A method, performed by a first intermediate device, for configuring a communication scheme configuration and related first intermediate device, first low power wireless device, and network node

Abstract

A method performed by a first intermediate device is disclosed, such as a method for configuring a communication scheme configuration. The first intermediate device is configured to handle communication of data between a network node and a first low power wireless device. The method comprises obtaining a configuration type information indicative of a communication scheme configuration associated with a first low power wireless device. The communication scheme configuration comprises one or more parameters configuring a communication of signals between the network node and the first low power wireless device. The method comprises obtaining, from the first low power wireless device or a network node, a first signal. The method comprises transmitting, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the communication scheme configuration.

Description

[0001] A METHOD, PERFORMED BY A FIRST INTERMEDIATE DEVICE, FOR CONFIGURING A COMMUNICATION SCHEME CONFIGURATION AND RELATED FIRST INTERMEDIATE DEVICE, FIRST LOW POWER WIRELESS DEVICE, AND NETWORK NODE

[0002] The present disclosure pertains to the field of wireless communications. The present disclosure relates to a method for configuring a communication scheme configuration and a related first intermediate device, first low power wireless device, and network node.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Future wireless communication services will benefit from widespread connectivity between large networks of wireless devices. Changing or recharging batteries manually may not be feasible due to the inefficiency of such battery solutions and the physical inaccessibility of some of these devices.

[0005] New low power wireless devices, such as Ambient Internet of Things, loT (AloT) devices, are expected to be battery-less and / or to have very limited energy storage. These AloT devices may be capable of performing backscattering uplink transmission. However, effective integration of low power wireless devices into cellular networks may prove challenging. For example, a lower coverage range, requirements on power consumption, and backscattering communication type may present challenges.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for devices and methods, which may mitigate, alleviate or address the shortcomings existing and may provide improved efficiency, reliability, and robustness of wireless communication networks that utilize low power wireless devices.

[0008] A method performed by a first intermediate device is disclosed, such as a method for configuring a communication scheme configuration. The first intermediate device is configured to handle communication of data between a network node and a first low power wireless device. The method comprises obtaining a configuration type information indicative of a communication scheme configuration associated with a first low power wireless device. The communication scheme configuration comprises one or more parameters configuring a communication of signals between the network node and the first low power wireless device. The method comprises obtaining, from the first low power wireless device or a network node, a first signal. The method comprises transmitting, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the communication scheme configuration. A first intermediate device comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface is disclosed. The first intermediate device is configured to perform any of the methods performed in an intermediate device as disclosed herein.

[0009] A method performed by a network node is disclosed, such as a method for configuring a communication scheme configuration. The method comprises obtaining association information indicative of an association between one or more low power wireless devices and a communication scheme configuration. The method comprises communicating, with an intermediate device, a first confirmation message indicative of a first confirmation of a first association between a first low power wireless device of the one or more low power wireless devices and the communication scheme configuration. The method comprises obtaining, from the intermediate device, one or more signals based on a first signal from the first low power wireless device and in accordance with the communication scheme configuration.

[0010] A network node comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface is disclosed. The network node is configured to perform any of the methods performed in a network node as disclosed herein.

[0011] A method performed by a first low power wireless device is disclosed. The method comprises providing, to a first intermediate device, configuration type information indicative of a communication scheme configuration associated with the first low power wireless device. The method comprises providing, to the first intermediate device, a first signal according to the communication scheme configuration.

[0012] A first low power wireless device comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface is disclosed. The first low power wireless device is configured to perform any of the methods performed in low power wireless device as disclosed herein.

[0013] The present disclosure enables to configure a communication scheme configuration depending on a low power wireless device thereby alleviating challenges relating to lower coverage range, requirements on power consumption, and backscattering communication type of low power wireless devices.

[0014] It is an advantage of the present disclosure that the disclosed methods and devices may reduce the number of signals for communication to be transmitted in a cellular network having one or more low power wireless devices. In other words, the disclosed methods and devices may advantageously facilitate an improvement in the efficiency in communications of a wireless communication system, e.g., thereby for example enabling increased longevity of battery life of a low power wireless device of the wireless communication system. For example, the disclosed methods and devices may allow for increased coordination and efficiency of a wireless communication system comprising one or more low power wireless devices, one or more intermediate devices, and a network node.

[0015] It may be an advantage that the disclosed methods and devices enable intermediate devices and low power wireless devices with the strongest connection to be communicatively associated with each other, thereby enabling reduced power loss of signals received at the intermediate device, and subsequently at the network node.

[0016] Further, the disclosed methods and devices may enable an increased range of low power wireless device, such as backscatter device, transmissions by using intermediate devices to transmit data obtained from a low power wireless device. In other words, the intermediate devices may for example transmit, such as forward, data obtained from a low power wireless device, thereby enabling an effective increase in the transmission range of the low power wireless device. Advantageously, the disclosed methods and devices may enable an increased range of low power wireless device reception, when receiving with a low-power receiver, by using intermediate devices to receive data obtained from a network node. In other words, the intermediate devices may for example receive and forward, data obtained from a network node, thereby enabling an effective increase in the reception range of the low power wireless device.

[0017] Furthermore, the disclosed methods and devices may enable an improved flexibility of communications in the wireless communication network. For example, the ability of the wireless communication system to communicate in accordance with different communication scheme configurations (e.g., in different situations) may enable this flexibility.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by the following detailed description of examples thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0020] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example wireless communication system comprising an example network node, an example first intermediate device, and an example first low power wireless device according to this disclosure,

[0021] Figs. 2A-2C show a flow-chart illustrating an example method, performed in a first intermediate device, according to this disclosure, Fig. 3 is a flow-chart illustrating an example method, performed in a network node, according to this disclosure,

[0022] Fig. 4 is a flow-chart illustrating an example method, performed in a first low power wireless device, according to this disclosure,

[0023] Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example first intermediate device according to this disclosure,

[0024] Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example network node according to this disclosure,

[0025] Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example first low power wireless device according to this disclosure,

[0026] Fig. 8A is a signalling diagram of example communications between a first intermediate device, a network node, and a first low power wireless device according to this disclosure,

[0027] Figs. 8B-8C show signalling diagrams of example communications between a first intermediate device, a network node, a first low power wireless device, and an application layer according to this disclosure,

[0028] Fig. 9 is a signalling diagram of example communications between a first intermediate device, a second intermediate device, a network node, a first low power wireless device, and a second low power wireless device in accordance with a second communication scheme configuration according to this disclosure,

[0029] Fig. 10 is a signalling diagram of example communications between a first intermediate device, a second intermediate device, a network node, a first low power wireless device, and a second low power wireless device in accordance with a third communication scheme configuration according to this disclosure,

[0030] Fig. 11 is a signalling diagram of example communications between a first intermediate device, a second intermediate device, a network node, a first low power wireless device, and a second low power wireless device in accordance with a first communication scheme configuration according to this disclosure,

[0031] Fig. 12 is a signalling diagram of example communications between a first intermediate device, a second intermediate device, a network node, a first low power wireless device, and a second low power wireless device in accordance with a first communication scheme configuration according to this disclosure,

[0032] Fig. 13 is a signalling diagram of example communications between a first intermediate device, a second intermediate device, a network node, a first low power wireless device, and a second low power wireless device in accordance with a second communication scheme configuration according to this disclosure, and

[0033] Fig. 14 is a signalling diagram of example communications between a first intermediate device, a second intermediate device, a network node, a first low power wireless device, and a second low power wireless device in accordance with a third communication scheme configuration according to this disclosure.

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Various examples and details are described hereinafter, with reference to the figures when relevant. It should be noted that the figures may or may not be drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the examples. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the disclosure or as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. In addition, an illustrated example needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular example is not necessarily limited to that example and can be practiced in any other examples even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

[0036] To meet design targets and use cases where existing 3GPP low-power, wide-area, LPWA, loT solutions are not able to compete, 3GPP has agreed to study what is called Ambient loT (AloT). The present disclosure relates to ultra-low complexity devices with ultra-low power consumption for very-low end loT applications. In terms of energy storage, two main types of device characteristics can be considered. The first type is for example an extremely low energy storage limited device, capable of consuming only approximately 1 pW in peak power consumption. The second type has for example more energy storage and aims at supporting less than a few hundred pW. Both, the first type and the second type, may be considered to have its uplink communication based on backscattering transmission. The second type may be considered to generate its own uplink transmission as other wireless devices do. The coverage design target may be in the range of 10-50 meters and is well below any other legacy 3GPP specified access technologies.

[0037] To support the very much lower coverage range, e.g., compared to legacy systems, the aggressive requirements on power consumption and the backscattering communication type, a set of network scenarios based on topologies and / or deployments are agreed to be studied. A few nodes can be defined as part of the scenario definition. A carrier wave emitter (CW) may be seen as the functional node transmitting the excitation signal used for backscattering. A Reader may be seen as the receiver of AloT signals, communicating directly with the AloT Device and can be both the base station (BS) or other wireless devices (such as User Equipment, UEs) in the system (referred to as an intermediate node or intermediate device in the present disclosure). It may be appreciated that the CW also may be the BS or have direct connection with the BS and that the Reader may be the same physical entity as the CW in some scenarios. Since those new nodes are included, the traditional use of "uplink" and "downlink" channels may not be fully applicable. For example, the node names are used to define the physical channels such as R2D (Reader to Device) and D2R (Device to Reader) and CW2D (Carrier Wave Emitter to Device). The Reader may be deployed in various ways in the system. The Reader can be a node part in the wireless network, such as Next Generation Radio Access Network, NG-RAN, a wireless device (such as UE) configured as Reader, and / or a specific component or node intended for implementing the reader functionality.

[0038] The present disclosure relates to the Reader (herein referred to as intermediate device) and in particular when the Reader is deployed as an intermediate node or device. The intermediate device may have to identify itself in the network and may have to be on-boarded into the wireless network, such as NG-RAN / 5GC, as a node capable of managing the low power wireless devices, such as AloT Devices.

[0039] . The most extreme device type may have as low power consumption as 1 pW in peak consumption. This may allow lower coverage than currently deployed cellular systems. To maintain the network component density, the present disclosure provides a solution to utilize intermediate devices for interaction with the low power wireless devices.

[0040] The present disclosure provides, inter alia, a method for configuring how the system components, such as the network node, the one or more intermediate devices, and the one or more low power wireless devices, interact. For example, the present disclosure provides a method for configuring how to handle (e.g. control) communication of data between a network node and one or more low power wireless devices when there are multiple intermediate devices and how to configure (such as on-board) and associate the low power wireless devices to the intermediate devices and the network.

[0041] It may be appreciated that the present disclosure provides different communication scheme configurations with different sets of parameters for handling communication of data depending on different criteria relating to the low power wireless devices, the intermediate devices, and / or the data communicated.

[0042] An intermediate device disclosed herein may for example be seen as a network node configured to communicate with one or more low power wireless devices, such as a first low power wireless device, a second low power wireless device, etc. The intermediate device disclosed herein may for example be seen as an intermediate node, such as an intermediate node of the wireless communication system. In some examples, the intermediate device can be seen as a receiver or a receiving node, such as a receiving node configured to receive information transmitted from the low power wireless device and / or data transmission transmitted from the network node. In some examples, the intermediate device can be seen as a transmitter or a transmitting node, such as a transmitting node configured to transmit information to the low power wireless device and / or to the network node. The intermediate device may for example act as both a receiving node and a transmitting node. In some examples, the intermediate device may be seen as a reader, such as a reader device. A reader may be seen as a reader of AloT signals, e.g., communicating directly with the low power wireless device, such as AloT device. In some examples, the intermediate device may be a mobile device and / or a user equipment, UE. The intermediate device may for example be seen as an assistant in the communication system, such as a communication assistance for communications between one or more low power wireless devices and the network node. In one or more example embodiments, a network node (such as base station) may act as an intermediate device, e.g., an intermediate device for communication between a low power wireless device and another network node.

[0043] A network node disclosed herein refers to a radio network node, such as a radio access network node operating in the radio access network, e.g., a base station, an evolved Node B, eNB, a next generation Node B, gNB in NR. In one or more examples, the radio access node is a functional unit which may be distributed in several physical units. The network node 400 disclosed herein can for example be seen as one or more of: a base station, an eNB, a gNB and / or an access point.

[0044] A low power wireless device disclosed herein refers to a low power wireless device capable of communication in a wireless communication network. The low power wireless device can for example be seen as a wireless device not comprising an internal power source, such as a battery-less wireless device. For example, the low power wireless device may be a wireless device with a limited energy source, such as a limited external energy source. For example, the low power wireless device can be seen as a wireless device having a low energy source. The low power wireless device for example consumes a low amount of energy, e.g., having a peak power consumption less than 2000 pW, and / or less than 1000 pW, (e.g. less than 700 pW, such as less than 500 pW, such as less than 200 pW), and can therefore be seen as a low power wireless device. There may for example be two types of low power wireless devices. A first type having extremely low energy storage, capable of consuming less than 5 pW in peak power consumption and a second type having more energy storage and capable of consuming less than 200 pW in peak power consumption. Therefore, a low power wireless device as disclosed herein may have a peak power consumption in the range of 1 pW to 200 pW. The low power wireless device may for example be seen as and / or referred to as an ambient Internet-of-Things (AloT) device. The low power wireless device is for example a backscatter device, BSD, e.g., configured to perform uplink transmissions using a backscattering technique. The backscatter device may for example be referred to as a backscattering device. The low power wireless device is for example designed to perform low-power reception receiving low-complexity signals. For example, the low power wireless device may be seen as a device having low complexity modulation and / or low complexity in communication protocol. The low power wireless device may be seen as different from normal UEs or machine-type communication devices, in that the low power wireless device runs a different protocol with less complex decoding.

[0045] The term “communicate” used herein can be seen as provide, such as transmit, and / or obtain, such as receive. For example, when a device and / or node, such as an intermediate device, low power wireless device, and / or network node, communicates information, the device and / or node may for example transmit and / or receive said information (such as any message, signal, etc.).

[0046] Any methods, such as method steps, disclosed herein that apply to any of the first devices, e.g., the first low power wireless device and / or the first intermediate device, may also apply to the second devices, (such as the second low power wireless device and / or the second intermediate device), the third devices, the fourth devices, etc. In other words, any action performed by any first device, e.g. first low power wireless device and / or first intermediate device, may for example also be performed by the corresponding second device, third device, fourth device, etc.

[0047] The figures are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they merely show details which aid understanding the disclosure, while other details have been left out. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts.

[0048] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example wireless communication system 1 comprising an example network node 400, an example intermediate device 300, an example low power wireless device 500, and an example application layer 600 according to this disclosure.

[0049] As discussed in detail herein, the present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system 1 comprising a cellular system, for example, a 3rdGeneration Partnership Project, 3GPP, wireless communication system.

[0050] A network node disclosed herein refers to a radio access network node operating in the radio access network, such as a base station, an evolved Node B, eNB, gNB in NR. In one or more examples, the RAN node is a functional unit which may be distributed in several physical units. The actual Application layer may for example be deployed via a Core Network, CN, node. The core network, CN, node disclosed herein refers to a network node operating in the core network, such as in the Evolved Packet Core Network, EPC, and / or a 5G Core Network, 5GC. Examples of CN nodes in EPC include a Mobility Management Entity, MME. In some examples, the application layer may be deployed via cloud, such as communicating by Network Exposure function (NEF) with a low power wireless device, network node, and / or intermediate device. In some examples, the application layer may be configured to communicate via an internet protocol, IP, based connection. In some examples, the application layer may be deployed within the application layer of the intermediate device, such as using an interface of the intermediate device. In some examples, the low power wireless device may have an application-level profile setting. In some examples, the application layer may be deployed via the network node disclosed herein. In other words, the application layer may for example in some examples be seen as located in the network itself. The application layer can for example be seen as the upper layer of the wireless communication system, as shown in Fig. 1 .

[0051] The wireless communication system 1 described herein may comprise one or more intermediate devices 300, 300A, one or more network nodes 400, such as one or more of: a base station, an eNB, a gNB and / or an access point, one or more low power wireless devices 500, 500A, and / or an application layer 600.

[0052] Intermediate device 300 can be seen as the first intermediate device, and intermediate device 300A can be seen as the second intermediate device.

[0053] Low power wireless device 500 can be seen as the first low power wireless device, and low power wireless device 500A can be seen as the second low power wireless device.

[0054] The intermediate device 300, 300A may be configured to communicate with the network node 400 via a wireless link (or radio access link) 10, 10A, 11. The intermediate device 300, 300A may be configured to communicate with the low power wireless device 500 via a wireless link (or radio access link) 12, 12A. The intermediate device 300, 300A may be configured to communicate with the intermediate device 500A via a wireless link (or radio access link) 14, 14A. The intermediate device 300 may be configured to communicate with the intermediate device 300A via a wireless link (or radio access link) 15, e.g., such as via sidelink. The network node 400 may be configured to communicate with the application layer 600 via a wireless link (or radio access link) 16. Fig. 1 can for example be seen as showing an example deployment with two low power wireless devices 500, 500A, and two intermediate devices 300, 300A e.g., intermediate devices that may be configured as readers.

[0055] The wireless communication system 1 may be configured for uplink, UL, transmission of data, such as a first signal, from the low power wireless device 500, 500A to the network node 400, e.g., via the intermediate device 300, 300A. Example uplink communications in the wireless communication system 1 can be seen in signalling diagrams shown in Figs. 9-11. For example, in the uplink scenario, the low power wireless device 500, 500A may be seen as a backscatter device, such as a device configured to communicate using a backscattering technique.

[0056] The intermediate device 300, 300A may for example obtain configuration type information indicative of a communication scheme configuration associated with the low power wireless device 500, 500A.

[0057] The first low power wireless device 500 may be connected in accordance with a first communication scheme configuration which is indicated by the wireless link 14, where the first low power wireless device 500 is in communication with the first intermediate device 300.

[0058] The first low power wireless device 500 may be connected in accordance with a third communication scheme configuration which is indicated by the wireless link 11 , where a first signal is sent to the network node 400 from only the second intermediate device 300A.

[0059] The second low power wireless device 500A is for example connected with in accordance with a first communication scheme configuration where a first signal is sent from both intermediate devices 300, 300A. In some examples, the second low power wireless device 500A is for example connected with in accordance with a second communication scheme configuration where a first signal is sent from both intermediate devices 300, 300A.

[0060] The intermediate device 300, 300A may for example transmit, to the network node 400 one or more signals, e.g., via wireless link 10, 10A, 11 based on the first signal and in accordance the communication scheme configuration.

[0061] The wireless communication system 1 may be configured for downlink, DL, transmission of data, such as a first signal, from network node 400 to the low power wireless device 500, 500A, e.g., via the intermediate device 300, 300A. Example downlink communications in the wireless communication system 1 can be seen in signalling diagrams shown in Figs. 12-14. The wireless communication system 1 can include one or more low power wireless devices. The one or more low power wireless devices for example comprise one or more of: the first low power wireless device, the second low power wireless device, a third low power wireless device, etc. The number of low power wireless devices in the wireless communication system is not limiting. Furthermore, the number of low power wireless devices may be dynamic depending on the coverage of the low power wireless devices.

[0062] Fig. 2A-2C show a flow diagram of an example method 100, performed by a first intermediate device according to the disclosure. The first intermediate device is for example configured to handle, such as control, communication of data between a network node and a first low power wireless device. The first intermediate device is the first intermediate device disclosed herein, such as the first intermediate device 300 of Fig. 1 , Fig. 5, and Figs. 8A-14.

[0063] The method 100 may for example be seen as a method, performed by a first intermediate node, for handling, such as controlling, connection of two or more intermediate devices and one or more low power wireless devices, e.g. backscatter devices, to a wireless communication system, such as a cellular system. In other words, the method 100 may be seen as a method for configuring a communication scheme configuration for one or more low power wireless devices with a network node via one or more intermediate devices.

[0064] The term one or more intermediate devices refers to one or more of: the first intermediate device, the second intermediate device, and a third intermediate device, etc. The number of intermediate devices wireless communication system is not limiting. Furthermore, the number of intermediate devices in the wireless communication system may be dynamic depending on the coverage of the intermediate devices.

[0065] The communication scheme configuration can be seen as a configuration of communication between one or more low power wireless devices and a network node via one or more intermediate devices. In other words, the communication scheme configuration can for example be seen as a configuration of communications between one or more (such as a first and / or second) low power wireless devices, one or more (such as a first and / or second) intermediate devices, and / or a network node, such as a radio network node. In some examples, the communication scheme configuration can be seen as a mode, and / or a mode type, and / or a profile. The communication scheme configuration can assist the intermediate device on how to handle, manipulate, support, control the signal(s) from the one or more low power wireless devices, e.g. in forwarding, decoding, compiling, combining, filtering, etc. In some examples, the communication scheme configuration can be seen as a communication scheme profile, e.g., of a low power wireless device. In one or more example methods, the communication scheme configuration may be seen as a user profile of the low power wireless device. In other words, obtaining configuration type information may be seen as obtaining a user profile, such as setting a user profile, of the low power wireless device. A communication scheme configuration may indicate to an intermediate device how to handle signals, such as how to forward signals, from / to one or more low power wireless devices based on the communication scheme configuration associated with the low power wireless device. The communication scheme configuration may for example be seen as a communication configuration, e.g., according to which one or more devices and / or nodes of the wireless communication system may be configured to communicate. In some examples, the communication scheme configuration can be seen as indicative of one or more configuration parameters, e.g., configuration options, according to which one or more devices and / or nodes of the wireless communication system may be configured to communicate. The one or more parameters may for example be seen as one or more parameters for configuration of communication between the network node and the first low power wireless device.

[0066] The method 100 comprises obtaining S102 a configuration type information indicative of a communication scheme configuration associated with a first low power wireless device. For example, the configuration type information for example comprises information indicative of the communication scheme configuration. The communication scheme configuration comprises one or more parameters configuring a communication of signals between the network node and the first low power wireless device.

[0067] The configuration type information can for example be seen as communication configuration type information indicative of a communication scheme configuration, such as a type of communication scheme configuration. For example, the configuration type information indicates how the communication is to be configured to follow a given communication scheme. In other words, the configuration type information comprises information indicative of which communication scheme configuration the wireless communication system is to communicate in accordance with, e.g. which communication scheme configuration the one or more low power wireless devices, the one or more intermediate devices, and the network node are to communicate in accordance with. In some examples, obtaining S102 the configuration type information can be seen as setting the communication scheme profile. One or more (such as the first and / or second) low power wireless devices, one or more (such as the first and / or second) intermediate devices, and / or the network node may for example be configured to communicate in accordance with a given communication scheme configuration.

[0068] At a given time, the one or more (such as the first and / or second) low power wireless devices, one or more (such as the first and / or second) intermediate devices, and / or the network node may for example communicate in accordance with one of a plurality of communication scheme configurations.

[0069] In one or more example methods, the configuration type information comprises criteria information indicative of one or more criteria, e.g., for configuring the communication of the signals between the network node and the first low power wireless device. In one or more example methods, the one or more parameters comprise the one or more criteria. The one or more criteria for example comprise one or more of: a first criterion, a second criterion, and / or a third criterion. In one or more example methods, the one or more criteria comprise one or more of: a first criterion based on one or more of: an identity of a receiving and / or transmitting low power wireless device, a data type, and a communication parameter, a second criterion for how to compile received data, and a third criterion based on presence of other intermediate devices.

[0070] The first criterion may be based on one or more of: an identity of a receiving and / or transmitting low power wireless device, a data type, and a communication parameter. In other words, the first criterion may comprise one or more conditions to be satisfied relating to an identity of a receiving and / or transmitting low power wireless device, a data type, and a communication parameter. For example, the first criterion may define which low power wireless device identities the first intermediate device shall transmit data to and / or from.

[0071] The first criterion may for example be based on a data type. The data type may for example be indicative of one or more of: a network data type, subscriber data type, location data type, usage data type, quality of service data type, and operational data type. In one or more example methods, the data type may for example be based on a security requirement. The data type may for example be seen as a data type of a signal to be transmitted from the first intermediate device. In some examples, the data type may be indicative of an amount of data to be transmitted, e.g., by the first intermediate device. Alternatively, or additionally, the first criterion may comprise one or more conditions to be satisfied relating to a communication parameter. For example, the first criterion may define a threshold for a signal strength between the first intermediate device and a low power wireless device for enabling transmission of data to and / or from the low power wireless device. The communication parameter may for example be seen as a parameter associated with the communication of an intermediate device, e.g., the first intermediate device. For example, the communication parameter may be indicative of an address (such as an address of the first intermediate device, the network node, and / or the first low power wireless device) and / or a timing of the communication, such as the transmission of one or more signals, e.g., based on the first signal and in accordance with the communication scheme configuration.

[0072] The second criterion may for example be seen as a second criterion for how to compile data elements and / or data segments, such as subsequently received data, e.g., the first data and / or second data. The second criterion may for example define one or more conditions for how to compile the received data, such as how to compile the first data and / or the second data, e.g., obtained from the first low power wireless device or the network node.

[0073] The first intermediate device may for example transmit to the network node or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the communication scheme configuration based on one or more of: the first criterion, second criterion, and third criterion.

[0074] The third criterion may be based on presence of other intermediate devices. In other words, the third criterion may comprise one or more conditions to be satisfied relating to the presence of other intermediate devices than the first intermediate device. For example, when there is a presence of a second intermediate device, the third criterion may define one or more conditions for determining whether the first intermediate device and / or the second intermediate device are to transmit, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals based on the first signal. For example, the third criterion may indicate that the intermediate device with the better signal strength to the first low power wireless device is to transmit data to and / or from the first low power wireless device. The third criterion may comprise a condition indicating to coordinate with the other intermediate devices in case of their presence, e.g., in the vicinity of the first intermediate device and / or the vicinity of the first low power wireless devices (such as coordination between the first intermediate device and the second intermediate device).

[0075] At least one of the one or more criteria can define a communication scheme configuration for handling (e.g., controlling, communication with the first low power wireless device) e.g. a mode e.g., a user mode. In other words, a communication scheme configuration can for example be seen as profile or a mode for handing communication with a low power wireless device. In one or more examples, there may be provided a plurality of communication scheme configurations including a first communication scheme configuration, a second communication scheme configuration, and / or a third communication scheme configuration, etc.

[0076] In one or more example methods, the configuration type information comprises information indicative of one or more of: a first communication scheme configuration enabling the first intermediate device to select which low power wireless device is to be a recipient and / or a transmitter of the signals, a second communication scheme configuration enabling the first intermediate device to compile the received data, and a third communication scheme configuration enabling the first intermediate device and a second intermediate device to coordinate the communication of the signals. Example communications according to the second communication scheme configuration are shown in Fig. 9. Example communications according to the third communication scheme configuration are shown in Fig. 10. Example communications according to the first communication scheme configuration are shown in Fig. 11.

[0077] First communication scheme configuration can for example be seen as a communication scheme configuration in accordance with which one or more intermediate devices filter (e.g., as shown in S116AA of Fig. 2B, and 1114, 1118 of Fig. 11 ) the first data or the second data such that each intermediate device transmits data corresponding to one low power wireless device. In other words, first intermediate device may filter out the first data obtained in S112, and the second intermediate device may filter out the second data obtained S112, such that the first intermediate device transmits (as shown in 1116 of Fig. 11 ) the second data and the second intermediate device transmits (as shown in 1120 of Fig. 11 ) the first data. In the present disclosure, to filter the first data or the second data may be seen as selecting which data to transmit and / or forward to the network node or to the first low power wireless device based on the communication scheme configuration. For example, to filter the first data or the second data may comprise forwarding data from one low power wireless device and discarding data from another low power wireless device. In other words, the first communication scheme configuration may be seen as enabling the first intermediate device to select which intermediate device, e.g., the first intermediate device or the second intermediate device, is to transmit one or more signals based on the first signal or the second signal.

[0078] The second communication scheme configuration can be seen as a communication scheme configuration in accordance with which two or more intermediate devices compile (e.g., as shown in S116BA of Fig. 2B, and 910, 914 of Fig. 9) the data, e.g., the first data and / or second data obtained in S112 of Fig. 2A, e.g., such that the two or more intermediate devices transmit the first data and the second data. The third communication scheme configuration can be seen as a communication scheme configuration in accordance with which two or more intermediate devices coordinate, e.g., via sidelink, which intermediate device is to transmit the first data and / or second data, e.g., obtained in S112 of Fig. 2A.

[0079] In some examples, intermediate devices may transmit, such as forward (e.g., relay), the first signal or first data to the network node. Therefore, coordination of the intermediate devices within range of a low power wireless device may enable improved efficiency of communications in the wireless communication system. In one or more example methods, a low power wireless device may transmit data to any intermediate device of the communication scheme configuration in direct vicinity of the low power wireless device, such as within a signalling range of the intermediate device. The methods and devices disclosed herein may enable handling of both of these scenarios.

[0080] In one or more example methods, the method comprises obtaining S104, from the application layer, a request for the first intermediate device to provide, to the network node, association information indicative of an association between one or more low power wireless devices and the communication scheme configuration.

[0081] In some examples, obtaining S104, the request may comprise obtaining the request from an application function connected to the network node, such as via a Network Exposure Function (NEF). Alternatively, or additionally, obtaining S104 the request may comprise obtaining the request directly from the network node.

[0082] In one or more example methods, obtaining S104, from the application layer, a request for the first intermediate device comprises obtaining, from the application layer and via the network node, a request for the first intermediate device to provide, to the network node, association information indicative of an association between one or more low power wireless devices and the communication scheme configuration. The request for the first intermediate device to provide association information can for example be seen as a first request. In some examples, a second intermediate device of the wireless communication system may be configured to obtain a second request for the second intermediate device to provide to the network node, association information indicative of an association between one or more low power wireless devices and the communication scheme configuration. In one or more example methods, the method comprises providing S106, such as transmitting, in response to receiving the request, association information indicative of an association between one or more low power wireless devices and the communication scheme configuration. The association information is for example indicative of an association between one or more low power wireless device and the communication scheme configuration. For example, the association information may be indicative of an association between one or more low power wireless devices and their respective communication scheme configurations. Providing S106 the association information for example comprises providing the association information to the network node.

[0083] In one or more example methods, the method comprises communicating S108, with the network node, a first information indicative of a first association between first low power wireless device and the communication scheme configuration.

[0084] In one or more example methods, communicating S108 a first information comprises receiving, from the network node, a first information indicative of a first association between first low power wireless device and the communication scheme configuration.

[0085] In one or more example methods, communicating S108 a first information comprises transmitting, to the network node, a first information indicative of a first association between first low power wireless device and the communication scheme configuration.

[0086] First information can for example be seen as a first message. In some examples, the first information may be seen as an association message, such as an association message indicative of an association between the first low power wireless device and a communication scheme configuration, such as the first, second, and / or third communication scheme configuration.

[0087] The first association can for example be seen as an association between the first low power wireless device and the communication scheme configuration. The first association may for example be communicated via a signal and / or message, such as an association signal and / or association message.

[0088] In some examples, communicating S108, with the network node, a first information indicative of a first association between first low power wireless device and the communication scheme configuration can be seen as associating the first low power wireless device to a communication scheme configuration. For example, first information is indicative of a first association between the low power wireless device and the first communication scheme configuration, the first low power wireless device can be seen as configured to communicate in accordance with the first communication scheme configuration.

[0089] In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises communicating, with the network node, a second information indicative of a second association between second low power wireless device and the communication scheme configuration, such as the first, second, and / or third communication scheme configuration.

[0090] Second information can for example be seen as a second message. In some examples, the second information may be seen as an association message, such as an association message indicative of an association between the second low power wireless device and a communication scheme configuration, such as the first, second, and / or third communication scheme configuration.

[0091] The second association can for example be seen as an association between second low power wireless device and the communication scheme configuration. The second association may for example be communicated via a signal and / or message, such as an association signal and / or association message. In some examples, communicating, with the network node, a second information indicative of a second association between second low power wireless device and the communication scheme configuration can be seen as associating the second low power wireless device to a communication scheme configuration.

[0092] In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises communicating S110, with the network node, a first confirmation message indicative of a first confirmation of the first association between the first low power wireless device and the communication scheme configuration. For example, the first intermediate device may provide the association information in response to receiving the request whereas the first intermediate device may communicate, such as provide, the first information without receiving a request, e.g., not in response to a request. The first confirmation may for example be seen as a verification of the first association between the first low power wireless device and the communication scheme configuration. The first confirmation message can for example be seen as comprising information indicative of the first confirmation of the first association between the first low power wireless device and the communication scheme configuration, such as the first, second, or third communication scheme configuration. For example, first confirmation message may be comprised in a first confirmation signal. In one or more example methods, the method comprises communicating with the network node, a second confirmation message indicative of a second confirmation of a second association between the second low power wireless device and the communication scheme configuration, such as the first, second, or third communication scheme configuration.

[0093] In one or more example methods, communicating S110 the first confirmation message comprises providing, such as transmitting, S110A the first confirmation message to the network node. In one or more example methods, communicating the second confirmation message comprises providing, such as transmitting, the second confirmation message to the network node. In one or more example methods, communicating S110 the first confirmation message comprises obtaining, such as receiving, S110B the first confirmation message from the network node. In one or more example methods, communicating the second confirmation message comprises obtaining, such as receiving, the second confirmation message from the network node.

[0094] The method 100 comprises obtaining S112, from the first low power wireless device or a network node, a first signal. Obtaining S112, from the first low power wireless device or the network node for example comprises obtaining (e.g. receiving) a first signal, second signal, third signal, etc. The first signal may for example be seen as a data message. The first signal is for example transmitted from the first low power wireless device, e.g., for uplink communication. In other words, the first signal, such as data message, comprises first data. In one or more example methods, one or more low power wireless devices may transmit, e.g., to the network node and / or to one or more intermediate devices, such as via the one or more intermediate devices, the first signal. In one or more example embodiments, the first signal may be transmitted from the network node and forwarded by the intermediate device to the low power wireless device, e.g., for downlink communication. In one or more example methods, obtaining S112 the first signal comprises obtaining S112A, based on the first identification information, the first signal from the first low power wireless device.

[0095] In one or more example methods, the method comprises obtaining S114 from a second low power wireless device, a second signal. The second signal may for example be seen as a data message. The second signal may be transmitted from the second low power wireless device. In other words, the second signal, such as data message, comprises second data. In one or more example methods, one or more low power wireless devices may transmit, e.g., to the network node and / or to one or more intermediate devices, the second signal. In one or more example methods, the first signal comprises first data, and the second signal comprises second data. The first signal can for example be seen as comprising a payload, such as an information payload and / or a data payload. For example, the first signal can be seen as comprising a first data package and the second signal can be seen as comprising a second data package. In other words, the first data can be seen as a first payload and the second data can be seen as a second payload.

[0096] The method 100 comprises transmitting S116, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the communication scheme configuration. Transmitting S116 one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the communication scheme configuration may comprise determining and / or generating one or more signals at the first intermediate device, e.g., comprising the first data, based on the first signal, and transmitting the determined and / or generated signal from the first intermediate device to the network node (for uplink) or to the first low power wireless device (for downlink) according to the communication scheme configuration associated with the first low power wireless device. In some examples, transmitting S116, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals comprises transmitting, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the communication scheme configuration, e.g., in accordance with the one or more parameters. The one or more signals can for example be seen as any signal, such as any information, communicated after obtaining a first signal of S112.

[0097] In one or more example methods, obtaining S102 the configuration type information indicative of the communication scheme configuration comprises obtaining S102A, from the first low power wireless device, the configuration type information indicative of the communication scheme configuration associated with the first low power wireless device. In one or more example methods, obtaining S102A, from the first low power wireless device, the configuration type information can be seen as the communication scheme configuration of wireless communication system being set, e.g., by the first low power wireless device.

[0098] In one or more example methods, obtaining S102 the configuration type information indicative of a communication scheme configuration comprises obtaining S102B the configuration type information from an application layer.

[0099] In one or more example methods, obtaining S102B the configuration type information from an application layer comprises obtaining, via the network node, the configuration type information from the application layer 600 of Fig. 1 . In other words, obtaining S102B the configuration type information from an application layer for example comprises obtaining, via the network node, the configuration type information from a Core Network node. In one or more example methods, obtaining S102B, from the application layer, the configuration type information can be seen as the communication scheme configuration of wireless communication system being set, e.g., by the application layer. For example, the configuration type information may be seen as the communication scheme configuration associated with the first low power wireless device according to which the communications to and / or from the first low power wireless devices and via the intermediate device are configured to be transmitted, forwarded, and / or received. In one or more example methods, obtaining S102B the configuration type information can be seen as the communication scheme configuration of wireless communication system being set, e.g., by the low power wireless device, such as by the first low power wireless device.

[0100] In one or more example methods, obtaining S102 the configuration type information comprises obtaining from an application layer of the intermediate device, the configuration type information indicative of a communication scheme configuration associated with a first low power wireless device. For example, the first intermediate device may be configured to obtain information, such as configuration type information, from an application layer associated with the first intermediate device, such as deployed via the first intermediate device. For example, the application layer associated with the first intermediate device may be deployed via a wireless interface of the intermediate device, such as the wireless interface 303 shown in Fig. 5.

[0101] In one or more example methods, the configuration type information comprises a first identification information indicative of the identity of the first low power wireless device. In one or more example methods, the configuration type information comprises a second identification information indicative of the identity of the second low power wireless device.

[0102] The first identification information for example comprises a first identifier indicative of the identity of the first low power wireless device. In other words, the first low power wireless device may be identified based on the first identification information, such as the first identifier. The first identification information for example comprises information indicative of whether the first low power wireless device is authorised (such as expected, allowed or prohibited, etc) to transmit the first signal to the first intermediate node.

[0103] Second identification information for example comprises a second identifier indicative of the identity of the second low power wireless device. In other words, the second low power wireless device may be identified based on the second identification information, such as the second identifier. The second identification information for example comprises information indicative of whether the second low power wireless device is authorised (such as expected, allowed or prohibited, etc) to transmit the first signal to the first intermediate node.

[0104] The first intermediate device may for example obtain first and / or second identification information from the network node and / or the low power wireless device. In some examples, the first and / or second identification information may be provided to the first intermediate device from the application layer, e.g., via the network node. In some examples, the identifier is hardcoded into a SIM of the first low power wireless device. In some examples, the network node may determine, based on the first identification information, the first identifier of the first low power wireless device. The first identification information may for example be seen as being obtained during a discovery phase of communications in the wireless communication system, such as during communications in accordance with the second and / or third communication scheme configuration.

[0105] In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises communicating S101 , with the network node, information indicative of an association of one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate device.

[0106] In one or more example methods, communicating S101 , with the network node, information indicative of an association of one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate device comprises receiving, from the network node, information indicative of an association of one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate device.

[0107] In one or more example methods, communicating S101 , with the network node, information indicative of an association of one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate device comprises transmitting, to the network node, information indicative of an association of one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate device.

[0108] There may be different selection mechanisms of selecting and / or updating (as shown in S122 of Fig 2C) the association between a low power wireless device and an intermediate device as communicated in S101 . The association may for example be setup as a rule where the first intermediate device measures signals received from one or more low power wireless devices, such as obtains one or more signal parameters as shown in S122 of Fig. 2C. The first intermediate device may determine, based on the measurement, such as based on one or more signal parameters, which intermediate device receives the strongest signal from the low power wireless device, such as for one or more low power wireless devices. For example, the intermediate device receiving the strongest signal from the low power wireless device may be determined as the associated intermediate device node serving the low power wireless device. In one or more example methods, obtaining S101 information indicative of an association of one or more low power wireless device to the first intermediate node comprises determining, based on report information (e.g., of S116D in Fig. 2B), the information indicative of the association of one or more low power wireless devices and one or more intermediate devices.

[0109] In one or more example methods, obtaining S101 information indicative of an association of one or more low power wireless device to the first intermediate node comprises determining, based on a maximum number of low power wireless device served by the first intermediate device (e.g., of S118 in Fig. 2C), the information indicative of the association of one or more low power wireless devices and one or more intermediate devices.

[0110] The communication scheme configuration may for example be set statically at registration to the wireless communication system. In some examples, the communication scheme configuration can be seen as a configuration that is dynamically and / or semi-statically configured by control channels and / or data channels of the wireless communication system.

[0111] When the low power wireless device selects “first communication scheme configuration, the wireless communication system may benefit from keeping the low power wireless device registered on one intermediate device even though two or more intermediate devices may be within signalling range of the low power wireless device. The requester of the profile can for example be the low power wireless device, but it may also be the intermediate device and / or the network node (e.g. via an application layer, such as function, in the network exposure functions or directly via the network node).

[0112] In one or more example methods, transmitting S116 one or more signals comprises, in accordance with obtaining S101 information indicative of an association of one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate device, transmitting S116A, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the first communication scheme configuration.

[0113] In one or more example methods, transmitting S116A one or more signals comprises determining S116AA, based on a first criterion, whether to transmit the first data received from the first low power wireless device and / or the second data received from the second low power wireless device. In some examples, determining S116AA, based on a first criterion, whether to transmit the first data comprises filtering, based on the first criterion, the first data received from the first low power wireless device and / or the second data received from the second low power wireless device.

[0114] The first criterion may be based on the association information indicative of an association (e.g., the information indicative of an association of S101 ) of one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate node, e.g., based on an identifier.

[0115] In some examples, communications in accordance with the first communication scheme configuration, such as first intermediate device communications in accordance with the first communication scheme configuration, may enable a reduced number of signals, such as traffic, in the wireless communication system, such as in a lower layer of a network. This is for example enabled by coordinated transmissions of the intermediate devices, in the first communication scheme configuration is for example carried out by the network node, and in the third communication scheme configuration may be carried out by the one or more intermediate devices, such as via sidelink communications between the intermediate devices.

[0116] The coordination may for example be seen as a procedure, to be performed by the network node (as in the first communication scheme configuration), or a in a first, such as a primary, intermediate device (as in the third communication scheme configuration). In the case of the primary intermediate device, the primary intermediate device may for example be a first registering node and / or an intermediate device, such as intermediate node, selected by network node and / or an application layer.

[0117] In one or more example methods, determining S116AA whether to transmit the first data and / or the second data based on the first criterion comprises determining 116AA_1 whether the first identification information meets the first criterion and whether the second identification information meets the first criterion.

[0118] In other words, the step 116AA_1 can be seen as the intermediate device determining whether to transmit, such as forward, the first signal from the first low power wireless device or the second signal from the second low power wireless device, as shown in Fig. 9

[0119] In one or more example methods, determining S116AA_1 whether the identification information meets the first criterion depends on whether the identification information, such as the first identification information and / or the second identification information, matches one or more pre- determined identifiers. For example, when the identification information is matches one or more pre-determined identifiers, the first criterion can be seen as being met by the identification information. For example, when the identification information does not match with one or more pre-determined identifiers, the first criterion can be seen as not being met by the identification information. For example, identifiers on a whitelist may be seen as meeting the first criterion and identifiers on a blacklist may be seen as not meeting the first criterion.

[0120] For example, the first and / or second identification information comprises a list of identifiers, such as one or more first and / or second identifiers, that the intermediate device may communicate with, such as a whitelist comprising identifiers corresponding to low power wireless devices that the intermediate device may communicate with and / or blacklist comprising identifiers corresponding to low power wireless devices with which the first intermediate device may not communicate.

[0121] In some examples, the association of one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate device may be seen as a dynamic or semi-static association, by e.g. based a on one or more white lists and / or black lists that may be maintained by the network node where the intermediate devices may provide identifier corresponding with one or more low power wireless device that are within signalling range of the first low power wireless device, and where the association may be based on whether identifier the corresponding with the low power wireless device matches the identifier on the black list and / or white list, e.g., as in S116AA_1 .

[0122] In one or more example methods, filtering S116AA the first data and the second data comprises, upon determining S116AA_1 that the second identification information does not meet the first criterion, refraining S116AA_2 from transmitting the second data to the network node.

[0123] In one or more example methods, filtering S116AA the first data and the second data comprises, upon determining S116AA_1 that the second identification information meets the first criterion, transmitting S116AC the second data to the network node. In one or more example methods, filtering S116AA the first data and the second data comprises, upon determining S116AA_1 that the second identification information meets the first criterion, refraining from transmitting the first data to the network node.

[0124] In one or more example methods, transmitting S116A one or more signals comprises transmitting S116AB, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, the first data. In some examples, transmitting S116AB, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, the first data comprises forwarding, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, the first data.

[0125] In one or more example methods, when the configuration type information is indicative of the second communication scheme configuration, transmitting S116 one or more signals comprises transmitting S116B, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the second communication scheme configuration.

[0126] In one or more example methods, transmitting S116B one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the second communication scheme configuration comprises compiling S116BA the first data of the first signal with the second data of the second signal for provision of compiled data.

[0127] In one or more example methods, compiling S116BA the first data of the first signal with the second data of the second signal for provision of compiled data may be seen as packaging the first data and the second data into an information package, such as payload, comprising the first data and the second data. The compiled data for example comprises the first data and the second data.

[0128] In one or more example methods, transmitting S116B one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the second communication scheme configuration comprises transmitting S116BB, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, the compiled data.

[0129] When the low power wireless device configured in accordance with the second communication scheme configuration and / or third communication scheme configuration is within coverage of an intermediate device, the low power wireless device may communicate data to and from the network node. In one or more example methods, one or more (e.g., all) intermediate devices within coverage, such as a signalling range, of the low power wireless device may communicate the data provided by the low power wireless device, such as the data provided in the first signal, with network node. The second communication scheme configuration and / or third communication scheme configuration may for example also be used in a discovery phase of the first communication scheme configuration, e.g., even when the wireless communication system is configured to communicate in accordance with the any of the communication scheme configurations, such as the first communication scheme configuration.

[0130] A discovery phase can for example be seen as a phase of communications of the wireless communication system where the low power wireless device and / or intermediate devices are discovered, such as detected. For example, the discovery phase may comprise detecting one or more low power wireless devices within a signalling range of one or more intermediate device and / or the network node.

[0131] When the wireless communication system communicates in accordance with the second communication scheme configuration, the discovery phase may for example already be completed. During the discovery phase, the first signal transmitted from the first intermediate device may in some examples comprise the first identification information indicative of the identity of the first low power wireless device and / or the first signal may comprise any other information indicative of a low power wireless device being within a signalling range of the first intermediate device. During the discovery phase, the first signal may for example be seen as a discovery signal. The discovery signal, such as the discovery message, transmitted by the first low power wireless device may be received by one or more intermediate devices and / or the network node, such as via one or more intermediate devices.

[0132] In one or more example methods, the signals (such as first signal, second signal, etc.) are transmitted from the low power wireless device, e.g., via one or more intermediate devices, to the network node in accordance with the first communication scheme configuration, second communication scheme configuration, and / or third communication scheme configuration, e.g., when their communication scheme configuration and / or connection to the one or more intermediate devices has been setup according to the methods disclosed herein.

[0133] In one or more example methods, the signals (such as first signal, second signal, etc.) are transmitted from network node, e.g., via the one or more intermediate devices, to the low power wireless devices in accordance with the first communication scheme configuration, second communication scheme configuration, and / or third communication scheme configuration, e.g., when their communication scheme configuration and / or connection to the one or more intermediate devices has been setup according to the methods disclosed herein.

[0134] One or more (e.g., all) intermediate devices in the range, such as within the coverage, of the low power wireless device may receive, such as collect, the data obtained in the signals transmitted by the one or more low power wireless devices. The data obtained in the signals may for example comprise the first data when obtained from the first low power wireless device and the second data when obtained from the second low power wireless device.

[0135] One or more intermediate devices may for example compile, e.g., in accordance with the second communication scheme configuration, this obtained first data and second data into messages that can be transmitted, such as forwarded, to the network node. The obtained data, such as the payload, can be compiled, e.g., at one or more intermediate devices, into higher layer user data packages, and / or segmented and fitted into the intermediate device-to-network node protocol according to legacy use protocol.

[0136] In one or more example methods, when the configuration type information is indicative of the third communication scheme configuration, transmitting S116 one or more signals comprises transmitting S116C, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration.

[0137] In one or more example methods, transmitting S116C one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration comprises determining S116CB whether the first intermediate device or a second intermediate device is to transmit, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals based on the first signal.

[0138] In some examples, determining 116CA whether the first intermediate device or a second intermediate device is to transmit one or more signals based on the first signal comprises coordinating with the second intermediate device whether the first intermediate device or a second intermediate device is to transmit, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals based on the first signal.

[0139] In some examples, determining S116CA whether the first intermediate device or a second intermediate device is to transmit one or more signals based on the first signal comprises the first intermediate device communicating via sidelink to the second intermediate device, e.g., via wireless link 15 shown in Fig. 1.

[0140] In one or more example methods, transmitting S116C one or more signals comprises, upon determining S116CA that the first intermediate device is to transmit, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, the one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration, compiling S116CB the first data of the first signal with the second data of the second signal for provision of compiled data.

[0141] In some examples, upon determining S116CA that the first intermediate device is to transmit, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, the one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration, the second intermediate device may for example refrain from compiling the first data of the first signal with the second data of the second signal. In one or more example methods, upon determining S116CA that the first intermediate device is to transmit, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, the one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration, the second intermediate device may for example refrain from transmitting the first data and / or the second data to the network node and / or the first low power wireless device. In one or more example methods, upon determining S116CA that the first intermediate device is to transmit, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, the one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration, the second intermediate device may for example discard the first data and / or the second data, e.g., obtained from the low power wireless device

[0142] In some examples, upon determining S116CA that the first intermediate device is not to transmit, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, the one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration, refraining S116CD from compiling the first data of the first signal with the second data of the second signal for provision of compiled data.

[0143] In some examples, upon determining S116CA that the first intermediate device is not to transmit, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, the one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration, refraining from transmitting, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, the first data and / or the second data. In other words, upon determining S116CA that the first intermediate device is not to transmit, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, the one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration, discarding the first data and / or the second data.

[0144] In one or more example methods, transmitting S116C one or more signals comprises, upon determining S116CA that the first intermediate device is to transmit, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, the one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration, transmitting S116CC, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, the compiled data. The third communication scheme configuration can for example be seen as second communication scheme configuration with additional coordination between the one or more intermediate devices. For example, when two or more intermediate device, such as the first intermediate device and the second intermediate device, obtain the first data they could agree upon one of them to transmit the first data to the network node on behalf of both intermediate devices.

[0145] In other words, the first intermediate device and second intermediate device may both obtain the first data. When the first intermediate device and second intermediate device are configured in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration, the first intermediate device and second intermediate device may determine, such as coordinate, that only one of the intermediate devices transmits the first signal to the network node. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the first intermediate device and the second intermediate device may determine, such as coordinate that, when both obtain a first signal and / or a second signal, that only the first intermediate device transmits the first signal, such as the compiled first signal, to the network node. For example, the second intermediate device may discard the first data obtained via the first signal.

[0146] In some examples, the first data obtained from the first low power wireless device may comprise, such as be tagged with, information indicative that both the first intermediate device and the second intermediate device received the first data and / or the second data. In some examples, determining S116CA, whether the first intermediate device or a second intermediate device is to transmit one or more signals may be performed via sidelink communication between the first intermediate device and the second intermediate device. Sidelink communication can for example be seen as direct inter-intermediate device communication. In one or more example methods, the network node may assist in determining (e.g. in S116CA), such as selecting, whether the first intermediate device or a second intermediate device is to transmit one or more signals.

[0147] In some examples, when the one or more (such as the first and / or second) intermediate devices communicate (such as operate) in accordance with the second communication scheme configuration. When the one or more intermediate devices communicate in accordance with the second communication scheme configuration, an intermediate device, such as the first intermediate device may coordinate (e.g., outside NG-RAN), such as with other intermediate device, such as with the second intermediate device. The coordination path could be intermediate device to intermediate device and / or intermediate device-network node- intermediate device. The intermediate device-intermediate device version may use sidelink communication.

[0148] In one or more example methods, the method 100. comprises, signalling S118 a maximum number of low power wireless devices served by, such as in communication with, the first intermediate device. In some examples, a low power wireless device being served by the first intermediate device can be seen as the low power wireless device being in communication with the first intermediate device, such as periodically in communication with the first intermediate device.

[0149] The maximum number of low power wireless device served by the first intermediate device may be seen as a maximum number of low power wireless devices that may be connected, such as in communication with, the first intermediate device. In one or more example methods, when the first intermediate device reaches its maximum number of low power wireless devices that it may serve, the first intermediate device may signal a flag to the network node to assign a low power wireless device to any other intermediate device in the wireless communication system.

[0150] In other words, the method 100 may comprise, when the first intermediate device reaches its maximum number of low power wireless devices that it may serve, indicating re-assignment of communications with the first low power wireless device from the first intermediate device to the second intermediate device.

[0151] In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises indicating, e.g., to the network node, identification information, such as an identifier, indicative of an identity of a low power wireless device to be allowed to communicate with the first intermediate device, such as to be allowed to receive, from the first intermediate device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the communication scheme configuration.

[0152] In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises determining S120 whether one or more signal parameters and / or a decoding parameter of the first low power wireless device meet a first criterion. The decoding parameter is for example indicative of a decoding ability of the first low power wireless device.

[0153] The low power wireless device to intermediate device association could be setup by discovery, such as registration, (see second and / or third communication scheme configuration). In some examples, the discovery could also be re-triggered from a timer or by e.g. lack of responses from the low power wireless device. When retriggered by timer the association could be repopulated and sent to one or more intermediate devices. In some examples, one or more signal parameters, e.g., shown in S120 of Fig. 2C, comprise one or more time parameters. For example, when the one or more time parameters is indicative of a pause in communications between a low power wireless device and an associated intermediate device, determining S120 whether one or more signal parameters meet the first criterion comprises determining whether one or more time parameters meet the first criterion. For example, when the time parameter does not meet the first criterion, e.g., the pause in communications is greater than what is permitted by the first criterion, the information indicative of the association one the one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate device may be updated, e.g., in accordance with S122 of Fig. 2C.

[0154] In some examples, upon first discovery the intermediate device may be configured to report every low power wireless device detected, such as every identifier of each low power wireless device detected. The network node may for example provide, e.g., upon receiving these identifiers, with a populated list of intermediate device association to a low power wireless device, e.g., based on the low power wireless device within signalling range of the intermediate device detected during discovery, e.g., during communications in accordance with the second and / or third communication scheme configuration. The network node may for example provide a list, such as a list of identifiers, of expected, allowed, and / or prohibited low power wireless devices to the intermediate device, in other words a whitelist and / or a blacklist of identifiers indicative of the identity of one or more low power wireless device.

[0155] In one or more example methods, transmitting S116 one or more signals comprises transmitting S116D, to the network node, report information comprising one or more signal parameters associated with the first signal, and / or transmitting S116E, to the network node one or more quantity parameters associated with one or more of low power wireless devices served by the first intermediate device.

[0156] Transmitting S116 the report information can for example be seen as reporting, to the network node, the report information. In some examples, the intermediate device may determine the report information, e.g., based on one or more communications with a low power wireless device.

[0157] The one or more signal parameters may for example comprise a signal strength parameter indicative of the signal strength of the first signal, second signal, third signal etc., obtained from the one or more of the low power wireless devices. The signal strength parameter may for example comprise information indicative of the signal strength of one or more signals obtained, such as received, from one or more low power wireless devices, where the information indicative of the signal strength is tagged with, such as corresponds with, a given low power wireless device, such identification information of a low power wireless device. For example, the signal strength parameter may be indicative of a signal strength of a backscatter signal, such as a first signal, obtained from a low power wireless device.

[0158] The one or more signal parameters may for example comprise an interference parameter indicative of an interference ratio at the intermediate device. For example, the interference parameter comprises information indicative of an interference ratio for a signal obtained, such as received, from a low power wireless device, such as the first signal. For example, the interference parameter may comprise a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In other words, the interference parameter may be indicative of a ratio of signal power to noise power.

[0159] The one or more quantity parameters may for example be indicative of one or more quantities associated with the one or more low power wireless devices and / or the one or more intermediate device. For example, the one or more quantity parameters may comprise information indicative of one or more of: a number of low power wireless devices within a signalling range of the first intermediate device, a list of identification information, such as a list of identifiers, corresponding with the low power wireless device that are within a signalling range of the first intermediate device, and a number of low power wireless devices connected to the first intermediate device, such as in a connected mode with the first intermediate device.

[0160] In one or more example methods, the method comprises upon determining that one or more signal parameters and / or the decoding parameter meet the first criterion, updating S122 the information indicative of the association of one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate device.

[0161] In some examples, updating S122 the information indicative of the association of one or more low power wireless device to the first intermediate device may comprise aborting a connection with the low power wireless device and / or changing, such as transferring, a connection with low power wireless device to a different intermediate device, such as to the second intermediate device.

[0162] In some examples, updating S122 the information indicative of the association of one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate device comprises removing an association, and / or adding a new association. In one or more example methods, the method comprises upon determining that one or more signal parameters and / or the decoding parameter do not meet the first criterion, refraining S121 from updating the information indicative of the association of one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate device.

[0163] Any of the communication scheme configurations may for example use first criterion for reporting low power wireless device data. The first criterion is for example based on a first threshold. The second threshold may for example be based on a signal parameter (such as signal strength and / or a decoding parameter, such as Bit Error Rate, BER, and / or cyclic redundancy check, CRC). In some examples, the signal parameter may comprise a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request, HARQ, an Acknowledgement, ACK, and / or a Negative Acknowledgement, NACK.

[0164] In some examples, whether the one or more signal parameters and / or the decoding parameter satisfy the first criterion depends on whether a value of one or more signal parameters and / or the decoding parameter is greater than or less than the second threshold. For example, when the value of one or more signal parameters and / or the decoding parameter is greater than the second threshold, the first criterion can be seen as being satisfied by the one or more signal parameters and / or the decoding parameter. For example, when the value of one or more signal parameters and / or the decoding parameter is less than the second threshold, the first criterion can be seen as not being satisfied by the one or more signal parameters and / or the decoding parameter.

[0165] When the low power wireless device to intermediate device association does not meet the second threshold, the intermediate device to network node data connection may for example be aborted. In the first communication scheme configuration, other possible intermediate devices, such as intermediate devices within a signalling range of one or more low power wireless devices may be triggered to be evaluated (e.g., as in S120 and S122) and requested to communicate with the low power wireless device.

[0166] In one or more example methods, the network node may track reported properties and parameters and assist by assigning low power wireless devices to intermediate devices based on a set of parameters, such as signal parameters, quantity parameters, decoding parameters, etc., and properties. In some examples, the network node may track reported properties and parameters and assist by redirecting low power wireless devices to other intermediate devices based on one or more parameters of the set of parameters, and properties.

[0167] In one or more example methods, the network node may request a re-evaluation of the association based on a e.g. a timer, such as in S120, S122 of Fig. 2C. However, there may be re-evaluation of associations between low power wireless devices and intermediate devices for other readers than the associated intermediate device, e.g., due to discovery of further low power wireless devices within signalling range of one or more intermediate devices.

[0168] In some examples, when the third communication scheme configuration can be seen as the communication scheme configuration to be used by the wireless communication system once configuration, e.g., comprising discovery and associations are completed.

[0169] In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises determining S124, based on the first data, the communication scheme configuration for communications between the first low power wireless device, the first intermediate device, and / or the network node.

[0170] In one or more example methods, determining S124 the communication scheme configuration comprises selecting, based on the first data, such as based on a data type, the communication scheme configuration for communications between the first low power wireless device, the first intermediate device, and / or the network node. For example, a given data type may correspond with a given communication scheme configuration.

[0171] The communication scheme configuration may for example be seen as selectable by the first intermediate device. In one or more example methods, the first intermediate device may for example be configured to select, based on a data type of the first data, the communication scheme configuration for communications. For example, the low power wireless device may be configured to transmit first data, e.g., of a first data type, for which the first communication scheme configuration may enable improved communications. For example, the low power wireless device may be configured to transmit first data, e.g., of a second data type, for which the second and / or third communication scheme configurations may enable improved communications. For example, the first data having the first data type may be tagged with the first communication scheme configuration and the first data having the second data type may be tagged with the second and / or third communication scheme configuration. In some examples, the intermediate device may be configured to select the communication scheme configuration based on the first data, such as based on the first data type and / or second data type.

[0172] In some examples, the wireless communication system may comprise intermediate devices, low power wireless devices, and / or network nodes communicating in accordance with two or more communication scheme configurations, e.g., at the same time. For example, first and second intermediate devices and first and second low power wireless devices may be in communication with a first network node and / or a second network node while third and fourth intermediate devices and third and fourth low power wireless devices are in communication with the first network node and / or the second network node.

[0173] In one or more example methods, the low power wireless device is a battery-less wireless device and / or a backscatter device.

[0174] It may be appreciated that any of the definitions and terms used in the description of Figs. 2A- 2B may also apply to the description of Fig. 1 , Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Figs. 8A-8C, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 , Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, and vice versa. For example, any definitions and terms associated with the method performed by the first intermediate device disclosed herein may also apply and / or be used to the definitions and terms relating to the method performed by the network node and to the network node itself as disclosed herein and vice versa.

[0175] For example, any definitions and terms associated with the method performed by the first intermediate device disclosed herein may also apply and / or be used to the definitions and terms relating to the method performed by the first low power wireless device and to the first low power wireless device itself as disclosed herein and vice versa.

[0176] For example, any definitions and terms associated with the method performed by the network node disclosed herein may also apply and / or be used to the definitions and terms relating to the method performed by the first low power wireless device and to the first low power wireless device itself as disclosed herein and vice versa.

[0177] Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram of an example method 200, performed by a network node according to the disclosure. The network node is the network node disclosed herein, such as network node 400 of Fig. 1 , Fig. 6, and Figs. 8A-14.

[0178] The method 200 may be for example be seen as a method, performed by a network node, for handling connection of two or more intermediate devices and one or more low power wireless devices, e.g. backscatter devices, to a wireless communication system, such as a cellular system. In other words, the method 200 may be seen as a method for configuring a communication scheme configuration for one or more low power wireless devices with a network node via one or more intermediate devices.

[0179] In one or more example methods, the method comprises communicating S201 , with the first intermediate device, information indicative of an association of one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate device. In one or more example methods, communicating S201 , information indicative of an association comprises obtaining, from the first intermediate device, information indicative of an association of one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate device. In one or more example methods, communicating S201 , information indicative of an association comprises providing, to the first intermediate device, information indicative of an association of one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate device.

[0180] The method 200 comprises obtaining S202 association information indicative of an association between one or more low power wireless devices and a communication scheme configuration.

[0181] In one or more example methods, the method 200 comprises communicating S204, with the first intermediate device, a first information indicative of a first association between first low power wireless device and the communication scheme configuration.

[0182] The method 200 comprises communicating S206, with a first intermediate device, a first confirmation message indicative of a first confirmation of a first association between a first low power wireless device of the one or more low power wireless devices and the communication scheme configuration. In one or more example methods, communicating S206 the first confirmation message comprises obtaining S206A the first confirmation message from the first intermediate device. In one or more example methods, communicating S206 the first confirmation message comprises providing S206B the first confirmation message to the first intermediate device.

[0183] The method 200 comprises communicating S208, with the first intermediate device, one or more signals based on a first signal from the first low power wireless device and in accordance with the communication scheme configuration.

[0184] In one or more example methods, communicating S208, with the intermediate device, one or more signals comprises obtaining (e.g. receiving), from the intermediate device, one or more signals based on a first signal from the first low power wireless device and in accordance with the communication scheme configuration.

[0185] In one or more example methods, communicating S208, with the intermediate device, one or more signals comprises providing (e.g. transmitting), to the intermediate device, a first signal in accordance with the communication scheme configuration.

[0186] In one or more example methods, communicating S208, with the intermediate device, one or more signals comprises providing, to the first low power wireless device via the first intermediate device, a first signal in accordance with the communication scheme configuration. In some examples, the method 200 comprises providing, to the intermediate device, configuration type information indicative of a communication scheme configuration associated with a first low power wireless device. In one or more example methods, the configuration type information comprises information indicative of one or more of: a first communication scheme configuration, a second communication scheme configuration, and a third communication scheme configuration.

[0187] In one or more example methods, the method 200 comprises obtaining configuration type information indicative of a communication scheme configuration associated with a first low power wireless device. For example, the network node may be configured to obtain information, such as configuration type information, from an application layer associated with the network node, such as deployed via the network node. For example, the application layer associated with the network node may be deployed via a wireless interface of the network node, such as the wireless interface 403 shown in Fig. 6. In some examples, the network node may obtain, from an application layer not deployed via the wireless interface of the network node, configuration type information.

[0188] In one or more example methods, such as for the downlink scenarios shown in Figs. 12-14, the network node may provide (e.g., transmit), to the first intermediate device and / or the second intermediate device, a first signal.

[0189] In one or more example methods, communicating S208 one or more signals comprises, in accordance with communicating S201 information indicative of an association of one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate device, receiving S208A, from the first intermediate device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the first communication scheme configuration. In one or more example methods, receiving S208A one or more signals comprises receiving S208AB, from the first intermediate device or the first low power wireless device via the first intermediate device, the first data.

[0190] In one or more example methods, when the configuration type information is indicative of the second communication scheme configuration, communicating S208 one or more signals comprises receiving S208B, from the first intermediate device or the first low power wireless device via the first intermediate device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the second communication scheme configuration. In one or more example methods, receiving S208B one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the second communication scheme configuration comprises receiving S208BA, from the first intermediate device or the first low power wireless device via the first intermediate device, the compiled data. In one or more example methods, when the configuration type information is indicative of the third communication scheme configuration, communicating S208 one or more signals comprises receiving S208C, from the first intermediate device or the first low power wireless device via the first intermediate device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration. In one or more example methods, receiving S208C, from the intermediate device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration comprises receiving S208CA the compiled data. In one or more example methods, communicating S208 one or more signals comprises receiving S208D, from the first intermediate device, report information comprising one or more signal parameters associated with the first signal, and / or receiving S208E, from the first intermediate device one or more quantity parameters associated with one or more of low power wireless devices served by the first intermediate device.

[0191] Fig. 4 shows a flow diagram of an example method 700, performed by a first low power wireless device according to the disclosure. The first low power wireless device is the first low power wireless device disclosed herein, such as the first low power wireless device 500 of Fig. 1 , Fig. 7, and Figs. 8A-14.

[0192] The method 700 comprises providing S702, to a first intermediate device, configuration type information indicative of a communication scheme configuration associated with the first low power wireless device. In one or more example methods, providing S702 the configuration type information indicative of the communication scheme configuration comprises providing S702A, to the first intermediate device, the configuration type information indicative of the communication scheme configuration associated with the first low power wireless device.

[0193] The method 700 comprises providing S704, to the first intermediate device, a first signal according to the communication scheme configuration. In one or more example methods, the configuration type information comprises information indicative of one or more of: a first communication scheme configuration, a second communication scheme configuration, and a third communication scheme configuration.

[0194] In one or more example methods, the method comprises receiving S706, from the first intermediate device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the communication scheme configuration. In one or more example methods, receiving S706, from the first intermediate device, one or more signals comprises receiving S706A, from the first intermediate device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the first communication scheme configuration. In one or more example methods, receiving S706A one or more signals comprises receiving S706AB, from the first intermediate device, the first data. In one or more example methods, when the configuration type information is indicative of the second communication scheme configuration, receiving S706 one or more signals comprises receiving S706B, from the first intermediate device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the second communication scheme configuration. In one or more example methods, receiving S706B one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the second communication scheme configuration comprises receiving S706BA, from the first intermediate device, compiled data. In one or more example methods, when the configuration type information is indicative of the third communication scheme configuration, receiving S706 one or more signals comprises receiving S706C, from the first intermediate device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration. In one or more example methods, receiving S706C one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration comprises receiving S706CA, from the first intermediate device, compiled data.

[0195] Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of an example first intermediate device 300 according to the disclosure. The first intermediate device 300 comprises memory circuitry 301 , processor circuitry 302, and a wireless interface 303. The first intermediate device 300 may be configured to perform any of the methods disclosed in Figs. 2A-2C. In other words, the first intermediate device 300 may be configured for handling connection of two or more intermediate devices and one or more low power wireless devices, e.g. backscatter devices, to a wireless communication system, such as a cellular system. The first intermediate device 300 is configured to communicate, using a wireless communication system, with a first low power wireless device, such as the low power wireless device 500 disclosed herein, and a network node, such as the network node 400 disclosed herein.

[0196] The first intermediate device 300 is configured to obtain (such as via the memory circuitry 301 , the processor circuitry 302, and / or the wireless interface 303) a configuration type information indicative of a communication scheme configuration associated with a first low power wireless device.

[0197] The first intermediate device 300 is configured to obtain (such as via the processor circuitry 302 and / or the wireless interface 303), from the first low power wireless device or a network node, a first signal.

[0198] The first intermediate device 300 is configured to transmit (such as via the processor circuitry 302 and / or the wireless interface 303), to the network node or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the communication scheme configuration.

[0199] The wireless interface 303 is configured for wireless communications via a wireless communication system, such as a 3GPP system, such as a 3GPP system supporting one or more of: New Radio, NR, Long Term Evolution, LTE, Narrow-band loT, NB-loT, ambient loT, and Long Term Evolution - enhanced Machine Type Communication, LTE-M, and 3GPP system operated in licensed bands or unlicensed bands.

[0200] The first intermediate device 300 is optionally configured to perform any of the operations disclosed in Fig. 2 (such as any one or more of S101 , S102, S104, S104A, S106, S108, S110, S110A, S110B, S112, S114, S116, S116A, S1106AA, S116AA_1 , S116AA_2, S116AB, S116AC, S116B, S116BA, S116BB, S116C, S116CA, S116CB, S116CC, S116CD, S116D, S116E, S118, S120, S121 , S122, S124). The operations of the first intermediate device 300 may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (for example, lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium (for example, memory circuitry 301 ) and are executed by processor circuitry 302).

[0201] Furthermore, the operations of the first intermediate device 300 may be considered a method that the first intermediate device 300 is configured to carry out. Also, while the described functions and operations may be implemented in software, such functionality may also be carried out via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware and / or software.

[0202] Memory circuitry 301 may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable device. In a typical arrangement, memory circuitry 301 may include a nonvolatile memory for long term data storage and a volatile memory that functions as system memory for processor circuitry 302. Memory circuitry 301 may exchange data with processor circuitry 302 over a data bus. Control lines and an address bus between memory circuitry 301 and processor circuitry 302 also may be present (not shown in Fig. 5). Memory circuitry 301 is considered a non-transitory computer readable medium.

[0203] Memory circuitry 301 may be configured to store configuration type information, first information, first confirmation message, first data, second data, first identification information, second identification information, information indicative of an association, a first criterion, compiled data, report information, one or more decoding parameters, and / or a second / third criterion in a part of the memory. Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of an example network node 400 according to the disclosure. The network node 400 comprises memory circuitry 401 , processor circuitry 402, and a wireless interface 403. The network node 400 may be configured to perform any of the methods disclosed in Fig. 3. In other words, the network node 400 may be configured for handling connection of two or more intermediate devices and one or more low power wireless devices, e.g. backscatter devices, to a wireless communication system, such as a cellular system.

[0204] The network node 400 is configured to communicate, using a wireless communication system, with a first low power wireless device, such as the low power wireless device 500 disclosed herein, and a first intermediate device, such as the first intermediate device 300 disclosed herein.

[0205] The wireless interface 403 is configured for wireless communications via a wireless communication system, such as a 3GPP system, such as a 3GPP system supporting one or more of: New Radio, NR, Long Term Evolution, LTE, Narrow-band loT, NB-loT, ambient loT, and Long Term Evolution - enhanced Machine Type Communication, LTE-M, and 3GPP system operated in licensed bands or unlicensed bands.

[0206] The network node 400 is configured to obtain (such as via the processor circuitry 402 and / or the wireless interface 403) association information indicative of an association between one or more low power wireless devices and a communication scheme configuration.

[0207] The network node 400 is configured to communicate (such as via the processor circuitry 402 and / or the wireless interface 403), with an intermediate device, a first confirmation message indicative of a first confirmation of a first association between a first low power wireless device of the one or more low power wireless devices and the communication scheme configuration; and

[0208] The network node 400 is configured to obtain (such as via the processor circuitry 402 and / or the wireless interface 403), from the intermediate node, one or more signals based on a first signal from the first low power wireless device and in accordance with the communication scheme configuration.

[0209] Processor circuitry 402 is optionally configured to perform any of the operations disclosed in Fig. 3 (such as any one or more of S201 , S202, S204, S206, S206A, S206B, S208, S208A, S208AB, S208B, S208BA, S208C, S208CA, S208D, S208E). The operations of the network node 400 may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (for example, lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium (for example, memory circuitry 401) and are executed by processor circuitry 402).

[0210] Furthermore, the operations of the network node 400 may be considered a method that the network node 400 is configured to carry out. Also, while the described functions and operations may be implemented in software, such functionality may also be carried out via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware and / or software.

[0211] Memory circuitry 401 may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable device. In a typical arrangement, memory circuitry 401 may include a nonvolatile memory for long term data storage and a volatile memory that functions as system memory for processor circuitry 402. Memory circuitry 401 may exchange data with processor circuitry 402 over a data bus. Control lines and an address bus between memory circuitry 401 and processor circuitry 402 also may be present (not shown in Fig. 6). Memory circuitry 401 is considered a non-transitory computer readable medium.

[0212] Memory circuitry 401 may be configured to store configuration type information, first information, first confirmation message, first data, second data, first identification information, second identification information, information indicative of an association, a first criterion, compiled data, report information, one or more decoding parameters, and / or a second / third criterion in a part of the memory.

[0213] Fig. 7 shows a block diagram of an example first low power wireless device 500 according to the disclosure. The first low power wireless device 500 comprises memory circuitry 501 , processor circuitry 502, and a wireless interface 503. The first low power wireless device 500 may be configured to perform any of the methods disclosed in Fig. 34 The first low power wireless device 500 is configured to communicate, using a wireless communication system, with a network node, such as the network node 400 disclosed herein, and a first intermediate device, such as the first intermediate device 300 disclosed herein.

[0214] The first low power wireless device 500 is configured to provide (e.g., via the processor circuitry 502 and / or the wireless interface 503), to a first intermediate device, configuration type information indicative of a communication scheme configuration associated with the first low power wireless device.

[0215] The first low power wireless device 500 is configured to provide (e.g., via the processor circuitry 502 and / or the wireless interface 503), to the first intermediate device, a first signal according to the communication scheme configuration. The wireless interface 503 is configured for wireless communications via a wireless communication system, such as a 3GPP system, such as a 3GPP system supporting one or more of: New Radio, NR, Long Term Evolution, LTE, Narrow-band loT, NB-loT, ambient loT, and Long Term Evolution - enhanced Machine Type Communication, LTE-M, and 3GPP system operated in licensed bands or unlicensed bands.

[0216] The first low power wireless device 500 is optionally configured to perform any of the operations disclosed in Fig. 4 (such as any one or more of S702, S702A, S704, S704A, S706, S706A, S706AB, S706B, S706BA, S706C, S706CA). The operations of the first low power wireless device 500 may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (for example, lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium (for example, memory circuitry 501 ) and are executed by processor circuitry 502).

[0217] Furthermore, the operations of the first low power wireless device 500 may be considered a method that the first low power wireless device 500 is configured to carry out. Also, while the described functions and operations may be implemented in software, such functionality may also be carried out via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware and / or software.

[0218] Memory circuitry 501 may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable device. In a typical arrangement, memory circuitry 501 may include a nonvolatile memory for long term data storage and a volatile memory that functions as system memory for processor circuitry 502. Memory circuitry 501 may exchange data with processor circuitry 502 over a data bus. Control lines and an address bus between memory circuitry 501 and processor circuitry 502 also may be present (not shown in Fig. 7). Memory circuitry 501 is considered a non-transitory computer readable medium.

[0219] Memory circuitry 501 may be configured to store configuration type information, first information, first confirmation message, first data, second data, first identification information, second identification information, information indicative of an association, a first criterion, compiled data, report information, one or more decoding parameters, and / or a second / third criterion in a part of the memory.

[0220] Figs. 8A-8C and Figs. 9-14 show signalling diagrams according to this disclosure. The network node 400 shown in Figs. 8A-8C and Figs. 9-14 is for example the network node disclosed herein, such as network node 400 of Fig. 1 , and Fig. 6. The first intermediate wireless device 300 shown in Figs. 8A-8C and Figs. 9-14 is for example the first intermediate device 300 disclosed herein, such as the first intermediate device 300 shown in Fig. 1 , and Fig. 5. The first low power wireless device 500 shown in Figs. 8A-8C and Figs. 9-14 is for example the first low power wireless device 500 disclosed herein, such as the first low power wireless device 500 in Fig. 1 , and Fig. 7. The second intermediate device 300A shown in Figs. 9-14 is for example the intermediate device 300A disclosed herein, such as second intermediate device 300A in Fig. 1. The second low power wireless device 500A shown in Figs. 9-14 is for example the second low power wireless device 500A disclosed herein, such as the second low power wireless device 500A in Fig. 1.

[0221] Fig. 8A shows a signalling diagram of example communication 80 between a network node 400, a first intermediate wireless device 300, and a first low power wireless device 500Fig. 8A can for example be seen as showing the communication scheme configuration, such as the configuration, being provided, such as triggered, by a low power wireless device, e.g., that is associated with a given communication scheme configuration.

[0222] In one or more examples, the first intermediate device 300 obtains (such as receives) the configuration type information, such as a user profile, 802A from the first low power wireless device 500. In other words, the first low power wireless device 500 transmits configuration type information 802A, such as a user profile, e.g., indicative of a first communication scheme configuration, second communication scheme configuration, and / or third communication scheme configuration, to the first intermediate device 300. In some examples, the user profile can for example be seen as a communication profile indicative of a communication scheme configuration, e.g., indicative of a configuration of devices for communications in the wireless communication scheme in accordance with a communication scheme configuration. For example, the first low power wireless device may be seen as the user in the wireless communication system. In some examples, the communication scheme configuration, such as the user profile, can be seen as a low power wireless device profile, e.g., indicative of a configuration of communications performed by the low power wireless device, such as the first low power wireless device 500. The configuration type information 802A for example corresponds with the configuration type information in S102 of Fig. 2A, and in S702 of Fig. 4.

[0223] In one or more examples, upon receiving the configuration type information, the first intermediate device 300 transmits a first information 804A to the network node 400. In other words, the network node 400 receives from the first intermediate device 300, the first information 804A. The first information 804A for example corresponds with the first information in S108 of Fig. 2A.

[0224] In one or more examples, in response to the receiving the first information, the network node 400 transmits a first confirmation message 806A to the first intermediate device 300. In other words, the first intermediate device 300 receives from the network node 400, a first confirmation message 806A. The first confirmation message 806A for example corresponds with the first confirmation message of S110 of Fig. 2A.

[0225] Fig. 8B shows a signalling diagram of example communication 82 between a network node 400, a first intermediate wireless device 300, a first low power wireless device 500, and application layer 600. The application layer 600 shown in Fig. 8B is for example the application layer 600, e.g., shown in Fig. 1. Figure. 8B, can for example be seen as showing the communication scheme configuration, such as the configuration, being set by the network node, e.g., by an application layer connecting to the network node, e.g. via Network Exposure Functions (NEF), and / or from with network node itself.

[0226] The first intermediate device may also comprise an application layer communicating directly with an application function, such as an application function associated with the application layer 600, e.g., shown in Fig. 1 , and Figs. 8B. For example, the application layer 600 may be seen as configured to communicate with the network node 400.

[0227] In one or more examples, the application layer 600 may transmit configuration type information 802B to the network node 400. In other words, the network node 400 may obtain the configuration type information 802B from the application layer 600. Transmitting the configuration type information 802B may for example be seen as the application layer 600 setting the user profile.

[0228] In one or more examples, the network node 400 transmits, such as forwards from the application layer 600, configuration type information 804B to the first intermediate device 300. In other words, the first intermediate device 300 receives from the network node 400 configuration type information 804B. In some examples, the network node may transmit the configuration type information 804B without having obtained the configuration type information from the application layer 600. In other words, in the example communications 82 shown in Fig. 8B, the application layer 600 and associated transmission of configuration type information 802B may be optional. In some examples, the application layer 600 may be deployed via the network node 400 and / or the intermediate device 300

[0229] In one or more examples, the first intermediate device 300 transmits a first confirmation message 806B to the network node 400. In other words, the network node 400 receives a first confirmation message 806B from the first intermediate device 300. The first confirmation message 806B for example corresponds with the first confirmation message of S110 of Fig. 2A.

[0230] Fig. 8C shows a signalling diagram of example communication 84 between a network node 400, a first intermediate wireless device 300, a first low power wireless device 500, and an application layer 601 . The application layer 601 shown in Fig. 8C is for example an application layer configured for communication directly with the first intermediate node 300. In some examples, the application layer 600, 601 may be seen as an Application Programming Interface, API, of a Core Network Node of the wireless communication system. In some examples, the intermediate node 300 may be associated with an application layer different from that of the application layer 600 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 8B.

[0231] Fig. 8C can for example be seen as showing an application layer 601 connection to the first intermediate device or the first intermediate device 300 itself as setting up the communication scheme configuration profile.

[0232] In one or more examples, the application layer 601 may transmit a request 802C, to the first intermediate device 300, for the first intermediate device to provide association information. In other words, the first intermediate device 300 may obtain the request 802C, from the application layer 601 , for the first intermediate device 300 to provide association information. The request 802C may for example be seen as request for the intermediate device 300 to set the communication scheme configuration, such as to configure the communication scheme of the first low power wireless device 500. The request 802C for example corresponds with the request of S104 of Fig. 2A.

[0233] In some examples, the first intermediate node 300 may obtain the request 802C without having obtained the request 802C from the application layer 601. In other words, in the example communications 84 shown in Fig. 8C, the application layer 601 and associated transmission of the request 802C may be optional.

[0234] In some examples, the application layer 601 may be deployed via the network node 400 and / or the intermediate device 300. For example, the first intermediate device 300 may obtain the request from the application layer 601 when the application layer is deployed via the network node 400 and / or the intermediate device 300.

[0235] In one or more examples, the first intermediate device 300 transmits first information 804C to the network node 400. In other words, the network node 400 receives first information 804C from the first intermediate device 300. The first information 804C for example corresponds with the association information in S106 of Fig. 2A. Transmitting the first information 804C may for example be seen as the application layer setting the user profile.

[0236] In one or more examples, the network node 400 transmits a first confirmation message 806C to the first intermediate device 300. In other words, the first intermediate device 300 receives from the network node 400 a first confirmation message 806C. The first confirmation message 806C for example corresponds with the first confirmation message of S110 of Fig. 2A.

[0237] Fig. 9 shows a signalling diagram of example communications 90 between a network node 400, a first intermediate wireless device 300, a second intermediate wireless device 300A, a first low power wireless device 500, and a second low power wireless device 500A. The example communications 90 are for example performed in accordance with the second communication scheme configuration. The example communications 90 shown in Fig. 9 can for example be seen as communications, e.g., enabled by the second configuration scheme, for compiling of the received data, such as first data and / or second data.

[0238] In one or more examples, the first low power wireless device 500 provides, such as transmits, a first signal 902 to the first intermediate device 300. In other words, the first intermediate device 300 receives the first signal 902 from the first low power wireless device 500. The first signal 902 for example corresponds with the first signal of S112 of Fig. 2A, S208 of Fig. 3, and S704 of Fig. 4.

[0239] In one or more examples, the first low power wireless device 500 provides, such as transmits, a first signal 904 to a second intermediate device 300A. In other words, the second intermediate device 300A receives the first signal 904 from the first low power wireless device 500. The first signal 902 for example corresponds with the first signal of S112 of Fig. 2A, S208 of Fig. 3, and S704 of Fig. 4. The first signal 902 and 904 for example comprise the first data. The first signal 902 and 904 may for example be transmitted simultaneously, such as approximately simultaneously, by the first low power wireless device 500.

[0240] In one or more examples, the second low power wireless device 500A provides, such as transmits, a second signal 906 to the first intermediate device 300. In other words, the first intermediate device 300 receives the second signal 906 from the second low power wireless device 500A.

[0241] In one or more examples, the second low power wireless device 500A provides, such as transmits, a second signal 908 to the second intermediate device 300A. In other words, the second intermediate device 300A receives, from the second low power wireless device 500A, the second signal 908. The second signals 906 and 908 for example comprise the second data. The second signal 906 and 908 may for example be transmitted simultaneously, such as approximately simultaneously, by the second low power wireless device 500A.

[0242] In one or more examples, the first intermediate device 300 compiles 910 the first data and the second data. For example, the compiling 910 corresponds with the compiling S116BA of Fig. 2B. In one or more examples, the first intermediate device 300 provides, such as transmits and / or forwards, the compiled data 912, such as the compiled first and second data, to the network node 400. In other words, the network node 400 receives, from the first intermediate device 300, the compiled data 912.

[0243] In one or more examples, the second intermediate device 300A compiles 914 the first data and the second data.

[0244] In one or more examples, the second intermediate device 300 provides, such as transmits and / or forwards, the compiled data 916, such as the compiled first and second data, to the network node 400. In other words, the network node 400 receives, from the second intermediate device 300, the compiled data 916.

[0245] Fig. 10 shows a signalling diagram of example communications 92 between a network node 400, a first intermediate wireless device 300, a second intermediate wireless device 300A, a first low power wireless device 500, and a second low power wireless device 500A. The example communications 92 are for example performed in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration.

[0246] The example communications 92 shown in Fig. 10 can for example be seen as communications, e.g., enabled by the third configuration scheme, for coordinating the communication of the signals.

[0247] In one or more examples, the first low power wireless device 500 provides, such as transmits, a first signal 1002 to the first intermediate device 300. In other words, the first intermediate device 300 receives the first signal 1002 from the first low power wireless device 500.

[0248] In one or more examples, the first low power wireless device 500 provides, such as transmits, a first signal 1004 to a second intermediate device 300A. In other words, the second intermediate device 300A receives the first signal 1004 from the first low power wireless device 500.

[0249] In one or more examples, the second low power wireless device 500A provides, such as transmits, a second signal 1006 to the first intermediate device 300. In other words, the first intermediate device 300 receives the second signal 1006 from the second low power wireless device 500A.

[0250] In one or more examples, the second low power wireless device 500A provides, such as transmits, a second signal 1008 to the second intermediate device 300A. In other words, the second intermediate device 300A receives from the second low power wireless device 500A, the second signal 1008. In one or more examples, the second intermediate device 300A and the first intermediate device 300 communicate 1010, such as coordinate, to determine whether the first intermediate device 300 or the second intermediate device 300A is to transmit one or more signals based on the first signal 1002, 1004 and / or the second signal 1006, 1008.

[0251] In one or more examples, the first intermediate device 300 may compile 1012 the first data and the second data, e.g., based on the communications 1010 (such as the coordination between the first intermediate device 300 and the second intermediate device 300A). Compiling 1012 the first and second data for example corresponds with the compiling of S116CB of Fig. 2B. In one or more examples, the second intermediate device may discard data 1014, e.g., based on the communications 1010 (such as the coordination between the first intermediate device 300 and the second intermediate device 300A).

[0252] In one or more examples, the first intermediate device 300 may transmit the compiled data 1016 to the network node 400. In other words, the network node 400 may receive the compiled data 1016 from the first intermediate device 300.

[0253] Fig. 11 shows a signalling diagram of example communications 94 between a network node 400, a first intermediate wireless device 300, a second intermediate wireless device 300A, a first low power wireless device 500, and a second low power wireless device 500A. The example communications 94 are for example performed in accordance with the first communication scheme configuration.

[0254] The example communications 94 shown in Fig. 11 can for example be seen as communications, e.g., enabled by the first configuration scheme, for selecting which low power wireless device is to be a recipient and / or a sender of the signals.

[0255] In one or more examples, the network node 400 provides, such as transmits, to the first intermediate device 300, information 1102 indicative of an association. In other words, the first intermediate device 300 receives information 1102 indicative of an association from the network node 400. The information 1102 indicative of an association for example corresponds with the information indicative of an association of S101 of Fig. 2A.

[0256] In one or more examples, the network node 400 provides, such as transmits, to the second intermediate device 300A, information 1104 indicative of an association. In other words, the second intermediate device 300A receives information 1104 indicative of an association from the network node 400. The information 1104 indicative of an association for example corresponds with the information indicative of an association of S101 of Fig. 2A. In one or more examples the first low power wireless device 500 provides, such as transmits a first signal 1106 to the first intermediate device 300. In other words, the first intermediate device 300 receives a first signal 1106 from the first low power wireless device 500.

[0257] In one or more examples, the first low power wireless device 500 provides, such as transmits, a first signal 1108 to the second intermediate device 300A. In other words, the second intermediate device 300A receives a first signal 1108 from the first low power wireless device.

[0258] In one or more examples, the second low power wireless device 500A provides, such as transmits, a second signal 1110 to the first intermediate device 300. In other words, the first intermediate device 300 receives, from the second low power wireless device 500A, a second signal 1110.

[0259] In one or more examples, the second low power wireless device 500A provides, such as transmits, a second signal 1112 to the second intermediate device 300A. In other words, the second intermediate device 300A receives a second signal 1112 from the second low power wireless device.

[0260] In one or more examples, the first intermediate device 300 determines 1114 whether to transmit the first data received from the first low power wireless device and / or the second data received from the second low power wireless device. In some examples, the determination 1114 corresponds with the determination of S116AA of Fig. 2B.

[0261] In one or more examples, the first intermediate device 300 provides, such as transmits (e.g., forwards), the first data 1116 to the network node 400. In other words, the network node 400 receives forwarded first data 1116 from the first intermediate device 300.

[0262] In one or more examples, the first intermediate device determines 1118 whether to transmit the second data received from the first low power wireless device and / or the second data received from the second low power wireless device.

[0263] In one or more examples, the second intermediate device 300A provides, such as transmits (e.g., forwards), to the network node 400 the second data 1120. In other words, the network node 400 receives second data 1120 from the second intermediate device 300A.

[0264] Fig. 12 shows a signalling diagram of example communications 96 between a network node 400, a first intermediate wireless device 300, a second intermediate wireless device 300A, a first low power wireless device 500, and a second low power wireless device 500A. The example communications 96 are for example performed in accordance with the first communication scheme configuration. Fig. 12 shows communications 96 for a downlink scenario of the first communication scheme configuration as shown in Fig. 11.

[0265] In one or more examples, the network node 400 provides, such as transmits, to the first intermediate device 300, information 1202 indicative of an association. In other words, the first intermediate device 300 receives information 1202 indicative of an association from the network node 400. The information 1202 indicative of an association for example corresponds with the information indicative of an association of S101 of Fig. 2A.

[0266] In one or more examples, the network node 400 provides, such as transmits, to the second intermediate device 300A, information 1204 indicative of an association. In other words, the second intermediate device 300A receives information 1104 indicative of an association from the network node 400. The information 1204 indicative of an association for example corresponds with the information indicative of an association of S101 of Fig. 2A.

[0267] In one or more examples the network node 400 provides, such as transmits a first signal 1206 to the first intermediate device 300. In other words, the first intermediate device 300 receives a first signal 1206 from the network node 400.

[0268] In one or more examples the network node 400 provides, such as transmits a second signal 1208 to the second intermediate device 300A. In other words, the second intermediate device 300A receives a second signal 1208 from the network node 400.

[0269] In one or more examples, the first intermediate device 300 provides, such as transmits (e.g., forwards), the second data 1210 to the second low power wireless device 500A. In other words, the second low power wireless device 500A receives forwarded second data 1210 from the first intermediate device 300.

[0270] In one or more examples, the second intermediate device 300A provides, such as transmits (e.g., forwards), the first data 1212 to the first low power wireless device 500. In other words, the first low power wireless device 500 receives forwarded first data 1212 from the second intermediate device 300A.

[0271] Fig. 13 shows a signalling diagram of example communications 97 between a network node 400, a first intermediate wireless device 300, a second intermediate wireless device 300A, a first low power wireless device 500, and a second low power wireless device 500A. The example communications 96 are for example performed in accordance with the second communication scheme configuration. Fig. 12 shows communications 97 for a downlink scenario of the second communication scheme configuration as shown in Fig. 9. In one or more examples, the network node 400 may determine 1302, such as select, which intermediate device to transmit the first signal 1304 and / or first data 1306. In some examples, the network node 400 may determine 1302, such as select, e.g., based information obtained during the discovery phase, which intermediate device to transmit the first signal to. The first signal 1302 is for example transmitted from the network node 400 to the second intermediate device, and the first data 1306 is for example transmitted, such as forwarded, from the second intermediate device to the first low power wireless device, such as the low power wireless device selected in the determination 1302.

[0272] Fig. 14 shows a signalling diagram of example communications 98 between a network node 400, a first intermediate wireless device 300, a second intermediate wireless device 300A, a first low power wireless device 500, and a second low power wireless device 500A. The example communications 98 are for example performed in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration. Fig. 12 shows communications 96 for a downlink scenario of the first communication scheme configuration as shown in Fig. 10.

[0273] In one or more examples, the network node 400 provides, such as transmits, a second signal 1402, 1404 to the first intermediate device 300, and second intermediate device 300A, respectively. In other words, the first intermediate device 300 and the second intermediate device 300A receives the second signal 1402, 1404, respectively, from the network node 400.

[0274] In one or more examples, the second intermediate device 300A and the first intermediate device 300 communicate 1406, such as coordinate, to determine whether the first intermediate device 300 or the second intermediate device 300A is to transmit one or more signals based on the second signal 1402, 1404.

[0275] In one or more examples, the first intermediate device 300 may transmit the second data 1408 to the first low power wireless device 500. In other words, first low power wireless device 500may receive the second data 1408 from first intermediate node 300.

[0276] In one or more examples, the second intermediate device may discard 1410 data, e.g., based on the communications 1406 (such as the coordination between the first intermediate device 300 and the second intermediate device 300A). The communications shown in Fig. 14 for example enable a reduced amount of data to be transmitted to the second low power wireless device.

[0277] Any of the methods performed herein by the first intermediate device may be performed by any intermediate device of the wireless communication system, such as the second intermediate device, a third intermediate device, etc., and vice versa. Any of the methods performed herein by the first low power wireless device may be performed by any low power wireless device of the wireless communication system, such as the second low power wireless device, a third low power wireless device, etc., and vice versa.

[0278] The low power wireless device referred to herein may be the first low power wireless device and / or the second low power wireless device disclosed herein, such as the first low power wireless device 500 and / or the second low power wireless device 500A disclosed in Fig. 1 and Figs. 8A-14.

[0279] The intermediate device referred to herein may be the first intermediate device and / or the second intermediate device disclosed herein, such as the first intermediate device 300 and / or the second intermediate device 300A disclosed in Fig. 1 and Figs. 8A-14.

[0280] The term corresponding, as utilized herein, may not imply that the information and / or data designated as corresponding are equivalent or identical to each other. For example, first data corresponding to second data for example may not imply that the first data is identical to the second data.

[0281] Examples of methods and products (network node, first intermediate device, and first low power wireless device) according to the disclosure are set out in the following items:

[0282] 1 . A method, performed by a first intermediate device, wherein the first intermediate device is configured to handle communication of data between a network node and a first low power wireless device, the method comprising: obtaining (S102) a configuration type information indicative of a communication scheme configuration associated with a first low power wireless device, wherein the communication scheme configuration comprises one or more parameters configuring a communication of signals between the network node and the first low power wireless device; obtaining (S112), from the first low power wireless device or a network node, a first signal; and transmitting (S116), to the network node or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the communication scheme configuration.

[0283] 2. The method according to item 1 , wherein the configuration type information comprises criteria information indicative of one or more criteria for configuring the communication of the signals between the network node and the first low power wireless device, wherein the one or more parameters comprise the one or more criteria, and wherein the one or more criteria comprise one or more of: a first criterion based on one or more of: an identity of a receiving and / or transmitting low power wireless device, a data type, and a communication parameter; a second criterion for how to compile received data; and a third criterion based on presence of other intermediate devices; wherein the configuration type information comprises information indicative of one or more of: a first communication scheme configuration enabling the first intermediate device to select which low power wireless device is to be a recipient and / or a sender of the signals, a second communication scheme configuration enabling the first intermediate device to compile the received data, and a third communication scheme configuration enabling the first intermediate device and a second intermediate device to coordinate the communication of the signals. The method according to any of the previous items, wherein obtaining (S102) the configuration type information indicative of the communication scheme configuration comprises obtaining (S102A), from the first low power wireless device, the configuration type information indicative of the communication scheme configuration associated with the first low power wireless device. The method according to any of the previous items, wherein obtaining (S102) the configuration type information indicative of a communication scheme configuration comprises obtaining (S102B) the configuration type information from an application layer. The method according to any of the previous items, wherein the method comprises communicating (S108), with the network node, a first information indicative of a first association between first low power wireless device and the communication scheme configuration. 6. The method according to item 5, wherein the method comprises communicating (S110), with the network node, a first confirmation message indicative of a first confirmation of the first association between the first low power wireless device and the communication scheme configuration.

[0284] 7. The method according to item 6, wherein communicating (S110) the first confirmation message comprises providing (S110A) the first confirmation message to the network node.

[0285] 8. The method according to item 6, wherein communicating (S110) the first confirmation message comprises obtaining (S110B) the first confirmation message from the network node.

[0286] 9. The method according to any of items 5-8, the method comprising: obtaining (S104), from the application layer, a request for the first intermediate device to provide, to the network node, association information indicative of an association between one or more low power wireless devices and the communication scheme configuration; and providing (S106), in response to receiving the request, association information indicative of an association between one or more low power wireless devices and the communication scheme configuration.

[0287] 10. The method according to any of the previous items, wherein the method comprises obtaining (S114) from a second low power wireless device, a second signal.

[0288] 11. The method according to item 10, wherein the first signal comprises first data, and the second signal comprises second data.

[0289] 12. The method according to any of items 10-11 , wherein the configuration type information comprises a first identification information indicative of the identity of the first low power wireless device and / or wherein the configuration type information comprises a second identification information indicative of the identity of the second low power wireless device. 13. The method according to item 12, wherein obtaining (S112) the first signal comprises obtaining (S112A), based on the first identification information, the first signal from the first low power wireless device.

[0290] 14. The method according to any of the previous items, wherein the method comprises communicating (S101 ), with the network node, information indicative of an association of one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate device.

[0291] 15. The method according to item 14, wherein transmitting (S116) one or more signals comprises, in accordance with communicating (S101), with the first intermediate device, information indicative of an association of one or more low power wireless devices, transmitting (S116A), to the network node or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the first communication scheme configuration.

[0292] 16. The method according to item 15, wherein transmitting (S116A) one or more signals comprises determining (S116AA), based on a first criterion, whether to transmit the first data received from the first low power wireless device and / or the second data received from the second low power wireless device.

[0293] 17. The method according to item 16, wherein determining (S116AA) whether to transmit the first data and / or the second data based on the first criterion comprises determining

[0294] (116AA_1) whether the first identification information meets the first criterion and whether the second identification information meets the first criterion.

[0295] 18. The method according to items 17, wherein determining (S116AA) whether to transmit the first data and the second data comprises, upon determining (S116AA_1 ) that the second identification information does not meet the first criterion, refraining (S116AA_2) from transmitting the second data to the network node. 19. The method according to any of items 16-18, wherein transmitting (S116A) one or more signals comprises transmitting (S116AB), to the network node or the first low power wireless device, the first data.

[0296] 20. The method according to any of items 2-13, wherein when the configuration type information is indicative of the second communication scheme configuration, transmitting (S116) one or more signals comprises transmitting (S116B), to the network node or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the second communication scheme configuration.

[0297] 21. The method according to item 20, wherein transmitting (S116B) one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the second communication scheme configuration comprises compiling (S116BA) the first data of the first signal with the second data of the second signal for provision of compiled data.

[0298] 22. The method according to item 21 , wherein transmitting (S116B) one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the second communication scheme configuration comprises transmitting (S116BB), to the network node or the first low power wireless device, the compiled data.

[0299] 23. The method according to any of items 2-13, wherein when the configuration type information is indicative of the third communication scheme configuration, transmitting (S116) one or more signals comprises transmitting (S116C), to the network node or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration.

[0300] 24. The method according to item 23, wherein transmitting (S116C) one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration comprises determining (S116CA) whether the first intermediate device or a second intermediate device is to transmit, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals based on the first signal.

[0301] 25. The method according to item 24, wherein transmitting (S116C) one or more signals comprises, upon determining (S116CA) that the first intermediate device is to transmit, to the network node or the first low power wireless device, the one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration: compiling (S116CB) the first data of the first signal with the second data of the second signal for provision of compiled data; and transmitting (S116CC), to the network node or the first low power wireless device, the compiled data.

[0302] 26. The method according to any of the previous items, wherein the method comprises, signalling (S118) a maximum number of low power wireless devices served by the first intermediate device.

[0303] 27. The method according to any of the previous items, wherein transmitting (S116) one or more signals comprises transmitting (S116D), to the network node, report information comprising one or more signal parameters associated with the first signal, and / or transmitting (S116E), to the network node one or more quantity parameters associated with one or more of low power wireless devices served by the first intermediate device.

[0304] 28. The method according to item 27, wherein the method comprises: determining (S120) whether one or more signal parameters and / or a decoding parameter of the first low power wireless device, meet a first criterion; and upon determining that one or more signal parameters and / or the decoding parameter meet the first criterion, updating (S122) the information indicative of the association of one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate device.

[0305] 29. The method according to any of items 11-28, wherein the method comprises determining (S124), based on the first data, the communication scheme configuration for communications between the first low power wireless device, the first intermediate device, and / or the network node.

[0306] 29A. The method according to any of items 2-29, wherein the low power wireless device is a battery-less wireless device and / or a backscatter device.

[0307] 30. A method, performed by a network node, the method comprising: Obtaining (S202) association information indicative of an association between one or more low power wireless devices and a communication scheme configuration;

[0308] Communicating (S206), with a first intermediate device, a first confirmation message indicative of a first confirmation of a first association between a first low power wireless device of the one or more low power wireless devices and the communication scheme configuration; and

[0309] Communicating (S208), from the first intermediate device, one or more signals based on a first signal from the first low power wireless device and in accordance with the communication scheme configuration.

[0310] 31. The method according to any of items 30, wherein the method comprises communicating (S204), with the first intermediate device, a first information indicative of a first association between first low power wireless device and a communication scheme configuration.

[0311] 32. The method according to any of any of items 30-31 , wherein communicating (S206) the first confirmation message comprises obtaining (S206A) the first confirmation message from the first intermediate device.

[0312] 33. The method according to any of items 30-32, wherein communicating (S206) the first confirmation message comprises providing (S206B) the first confirmation message to the first intermediate device.

[0313] 34. The method according to any of items 30-33, wherein the method comprises communicating (S201 ), with the first intermediate device, information indicative of an association of one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate device.

[0314] 35. The method according to item 34, wherein communicating (S208) one or more signals comprises, in accordance with communicating (S201) information indicative of an association of one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate device, receiving (S208A), from the first intermediate device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with a first communication scheme configuration.

[0315] 36. The method according to item 35, wherein receiving (S208A) one or more signals comprises receiving (S208AB), from the first intermediate device or the first low power wireless device, the first data.

[0316] 37. The method according to any of items 31-34, wherein when configuration type information is indicative of the second communication scheme configuration, communicating (S208) one or more signals comprises receiving (S208B), from the first intermediate device or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with a second communication scheme configuration.

[0317] 38. The method according to item 37, wherein receiving (S208B) one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the second communication scheme configuration comprises receiving (S208BA), from the first intermediate device or the first low power wireless device, the compiled data.

[0318] 39. The method according to any of items 31-34, wherein when the configuration type information is indicative of the third communication scheme configuration, communicating (S208) one or more signals comprises receiving (S208C), from the first intermediate device or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with a third communication scheme configuration.

[0319] 40. The method according to item 39 wherein receiving (S208C), from the first intermediate device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration comprises receiving (S208CA) the compiled data.

[0320] 41. The method according to any of items 30-40, wherein communicating (S208) one or more signals comprises receiving (S208D), from the first intermediate device, report information comprising one or more signal parameters associated with the first signal, and / or receiving (S208E), from the first intermediate device one or more quantity parameters associated with one or more of low power wireless devices served by the first intermediate device.

[0321] 42. A method, performed by a first low power wireless device, the method comprising:

[0322] Providing (S702), to a first intermediate device, configuration type information indicative of a communication scheme configuration associated with the first low power wireless device; and

[0323] Providing (S704), to the first intermediate device, a first signal according to the communication scheme configuration.

[0324] 43. The method according to item 42, wherein the configuration type information comprises information indicative of one or more of: a first communication scheme configuration, a second communication scheme configuration, and a third communication scheme configuration. 44. The method according to any of items 42-43, wherein providing (S702) the configuration type information indicative of the communication scheme configuration comprises providing (S702A), to the first intermediate device, the configuration type information indicative of the communication scheme configuration associated with the first low power wireless device.

[0325] 45. The method according to any of items 42-44, wherein the method comprises receiving (S706), from the first intermediate device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the communication scheme configuration.

[0326] 46. The method according to item 45, wherein receiving (S706), from the first intermediate device, one or more signals comprises receiving (S706A), from the first intermediate device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the first communication scheme configuration.

[0327] 47. The method according to item 46, wherein receiving (S706A) one or more signals comprises receiving (S706AB), from the first intermediate device, the first data.

[0328] 48. The method according to any of items 43-45, wherein when the configuration type information is indicative of the second communication scheme configuration, receiving (S706) one or more signals comprises receiving (S706B), from the first intermediate device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the second communication scheme configuration.

[0329] 49. The method according to item 48, wherein receiving (S706B) one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the second communication scheme configuration comprises receiving (S706BA), from the first intermediate device, compiled data.

[0330] 50. The method according to any of items 43-45, wherein when the configuration type information is indicative of the third communication scheme configuration, receiving (S706) one or more signals comprises receiving (S706C), from the first intermediate device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration. 51. The method according to item 50, wherein receiving (S706C) one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the third communication scheme configuration comprises receiving (S706CA), from the first intermediate device, compiled data.

[0331] 52. A first intermediate device comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface, wherein the first intermediate device is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of items 1-29.

[0332] 53. A network node comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface, wherein the network node is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of items 30-41

[0333] 54. A first low power wireless device comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface, wherein the first low power wireless device is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of items 42-51 .

[0334] The use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. does not imply any particular order, but are included to identify individual elements. Moreover, the use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. does not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Note that the words “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. are used here and elsewhere for labelling purposes only and are not intended to denote any specific spatial or temporal ordering. Furthermore, the labelling of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element and vice versa.

[0335] It may be appreciated that the Figures comprise some circuitries or operations which are illustrated with a solid line and some circuitries, components, features, or operations which are illustrated with a dashed line. Circuitries or operations which are comprised in a solid line are circuitries, components, features or operations which are comprised in the broadest example. Circuitries, components, features, or operations which are comprised in a dashed line are examples which may be comprised in, or a part of, or are further circuitries, components, features, or operations which may be taken in addition to circuitries, components, features, or operations of the solid line examples. It should be appreciated that these operations need not be performed in order presented. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that not all of the operations need to be performed. The example operations may be performed in any order and in any combination. It should be appreciated that these operations need not be performed in order presented. Circuitries, components, features, or operations which are comprised in a dashed line may be considered optional.

[0336] Other operations that are not described herein can be incorporated in the example operations. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations.

[0337] Certain features discussed above as separate implementations can also be implemented in combination as a single implementation. Conversely, features described as a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as any sub-combination or variation of any sub-combination

[0338] It is to be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed.

[0339] It is to be noted that the words "a" or "an" preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0340] It is to be noted that the term "indicative of may be seen as “associated with”, “related to”, “descriptive of’, “characterizing”, and / or “defining”. The terms “indicative of”, “associated with”, “related to”, “descriptive of’, “characterizing”, and “defining” can be used interchangeably. The term “indicative of” can be seen as indicating a relation. For example, weight data indicative of weight may comprise one or more weight parameters.

[0341] It is to be noted that the word "based on" may be seen as “as a function of” and / or “derived from”. The terms “based on” and “as a function of’ can be used interchangeably. For example, a parameter determined “based on” a data set can be seen as a parameter determined “as a function of” the data set. In other words, the parameter may be an output of one or more functions with the data set as an input.

[0342] A function may be characterizing a relation between an input and an output, such as mathematical relation, a database relation, a hardware relation, logical relation, and / or other suitable relations.

[0343] It should further be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that the examples may be implemented at least in part by means of both hardware and software, and that several "means", "units" or "devices" may be represented by the same item of hardware. Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of, within less than or equal to 5% of, within less than or equal to 1% of, within less than or equal to 0.1 % of, and within less than or equal to 0.01% of the stated amount. If the stated amount is 0 (e.g., none, having no), the above recited ranges can be specific ranges, and not within a particular % of the value. For example, within less than or equal to 10 wt. / vol. % of, within less than or equal to 5 wt. / vol. % of, within less than or equal to 1 wt. / vol. % of, within less than or equal to 0.1 wt. / vol. % of, and within less than or equal to 0.01 wt. / vol. % of the stated amount.

[0344] The various example methods, devices, nodes and systems described herein are described in the general context of method steps or processes, which may be implemented in one aspect by a computer program product, embodied in a computer-readable medium, including computerexecutable instructions, such as program code, executed by computers in networked environments. A computer-readable medium may include removable and non-removable storage devices including, but not limited to, Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVD), etc. Generally, program circuitries may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specified tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program circuitries represent examples of program code for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

[0345] Although features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed disclosure, and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed disclosure. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed disclosure is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A method, performed by a first intermediate device, wherein the first intermediate device is configured to handle communication of data between a network node and a first low power wireless device, the method comprising: obtaining (S102) a configuration type information indicative of a communication scheme configuration associated with a first low power wireless device, wherein the communication scheme configuration comprises one or more parameters configuring a communication of signals between the network node and the first low power wireless device; obtaining (S112), from the first low power wireless device or the network node, a first signal; and transmitting (S116), to the network node or the first low power wireless device, one or more signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the communication scheme configuration.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the configuration type information comprises criteria information indicative of one or more criteria for configuring the communication of the signals between the network node and the first low power wireless device, wherein the one or more parameters comprise the one or more criteria, and wherein the one or more criteria comprise one or more of: a first criterion based on one or more of: an identity of a receiving and / or transmitting low power wireless device, a data type, and a communication parameter; a second criterion for how to compile received data; and a third criterion based on presence of other intermediate devices; wherein the configuration type information comprises information indicative of one or more of: a first communication scheme configuration enabling the first intermediate device to select which low power wireless device is to be a recipient and / or a sender of the signals, a second communication scheme configuration enabling the first intermediate device to compile the received data, anda third communication scheme configuration enabling the first intermediate device and a second intermediate device to coordinate the communication of the signals.

3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein obtaining (S102) the configuration type information indicative of the communication scheme configuration comprises obtaining (S102A), from the first low power wireless device, the configuration type information indicative of the communication scheme configuration associated with the first low power wireless device.

4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein obtaining (S102) the configuration type information indicative of a communication scheme configuration comprises obtaining (S102B) the configuration type information from an application layer.

5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the method comprises communicating (S108), with the network node, a first information indicative of a first association between first low power wireless device and the communication scheme configuration.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the method comprises communicating (S110), with the network node, a first confirmation message indicative of a first confirmation of the first association between the first low power wireless device and the communication scheme configuration.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein communicating (S110) the first confirmation message comprises providing (S110A) the first confirmation message to the network node.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein communicating (S110) the first confirmation message comprises obtaining (S110B) the first confirmation message from the network node.

9. The method according to claim 5, the method comprising:obtaining (S104), from an application layer, a request for the first intermediate device to provide, to the network node, association information indicative of an association between one or more low power wireless devices and the communication scheme configuration; and providing (S106), in response to receiving the request, association information indicative of an association between one or more low power wireless devices and the communication scheme configuration.

10. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the method comprises obtaining (S114) from a second low power wireless device, a second signal.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the first signal comprises first data, and the second signal comprises second data.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the configuration type information comprises a first identification information indicative of the identity of the first low power wireless device and / or wherein the configuration type information comprises a second identification information indicative of the identity of the second low power wireless device.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein obtaining (S112) the first signal comprises obtaining (S112A), based on the first identification information, the first signal from the first low power wireless device.

14. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the method comprises communicating (S101 ), with the network node, information indicative of an association of one or more low power wireless devices to the first intermediate device.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein transmitting (S116) one or more signals comprises, in accordance with communicating (S101 ), with the first intermediate device, information indicative of an association of one or more low power wireless devices, transmitting (S116A), to the network node or the first low power wireless device, one ormore signals based on the first signal and in accordance with the first communication scheme configuration.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein transmitting (S116A) one or more signals comprises determining (S116AA), based on a first criterion, whether to transmit the first data received from the first low power wireless device and / or the second data received from the second low power wireless device.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein determining (S116AA) whether to transmit the first data and / or the second data based on the first criterion comprises determining (116AA_1) whether the first identification information meets the first criterion and whether the second identification information meets the first criterion.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein determining (S116AA) whether to transmit the first data and the second data comprises, upon determining (S116AA_1 ) that the second identification information does not meet the first criterion, refraining (S116AA_2) from transmitting the second data to the network node.

19. A method, performed by a network node, the method comprising:Obtaining (S202) association information indicative of an association between one or more low power wireless devices and a communication scheme configuration;Communicating (S206), with a first intermediate device, a first confirmation message indicative of a first confirmation of a first association between a first low power wireless device of the one or more low power wireless devices and the communication scheme configuration; andCommunicating (S208), from the first intermediate device, one or more signals based on a first signal from the first low power wireless device and in accordance with the communication scheme configuration.

20. A method, performed by a first low power wireless device, the method comprising:Providing (S702), to a first intermediate device, configuration type information indicative of a communication scheme configuration associated with the first low power wireless device; andProviding (S704), to the first intermediate device, a first signal according to the communication scheme configuration.

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