Method and device for enabling packet segmentation for ambient-iot devices

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for enabling an efficient allocation of uplink resources to a user equipment, UE (20), which comprises a wireless device (25), such as an Ambient-IoT device, by enabling / disabling uplink data packet segmentation at the wireless device (25).

Description

Method and device for enabling packet segmentation for ambient-loT devicesTechnical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communication systems and relates more specifically to methods and devices for enabling an efficient usage of uplink resources by a wireless device, for example a wireless device harvesting electrical energy, by enabling / disabling packet segmentation at the wireless device.Background

[0002] The internet of things (loT) allows various devices to connect to the internet to send data, receive instructions, or both. Tens of billions of loT devices are already deployed and the global number of loT devices is expected to increase rapidly. Thus, massive connectivity is needed. However, powering these billions of loT devices is a critical challenge, and deploying power cables or regularly replacing / recharging batteries is not a viable solution.

[0003] 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) is investigating new loT technologies to open new markets within 3GPP systems, whose number of connections and / or device density can be orders of magnitude higher than existing 3GPP loT technologies, and which can provide complexity and power consumption orders-of-magnitude lower than existing 3GPP technologies such as narrow-band-loT (NB-loT) and long-term evolution-machine- type communications (LTE-MTC). More specifically, 3GPP is currently defining Ambient- loT (A-loT) technologies (see e.g., the technical report TR 38.848 V18.0.0) aiming at enabling ultra-low power consumption loT devices, which could be either batteryless devices with no energy storage capability (performing backscattering transmission) or devices with energy storage that do not need to be replaced or recharged manually (performing wire-free energy harvesting (EH) from one or more energy sources).

[0004] By “ultra-low power consumption” devices, or “A-loT” devices, we mean devices having a peak power consumption lower than 1 mW, or even lower than 100 pW or lower than 10 pW. For instance, Ambient-loT currently aims at enabling A-loT devices having the following characteristics: around 1 pW peak power consumption with energy storage, with neither downlink (DL) nor uplink (UL) amplification in the device (the device’s UL transmission is backscattered on a carrier wave provided externally), below a few hundred pW peak power consumption with energy storage, with DL and / or UL amplification in the device (the device’s UL transmission may be generated internally by the device or be backscattered on a carrier wave providedexternally).

[0005] Such A-loT devices may convert ambient energy, which may be provided at least in part by the radio access network, RAN, into electrical energy which may be used to perform uplink transmissions. However, in some cases, the electrical energy collection may be limited, which introduces a risk that the uplink transmission will fail, resulting in a waste of electrical energy at the A-loT device.

[0006] Also, the risk of collisions and of congestion of the uplink resources increases as the number of A-loT devices deployed increases. Hence, with many A-loT devices, the risk that an uplink transmission fails increases, resulting also in a waste of electrical energy.

[0007] Hence, there is a need for a solution enabling a more efficient usage of uplink resources by A-loT devices.Summary

[0008] The present disclosure aims at improving the situation. In particular, the present disclosure aims at addressing at least some of the limitations of the prior art discussed above. In particular, the present disclosure aims at proposing a solution for enabling an efficient usage of uplink resources by a wireless device, for example an A-loT device, by allowing the wireless device to perform packet segmentation, i.e. by allowing the wireless device to divide the available uplink data into small data packets which may be transmitted separately, instead of transmitting the available uplink data in a single data packet.

[0009] For that purpose, it is proposed to introduce means enabling the RAN to enable or disable packet segmentation at the wireless devices (e.g. A-loT devices). For example, if the load level of the RAN is high, reducing the size of the uplink data packets by enabling packet segmentation at all or part of the wireless devices may reduce collision probability. Also, smaller uplink data packets require less electrical energy for being transmitted, which may be beneficial for wireless devices with limited electrical energy collection capabilities.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for exchanging data in a wireless communication system, the method being implemented by a wireless device of the wireless communication system, wherein the wireless device comprises a communication unit configured to exchange data with a radio access network, RAN, of the wireless communication system, wherein the method comprises: receiving from the RAN a packet segmentation indication, enabling or disabling packet segmentation based on the received packet segmentation indication.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method according to the first aspect can further comprise one or more of the following optional features, considered either alone or in any technicallypossible combination.

[0012] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, the packet segmentation indication is received in system information broadcasted by the RAN or in a signaling message addressed specifically to the wireless device or to a group of wireless devices which includes said wireless device.

[0013] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, the packet segmentation indication is received in a wake-up signal transmitted by the RAN that transitions the wireless device from a sleep mode to an active mode.

[0014] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, the packet segmentation indication is provided as a single bit.

[0015] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect: a bit value T indicates that packet segmentation is enabled, a bit value ‘0’ indicates that packet segmentation is disabled.

[0016] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, the wireless device is authorized to perform packet segmentation only in response to receiving a packet segmentation indication which enables packet segmentation.

[0017] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, the wireless device comprises an energy harvesting unit configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy that is stored in an energy storage unit of the wireless device.

[0018] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a wireless device comprising at least one memory and at least one processor configured to carry out a method according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect.

[0019] According to a third aspect, the present disclosure relates to a user equipment, UE, comprising a wireless device according to any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] According to a fourth aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for exchanging data in a wireless communication system, the method being implemented by a base station, BS, of a radio access network, RAN, of the wireless communication system, wherein the BS is configured to exchange data with a plurality of wireless devices (25), wherein the method comprises: determining a packet segmentation indication to be transmitted to at least one wireless device for enabling or disabling packet segmentation at said at least one wireless device, transmitting the uplink data segmentation indication to said at least one wireless device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method according to the fourth aspect can further comprise one or more of the following optional features, considered either alone or in any technically possible combination.

[0022] In some embodiments of the method according to the fourth aspect, the packet segmentation indication is transmitted in system information broadcasted by the BS or in a signaling message addressed specifically to the at least one wireless device or to a group of wireless devices which includes said at least one wireless device.

[0023] In some embodiments of the method according to the fourth aspect, the packet segmentation indication is transmitted in a wake-up signal transmitted by the BS that transitions the at least one wireless device from a sleep mode to an active mode.

[0024] In some embodiments of the method according to the fourth aspect, the packet segmentation indication is provided as a single bit.

[0025] In some embodiments of the method according to the fourth aspect: a bit value T indicates that packet segmentation is enabled, a bit value ‘0’ indicates that packet segmentation is disabled.

[0026] In some embodiments of the method according to the fourth aspect, the packet segmentation indication is determined based on a load level of the BS.

[0027] In some embodiments of the method according to the fourth aspect, the BS comprises an energy harvesting signal generator, which generates energy harvesting signals for wireless devices which comprise energy harvesting units configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy that is stored in energy storage units of said wireless devices.

[0028] According to a fifth aspect, the present disclosure relates to a base station, BS, comprising at least one memory and at least one processor configured to carry out a method according to any one of the embodiments of the fourth aspect.

[0029] According to a sixth aspect, the present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system comprising at least one base station according to any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure and at least one user equipment according to any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] According to a seventh aspect, the present disclosure relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, configure said at least one processor to carry out a method for exchanging data according to any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The computer program product can use any programming language, and can be in the form of source code, object code, or in any intermediate form between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiledform, or in any other desirable form.

[0031] According to an eighth aspect, the present disclosure relates to a (non-transitory) computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, configure said at least one processor to carry out a method for exchanging data according to any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure.Brief description of figures

[0032] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given as an example that is in no way limiting, and made in reference to the figures which show:Figure 1 : schematic representations of different possible topologies of a wireless communication system,Figure 2: a schematic representation of an example of a wireless device,Figure 3: a schematic representation of an example of a BS,Figures 4 and 5: flow charts illustrating examples of methods for exchanging data implemented by a wireless device of a UE and a BS (e.g. gNB), respectively.

[0033] In these figures, references identical from one figure to another designate identical or analogous elements. For reasons of clarity, the elements shown are not to scale, unless explicitly stated otherwise.Detailed description

[0034] The detailed description set forth below, with reference to the figures, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. For instance, although 3GPP terminology, from e.g., 5G NR, may be used in this disclosure to exemplify embodiments herein, this should not be seen as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] Generally, all terms used herein are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field, unless a different meaning is clearly given and / or is implied from the context in which it is used. All references to a / an / the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, the order of steps of any methods disclosed herein, in particular in the figures, is provided only for illustration purposes and is not meant to limit the present disclosure which may be applied with the same steps executed in a different order and / or with all or part of the steps executed in parallel or jointly, unless a step is explicitly describedas following or preceding another step and / or where it is implicit that a step must follow or precede another step. Also, in a figure, steps represented surrounded by a dashed line are to be considered as optional for the embodiment represented in this figure. Any feature of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment, wherever appropriate. Likewise, any advantage of any of the embodiments may apply to any other embodiments, and vice versa. Other objectives, features and advantages of the enclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following description.

[0036] Figure 1 represents schematically an example of wireless communication system, which may be for example a 5G NR wireless communication system. More specifically, figure 1 represents a RAN of the wireless communication system, which is used exchange data with UEs 20 via radio signals. For example, the RAN may send data to the UEs 20 (downlink, DL), for instance data received from a core network (CN, not represented in the figures). The RAN may also receive data from the UEs 20 (uplink, UL), which data may be forwarded to the CN.

[0037] In the example illustrated by figure 1 , the RAN comprises one base station, BS, 30. Of course, the RAN may comprise more than one BS 30 to increase the coverage of the wireless communication system. Each of these BSs may be referred to as NB, eNodeB (or eNB), gNodeB (or gNB, in the case of a 5G NR wireless communication system), an access point or the like, depending on the wireless communication standard(s) implemented.

[0038] In the example illustrated by figure 1 , only one UE 20 is represented, which includes a wireless device 25 that provides the UE 20 with wireless connectivity to the RAN of the wireless communication system. Part a) of figure 1 represents schematically an example in which the UE 20 exchanges data (useful data and control data) directly with a BS 30 of the RAN (referred to as Topology 1 in TR 38.848 V18.0.0). Part b) of figure 1 represents schematically an example in which the UE 20 exchanges data (useful data and control data) indirectly with a BS 30 of the RAN, via one or more intermediate nodes 31 (referred to as Topology 2 in TR 38.848 V18.0.0). Each intermediate node 31 may be e.g., a relay, an integrated access and backhaul (I AB) node, another UE 20, a repeater, a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), etc.

[0039] Figure 2 represents schematically an example of a wireless device 25 suitable for implementing any method, discussed in the present disclosure, performed at a UE 20. Basically, the wireless device 25 corresponds to an apparatus that provides wireless connectivity with the RAN of the wireless communication system, and that can be used to exchange data with said RAN. The wireless device 25 is for example an A-loT device, i.e. , a wireless device having a peak power consumption lower than 1 mW, or even lower than100 pW, or even lower than 10 pW.

[0040] Such a wireless device 25 may be included in a UE 20, as illustrated by figure 2. The UE 20 may for instance be a cellular phone, a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a laptop computer, or the like. In preferred examples, the UE 20 may also be an Internet of Things (loT) equipment, like a wireless camera, a smart sensor, a smart meter, smart glasses, a vehicle (manned or unmanned), a global positioning system device, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag or the like, etc., or any other equipment that may run applications that need to exchange data with remote recipients, via the wireless device 25.

[0041] As illustrated by figure 2, the wireless device 25 comprises one or more processors 250 and one or more memories 251. The one or more processors 250 may include for instance a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field- programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The one or more memories 251 may include any type of computer readable volatile and nonvolatile memories (magnetic hard disk, solid-state disk, optical disk, electronic memory, etc.). The one or more memories 251 may store a computer program product 252, in the form of a set of program-code instructions to be executed by the one or more processors 250 to implement all or part of the steps of a method for exchanging data, performed at a UE’s side, according to any one of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0042] As illustrated by figure 2, the wireless device 25 comprises also a (wireless) communication unit 253 configured to exchange data (directly or indirectly) with BSs 30 of the RAN using radio signals. The communication unit 253 may implement one or more wireless communication protocols, and may for instance be a 3G, 4G, 5G, NR, WiFi, WiMax, etc. transceiver or the like. In preferred embodiments, the (wireless) communication unit 253 comprises a 5G NR wireless communication unit.

[0043] As discussed above, the communication unit 253 may comprise in some examples neither downlink (DL) nor uplink (UL) amplification capabilities (the UL transmission is backscattered on a carrier wave provided externally). In other examples, the communication unit 253 may comprise DL and / or UL amplification (the UL transmission may be generated internally by the wireless device or be backscattered on a carrier wave provided externally).

[0044] As illustrated by figure 2, the wireless device 25 comprises also an energy harvesting unit 254 and an energy storage unit 255 of the wireless device.

[0045] The energy storage unit 255 may be any type of electrical energy accumulator, and may comprise e.g., one or more capacitors, one or more batteries, etc. The energy storage unit 255 is used to provide electrical energy to the other equipment of the wireless device25 which require electrical energy, such as the one or more processors 250, the one or more memories 251 and, in some examples, the (wireless) communication unit 253.

[0046] The energy harvesting unit 254 is configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy that is stored in the energy storage unit 255. By “ambient energy” we mean energy from energy sources that are external to the wireless device 25, which is received at the wireless device 25 without any wires between the energy sources and the wireless device 25. Hence, the energy harvesting unit 254 is such that the wireless device 25 may operate in an autonomous manner, without having to replace or recharge manually the energy storage unit 255. The energy harvesting unit 254 may for example collect energy from various energy sources including solar, thermal, motion or vibration, radiofrequency (RF), etc.

[0047] In preferred embodiments, the energy harvesting unit 254 comprises at least a radio unit configured to convert RF signals into electrical energy that is stored in the energy storage unit 255. These RF signals may for instance be external RF signals, i.e., RF signals which do not originate from within the wireless communication system itself but from RF sources which are external to the wireless communication system. For example, external RF signals may originate from external 3G, 4G, 5G, NR, WiFi, WiMax, Bluetooth, DAB, etc., devices located in the vicinity of the wireless device 25. Alternatively, or in combination thereof, the RF signals may originate from within the wireless communication system, for example from BSs 30 of the RAN which may transmit an energy harvesting (RF) signal to (A-loT) wireless devices 25 in their coverage, and / or from equipment separate from the BSs 30 but deployed to enable energy harvesting at the (A-loT) wireless devices 25 of the wireless communication system. In some examples, when RF signals are used to collect electrical energy into the energy storage unit 255, the energy harvesting unit 254 may be included in the (wireless) communication unit 253.

[0048] In some examples, the electrical energy collected by the energy harvesting unit 254 may be provided directly to the other equipment of the wireless device 25, in which case the energy storage unit 255 is optional and needs not to be included in the wireless device.

[0049] Figure 3 represents schematically an example of a BS 30 suitable to implement any method, discussed in the present disclosure, performed by the RAN.

[0050] As illustrated by figure 3, the BS 30 comprises one or more processors 300 and one or more memories 301. The one or more processors 300 may include for instance a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The one or more memories 301 may include any type of computer readable volatile and non-volatile memories(magnetic hard disk, solid-state disk, optical disk, electronic memory, etc.). The one or more memories 301 may store a computer program product 302, in the form of a set of programcode instructions to be executed by the one or more processors 300 to implement all or part of the steps of a method for exchanging data, performed at the RAN’s side, according to any one of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0051] As illustrated by figure 3, the BS 30 comprises also a wireless communication unit 303, configured to exchange data with UEs 20 using radio signals, and more specifically with (wireless) communication units 253 of wireless devices 25 included in these UEs 20. The wireless communication unit 303 may for instance be a 3G, 4G, 5G, NR, WiFi, WiMax, etc. transceiver or the like. In preferred embodiments, the wireless communication unit 303 of the BS 30 comprises a 5G NR transceiver. In some examples, the wireless communication unit 303 may also transmit carrier waves to the wireless devices 25 which perform uplink backscattering transmissions. For example, the BS 30 is a gNB.

[0052] As illustrated by figure 3, the BS 30 may comprise also, in some examples, a network communication unit 304, configured to exchange data with other base stations of the RAN and / or with the CN. The network communication unit 305 may support one or more suitable communication protocols, which may be wired (including optical) and / or wireless.

[0053] As illustrated by figure 3, the BS 30 may comprise also, in some examples, an energy harvesting signal generator 305, which generates energy harvesting (RF) signals which enable wireless devices 25 in its coverage to collect electrical energy in their energy storage units 255, via their energy harvesting units 254. The energy harvesting (RF) signals may take any suitable form enabling the energy harvesting units 254 to store electrical energy in the energy storage units 255 of the wireless devices 25. The choice of a specific energy harvesting (RF) signal format consists in a specific and non-limitative embodiment of the present disclosure. As mentioned above, when present, such energy harvesting (RF) signals may alternatively, or in combination thereof, be generated by other equipment separate from BSs 30 of the RAN.

[0054] As discussed above, the present disclosure aims at proposing a solution for enabling an efficient usage of uplink resources by a wireless device 25, for example an A-loT device, by allowing the wireless device 25 to perform packet segmentation, i.e. by allowing the wireless device 25 to divide the available uplink data into small data packets which may be transmitted separately, instead of transmitting the available uplink data in a single data packet.

[0055] For that purpose, it is proposed to introduce means enabling the RAN to enable or disable packet segmentation at the wireless devices (e.g. A-loT devices). For example, ifthe load level of the RAN is high, reducing the size of the uplink data packets by enabling packet segmentation at all or part of the wireless devices may reduce collision probability. Also, smaller uplink data packets require less electrical energy for being transmitted, which may be beneficial for wireless devices with limited electrical energy collection capabilities.

[0056] Figure 4 represents a diagram showing steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method 40 for exchanging data, which is implemented by a wireless device 25 of a UE 20. Figure 5 represents a diagram showing corresponding steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method 50 for exchanging data, which is implemented by a BS 30 of the RAN (a gNB is the non-limitative example illustrated by figure 5).

[0057] As illustrated by figure 4, the method 40 for exchanging data comprises a step S40 receiving from the RAN a packet segmentation indication. When the wireless device 25 receives a packet segmentation indication from the RAN, the method 40 for exchanging data comprises a step S41 of enabling or disabling packet segmentation based on the received packet segmentation indication.

[0058] For example, the packet segmentation indication may be provided by the RAN as a single bit. For example, a bit value T indicates that packet segmentation is enabled, and a bit value ‘0’ indicates that packet segmentation is disabled. More generally, the packet segmentation indication may use any suitable format and the choice of a specific format consists in a specific but non-limitative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Also, it should be noted that the packet segmentation indication may be transmitted in any type of signaling message by the RAN and the choice of a specific type of signaling message corresponds to a specific but non-limitative embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the packet segmentation indication may be received in system information broadcasted by the RAN or in a signaling message addressed specifically to the wireless device 25 or to a group of wireless devices which includes said wireless device 25.

[0060] Alternatively, or in combination thereof, the packet segmentation indication may be received in a wake-up signal transmitted by the RAN that transitions the wireless device 25 from a sleep mode to an active mode. Indeed, to reduce its electrical energy consumption, the wireless device 25 (e.g. an a-loT device) may be placed in a sleep mode. In such a case, the wireless device 25 needs to transition to an active mode to be able to perform the uplink data transmission. Such a transition may be triggered by the RAN, by sending a wake-up signal to the wireless device 25. In such a case, the packet segmentation indication may be received in the wake-up signal transmitted by the RAN.

[0061] In some examples, the wake-up signal may correspond to an energy harvesting (RF) signal, transmitted by the RAN, which enables the wireless device 25 to collect electricalenergy in its energy storage unit 255, via its energy harvesting unit 254. The energy harvesting (RF) signal may take any suitable form enabling the energy harvesting unit 254 to store electrical energy in the energy storage unit 255 of the wireless device 25. The choice of a specific energy harvesting (RF) signal format consists in a specific and non- limitative embodiment of the present disclosure. As mentioned above, when present, such energy harvesting (RF) signals may alternatively, or in combination thereof, be generated by other equipment separate from BSs 30 of the RAN.

[0062] As discussed above, when the wireless device 25 receives a packet segmentation indication from the RAN, it enables or disables packet segmentation according to the packet segmentation indication received from the RAN. Hence, if the packet segmentation indication indicates that the wireless device 25 shall enable packet segmentation, it enables uplink data packet segmentation. Hence, the wireless device 25 is allowed to divide the available uplink data into small data packets which may be transmitted separately, instead of transmitting the available uplink data in a single data packet. In turn, if the packet segmentation indication indicates that the wireless device 25 shall disable packet segmentation, it disables uplink data packet segmentation. Hence, the wireless device 25 no longer divides the available uplink data into small data packets, and the available uplink data is for example transmitted in a single data packet.

[0063] In preferred embodiments, the wireless device 25 is authorized to perform packet segmentation only in response to receiving from the RAN a packet segmentation indication which enables packet segmentation for the uplink data. Hence, the RAN controls completely packet segmentation at the wireless device 25. It should be noted that it is also possible, in other examples, to let the wireless device 25 decide in some cases to enable or disable packet segmentation without the prior reception of a packet segmentation indication.

[0064] As discussed above, figure 5 represents a diagram showing corresponding steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method 50 for exchanging data, which may be implemented by a BS 30 (e.g. a gNB) when the wireless device 25 implements the method 40 for exchanging data illustrated by figure 4.

[0065] As illustrated by figure 5, the method 50 for exchanging data comprises a step S50 of determining a packet segmentation indication to be transmitted to one or more wireless devices 25 for enabling or disabling thereto packet segmentation. In other words, the BS 30 determines during step S50 whether packet segmentation should be enabled or disabled at said one or more wireless devices 25.

[0066] As illustrated by figure 5, when the packet segmentation indication is determined, the method 50 for exchanging data comprises a step S51 of transmitting the packetsegmentation indication to said one or more wireless devices 25.

[0067] As discussed above, the packet segmentation indication corresponds for example to a single bit indication. For example, a bit value T indicates that packet segmentation is enabled, and a bit value ‘0’ indicates that packet segmentation is disabled.

[0068] Also, as discussed above, the packet segmentation indication is for example transmitted in system information broadcasted by the BS 30 or in a signaling message addressed specifically to the one or more wireless device 25 or to a group of wireless devices which includes said one or more wireless device 25 for which the packet segmentation indication has been determined. Alternatively, or in combination thereof, the packet segmentation indication may be transmitted in a wake-up signal transmitted by the BS 30 to transition the one or more wireless devices from a sleep mode to an active mode.

[0069] Hence, the BS 30 can control uplink data packet segmentation at the wireless devices 25 in its radio coverage, through the transmission of the packet segmentation indication, to enable a more efficient usage of the uplink resources.

[0070] Different parameters may be considered to enable or disable packet segmentation at a given wireless device 25, and the choice of one or more specific parameters corresponds to a specific but non-limitative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] For example, the BS 30 may control packet segmentation (i.e. determine the packet segmentation indication) based on a load level of the BS 30 (congestion level). For example, if the load level of the BS 30 is low (e.g. lower than a predetermined first threshold), then the BS 30 may decide to disable packet segmentation at the wireless devices 25 in its radio coverage (e.g. by transmitting a packet segmentation indication having a value ‘0’ to these wireless devices 25). In turn, if the load level of the BS 30 is high (e.g. greater than a predetermined second threshold, greater than or equal to the first threshold), then the BS 30 may decide to enable packet segmentation at one or more wireless devices 25 in its radio coverage (e.g. by transmitting a packet segmentation indication having a value T to these wireless devices 25).

[0072] It should be noted that any suitable method may be used for estimating the load level of the BS 30, and that the choice of a specific load level estimation method corresponds to a specific but non-limitative embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the load level of the BS 30 may correspond to any one of the following parameters, or any combination of two or more of the following parameters: number of wireless devices 25 connected to the BS 30, number of wireless devices 25 that successfully attempted to access the RAN or BS 30 within a predefined time period,number of wireless devices 25 that were blocked from accessing the RAN or BS 30 within a predefined time period, number of first messages of RA procedures received by the BS 30 within a predefined time period, packet buffer status of the BS 30, average time during which packets remain in the packet buffer, ratio of connected A-loT devices / non-A-loT devices, parameter representative of the utilization of the communication resources (e.g., a ratio of used communication resources / total communication resources), etc.

[0073] According to another example, the BS 30 may control packet segmentation at a given wireless device 25 based on uplink transmissions received from said wireless device 25. For example, if the BS 30 sends an uplink transmission triggering signal to a wireless device 25 (for triggering an uplink transmission at the wireless device 25) and fails to receive a response (e.g. uplink data) from the wireless device 25, the BS 30 may decide to enable packet segmentation at the wireless device 25. The BS 30 may decide to enable packet segmentation at the wireless device 25 after a predetermined number of failed attempts.

[0074] According to another example, the BS 30 may control packet segmentation at a given wireless device 25 based on an electrical energy collection capability of the wireless device 25. For example, the BS 30 may decide to enable packet segmentation at a wireless device 25 having a limited electrical energy collection capability, since smaller uplink data packets require less electrical energy for being transmitted. In turn, wireless devices having good electrical energy collection capabilities will be able to transmit bigger uplink data packets, such that the BS 30 may disable packet segmentation for wireless devices having good electrical energy collection capabilities. The BS 30 may determine the electrical energy collection capability of a given wireless device 25 based on different parameters, and the choice of a specific parameter corresponds to a specific but non-limitative embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, failure to receive responses to uplink transmission triggering signals may be seen as an indication that the wireless device 25 has a limited electrical energy collection capability (and should perform packet segmentation). According to another example, the BS 30 may determine the electrical energy collection capability based on a type of the wireless device 25. For example, section 4.3 of the technical report TR 38.848 V18.0.0 defines different types of A-loT devices (namely A, B and C), based mainly on electrical energy storage capability and independent signal generation / amplification capability, which can be used to determine the packetsegmentation indication for the wireless device 25.

[0075] According to another example, the BS 30 may control packet segmentation at a given wireless device 25 based on a distance between the BS 30 and the wireless device 25. For example, the BS 30 may decide to enable packet segmentation at a wireless device 25 located far from the BS 30 and to disable packet segmentation for a wireless device 25 located close to the BS 30. The estimation of the distance between a wireless device 25 and the BS 30 may use any estimation method known to the skilled person, and the choice of a specific estimation method corresponds to a specific but non-limitative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] It is emphasized that the present disclosure is not limited to the above exemplary embodiments. Variants of the above exemplary embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0077] For example, the present disclosure has been made by considering mainly a wireless device 25 comprising an energy harvesting unit 254 configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy that is stored in an energy storage unit 255. However, in some cases, the present disclosure may also be applied with wireless devices 25 which do not comprise such an energy harvesting unit, and which operate only with an energy storage unit 255 (which may rechargeable or not). The present disclosure may also be applied with wireless devices 25 which do not comprise an energy storage unit, and which operate only with an energy harvesting unit 254 which provides the collected electrical energy directly to the other equipment of the wireless device 25.

[0078] Also, the present disclosure has been made by considering mainly the case of A-loT devices. However, the present disclosure can also be used for non-A-loT devices.

[0079] It should also be noted that there can be a coexistence in the wireless communication system between wireless devices 25 which apply the present disclosure and wireless devices which do not apply the present disclosure. For example, the present disclosure may apply e.g. only to A-loT devices and not to non-A-loT devices.

[0080] It should be noted that the following exemplary embodiments are also included in the present disclosure.

[0081] Embodiment 1 : Method for enabling data segmentation for ambient loT devices in a wireless communication system characterized by, that UE receives indication from the gNB whether to enable / disable packet segmentation.

[0082] Embodiment 2: Method according to Embodiment 1 characterized by, that the UE receives indication for enabling / disabling packet segmentation through system information message and / or UE specific message.

[0083] Embodiment 3: Method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 2 characterized by, that upon receiving such indication, UE either enables or disables packet segmentation.

[0084] Embodiment 4: Method for enabling data segmentation for ambient loT devices in a wireless communication system characterized by, that gNB enables / disables the segmentation functionality based on implementation, whereby if cell is highly congested, it can enable segmentation functionality.[00851 Embodiment 5: Method according to Embodiment 4 characterized by, that gNB provides this segmentation functionality through system information message and / or UE specific message.

[0086] Embodiment 6: Method according to any one of Embodiments 4 to 5 characterized by, that system information message and / or UE specific message is wake-up signal message.

[0087] Embodiment 7: Method according to any one of Embodiments 4 to 6 characterized by, that 1 bit is used to indicate enabling / disabling of segmentation, whereby:1 indicates segmentation is enabled,0 indicates segmentation is disabled.

[0088] Embodiment 8: Apparatus for enabling data segmentation for ambient loT devices in a wireless communication system characterized by the apparatus comprising a wireless transceiver, a processor coupled with a memory in which computer program instructions are stored, said instructions being configured to implement steps of any one of Embodiments 1 to 7.

[0089] Embodiment 9: User Equipment comprising an apparatus according to Embodiment 8.

[0090] Embodiment 10: Base station comprising an apparatus according to Embodiment 8. [00911 Embodiment 11 : Wireless communication system, wherein the gNB comprises a processor coupled with a memory in which computer program instructions are stored, said instructions being configured to implement steps of any one of Embodiments 4 to 7, wherein the user equipment (UE) comprises a processor coupled with a memory in which computer program instructions are stored, said instructions being configured to implement steps of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3.

Claims

Claims1. A method (40) for exchanging data in a wireless communication system, the method being implemented by a wireless device (25) of the wireless communication system, wherein the wireless device comprises a communication unit (253) configured to exchange data with a radio access network, RAN, of the wireless communication system, wherein the method comprises:(540) receiving from the RAN a packet segmentation indication,(541) enabling or disabling packet segmentation based on the received packet segmentation indication.

2. The method (40) according to claim 1 , wherein the packet segmentation indication is received in system information broadcasted by the RAN or in a signaling message addressed specifically to the wireless device (25) or to a group of wireless devices which includes said wireless device (25).

3. The method (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packet segmentation indication is received in a wake-up signal transmitted by the RAN that transitions the wireless device from a sleep mode to an active mode.

4. The method (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packet segmentation indication is provided as a single bit.

5. The method (40) according to claim 4, wherein: a bit value T indicates that packet segmentation is enabled, a bit value ‘0’ indicates that packet segmentation is disabled.

6. The method (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless device is authorized to perform packet segmentation only in response to receiving a packet segmentation indication which enables packet segmentation.

7. The method (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless device comprises an energy harvesting unit (254) configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy that is stored in an energy storage unit (255) of the wireless device.

8. A wireless device (25) comprising at least one memory and at least one processor configured to carry out a method (40) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. A user equipment, UE (20), comprising a wireless device according to claim 8.

10. A method (50) for exchanging data in a wireless communication system, the method being implemented by a base station, BS (30), of a radio access network, RAN, of the wireless communication system, wherein the BS is configured to exchange data with a plurality of wireless devices (25), wherein the method comprises:(550) determining a packet segmentation indication to be transmitted to at least one wireless device for enabling or disabling packet segmentation at said at least one wireless device,(551) transmitting the uplink data segmentation indication to said at least one wireless device.

11. The method (50) according to claim 10, wherein the packet segmentation indication is transmitted in system information broadcasted by the BS or in a signaling message addressed specifically to the at least one wireless device (25) or to a group of wireless devices which includes said at least one wireless device (25).

12. The method (50) according to any one of claims 10 to 11 , wherein the packet segmentation indication is transmitted in a wake-up signal transmitted by the BS that transitions the at least one wireless device from a sleep mode to an active mode.

13. The method (50) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the packet segmentation indication is provided as a single bit.

14. The method (50) according to claim 13, wherein: a bit value T indicates that packet segmentation is enabled, a bit value ‘0’ indicates that packet segmentation is disabled.

15. The method (50) according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the packet segmentation indication is determined based on a load level of the BS.

16. The method (50) according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the BS comprises an energy harvesting signal generator (305), which generates energy harvesting signals for wireless devices which comprise energy harvesting units (254) configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy that is stored in energy storage units (255) of said wireless devices.

17. A base station, BS (30), comprising at least one memory and at least one processor configured to carry out a method (50) according to any one of claims 10 to 16.

18. A wireless communication system comprising at least one base station (30) according to claim 17 and at least one user equipment (20) according to claim 9.

19. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, configure said at least one processor to carry out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or a method according to any one of claims 10 to 16.

20. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, configure said at least one processor to carry out a method (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or a method (50) according to any one of claims 10 to 16.

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