multiple access, waveform, modulation, channel coding, channel / signal aspects, scheduling and timing relationships, and / or required characteristics of carrier waveforms for carriers provided external to the AmIoT device (including interference handling at the AmIoT device UL receiver and the NR base station). In addition, in the present disclosure, for AmIoT communication, at least one of the following may be proposed: paging, random access, data transmission including required radio resource control aspects to comply with general range limitations, interaction with upper layers (e.g., RRC layer, non-access stratum (NAS) layer, application layer, etc.), device context management, data transmission, coexistence of AmIoT and 6G / NR / LTE, and / or RF requirements for AmIoT.

[0213] Technical terms used in this disclosure may be as follows.

[0214] - SSB: Synchronization Signal Block

[0215] - MIB: Master Information Block

[0216] - RMSI: Remaining Minimum System Information

[0217] - FR1: Frequency Range 1. Refers to the frequency range below 6 GHz (e.g., 450 MHz to 6000 MHz).

[0218] - FR2: Frequency range 2. Refers to the millimeter wave (mmWave) range above 24 GHz (e.g., 24250 MHz to 52600 MHz).

[0219] - BW: Bandwidth

[0220] - BWP: Bandwidth Part

[0221] - RNTI: Radio Network Temporary Identifier

[0222] - CRC: Cyclic Redundancy Check

[0223] - SIB: System Information Block

[0224] - SIB1: SIB1 for NR devices (e.g., RMSI). Broadcasts information necessary for NR terminals to access the cell.

[0225] - CORESET: Control Resource Set. Time / frequency resources for NR terminals to attempt candidate PDCCH decoding.

[0226] - CORESET#0: CORESET for Type0-PDCCH CSS set for NR devices (set in MIB)

[0227] - Type0-PDCCH CSS set: A search space set for which NR terminals monitor PDCCH candidate sets for DCI formats with CRC scrambled with SI-RNTI.

[0228] - MO: PDCCH monitoring opportunity for Type0-PDCCH CSS set

[0229] - SIB1-R: (Additional) SIB1 for NR devices with reduced capabilities. May be limited to cases where it is generated as a separate TB from SIB1 and transmitted on a separate PDSCH.

[0230] - CORESET#0-R: CORESET#0 for reduced capability NR devices

[0231] - Type0-PDCCH-R CSS set: A search space set with redcap UEs monitoring a set of PDCCH candidates for DCI formats with CRC scrambled with SI-RNTI.

[0232] - MO-R: PDCCH monitoring opportunity for Type0-PDCCH CSS set

[0233] - Cell defining SSB (CD-SSB): SSB containing RMSI scheduling information among NR SSBs

[0234] Non-cell defining SSB (non-CD-SSB): An SSB that is placed in the NR sync raster but does not contain RMSI scheduling information for the corresponding cell for measurement purposes. However, it may contain information indicating the location of the cell defining SSB.

[0235] - SCS: subcarrier spacing

[0236] - SI-RNTI: System Information-RNTI

[0237] - Camp On: “Camp On” is a terminal state in which the UE is staying in the cell and ready to initiate a potential dedicated service or receive an ongoing broadcast service.

[0238] - TB: Transport Block

[0239] - RSA (Redcap standalone): A cell that supports only Redcap devices or services.

[0240] - SIB1(-R)-PDSCH: PDSCH transmitting SIB1(-R)

[0241] - SIB1(-R)-DCI: DCI scheduling SIB1(-R)-PDSCH. DCI format 1_0 CRC scrambled by SI-RNTI.

[0242] - SIB1(-R)-PDCCH: PDCCH transmitting SIB1(-R)-DCI

[0243] - FDRA: Frequency Domain Resource Allocation

[0244] - TDRA: Time Domain Resource Allocation

[0245] - RA: Random Access

[0246] - MSGA: Preamble and payload transmission of a two-step RA type random access procedure.

[0247] - MSGB: A response to an MSGA in a two-phase random access procedure. MSGB may consist of responses to contention resolution, fallback instructions, and backoff instructions.

[0248] - RO-N: RO (RACH Occasion) for general terminal 4-step RACH and 2-step RACH (if configured)

[0249] - RO-N1, RO-N2: When a separate RO is set for the general terminal 2-stage RACH, it is divided into RO-N1 (stage 4) and RO-N2 (stage 2).

[0250] - RO-R: RO (RACH Occasion) set separately from RO-N for redcap terminal 4-stage RACH and 2-stage RACH (if set)

[0251] - RO-R1, RO-R2: When a separate RO is set for the redcap terminal 2nd stage RACH, it is divided into RO-R1 (stage 4) and RO-R2 (stage 2).

[0252] - PG-R: MsgA-preamble group for redcap terminals

[0253] - RAR: Random Access Response

[0254] - RAR Window: Time window to monitor RA responses

[0255] - FH: Frequency Hopping

[0256] - iBWP: Initial BWP

[0257] - iBWP-DL(-UL): Initial DL(UL) BWP

[0258] - iBWP-DL(-UL)-R: (separated) initial DL(UL) BWP for redcap

[0259] - CS: Cyclic shift

[0260] - NB: Narrowband

[0261] - TO: Traffic Offloading

[0262] - mMTC: Massive Machine Type Communications

[0263] - eMBB: enhanced Mobile Broadband Communication

[0264] - URLLC: Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communication

[0265] - RedCap: Reduced Capability

[0266] - eRedCap: Enhanced RedCap

[0267] - FDD: Frequency Division Duplex

[0268] - HD-FDD: Half-Duplex-FDD

[0269] - DRX: Discontinuous Reception

[0270] - RRC: Radio Resource Control

[0271] - RRM: Radio Resource Management

[0272] - MM: Mobility Management

[0273] - IWSN: Industrial Wireless Sensor Network

[0274] - LPWA: Low Power Wide Area

[0275] - RB: Resource Block

[0276] - CCE: Control Channel Element

[0277] - AL: Aggregation Level

[0278] - PRG: Physical Resource-block Group

[0279] - DFT-s-OFDM: DFT-spread OFDM

[0280] - PBCH: Physical Broadcast Channel

[0281] - A-PBCH: Additional PBCH

[0282] - BD: blind detection

[0283] - EPRE: Energy Per RE

[0284] - SNR: Signal-to-Noise Ratio

[0285] - TDM: Time Division Multiplexing

[0286] - FDM: Frequency Division Multiplexing

[0287] - DMRS: Demodulation Reference Signal

[0288] - TDD: Time Division Duplex

[0289] - PCI: Physical layer Cell ID

[0290] - EH: Energy Harvesting

[0291] - EH device: A device that operates based on EH. It can include all device types in AmIoT. In addition, although this disclosure primarily considers RF EH, an EH device does not necessarily have to be RF EH-based.

[0292] - ES: Energizing Signal. A signal / channel transmitted by a base station / IN / AN / UE to supply RF energy to devices operating on RF-based EH. ES can be (modulated) CW, NR / LTE DL / UL signals, etc., and dedicated signals / channels can be designed to support ES.

[0293] - ET: Energy Transfer

[0294] CW: Carrier wave. AmIoT devices supporting backscattering-based UL transmission transmit information by modulating and backscattering "externally provided" CW. AmIoT devices supporting independent signal generation-based UL transmission transmit information by modulating "internal generated" CW. Unless otherwise specified, "externally provided" CW for backscattering is assumed. CW can be used as an energizing signal (ES) for RF energy transfer.

[0295] - CWN: CW Node. A node that provides CW. It can be a base station / IN / AN / UE, and there may be a separate CWN for CW provisioning purposes.

[0296] - R: Reader / Interrogator. In the AmIoT description, readers can be gNB / eNB, intermediate node (IN) / assisting node (AN), or terminals depending on the topology. Furthermore, AmIoT is not limited to 4G / 5G communication systems, and can include base stations, intermediate / assisting nodes, and terminals of next-generation communication systems. This can also mean AmIoT leaders.

[0297] - T: Tag / AmIoT device. In this disclosure, it can be interchanged with EH device, and in the AmIoT description, it mainly refers to AmIoT device, device type 1 / 2a / 2b.

[0298] - D: AmIoT device (may have the same meaning as T mentioned above)

[0299] - R=>T: Leader-to-tag or leader-to-tag communication link. When the base station or intermediate node / auxiliary node is the leader, it may have the same meaning as DL or forward link.

[0300] - R2D: Reader (R)-to-Device (D) link (can be synonymous with R=>T or AmIoT DL. Can also be written as R=>D.)

[0301] - CW2D: CWN-to-Device (D) link (CW node-to-AmIoT device link)

[0302] - T=>R: Tag-to-reader or tag-to-reader communication link. When the base station or intermediate / auxiliary node is the leader, this may be synonymous with UL or reverse / backward link.

[0303] - D2R: Device (D)-to-Reader (R) link (can be the same meaning as T=>R or AmIoT UL. Can be written as D=>R.)

[0304] - R<=>T: Includes cases where R=>T and T=>R, or R=>T or T=>R. It may be the case that both R=>T and T=>R apply.

[0305] - R<=>D: Includes R2D and D2R, or either R2D or D2R. This may apply to both R2D and D2R. (This may have the same meaning as R<=>T.)

[0306] - RF-EH: RF energy harvesting

[0307] - PRDCH: Physical R2D Channel (may be written as PR2DCH). A physical channel for R2D communications.

[0308] - PDRCH: Physical D2R Channel (may be denoted as PD2RCH). A physical channel for D2R communication.

[0309] - BS: Base Station

[0310] - IN: Intermediate node. In topology 2 (BS <-> IN <-> AmIoT device), IN acts as the leader. Relays, IABs, terminals, repeaters, etc. can be INs.

[0311] - AN: Assisting node. It can assist DL transmission in topology 3-1 (BS -> AN -> AmIoT device -> BS), or assist UL transmission in topology 3-2 (BS -> AmIoT device -> AN -> BS). ANs can be relays, IABs, terminals, repeaters, etc.

[0312] - UE: User Equipment. For LTE, NR, or next-generation communication systems, this refers to the LTE, NR, or next-generation communication system UE / terminal, respectively. It is a general wireless communication terminal type, distinct from AmIoT devices or device types 1 / 2a / 2b. In topology 4 (UE <-> AmIoT device), the UE acts as the leader.

[0313] - Device: Unless otherwise stated, and when used alone, refers to EH devices, AmIoT devices or device types 1 / 2a / 2b indiscriminately.

[0314] - AmIoT: Ambient IoT

[0315] - F-gap: Frequency gap

[0316] - T-gap: Time gap

[0317] - TD: Time Domain

[0318] - FD: Frequency Domain

[0319] - PEI: Paging Early Indication

[0320] - LP-WUS: Low-Power Wake-Up Signal

[0321] - LP-SS: Low-Power Synchronization Signal

[0322] - RSRP: Reference Signal Received Power

[0323] - ESRP: ES Received Power. This may refer to RSRP measured using ES. It may have the same meaning as ES-RSRP.

[0324] - PRB: Physical Resource Block

[0325] - EH circuit: A circuit that performs EH operations. An EH device can be viewed as containing an EH circuit as a component.

[0326] - PHR: Power Headroom Report

[0327] - EHR: Energy Headroom Report

[0328] - BPF: Band-Pass Filter

[0329] - SM: Subcarrier Modulation

[0330] - PIE: pulse interval encoding

[0331] Ambient IoT (AmIoT)-based communication

[0332] The present disclosure describes a method for transmitting and receiving signals in topologies 1 and 2, in which direct communication (i.e., mono-static communication) is performed between a base station (or / and intermediate node) and an IoT device among four topologies. However, this is only one embodiment, and the present disclosure may also be applied to topologies 3 and / or 4.

[0333] For example, in topology 1, the direction from a base station (e.g., gNB) to a device (e.g., AmIoT device) may be referred to as DL, R2T, or R2D, and the direction from the device to the base station may be referred to as UL, T2R, or D2R. The base station may transmit an R2D message or data information to the device via an R2D signal, and the device may transmit a D2R message or data information to the base station via a D2R signal.

[0334] For example, in topology 2, a direction from an intermediate node (IN) to a device (e.g., an AmIoT device) may be referred to as DL, R2T, or R2D, and a direction from a device to the intermediate node (IN) may be referred to as UL, T2R, or D2R. The intermediate node (IN) may transmit an R2D message or data information to the device via an R2D signal, and the device may transmit a D2R message or data information to the intermediate node (IN) via a D2R signal.

[0335] In describing the present disclosure, “ / ” means “and”, “or”, or “and / or”, depending on the context.

[0336] Below, various methods, including methods for collision avoidance in AmIoT communications, are described.

[0337] The embodiments described below are written separately for clarity of explanation, and each embodiment may be applied independently, or the proposed method / configuration of one embodiment may be combined or replaced with the proposed method / configuration of another embodiment.

[0338] Example 1

[0339] Embodiment 1 relates to a process for an ambient IoT device to access a reader device. As an example of the present disclosure, FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a process for an ambient IoT device to access a reader device. Specifically, the connection process may be comprised of an MSG0 transmission / reception process (Embodiment 1-1), an MSG1 transmission / reception process (Embodiment 1-2), an MSG2 transmission / reception process (Embodiment 1-3), an MSG3 transmission / reception process (Embodiment 1-4), an MSG4 transmission / reception process, and an MSG5 transmission / reception process (Embodiment 1-5).

[0340] (Example 1-1)

[0341] As an example of the present disclosure, a leader device may transmit MSG0 (e.g., a query signal or / and PDCCH order, etc.) to an ambient IoT device.

[0342] For example, if MSG0 is a query signal, the terminal can determine whether to transmit MSG1 based on MSG0. MSG0 can be used as a DL sync signal, such as PSS / SSS. For example, MSG0 can be reused as a DL sync signal, such as PSS / SSS, or defined as a new sync signal.

[0343] Ambient IoT devices can monitor MSG0 for carrier sensing-based connectivity. MSG0 may include information indicating whether the ambient IoT device can connect to the reader device (e.g., whether the ambient IoT device can transmit MSG1). For example, if MSG0 includes information indicating "busy" or / and "idle," the ambient IoT device may determine that it can transmit MSG1 within a certain period of time.

[0344] Additionally or alternatively, ambient IoT devices may use the carrier of another device to avoid collisions. For example, (ambient IoT) device 2 may detect the carrier transmitted by device 1 and avoid accessing it for a period of time after detecting the carrier.

[0345] At this time, MSG0 may include connection-related system information. For example, the connection-related system information may include a timer value for connection operations, information related to the time interval during which MSG1 transmission is possible (e.g., information related to the start time, length, window pattern, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the connection-related system information may be transmitted via a separate MSG 0 for each specific device type, and the MSG 0 may indicate that the system information applies only to the specific device type.

[0346] Additionally or alternatively, MSG0 may include information for resolving conflicts. For example, MSG0 may include probability-based access information, UE ID-based access information, early indication-based access information, UE group / type-based access information, service / access type-based access information, etc.

[0347] Additionally or alternatively, an ambient IoT device that detects the transmission of a message (e.g., MSG0, MSG2, MSG4, etc.) to another device may not transmit MSG 1. However, if the ambient IoT device does not detect such a message for a certain period of time, the ambient IoT device may transmit MSG 1.

[0348] For example, an ambient IoT device can monitor MSG0 to determine whether access to the leader device is permitted. If MSG0 indicates "Busy" or "Idle," the ambient IoT device can access the leader device only after the "Idle" indication.

[0349] (Example 1-2)

[0350] The ambient IoT device can (re)transmit MSG1 to the reader device. For example, the ambient IoT device can (re)transmit MSG1 to the reader device using backscattering. The method described below can also be applied to transmitting and receiving messages subsequent to MSG1 (e.g., MSG 3 / 5).

[0351] As an example of the present disclosure, when MSG1 is transmitted in a slotted ALOHA manner, the ambient IoT device can transmit MSG1 at a time aligned with a specific time point (e.g., a transmission time of a DL sync signal or MSG0 transmitted by a reader device, a CW (carrier wave) transmission time, a backscattering transmission time (e.g., ambient IoT device A or B), etc.). The slotted ALOHA manner is a method of transmitting data by unit time (e.g., slot). As another example, the ambient IoT device can transmit MSG1 by selectively backscattering CW.

[0352] Additionally, MSG 1 may include a sequence for collision avoidance. The sequence for collision avoidance may be determined based on at least one of the options described below.

[0353] Option 1: Select a random sequence

[0354] Option 1A: Random sequence + early indication or UE group / type / service / connection type indication

[0355] When Option 1A is applied, the ambient IoT device may transmit MSG1 in the form of an early indication or UE group / type / service / connection type indication attached before or after a randomly selected sequence. In this case, the indication may correspond to a sequence according to Option 3, Option 4, or Option 5.

[0356] Option 1B: Select a random sequence from a cell-specific sequence pool.

[0357] When Option 1B is applied, the ambient IoT device may receive sequence-related information from the leader device or randomly select a sequence from a preset pool of sequences.

[0358] Option 2: Device-dedicated sequence

[0359] When Option 2 is applied, the ambient IoT device can receive sequence-related information from the leader device or transmit a preset device-specific sequence.

[0360] Option 3: Early Instruction-Based Sequence Selection

[0361] When Option 3 is applied, the ambient IoT device can transmit a sequence that maps to an early indication. Here, the early indication can be a general term for an indicator that indicates the type or capability of the device (or terminal).

[0362] Option 4: UE Group / Type-Based Sequence Selection

[0363] When Option 4 applies, the ambient IoT device can transmit a sequence that is mapped to a UE group / type.

[0364] Option 5: Select a sequence based on service / connection type.

[0365] When Option 5 is applied, the ambient IoT device can transmit a sequence that maps to the service or connection type it is currently trying to access.

[0366] Option 6: Channel quality-based sequence

[0367] The ambient IoT device can measure the signal transmitted by the reader device and transmit MSG1 with a sequence mapped to the measured value. For example, if the measured value is less than or equal to threshold 1, the ambient IoT device can select a sequence from the first sequence pool. If the measured value is greater than threshold 1 but less than or equal to threshold 2, the ambient IoT device can select a sequence from the second sequence pool.

[0368] Based on the sequence, early indication, UE group / type, service / access type or channel quality level selected through at least one of the above-described options, the ambient IoT device can determine the (backscatter-based) transmission time and / or reception time of MSG1, MSG2, MSG3, MSG4 or / and MSG5. For example, based on the UE group / type or service / access type, a subsequent specific MSG transmission start time, a specific MSG reception start time, a specific MSG transmission interval or a specific MSG reception interval can be determined.

[0369] Additionally or alternatively, based on a sequence, early indication, UE group / type, service / access type, or channel quality level selected through at least one of the above-described options, the ambient IoT device may determine the transmission / reception resources / time / frequency of MSG1, MSG2, MSG3, MSG4, or / and MSG5. Accordingly, the ambient IoT device may transmit and receive MSG1, MSG2, MSG3, MSG4, or / and MSG5 based on the determined resources / time / frequency.

[0370] When an ambient IoT device transmits MSG 1, at least one of the methods described below may be applied to resolve a collision. That is, the ambient IoT device may distribute MSG1 transmissions using at least one of the methods described below.

[0371] Method 1: Distribution over multiple frequencies

[0372] Method 1 is a method in which an ambient IoT device selects one MSG1 frequency among multiple MSG1 frequencies and transmits MSG1 using the selected frequency. The ambient IoT device may configure multiple MSG1 frequencies (e.g., via MSG0), or multiple MSG1 frequencies may be preset / defined. Distribution methods via multiple frequencies may include a probability-based distribution method, a UE ID / sequence-based distribution method, a UE-only signaling method (based on preset configuration rather than for initial access), a channel quality-based distribution method, a beam / SSB index-based distribution method, and / or a UE group / type-based sequence selection method.

[0373] As an example of the present disclosure, when a probability-based distribution method is applied, the ambient IoT device may select the MSG1 frequency based on preset probability information and / or probability information received via MSG0. For example, the ambient IoT device may select a value between 0 and 1 immediately before transmitting MSG1. If the selected value exceeds a threshold value set by the reader device or a preset threshold value, the ambient IoT device may select a first frequency among the plurality of MSG1 frequencies. If the selected value is less than or equal to the threshold value set by the reader device or a preset threshold value, the ambient IoT device may select a second frequency among the plurality of MSG1 frequencies.

[0374] As an example of the present disclosure, when a UE ID / sequence based distribution scheme is applied, the ambient IoT device can select the MSG1 frequency according to the MSG1 sequence selected according to the above-described option or according to the pre-assigned UE ID.

[0375] As an example of the present disclosure, when a UE-only signaling scheme (based on pre-configuration rather than initial connection) is applied, the ambient IoT device can transmit MSG1 using a frequency determined according to the UE-only signal. The UE-only signal may be pre-stored configuration information or a message notified in advance by the reader device.

[0376] As an example of the present disclosure, when a channel quality-based distribution method is applied, an ambient IoT device can measure a signal transmitted by a reader device and transmit MSG1 using a frequency mapped to the measured value. Here, the measured signal can be a DL sync signal or MSG0. For example, if the measured value is less than or equal to a threshold value 1, the ambient IoT device can select a first frequency among a plurality of MSG1 frequencies. If the measured value is greater than or equal to a threshold value 1 and less than or equal to a threshold value 2, the ambient IoT device can select a second frequency among a plurality of MSG1 frequencies.

[0377] As another example, when a channel quality-based distribution method is applied, the ambient IoT device can measure a signal transmitted by the leader device and transmit an MSG1 resource mapped to the measured value. Here, the measured signal can be a DL sync signal or MSG0. For example, if the measured value is less than or equal to a threshold value of 1, the ambient IoT device can select the first resource among multiple resources. If the measured value is greater than the threshold value of 1 and less than or equal to the threshold value of 2, the ambient IoT device can select the second resource among multiple resources. The multiple resources can be set by the leader device or can be predefined.

[0378] As an example of the present disclosure, when a beam / SSB index-based distribution method is applied, the ambient IoT device may measure a beam RS or SSB transmitted by a reader device, and transmit MSG1 using a frequency or resource mapped to a best RS index, a best SSB index, or an RS / SSB greater than or equal to a threshold value. For example, if an SSB having an SSB index value of 0 is the best SSB or a measurement value of the SSB is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the ambient IoT device may select a first frequency / resource among the plurality of MSG1 frequencies / resources. For example, if an SSB having an SSB index value of 1 is the best SSB or a measurement value of the SSB is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the ambient IoT device may select a second frequency / resource among the plurality of MSG1 frequencies / resources.

[0379] As an example of the present disclosure, when a UE group / type based sequence selection method is applied, an ambient IoT device can select a frequency mapped to a UE group / type (among multiple MSG1 frequencies) and transmit MSG1 using the selected frequency.

[0380] As an example of the present disclosure, when a service / connection type-based sequence selection method is applied, the ambient IoT device can select a frequency (among multiple MSG1 frequencies) mapped to a service or connection type to which it is currently trying to connect, and transmit MSG1 using the selected frequency.

[0381] Method 2: Time-based distribution method

[0382] The time-based distribution method is a method in which the ambient IoT device selects a specific point in time / slot within a time interval for MSG1 transmission and transmits MSG1 within the selected specific point in time / slot. The ambient IoT device may set the time interval for MSG1 transmission (via MSG0), or the time interval for MSG1 transmission may be determined according to a predefined rule. The ambient IoT device may select the MSG1 transmission point in time / slot using at least one of the methods described below. In this case, the MSG1 transmission interval / point in time / slot may be determined as a point in time that is offset by a positive / negative amount from the CW transmission / reception point in time.

[0383] As an example of the present disclosure, when a probability-based distribution method is applied, the ambient IoT device may select a MSG1 transmission time / slot within the MSG 1 time interval based on preset probability information or probability information received from MSG0. For example, the ambient IoT device may select a specific value between 0 and 1 immediately before transmitting MSG1. If the selected specific value is preset by the reader device or exceeds a preset threshold, the ambient IoT device may select a first transmission time interval / transmission time / slot (within the time interval for MSG1 transmission). If the selected specific value is preset by the reader device or is less than or equal to a preset threshold, the ambient IoT device may select a second transmission time interval / transmission time / slot (within the time interval for MSG1 transmission). Then, the ambient IoT device may transmit MSG 1 in the selected transmission time interval / transmission time / slot.

[0384] As an example of the present disclosure, when a UE ID / sequence based distribution scheme is applied, the ambient IoT device can select an MSG1 transmission time point / slot within the time interval for MSG 1 transmission according to the MSG1 sequence selected according to the above-described option or the pre-assigned UE ID. For example, when the result value of sequence mode N or UE ID mod N is 0, the ambient IoT device can select the first transmission time interval / transmission time point / slot (within the time interval for MSG 1 transmission). When the result value of sequence mode N or UE ID mod N is 1, the ambient IoT device can select the second transmission time interval / transmission time point / slot (within the time interval for MSG 1 transmission).

[0385] As an example of the present disclosure, when a UE-only signaling scheme (based on pre-configuration rather than initial connection) is applied, the ambient IoT device can transmit MSG1 through a MSG1 transmission time interval / point / slot determined according to the UE-only signal. The UE-only signal may be pre-stored configuration information or a message notified in advance by the reader device.

[0386] As an example of the present disclosure, when a channel quality-based distribution scheme is applied, the ambient IoT device can measure a signal transmitted by the leader device and transmit MSG1 using a transmission time interval / point in time / slot within a time interval mapped to the measured value. Here, the measured signal can be a DL sync signal or MSG0. For example, if the measured value is less than or equal to a threshold value 1, the ambient IoT device can select the first time interval / point in time / slot (within the time interval for transmitting MSG1). If the measured value is greater than or equal to a threshold value 1 and less than or equal to a threshold value 2, the ambient IoT device can select the second time interval / point in time / slot (within the time interval for transmitting MSG1).

[0387] In another example of the present disclosure, when a channel quality-based distribution method is applied, the ambient IoT device can measure a signal transmitted by a leader device and transmit an MSG1 resource mapped to the measured value. Here, the measured signal can be a DL sync signal or MSG0. For example, if the measured value is less than or equal to a threshold value 1, the ambient IoT device can select a first resource among a plurality of resources. If the measured value is greater than the threshold value 1 and less than or equal to a threshold value 2, the ambient IoT device can select a second resource among the plurality of resources. Here, the resource can be determined by frequency and / or time.

[0388] As an example of the present disclosure, when a beam / SSB index-based distribution scheme is applied, the ambient IoT device can measure the beam RS or SSB transmitted by the reader device, and transmit MSG1 using a transmission time interval / point in time / slot or resource within a time interval mapped to a best RS index, a best SSB index, or an RS / SSB greater than or equal to a threshold value. For example, if an SSB having an SSB index value of 0 is the best SSB or a measurement value of the SSB is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the ambient IoT device can select a first transmission time interval / point in time / slot or resource (within a time interval for transmitting MSG1). For example, if an SSB having an SSB index value of 1 is the best SSB or a measurement value of the SSB is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the ambient IoT device can select a second transmission time interval / point in time / slot or resource (within a time interval for transmitting MSG1).

[0389] As an example of the present disclosure, when an energy storage based distribution scheme is applied, the ambient IoT device may measure the remaining energy storage level of the device and transmit MSG1 using a specific time interval / transmission point / slot within a time interval mapped to the measured value. For example, if the measured value (i.e., the energy storage level of the ambient IoT device) is less than or equal to a threshold value 1, the ambient IoT device may select the first transmission time interval / point / slot or resource (within the time interval for transmitting MSG1). If the measured value is greater than the threshold value 1 and less than or equal to a threshold value 2, the ambient IoT device may select the second transmission time interval / point / slot or resource (within the time interval for transmitting MSG1). In this case, the ambient IoT device may be configured to select a faster transmission time interval / point / slot as the remaining energy storage level decreases.

[0390] As an example of the present disclosure, when an energy storage-based distribution method is applied, an ambient IoT device can measure the remaining energy storage level of the device and transmit an MSG1 resource mapped to the measured value. For example, if the measured value (i.e., the energy storage level of the ambient IoT device) is less than or equal to a threshold value 1, the ambient IoT device can select a first resource among a plurality of resources. If the measured value is greater than the threshold value 1 and less than or equal to a threshold value 2, the ambient IoT device can select a second resource among the plurality of resources. Here, the resource can be determined by frequency / time.

[0391] As an example of the present disclosure, when a UE group / type-based sequence selection method is applied, an ambient IoT device can select a transmission time interval / point / slot mapped to a UE group / type (within a time interval for MSG1 transmission) and transmit MSG1 using the selected transmission time interval / point / slot.

[0392] As an example of the present disclosure, when a service / connection type-based sequence selection method is applied, the ambient IoT device can select a transmission time interval / point / slot mapped to a service or connection type to which it is currently trying to access (within the time interval for MSG1 transmission), and transmit MSG1 using the selected transmission time interval / point / slot.

[0393] As an example of the present disclosure, when a priority-based distribution scheme is applied, the ambient IoT device may select a transmission time interval / slot / point in time (for transmitting MSG1) based on the device priority or the priority of the connection to which it is currently trying to connect, and transmit MSG1 at the selected transmission time interval / slot / point in time. For example, in an access procedure with a high priority, or the device may select a short first transmission time interval / point in time / slot (within the time interval for transmitting MSG1), and transmit MSG1 using the first selected transmission time interval / point in time / slot. In an access procedure with a low priority, or the device may select a long second transmission time interval / point in time / slot or resource (within the time interval for transmitting MSG1), and transmit MSG1 using the second selected transmission time interval / point in time / slot.

[0394] An ambient IoT device can transmit MSG1 to a reader device according to at least one of the above-described methods. At this time, the terminal can probabilistically determine whether to actually transmit MSG1. For example, if the predefined / set probability value is a specific value (e.g., 0.3), the ambient IoT device can select a random number. If the random number is less than or equal to the specific value, the ambient IoT device can transmit MSG1. If the random number exceeds the specific value, the ambient IoT device can start a timer for back-off without transmitting MSG1.

[0395] After back-off (i.e., after the timer for back-off expires), the ambient IoT device may perform MSG1 retransmission according to at least one of the above-described methods. Additionally or alternatively, if MSG2 or / and MSG4 are not received, if MSG 2 or / and MSG4 do not contain a sequence or UE ID of the ambient IoT device, if MSG 2 or / and MSG4 do not indicate ACK, or / and if MSG 2 or / and MSG4 indicate NACK, the ambient IoT device may perform back-off.

[0396] After back-off (i.e., after the timer for back-off expires), the ambient IoT device can perform MSG1 retransmission according to at least one of the methods described above. The ambient IoT device can retransmit MSG1 after selecting / determining a back-off time (i.e., a timer value) according to at least one of the methods described below. The ambient IoT device can obtain the selectable back-off time values ​​from MSG 0, ​​MSG 2, or / and MSG 4, or from pre-stored information / system information.

[0397] As an example of the present disclosure, when a probability-based back-off time scheme is applied, the ambient IoT device may select a back-off time based on preset probability information or probability information received from MSG0. For example, the ambient IoT device may select a specific value between 0 and 1 immediately before transmitting MSG1. If the selected specific value is preset by the reader device or exceeds a preset threshold, the ambient IoT device may select a first back-off time (from among the plurality of back-off times). If the selected specific value is preset by the reader device or is less than or equal to a preset threshold, the ambient IoT device may select a second back-off time (from among the plurality of back-off times). Then, the ambient IoT device may transmit MSG 1 based on the selected back-off time.

[0398] As an example of the present disclosure, when a UE ID / sequence based back-off time scheme is applied, the ambient IoT device may select a back-off time according to a selected MSG1 sequence or a pre-assigned UE ID according to the above-described options. For example, when the result value of sequence mode N or UE ID mod N is 0, the ambient IoT device may select a first back-off time (from among a plurality of back-off times). When the result value of sequence mode N or UE ID mod N is 1, the ambient IoT device may select a second back-off time (from among a plurality of back-off times). Here, N may be equal to the number of selectable back-off times.

[0399] As an example of the present disclosure, when a UE-only signaling scheme (based on pre-configuration rather than initial connection) is applied, the ambient IoT device may transmit MSG1 based on a back-off time determined according to the UE-only signal. The UE-only signal may be pre-stored configuration information or a message notified in advance by the leader device.

[0400] As an example of the present disclosure, when a channel quality-based distribution method is applied, an ambient IoT device can measure a signal transmitted by a leader device and transmit MSG1 using a back-off time mapped to the measured value. Here, the measured signal can be a DL sync signal or MSG0. For example, if the measured value is less than or equal to a threshold value 1, the ambient IoT device can select a first back-off time (from among a plurality of back-off times). If the measured value is greater than or equal to a threshold value 1 and less than or equal to a threshold value 2, the ambient IoT device can select a second back-off time (from among a plurality of back-off times).

[0401] As an example of the present disclosure, when a beam / SSB index-based distribution scheme is applied, the ambient IoT device may measure the beam RS or SSB transmitted by the reader device, and transmit MSG1 using a back-off time mapped to a best RS index, a best SSB index, or an RS / SSB greater than or equal to a threshold value. For example, if an SSB having an SSB index value of 0 is the best SSB or a measurement value of the SSB is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the ambient IoT device may select a first back-off time (from among a plurality of back-off times). For example, if an SSB having an SSB index value of 1 is the best SSB or a measurement value of the SSB is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the ambient IoT device may select a second back-off time (from among a plurality of back-off times).

[0402] As an example of the present disclosure, when an energy storage-based distribution method is applied, an ambient IoT device may measure the remaining energy storage level of the device and transmit MSG1 using a back-off time mapped to the measured value. For example, if the measured value (i.e., the energy storage level of the ambient IoT device) is less than or equal to a threshold value 1, the ambient IoT device may select a first back-off time (from among a plurality of back-off times). If the measured value is greater than the threshold value 1 and less than or equal to a threshold value 2, the ambient IoT device may select a second back-off time (from among a plurality of back-off times). In this case, the ambient IoT device may be configured to select a shorter back-off time as the remaining energy storage level decreases.

[0403] As an example of the present disclosure, when a UE group / type-based sequence selection method is applied, an ambient IoT device can select a back-off time mapped to a UE group / type (among multiple back-off times) and transmit MSG1 using the selected back-off time.

[0404] As an example of the present disclosure, when a service / connection type-based sequence selection method is applied, the ambient IoT device can select a back-off time (among multiple back-off times) that is mapped to a service or connection type to which it is currently trying to connect, and transmit MSG1 using the selected back-off time.

[0405] As an example of the present disclosure, when a priority-based distribution scheme is applied, the ambient IoT device may select a back-off time based on the device priority or the priority of the connection to which it is currently trying to connect, and transmit MSG1 using the selected back-off time. For example, in an access procedure with a high priority, or the device may select a short first back-off time (from among a plurality of back-off times) that is mapped to the service or connection type to which it is currently trying to connect, and transmit MSG1 using the selected first back-off time. In an access procedure with a low priority, or the device may select a long second back-off time (from among a plurality of back-off times) that is mapped to the service or connection type to which it is currently trying to connect, and transmit MSG1 using the selected second back-off time.

[0406] (Example 1-3)

[0407] The ambient IoT device may receive MSG2 (from the reader device) after performing (re)transmission of MSG1. In one example of the present disclosure, MSG2 may include / indicate ACK and / or NACK information. For example, if the reader device successfully receives MSG1 and allows connection, MSG2 may include / indicate ACK. If the reader device does not successfully receive MSG1 or / and does not allow connection, MSG2 may include / indicate NACK.

[0408] For example, if MSG2 includes / indicates ACK, MSG2 may include at least one of information included in MSG1 (e.g., sequence information), transmission / reception resources of MSG1 (e.g., time / frequency resources), time / frequency for transmitting / receiving MSGs (e.g., MSG0, MSG1, MSG2, MSG3, MSG4, and / or MSG5, etc.), or CW time / frequency information for backscattering. If MSG2 includes / indicates NACK, MSG2 may include a back-off time.

[0409] (Example 1-4)

[0410] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when an ACK including / indicating an ACK is received, the ambient IoT device may transmit MSG3 (to the reader device). For example, the ambient IoT device may transmit MSG3 in a backscattering manner. The selection of a time interval / point in time / frequency / resource for transmitting MSG3 may be determined / selected based on at least one of the transmission / reception time interval / point in time / frequency / resource selection methods of MSG2.

[0411] MSG3 may contain at least one of UE ID, sequence, early indication, UE group / type, connection type, RRC connection / resume request message for initial connection, and C-RNTI MAC CE for UE within RRC_CONNECTED.

[0412] Here, the UE ID (e.g., C-RNTI) may be scrambled, masked, or attached to all UL messages. The sequence may be part or all of the sequence selected for MSG1. In another example, the sequence may be part or all of a newly selected sequence using at least one of the MSG1 sequence selection methods described above. The early indication may include the device type (e.g., device A, device B, or device C) and / or other processing times. The RRC connection / resume request message may include the UE ID (e.g., s-TMSI or resumption ID), etc.

[0413] (Example 1-5)

[0414] An ambient IoT device that transmitted MSG 3 may receive MSG4 (from a reader device). MSG4 may include a UE ID (or / and contention resolution MAC CE) and / or sequence information. Here, the sequence may be selected / determined based on at least one of the MSG1 sequence selection methods described above.

[0415] If MSG4 contains the UE ID (or device ID) or sequence of the ambient IoT device, the ambient IoT device may transmit MSG5 (to the reader device).

[0416] For example, MSG5 may include terminal capability information. For example, the terminal capability information may include capability information related to device type (e.g., device type A, B, C), other processing times, early indication (e.g., device type, other processing times), terminal group / type, connection type, etc. Additionally or alternatively, MSG5 may include at least one of a UE ID, a sequence, and user data.

[0417] Example 2

[0418] Example 2 relates to a method for setting / defining a symbol duration for ambient IoT (AmIoT) terminal / device communication.

[0419] Considering the numerology of the NR system and the target data rate of the AmIoT system, the symbol interval for AmIoT communication can be determined according to at least one of the embodiments described below.

[0420] In describing the present disclosure, the NR system can be replaced with a (5G and / or 6G) wireless communication system (or a parent system / coexisting communication system). The (CP-)OFDM symbol can be replaced with an existing transmission time unit of the (5G and / or 6G) wireless communication system (or a parent system / coexisting communication system).

[0421] (Example 2-1)

[0422] N CF-OFDM symbol intervals of an NR system can be defined as a symbol interval for one AmIoT communication. The N value can be predefined or set / instructed to an AmIoT device.

[0423] (Example 2-2)

[0424] A CP-OFDM symbol interval of an NR system can be divided into M equal parts, and one of the M equally divided CP-OFDM symbol intervals can be defined as a symbol interval for AmIoT communication. Here, the value of M can be predefined or set / indicated by an AmIoT device. In this case, a CP interval can be included in a CF-OFDM symbol interval, but is not limited thereto. A CF-OFDM symbol interval may include only a part of a CP interval or may not include a CP interval.

[0425] (Example 2-3)

[0426] One or more OFDM symbols (e.g., predefined OFDM symbol sample values ​​(e.g., T C or T S ) can be defined as a sample group, and K sample group(s) can be defined as a symbol interval for one AmIoT communication. Here, the K value and the sample group determination method can be predefined or set / instructed to the AmIoT device.

[0427] One of Examples 2-1, 2-2 and 2-3 may be set / applied differently or set / applied commonly depending on the following elements.

[0428] - Use cases of AmIoT terminals (e.g., sensors, commands, inventory, positioning, etc.)

[0429] - Device type of AmIoT terminal, tag ID or / and topology of AMIoT communication

[0430] Example 3

[0431] It relates to a method for configuring a symbol interval for ambient IoT (AmIoT) terminal communication.

[0432] For communication between AmIoT terminals corresponding to device type A or B, both an energy transfer signal (ETS) for energy harvesting purposes and a backscattering signal (BSS) exchanged for backscattering communication after the AmIoT terminals receive the ETS may be required.

[0433] In order for the BSS signal transmitted by the base station or intermediate node (or, a separate UE device) to be efficiently received as a backscattered signal by the AmIoT device, it may be advantageous for the BSS signal to be configured as CW.

[0434] However, in order to be robust against inter-symbol interference (ISI) after generating a single OFDM symbol in an NR system, a CP may be attached to the front of the generated OFDM symbol, thereby configuring the final OFDM symbol. Due to the above-described characteristics, it may be difficult to construct a CW structure that maintains the same frequency component across multiple OFDM symbols, as illustrated in (a) of Fig. 17.

[0435] To overcome this, as illustrated in (b) of Fig. 17, by adjusting the phase for each OFDM symbol, the waveform can be configured so that the CW condition is satisfied across multiple OFDM symbols even if a CP is attached to the front of the OFDM symbol.

[0436] As described above, the pi / 2-BPSK (binary phase-shift keying) modulation method can be applied to control the phase for each CP. However, even when the Pi / 2-BPSK modulation method is applied, a problem may arise where the phase exceeds Pi / 2 or Pi / 4 due to the CP inserted in the middle. Therefore, a method that controls the phase for each CP while applying the Pi / 2-BPSK modulation method can be applied at the same time.

[0437] Pi / 2-BPSK modulation (and phase control per CP) makes sense in situations where data is transmitted by modulating it on a symbol-by-symbol basis, but Pi / 2-BPSK modulation (and phase control per CP) can only be applied to BSS (not ETS).

[0438] Additionally, when the above-described CW transmission method is applied, the unit and / or period in which CW is maintained can be set / instructed by the base station to the AmIoT device. For example, as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 17, when CW is maintained for every 2 OFDM symbols, 2 OFDM symbol interval information and / or the starting point of the interval (e.g., SFN#0 or every sub-frame) can be set / defined / instructed. Here, the interval information can be configured in units of OFDM symbols (or slots, subframes, or absolute time). For example, when the interval is set / instructed as 1 slot, the AmIoT device can assume that CW is maintained for at least a plurality of OFDM symbols within the same slot.

[0439] As another example of the present disclosure, a signal for an AmIoT terminal can be configured by repeating OFDM symbols without a CP (similar to the NR PRACH signal configuration). In this case, the base station can either abandon FDM with NR signals or perform FDM with existing NR signals after setting a guard band along the frequency axis.

[0440] Since the CW properties may not be maintained due to CP insertion, the CP interval may be used for other purposes. For example, during the CP interval (or during the symbol interval (or part of the symbol interval) for AmIoT terminal communication that includes the CP interval), the base station may transmit a known sequence, rather than data, to the AmIoT device, which may then use the sequence for time and / or frequency axis synchronization.

[0441] As described above, the CP interval (or the symbol interval for AmIoT terminal communication including the CP interval (or a part of the symbol interval)) for each symbol may not be utilized for other purposes. Therefore, the AmIoT device can set / receive specific time interval information. The interval information may be configured in units of OFDM symbols (or slots, sub-frames, absolute time) (e.g., X mesc, Y usec). For example, if information such as 1 slot is set, the AmIoT device can recognize that the CP interval (or the symbol interval for AmIoT terminal communication including the CP interval (or a part of the symbol interval)) for each slot is configured in a known sequence.

[0442] As described above, the method of maintaining CW across multiple OFDM symbols can be applied to embodiment 3-1 (i.e., an embodiment of a method of defining N CP-OFDM symbol intervals as a symbol interval for one AmIoT communication).

[0443] As described above, the CW transmission method can be applied to both ETS and BSS without distinction. As another example, since a higher PAPR can increase energy transfer efficiency, the CW transmission method can be applied only to BSS (and not to ETS).

[0444] Example 4

[0445] Implementation 4 relates to a frequency modulation method of a backscattering signal considering frequency diversity and / or (inter-cell) interference randomization.

[0446] As an example of the present disclosure, as illustrated in (a) of FIG. 18, an AmIoT device that receives a CW (i.e., a BSS signal) of frequency F_c transmitted by a base station or intermediate node (or a separate terminal device) can modulate the frequency by applying F_gap. Then, the AmIoT device can transmit the backscattered signal / data to the base station or intermediate node (or a separate terminal device) via the frequency F_t.

[0447] It may be advantageous to increase the efficiency of IoT communications by reducing interference when signals are received from multiple base stations or intermediate nodes (or separate UE devices) that may be present in the vicinity from the receiving perspective of a single AmIoT device. Similarly, it may be advantageous to increase the efficiency of IoT communications by reducing interference when signals are received from multiple AmIoT devices from the receiving perspective of a base station or intermediate node (or separate UE device).

[0448] Additionally, fading on specific frequencies (e.g., F_c or F_t) in wireless channel environments can significantly degrade communication efficiency. Therefore, pursuing frequency diversification can help maximize the efficiency of IoT communications to overcome this issue. Below, we describe a method for determining F_c and / or F_t.

[0449] In consideration of the effect of reducing interference when signals are received from multiple base stations or intermediate nodes (or separate terminal devices) from the perspective of receiving a single AmIoT terminal, the position of F_c may be varied by considering all or some of a plurality of factors (e.g., (physical) cell index, sub-frame index, slot index, CP-OFDM symbol index of NR system, symbol index for AmIoT terminal communication, AmIoT device type).

[0450] Similarly, in consideration of the effect of reducing interference when signals are received from multiple AmIoT devices from a base station or intermediate node (or separate terminal device) receiving perspective, the position of F_t (relative to F_c) (or the size of F_gap) may be varied by taking into account all or some of a plurality of factors (e.g., AmIoT device index, sub-frame index, slot index, CP-OFDM symbol index of NR system, symbol index for AmIoT terminal communication, AmIoT device type, capability for (maximum) F_gap size of AmIoT, etc.).

[0451] As an example of F_t size variability considering the AmIoT device type, for a terminal of device type A, an F_t (or F_gap size) value within a maximum of X may be set / indicated, but for a terminal of device type B, an F_t (or F_gap size) value within a maximum of Y (>X) (or within a maximum of Y but equal to or greater than a minimum of X) may be set / indicated. Here, the values ​​of X and Y may be preset or defined.

[0452] Additionally or alternatively, taking into account the frequency diversification effect, CWs utilizing more than one F_c value at a time may be transmitted by the BSS (or / and ETS), even if the signal is from one base station or intermediate node (or separate terminal device).

[0453] Additionally or alternatively, a frequency hopping scheme may be applied to the position of F_c and / or the position of F_t (relative to F_c) (or the size of F_gap) considering both the frequency diversification effect and the interference randomization effect. For example, individual hopping offsets of F_hop 1 and F_hop 2 may be applied, and the change period and the size of the approximate value between the two offsets may be set / applied differently. For example, the F_c value at the {t+1}-th time may be determined from the F_c value at the t-th time by the formula "F_c(t+1) = F_c(t) + F_hop1 + F_hop2".

[0454] Here, the time t value can be determined by a combination of a sub-frame index, a slot index, a symbol index, etc. The range of the period and the size of the changed value of F_hop 1 and F_hop 2 can be set separately. For example, the period and size of one of F_hop 1 and F_hop 2 (e.g., F_hop 2) can be set to always be greater than the other (e.g., F_hop 1).

[0455] Additionally, the same hopping rules may apply depending on whether the signal is an ETS or a BSS. Alternatively, different hopping rules may apply (e.g., in BSS, both F_hop 1 and F_hop 2 are applied, whereas in ETS, only one offset is applied (e.g., F_hop2 is applied, but F_hop1 is not applied).

[0456] The positions / sizes of F_c, F_gap, F_t, F_hop1, and F_hop2 can be defined to have a multiple relationship with the SCS defined in the NR system by considering the numerology of NR. For example, the position of F_c can be set by recycling NR-ARFCN. The sizes of F_gap, F_hop1, and F_hop2 can be determined as multiples of a specific SCS (e.g., a separately set SCS, an SCS set in the activated / initial / default BWP, the largest or smallest SCS among multiple SCSs set in the associated carrier, etc.), or as multiples of 1 RB (e.g., 12 sub-carriers) based on the specific SCS.

[0457] Example 5

[0458] Example 5 relates to a time-domain modulation method of a backscattering signal considering frequency diversification and / or (inter-cell) interference randomization.

[0459] As an example of the present disclosure, as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 18, an AmIoT device that receives a signal (i.e., a BSS signal) from a base station or an intermediate node (or a separate terminal device) at time T_c can perform delayed transmission after time T_gap by applying T_gap. Accordingly, the AmIoT device can transmit the backscattered signal / data to the base station or an intermediate node (or a separate terminal device) at time T_t.

[0460] From the perspective of a single AmIoT terminal receiving, it may be beneficial to increase the efficiency of IoT communication by reducing interference when signals are received from multiple base stations or intermediate nodes (or separate terminal devices) that may be present in the vicinity.

[0461] Similarly, from the perspective of a base station or intermediate node (or separate terminal device), it may be beneficial to increase the efficiency of IoT communications by reducing interference when signals can be received from multiple AmIoT terminals. Furthermore, pursuing a time-diversification effect, similar to that in Example 5, in a wireless channel environment may help maximize the efficiency of IoT communications.

[0462] Below, a method for determining F_c, F_t, T_c and / or T_t is described taking into account the above-described advantages.

[0463] In consideration of the effect of reducing interference when signals are received from multiple base stations or intermediate nodes (or separate terminal devices) from the perspective of receiving a single AmIoT terminal, the position of T_c may be varied by considering all or some of a plurality of factors (e.g., (physical) cell index, sub-frame index, slot index, CP-OFDM symbol index of NR system, symbol index for AmIoT terminal communication, AmIoT device type).

[0464] Similarly, considering the effect of reducing interference when signals can be received from multiple AmIoT terminals from the perspective of receiving from a base station or intermediate node (or separate terminal device), the position of T_t (relative to T_c) (or the size of T_gap) may be varied by considering all or some of a plurality of factors (e.g., AmIoT device index, sub-frame index, slot index, CP-OFDM symbol index of NR system, symbol index for AmIoT terminal communication, AmIoT device type, capability for (maximum) T_gap size of AmIoT, etc.).

[0465] As an example of T_t size variability considering the AmIoT device type, for a terminal of device type A, a T_t (or T_gap size) value within a maximum of X can be set / indicated. And, for a terminal of device type B, a T_t (or T_gap size) value within a maximum of Y (>X) (or within a maximum of Y but greater than / exceeding a minimum of X) can be set / indicated. The X and Y values ​​can be separately set or predefined in advance.

[0466] Meanwhile, considering the time diversification effect, CWs utilizing multiple time points (i.e., multiple T_c values) can be transmitted as BSS (and / or ETS) even if it is the same signal (or modulated data) from one base station or intermediate node (or separate terminal device).

[0467] In addition, in the backscattered data transmission of the AmIoT terminal, the positions of one or more T_t (or the size of T_gap) corresponding to one T_c can be defined, and the AmIoT terminal can transmit a backscattered signal at the positions of multiple T_t for the same signal (or modulated signal).

[0468] Additionally or alternatively, time-varying values ​​may be applied to the position of T_c and / or the position of T_t (relative to T_c) (or the size of T_gap) to account for time-varying and / or interference randomization effects.

[0469] For example, the T_gap value at the {t+1}th time can be determined from the T_gap value at the tth time by the formula "T_gap(t+1) = T_gap(t) + T_hop".

[0470] Here, the time t value can be determined by a combination of sub-frame index, slot index, symbol index, etc. The period in which T_hop changes and the range of the size of the changed value can be separately set. As another example, the period in which T_hop changes and the size of the changed value can be defined as a value that changes randomly (within a specific set range).

[0471] Additionally or alternatively, the value of T_gap(t+1) at a particular time point {t+1} may be defined as a value that changes randomly (within a certain defined range) without any relation to T_gap(t) at a previous time point t.

[0472] Considering that a larger T_gap may lead to greater power consumption of AmIoT terminals, it may be beneficial in terms of fairness for the T_gap value to change randomly. Furthermore, the same rules may apply depending on whether the signal is ETS or BSS, but different rules (e.g., a rule that applies a different T_hop change period / value for BSS and a different T_hop change period / value for ETS) may apply.

[0473] The timing / size of the above-described T_c, T_gap, T_t, and T_hop can be defined to have a multiple relationship with one or more OFDM samples (e.g., predefined T_c or T_s) defined in the NR system, taking into account the numerology of NR.

[0474] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating signaling between a terminal (e.g., a UE or an ambient IoT device) and a base station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0475] The base station can transmit a CW (i.e., a BSS signal) of frequency F_c to the terminal (S1310).

[0476] A terminal receiving a CW of frequency F_c can modulate (or / and backscatter) the frequency by applying F_gap determined according to various factors (e.g., UE ID, time index, device type, etc.) (S1320). Then, the terminal can transmit the backscattered data / signal to the base station via frequency F_t (i.e., F_c + F_gap) (S1330).

[0477] As described in the above-described embodiments (e.g., embodiment 4, etc.), taking into account frequency diversification and / or interference randomization effects, the terminal may vary F_c and / or F_gap depending on the cell / UE ID, time index (e.g., subframe, slot, symbol, etc.), and device type.

[0478] By various embodiments described above, in a mixed situation where communication between multiple base stations and AmIot terminals is performed, backscattering-based communication can be efficiently performed by varying the time / frequency time using cell / UE ID, time index (e.g., subframe, slot, symbol, etc.), device type, etc. Accordingly, communication efficiency can be increased due to frequency diversification and / or interference randomization effects.

[0479] Example 6

[0480] This embodiment relates to a method for setting / defining D2R signals received from devices by a leader (e.g., a base station (gNB), an intermediate node (IN), etc.) to be transmitted at different times.

[0481] A device that receives an R2D signal can transmit a D2R signal after a random delay time. For example, the device can randomly determine a specific time during which a CW transmission exists and transmit the D2R signal within a time interval defined immediately after the R2D signal is received or an offset time after the R2D signal is received.

[0482] For transmission of such a D2R signal, the R2D signal of the present disclosure may include information regarding a specific value. For example, the specific value may be determined by the R2D signal. Based on this, the device may draw / select a random number and compare it with a specific value to determine whether to transmit the D2R signal of the present disclosure probabilistically as follows.

[0483] For example, if the random number is less than a specific value determined by the R2D signal, the device may transmit a D2R signal. Here, the specific value may be indicated by the R2D signal. Alternatively, the specific value may be determined based on the timing of the R2D signal. Alternatively, the specific value may be determined based on the frequency channel of the R2D signal. As a specific example, the specific value may be calculated based on the channel number or channel bandwidth of the R2D signal.

[0484] In this regard, the device may perform a step of determining whether to transmit the D2R signal based on a specific value determined by the R2D signal. The device may perform a step of determining whether to transmit the D2R signal N times after receiving all R2D signals, where N may be 1 or an integer greater than 1. Additionally, N may be a predefined fixed value or may be indicated by the reader (e.g., by the R2D signal).

[0485] Additionally, the device may determine whether to transmit the D2R signal based on a value determined by the R2D signal. In this regard, the value may increase or decrease each time the device performs the step of determining whether to transmit the D2R signal.

[0486] For example, if the value determined by the R2D signal is 0.6, the device can decide to transmit the D2R signal if the random number is less than 0.6 when receiving the first R2D signal. Then, the device can decide to transmit the D2R signal if the random number is less than 0.6 - offset when receiving the second R2D signal. Then, the device can decide to transmit the D2R signal if the random number is less than 0.6 - offset * (k-1) when receiving the kth R2D signal. Here, the offset can be fixed in the same way as determining a specific value, or can be determined by the R2D signal.

[0487] Example 7

[0488] This embodiment relates to a method for setting / defining D2R signals received from devices by a leader (e.g., a base station (gNB), an intermediate node (IN), etc.) to be transmitted at different frequencies.

[0489] In the present disclosure, different frequencies may be the same, different channels in different cells, different frequency ranges within the same channel, or different bandwidth portions (BWPs) within the same cell.

[0490] A device may receive an R2D signal on a first frequency (e.g., F1) and, in response, transmit a D2R signal on one of the same or different frequencies (e.g., F1, F2, F3). For example, if multiple devices belonging to a group or all or multiple terminals adjacent to a leader respond, the first device and the second device may transmit the D2R signal on the first frequency (e.g., F1), and the third device and the fourth device may select a second frequency (e.g., F3) to transmit the D2R signal.

[0491] In relation to the method, one or more of the following options may be applied. Hereinafter, the response frequency may mean the frequency at which the D2R signal, which is a response signal to the R2D signal, is transmitted.

[0492] (Option 1) A method of fixing the response frequency at which a response signal (e.g., D2R signal) is transmitted for each device may be applied.

[0493] For example, the response frequency may be set / instructed by the leader. Additionally or alternatively, the device may determine one of a plurality of frequencies as the response frequency.

[0494] (Option 2) The response frequency can be set as an offset from the frequency of the R2D signal (e.g., wake-up signal (WUS)).

[0495] For example, when an R2D signal is received at a third frequency (e.g., F3), the response frequency may be determined / selected as one of the first frequency or the second frequency corresponding to a value obtained by applying a negative offset to the third frequency (e.g., F3 - offset). As another example, when an R2D signal is received at a second frequency (e.g., F2), the response frequency may be determined / selected as one of the third frequency, the fourth frequency, or the fifth frequency corresponding to a value obtained by applying a positive offset to the second frequency (e.g., F2 + offset). In this regard, the offset value may be mapped to the frequency of the D2R signal (or R2D signal), indicated by the D2R signal (or R2D signal), or determined according to the transmission duration / interval / time of the D2R signal (or R2D signal).

[0496] For example, an offset value for a response frequency may be determined based on a time interval (or length of a time interval) during which a D2R signal (or R2D signal) is allocated / to be transmitted. For another example, an offset value for a response frequency may be determined based on a point in time (e.g., slot / sub-slot, timing, etc.) during which a D2R signal (or R2D signal) is allocated / to be transmitted.

[0497] (Option 3) The response frequency can be chosen / determined probabilistically.

[0498] A method may be applied in which N response frequencies mapped to a specific frequency at which an R2D signal is transmitted are divided / set with equal probability (e.g., 1 / N, 2 / N, 3 / N, ..., N / N), the device randomly determines a random value between 0 and 1, and selects one response frequency to which the random value belongs. In this case, if the randomly determined random value exists between (k-1) / N and k / N, the device may select the kth response frequency to transmit the D2R signal. For example, assume that the values ​​1 / 4, 2 / 4, 3 / 4, and 4 / 4 are assigned to a first frequency (e.g., F1), a second frequency (e.g., F2), a third frequency (e.g., F3), and a fourth frequency (e.g., F4), respectively. In this case, if the arbitrary value determined by the device is 0.6, the value exists between 2 / 4 and 3 / 4, so the device can select a third frequency (e.g., F3) as the response frequency to transmit the D2R signal.

[0499] Alternatively, one of the response frequencies is divided / set with different probabilities among the first frequency (e.g., F1), the second frequency (e.g., F2), the third frequency (e.g., F3), and the fourth frequency (e.g., F4), and if any value is 0.2, the device can select the second frequency (e.g., F2) as the response frequency and transmit the D2R signal since the value is between 0.18 and 0.34.

[0500] (Option 4) The response frequency can be selected / determined based on the terminal / device ID, device group ID, or specific code assigned to the device.

[0501] For example, if an R2D signal is received on a third frequency (e.g., F3), the response frequency may be F3 - offset or F3 + offset, where the offset may be the result of modulo-operating a terminal / device ID, a device group ID, or a specific code with the offset.

[0502] (Option 5)

[0503] A method may be applied where the leader specifies the response frequency per device or per device group.

[0504] For example, if the identified device has received an R2D signal or transmitted a D2R signal on a third frequency (e.g., F3) immediately or previously, the device may transmit a D2R signal on the third frequency (e.g., F3) even if it has received an R2D signal on the first frequency (e.g., F1) or the second frequency (e.g., F2).

[0505] Alternatively, if the device belongs to a specific device group or is assigned or stores a specific device group ID, the device may transmit a D2R signal via a response frequency mapped to the specific device group or device group ID even when receiving an R2D signal at a first frequency (e.g., F1) or a second frequency (e.g., F2). In this case, if N response frequencies are available, the (K+1)th response frequency may be determined according to a predefined formula (e.g., device group ID mod N = K). For example, if N = 4 and device group ID = 30, since 30 mod 4 = 2, the device may transmit the D2R signal via a third frequency (e.g., F3).

[0506] Example 8

[0507] This embodiment relates to a method for setting / defining D2R signals received from devices by a leader (e.g., a base station (gNB), an intermediate node (IN), etc.) to be transmitted at different times and frequencies.

[0508] When a device receives an R2D signal (e.g., a wake-up signal (WUS)) at a first frequency (e.g., F1) at a first time (e.g., T1), the device can transmit a D2R signal corresponding to a response at a response frequency selected from among the first frequency (e.g., F1), a second frequency (e.g., F2), and a third frequency (e.g., F3) and a response time selected from among the first time (e.g., T1), a second time (e.g., T2), and a third time (e.g., T3).

[0509] If all terminals / devices within a group of terminals / devices or coverage respond to one R2D signal, the first device and the second device may select a first frequency (e.g., F1), and the third device and the fourth device may select a second frequency (e.g., F2). In this case, in response to the R2D signal, the first device may transmit a D2R signal at a first time (e.g., T1) of the first frequency (e.g., F1), and the second device may transmit a D2R signal at a second time (e.g., T2) of the second frequency (e.g., F2).

[0510] In this regard, the time associated with the response (e.g., response time) may be determined based on the method(s) described in Example 6, and the frequency associated with the response (e.g., response frequency) may be determined based on the method(s) described in Example 7.

[0511] Based on the methods described in the present disclosure, in a situation where communication between multiple base stations and multiple AmIoT devices is mixed, by performing back-casting-based communication by varying the time / frequency component through various elements such as cell / terminal ID (UE ID), time index (e.g., subframe / slot / symbol, etc.), device type, etc., communication efficiency can be increased due to frequency diversity and / or interference randomization effects.

[0512] FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 illustrate the operation of a device and a specific node in relation to a method of performing AmIoT communication according to embodiments of the present disclosure described above.

[0513] In FIGS. 20 and 21, the device and / or specific node may correspond to any one of a base station, an intermediate node (IN), an auxiliary node (AN), a terminal, and an AmIoT device, respectively, based on various topologies in AmIoT communication. For example, in the case of FIGS. 20 and 21, based on topology 1, the device corresponds to an AmIoT device, and the specific node may correspond to a base station / intermediate node (IN) / auxiliary node (AN) / terminal as a reader.

[0514] FIG. 20 illustrates the operation of a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0515] Referring to FIG. 20, a device can receive a first signal (e.g., an R2D signal) from a specific node toward a plurality of devices including the device from the specific node (S2010).

[0516] Thereafter, in response to the first signal, the device may transmit a second signal (e.g., a D2R signal) from the device toward the specific node (S2020).

[0517] For example, the second signal may be a signal transmitted by backscattering a carrier wave received or generated by the device in response to the first signal.

[0518] In this regard, when a first signal is received through a first frequency resource (among a plurality of frequency resources), a second signal can be transmitted by selecting / determining / setting one of N (N>1) frequency resources based on the first frequency resource as a second frequency resource.

[0519] At this time, for the plurality of devices described above, frequency resources for transmitting a signal corresponding to a response to the first signal may be set / selected differently for each device.

[0520] Specifically, according to the present disclosure, a second frequency resource for a second signal may be indicated by that particular node.

[0521] Additionally, according to the present disclosure, a second frequency resource for a second signal may be selected by applying a specific offset value based on the first frequency resource through which the first signal was transmitted. For example, the specific offset value may be set based on an identifier of a device or a group of devices. For another example, the specific offset value may be indicated by a specific node. For another example, the specific offset value may be set based on the transmission time of the second signal.

[0522] Additionally, according to the present disclosure, the second frequency resource for the second signal may be selected based on a probability value set for the above-described N frequency resources and a random value determined by the device.

[0523] Additionally, according to the present disclosure, another signal from the device to a specific node, subsequent to the second signal, may be configured to be transmitted on a second frequency resource. For example, if the device selects a frequency resource for the first D2R signal, the device may also apply the frequency resource to the transmission of a second D2R signal subsequent to the first D2R signal.

[0524] The method described in the example of FIG. 20 can be performed by the wireless device (200) of FIG. 3. That is, the first device of FIG. 20 can be implemented as the wireless device (200). For example, one or more processors (202) of the wireless device (200) of FIG. 3 can be configured to transmit a first signal (e.g., an R2D signal) and receive a second signal (e.g., a D2R signal) in response to the first signal via one or more transceivers (206).

[0525] Furthermore, one or more memories (204) of the wireless device (200) may store instructions for performing the method described in the example of FIG. 20 or the examples described above when executed by one or more processors (202).

[0526] FIG. 21 illustrates the operation of a specific node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0527] Referring to FIG. 21, a specific node can transmit a first signal (e.g., an R2D signal) from the specific node to multiple devices (S2110).

[0528] Thereafter, in response to the first signal, a specific node may receive a second signal (e.g., a D2R signal) directed to that specific node from the device (S2120).

[0529] In this regard, when a first signal is transmitted through a first frequency resource, a second signal may be received through a second frequency resource corresponding to one of N frequency resources based on the first frequency resource. In this case, for multiple devices, the second frequency resource may be set differently for each device.

[0530] Specific features such as indication / selection of the second frequency resource, setting of a specific offset value, generation / characteristics of the first signal and the second signal, etc. are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 20, so redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0531] The method described in the example of FIG. 21 can be performed by the wireless device (200) of FIG. 3. That is, the network node of FIG. 21 can be implemented by the wireless device (200). For example, one or more processors (202) of the wireless device (200) of FIG. 3 can be configured to receive a first signal (e.g., an R2D signal) through one or more transceivers (206) and transmit a second signal (e.g., a D2R signal) in response to the first signal.

[0532] Furthermore, one or more memories (204) of the wireless device (200) may store instructions for performing the method described in the example of FIG. 21 or the examples described above when executed by one or more processors (202).

[0533] FIGS. 22 to 24 illustrate types and configurations of AmIoT devices to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied. Each of device 1, device 2a, and device 2b of FIGS. 22 to 24 may correspond to device type 1, device type 2, and device type 3 described above in the present disclosure, respectively.

[0534] Device 1 may be collectively referred to as a device having a peak power consumption of less than 1 μW, capable of storing energy, having an initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) of up to 10X ppm, and having no DL or UL amplification capability. The UL transmission of Device 1 may be backscattered from an externally provided carrier wave.

[0535] Device 2a may have a peak power consumption of less than a few hundred μW, may store energy, may have an initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) of up to 10X ppm, and may have DL and / or UL amplification capabilities. The UL transmission of device 2a may be backscattered from an externally provided carrier wave.

[0536] Device 2b may have a peak power consumption of less than a few hundred μW, may store energy, may have an initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) of up to 10X ppm, and may have DL and / or UL amplification capabilities. The UL transmissions of the device may be generated internally in the device.

[0537] FIG. 22 is a diagram of a configuration of device 1 to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied. As an example of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 22, device 1 may include at least one of an antenna, a matching network, an RF energy harvester, an energy storage, a power management unit, a digital BB logic, a memory, a clock generator, a reception-related block, and a transmission-related block.

[0538] The antenna may be shared or separate for the RF energy harvester and receiver / transmitter. A matching network may match the impedance between the antenna and other components (e.g., including blocks related to the RF energy harvester and receiver). The RF energy harvester may include a rectifier that converts the RF signal (AC) to DC.

[0539] An energy storage unit (e.g., a capacitor) can store energy harvested from an RF energy harvester. A power management unit (PMU) can store energy from the energy harvester in the energy storage unit and supply power to the active component blocks that require power.

[0540] Digital BB logic may include functional blocks such as encoders, decoders, and controllers. Memory may include 1) non-volatile memory (NVM), such as EEPROM, for permanent storage of device IDs and other information, and 2) registers for temporarily storing information necessary for operation while the energy storage device is powered. A clock generator may provide the necessary clock signals.

[0541] The receiver-related block may include an RF BPF, an RF envelope detector, a BB LPF, and a comparator. The RF BPF may be used to improve selectivity. However, the RF BPF may not be present depending on the implementation. RAN4 RF requirements (if any, e.g., ACS) and peak power consumption targets may be considered. The RF envelope detector may convert the RF signal to baseband. The BB (baseband) LPF may improve the input signal quality to the comparator by filtering out harmonics and high frequency components. However, the BB LPF may not be present depending on the implementation. The comparator may determine whether the input signal is high or low.

[0542] The transmission-related block may include a backscatter modulator. The backscatter modulator can switch impedances to modulate a backscatter signal with the transmit signal of the BB logic. The waveform / modulation type is FFS.

[0543] FIG. 23 illustrates a configuration of a device 2a to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied. As an example of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the device 2a may include at least one of an antenna, a matching network, an energy harvester, an energy storage, a power management unit, a digital BB logic, a memory, a clock generator, a reflection amplifier, a reception-related block, and a transmission-related block.

[0544] A reflective amplifier can amplify the reflected backscatter signal. At least one of the R2D / CW2D and the D2R can be amplified by the reflective amplifier or LNA.

[0545] The receiving related block may include at least one of an RF band-pass filter (BPF), a low noise amplifier (LNA), an RF envelope detector, a BB amplifier, a BB low-pass filter (LPF), and a comparator or an N-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

[0546] An LNA can be used to improve the signal strength and sensitivity of a receiver, and at least one of the R2D / CW2D and D2R can be amplified by a reflective amplifier or LNA. An RF envelope detector (RF-ED) can detect the envelope in an RF signal. A BB amplifier can amplify the BB signal to improve signal strength. A BB LPF can filter out harmonics and high-frequency components to improve the input signal quality to the comparator / ADC.

[0547] The transmission-related block may include a backscatter modulator and a large frequency shifter. The backscatter modulator can modulate the backscatter signal into a transmit signal for the BB logic by switching the impedance. A large frequency shifter may be used to shift the backscatter signal from one frequency (e.g., an FDD-DL frequency) to another frequency (e.g., an FDD-UL frequency).

[0548] The overlapping configuration between device 2a and device 1 is described in Fig. 22, so the overlapping description is omitted.

[0549] FIG. 24 illustrates a configuration of a device 2b to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied. As an example of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 24, the device 2b may include at least one of an antenna, a matching network, an energy harvester, an energy storage, a power management unit, a digital BB logic, a memory, a clock generator, a reception-related block, and a transmission-related block. Here, the energy harvester may harvest energy from RF signals, sunlight, vibrations / motions, temperature differences, and the like.

[0550] The receiving-related block may include an RF BPF, an LNA, an RF envelope detector, a BB amplifier, a BB LPF, a comparator, and an N-bit ADC. The transmitting-related block may include at least one of a transmitting modulator, a DAC, a low-pass filter, a mixer, a local oscillator, and a power amplifier.

[0551] The baseband bits can be modulated by a modulator, depending on the modulation method. The modulator block can be part of the BB logic. A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) can convert digital signals to analog signals. A low-pass filter can filter out unwanted signals. A mixer can convert the baseband signal to the RF range. A local oscillator can generate a carrier frequency. A power amplifier (PA) can amplify the transmitted signal.

[0552] In describing the present disclosure, each of the configurations of FIGS. 22 to 24 may be included in at least one transceiver illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0553] The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied independently. Additionally or alternatively, all or part of the operations of the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure may be performed in combination.

[0554] The method proposed in this disclosure is explained with a focus on examples applied to 3GPP LTE / LTE-A, 5G, and 6G systems, but can be applied to various wireless communication systems in addition to 3GPP LTE / LTE-A, 5G, and 6G systems.

Claims

1. A step of receiving, by a device, a first signal from a specific node, and directed to a plurality of devices including the device from the specific node; and Including, by the device, a step of transmitting a second signal from the device toward the specific node in response to the first signal, Based on the first signal being received through the first frequency resource, the second signal is transmitted by selecting one of the N frequency resources based on the first frequency resource as the second frequency resource, A method in which frequency resources for transmitting a signal corresponding to a response to the first signal are set differently for each device for the plurality of devices.

2. In paragraph 1, The method wherein the second frequency resource is indicated by the specific node.

3. In paragraph 1, A method in which the second frequency resource is selected by applying a specific offset value based on the first frequency resource.

4. In paragraph 3, A method wherein the above specific offset value is set based on an identifier of a device or a group of devices.

5. In paragraph 3, A method wherein the specific offset value is indicated by the specific node.

6. In paragraph 3, A method wherein the specific offset value is set based on the transmission time of the second signal.

7. In paragraph 3, A method in which the second frequency resource is selected based on a probability value set for the N frequency resources and a random value determined by the device.

8. In paragraph 1, A method wherein the second signal is transmitted by backscattering a carrier wave received or generated by the device in response to the first signal.

9. In paragraph 1, A method wherein another signal directed from the device to the specific node, subsequent to the second signal, is set to be transmitted on the second frequency resource.

10. In paragraph 1, The above device corresponds to a device in backscatter-based Internet of Things communication, The above specific node corresponds to a reader in backscatter-based Internet of Things communication.

11. One or more transceivers; and comprising one or more processors connected to said one or more transceivers, One or more of the above processors: By the device, a first signal is received from a specific node toward a plurality of devices including the device; By the device, in response to the first signal, a second signal is set to be transmitted from the device toward the specific node, Based on the first signal being received through the first frequency resource, the second signal is transmitted by selecting one of the N frequency resources based on the first frequency resource as the second frequency resource, A device in which frequency resources for transmitting a signal corresponding to a response to the first signal are set differently for each device for the plurality of devices.

12. A step of transmitting a first signal from a specific node to a plurality of devices; and In response to the first signal, comprising the step of receiving a second signal directed to the specific node from the device, Based on the first signal being transmitted through the first frequency resource, the second signal is received through a second frequency resource corresponding to one of the N frequency resources based on the first frequency resource, A method in which, for the above plurality of devices, the second frequency resource is set differently for each device.

13. One or more transceivers; and comprising one or more processors connected to said one or more transceivers, One or more of the above processors: By a specific node, transmitting a first signal from said specific node to a plurality of devices; By said specific node, in response to said first signal, a second signal directed to said specific node is set to be received from the device, Based on the first signal being transmitted through the first frequency resource, the second signal is received through a second frequency resource corresponding to one of the N frequency resources based on the first frequency resource, A device in which, for the above plurality of devices, the second frequency resource is set differently for each device.

14. One or more processors; and A processing device comprising one or more computer memories operatively connected to said one or more processors and storing instructions for performing a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 based on execution by said one or more processors.

15. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing one or more instructions that are executed by one or more processors to control the performance of a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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