Connectivity information regulating data transfer between cellular network and ambient internet of things device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to techniques for authorizing or restricting assistance functionality for transferring data between a cellular network and one or more low-power wireless devices. The connectivity provided by an intermediate node can be restricted, enabling authorization or restriction of specific low-power wireless devices or groups of low-power wireless devices. This allows for fine-grained control over data transfer assistance functionality, improving security and efficiency in data communication between low-power wireless devices and cellular networks.

Description

[0001] D E S C R I P T I O N

[0002] CONNECTIVITY INFORMATION REGULATING DATA TRANSFER BETWEEN CELLULAR NETWORK AND AMBIENT INTERNET OF THINGS DEVICE

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] Various examples of the disclosure generally relate to a data transfer between a cellular network and a low-power wireless device such as an ambient Internet of Things wireless device. The data transfer is via an intermediate node. Various examples specifically relate to regulating data transfer between the low-power wireless device and the cellular network.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Conventional wireless transmission requires generating radio signals at a wireless device acting as data source, i.e., at a wireless device that intends to deliver the data to another device (data sink). The radio signals are generated using active radio-frequency (RF) components such as digital-to-analog converters (DACs), mixers, oscillators, and power amplifiers. Usually, such wireless devices are battery powered and the aforementioned RF components consume a substantial amount of the energy provided by the battery. Hence, the batteries will have to be recharged or replaced regularly. This is inconvenient. The demand for new batteries has to be reduced, too, in view of the limited natural resources required for battery production.

[0007] To reduce power consumption at the wireless device (WD) implementing the data source, the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) studies so-called Ambient Internet Of Things (AIOT) WDs (AIOT devices). AIOT devices are a particular implementation of low-power WDs. See 3GPP Technical Report (TR) 38.848 V18.0.0 (2023-09). AIOT devices may be pure battery-less devices with no energy storage capability at all, and completely dependent on the availability of an external source of energy. AIOT devices may also have a limited energy storage capability that do not need to be replaced or recharged manually.

[0008] To facilitate the reduced power consumption, AIOT devices (or more generally low-power WDs) employ an ambient wireless transmission. Ambient wireless transmissions enable delivery of data at a reduced power consumption. One implementation option for an ambient wireless transmission is a backscattering wireless transmission. Here, the AIOT device, i.e., the data source, implements a backscattering node that modulates an excitation signal transmitted by a transmitting node of the backscattering wireless transmission. This modulation is done by selectively suppressing reflection (load modulation); this is achieved by adjusting an impedance coupled to the antenna. Thereby, an information-carrying signal that is modulated to carry the information can be received at another WD of the backscattering wireless transmission that implements a receiving node of the backscattering wireless transmission.

[0009] Such load modulation typically requires significantly less energy at the low-power WD acting as data source if compared to the conventional transmission where radio waves are generated using power-hungry RF transmitter chains. It is estimated to have 1 pW in peak power consumption at the AIOT device. On the other hand, coverage is significantly reduced if compared to conventional active wireless transmission. Coverage for ambient wireless transmissions is expected to be in a range of 10 meters to 50 meters.

[0010] To mitigate the reduced coverage, it is helpful to have a WD implementing the receiving node of the backscattering wireless transmission in relative proximity of the AIOT device. Specifically, such WD implementing the receiving node may be a user equipment (UE) that is connected to a cellular network wirelessly (UE intermediate device). Such UE may exhibit mobility and be located closer to the low-power WD. Then, such a UE intermediate device may implement an intermediate node of a data communication between the AIOT device and the cellular network, because the UE intermediate device transfers data to / from the AIOT device to the cellular network. The UE device thus implements two functionalities: (i) the receiving node of the backscattering transmission (for the case of the transmission to the cellular network); and (ii) the intermediate node of the communication from the AIOT device to / from the cellular network. The UE intermediate device may use an active wireless transmission to transmit the data to the cellular network.

[0011] There may be situations in which multiple ambient loT WDs are in the vicinity of a UE intermediate device, posing challenges on to the operation of the UE intermediate device.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] Accordingly, there are needs for advanced techniques of operating an intermediate node of a data communication between an AIOT device and a cellular network.

[0014] This need is met by the features of the independent claims. The features of the dependent claims define embodiments.

[0015] Techniques will be disclosed to control which low-power WDs (e.g., AIOT devices) are allowed to communicate with a cellular network via a certain intermediate node. A public and private mode are disclosed, with an “over-ride” I “over-rule” functionality for high-priority traffic types. Connectivity information may be provided to an intermediate WD, the connectivity information activating the public mode or the private mode for a data-transfer assistance. The disclosed techniques may be, in particular, applied to scenarios in which certain intermediate WDs are not providing data transfer services to all low-power WDs in their vicinity.

[0016] A method for use in a WD is disclosed. The WD is connected to the cellular network. The WD participates in an ambient wireless transmission between the WD and one or more low- power WDs. The method includes obtaining connectivity information. The connectivity information regulates the WD transferring data between the cellular network and the one or more low-power WDs.

[0017] A WD is disclosed. The WD is configured to connect to a cellular network and to participate in an ambient wireless transmission between the WD and one or more low-power WDs. The WD includes a processor and a memory, the processor being configured to load program code from the memory and to execute the program code. The processor, upon executing the program code, obtains connectivity information regulating the wireless device transferring data between the cellular network and the one or more low-power wireless devices.

[0018] A method for use in a node is disclosed. The method includes determining connectivity information. The connectivity information regulates a WD transferring data between a cellular network and one or more low-power WDs. The method also includes providing the connectivity information to the WD.

[0019] A device is disclosed. The device includes a processor and a memory, the processor being configured to load program code from the memory and to execute the program code, the processor, upon executing the program code, determining connectivity information regulating a wireless device transferring data between a cellular network and one or more low-power wireless devices, and providing the connectivity information to the wireless device.

[0020] It is to be understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below may be used not only in the respective combinations indicated, but also in other combinations or in isolation without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates data-transfer assistance provided by an intermediate node implemented by a UE according to various examples.

[0023] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates data-transfer assistance provided by an intermediate node implemented by a UE according to various examples.

[0024] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a backscattering wireless transmission according to various examples.

[0025] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a backscattering wireless transmission according to various examples.

[0026] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a device according to various examples.

[0027] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an RF circuitry according to various examples.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method according to various examples.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method according to various examples.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method according to various examples.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a signaling diagram according to various examples.

[0032] FIG. 11 is a signaling diagram according to various examples.

[0033] FIG. 12 is a signaling diagram according to various examples.

[0034] FIG. 13 is a signaling diagram according to various examples.

[0035] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method according to various examples.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Some examples of the present disclosure generally provide for a plurality of circuits or other electrical devices. All references to the circuits and other electrical devices and the functionality provided by each are not intended to be limited to encompassing only what is illustrated and described herein. While particular labels may be assigned to the various circuits or other electrical devices disclosed, such labels are not intended to limit the scope of operation for the circuits and the other electrical devices. Such circuits and other electrical devices may be combined with each other and / or separated in any manner based on the particular type of electrical implementation that is desired. It is recognized that any circuit or other electrical device disclosed herein may include any number of microcontrollers, a graphics processor unit (GPU), integrated circuits, memory devices (e.g., FLASH, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), or other suitable variants thereof), and software which co-act with one another to perform operation(s) disclosed herein. In addition, any one or more of the electrical devices may be configured to execute a program code that is embodied in a non-transitory computer readable medium programmed to perform any number of the functions as disclosed.

[0038] In the following, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the following description of embodiments is not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited by the embodiments described hereinafter or by the drawings, which are taken to be illustrative only.

[0039] The drawings are to be regarded as being schematic representations and elements illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale. Rather, the various elements are represented such that their function and general purpose become apparent to a person skilled in the art. Any connection or coupling between functional blocks, devices, components, or other physical or functional units shown in the drawings or described herein may also be implemented by an indirect connection or coupling. A coupling between components may also be established over a wireless connection. Functional blocks may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0040] Hereinafter, aspects relating to an ambient wireless transmission are disclosed. The ambient wireless transmission is between a low-power WD and a UE intermediate device.

[0041] For illustrative purposes, hereinafter techniques are primarily disclosed for a scenario in which the ambient wireless transmission is from the low-power WD to the UE intermediate device. This may be referred to as "uplink direction" or “uplink ambient wireless transmission”, because it enables the low-power WD to provide data to the cellular network. Typically, such operation of the low-power WD is data source is particularly critical in terms of energy consumption, e.g., if compared to a scenario in which the low-power WD receives data, i.e. , acts as a data sink. This is because using conventional active wireless transmission operating RF transmitter chains is associated with a significant power consumption.

[0042] The low-power WD may be an AIOT device. The low-power WD can for example be seen as a WD not comprising an internal power source, such as a battery-less WD. For example, the low power WD may be a WD with a limited energy source, such as a limited external energy source. The low-power WD may implement a backscattering node of a backscattering wireless transmission (details will be explained later).

[0043] According to examples, the ambient wireless transmission is a backscattering wireless transmission. As a general rule, in a backscattering wireless transmission, the backscattering node of the backscattering wireless transmission (e.g., implemented by the low-power WD) modifies an excitation signal incident from a transmitting node of the backscattering wireless transmission (e.g., implemented by a BS of the cellular network), or from an ambient source, to thereby convey information to a receiving node of the backscattering wireless transmission. The transmitting node transmits the excitation signal, typically a continuous wave, towards the backscattering node. This excitation signal serves as a carrier for the information that the backscattering node intends to transmit. The backscattering node modulates the incident excitation signal. Typically, the modulation used is ON-OFF-keying (OOK). OOK modulation is achieved by switching the impedance of the RF interface at the backscattering node between two states. These states correspond to the modulation symbols I binary values in the information-carrying signal departing from the backscattering node. This varies the amplitude of the information-carrying signal between an OFF-state and an ON-state. The receiving node then detects these variations in the signal amplitude of the information-carrying signal. Depending on the transmission mode, other modulations can be used. The information-carrying signal is demodulated to retrieve the information carried by the information-carrying signal. According to examples, the receiving node of the backscattering wireless transmission transfers the data obtained from demodulating the information-carrying RF signal to the cellular network. Accordingly, the WD implementing the receiving node of the backscattering wireless transmission may also implement an intermediate node of a data communication from the ambient Internet of things device to the cellular network. The (e.g., physical) devices and (e.g., functional) nodes of such deployment scenario are summarized in TAB. 1.

[0044] TAB. 1 : Devices and nodes of an uplink ambient transmission scenario discussed herein. For the downlink ambient transmission scenario, the UE intermediate node may use an active wireless transmission to deliver data to the low-power WD. The UE intermediate node may also use a downlink backscattering wireless transmission, i.e., implement a backscattering node of the downlink backscattering wireless transmission.

[0045] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a multi-hop data communication 189 according to various examples. The data communication 189 may be defined by Layer 2 or Layer 3 signaling. The data communication 189 encompasses a low-power WD 65, a UE 69, and a BS 61 of a cellular network 62. The low-power WD 65 acts as data source 181 to deliver data to a data sink 183, here implemented by the BS 61. An intermediate node 182 (implemented by the UE 69) receives the data and then transfers the data to the BS 61.

[0046] While FIG. 1 illustrates a scenario in which the UE 69 provides uplink assistance, similarly, the UE 69 may implement the intermediate node 182 providing downlink assistance. This is illustrated in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, the low-power WD 65 may receive signals using a low- complexity RF circuitry. This may only include time-domain operations. Multiple subcarriers may not be employed. An example low-complexity RF circuitry is shown in US 2021 / 0344542 A1: FIG. 14; it is different if compared to a high-complexity RF circuitry, e.g., as shown in US 2021 / 0344542 A1: FIG. 15.

[0047] The link between the low power WD 65 and the UE 69 is implemented by an ambient wireless transmission. An example implementation of the ambient wireless transmission is a time-domain modulation, e.g., using OOK or backscattering wireless transmission. Details with respect to such backscattering wireless transmission are illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0048] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a communication system 160 (bi-static deployment) according to various examples. The bi-static communication system 160 includes the BS 61, the low-power WD 65, and the UE 69. In the scenario of FIG. 1 , the BS 61 implements a transmitting node 101 of a backscattering wireless transmission 190 as well as a control node 110 of the backscattering wireless transmission 190. The transmitting node 101 transmits an excitation signal 111 of the backscattering wireless transmission 190. Hence, the backscattering wireless transmission 190 is defined by Layer 1 signaling. For instance, the transmitting node 101 may transmit the excitation signal 111 using slotted scheduling.

[0049] The low-power WD 65 implements a backscattering node 105 of the backscattering wireless transmission 190. The excitation signal 111 is reflected and modulated to carry information (cf. data source 181 in FIG. 1), which yields an information-carrying signal 113. The UE 69 implements a receiving node 109 of the backscattering wireless transmission 190 that is configured to receive an information-carrying signal 113 and to demodulate the informationcarrying signal 113, to retrieve the information.

[0050] FIG. 3 is only one example configuration of a communication system that can benefit from the techniques disclosed herein. Another scenario is illustrated in FIG. 4. In the communication system 161 of FIG. 4 (mono-static deployment), the UE 69 implements, both, the transmitting node 101 as well as the receiving node 109 of the backscattering wireless transmission 190.

[0051] While in the scenarios of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the device 61 and the device 69, respectively, implement the control node 110 of the backscattering wireless transmission 190, in other scenarios, other devices can implement the control node 110. Generally, the control node 110 can be responsible for configuring the backscattering wireless transmission 190. Accordingly, the control node 110 can determine a configuration and provide the configuration to the other nodes of the backscattering wireless transmission 190. However, it is not required in all scenarios that a dedicated control node 110 is available. Thus, the control node 110 is optional. For instance, sometimes the transmitting node 101 or the receiving node 109 or the backscattering node 105 may determine the configuration and optionally provide the configuration - e.g., as part of a control message - to one or more of the other nodes.

[0052] Furthermore, above, scenarios have been disclosed in which a dedicated transmitting node 101 of the backscattering wireless transmission 190 is present. That transmitting node 101 transmits a dedicated excitation signal 111, having certain well-defined properties such as amplitude, polarization, etc. In other examples, an ambient excitation signal may be used. Here, a dedicated transmitting node 101 is not required. The ambient excitation signal does not have well-defined properties. Typically, a random polarization is observed. The amplitude may be random.

[0053] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a device 200 according to various examples. For example, the device 200 may implement any of the devices 61, 65, 69 previously discussed in connection with the other FIGs. The device 200 includes a processor 211 , a communication interface 213, and a memory 212. Communication over a radio spectrum is possible via the communication interface 213. For example, an active wireless transmission of one or more excitation signals of a backscattering wireless transmission can be implemented. It would also be possible for a received signal to be reflected in a modulated manner, as previously discussed in connection with the backscattering node 105 of the low-power device 65. It would also be possible to receive and demodulate an information-carrying signal. The communication interface 213 may or may not include an energy storage such as a battery; and / or may or may not include a power-harvesting interface. In some scenarios, the communication interface 213 may be powered from a battery or energy storage or energy supply of the device 200, e.g., also powering the processor 211 for general device operations. The communication interface 213 may not only implement physical layer functionality, i.e., spectrum access, but may also implement higher layers of a transmission protocol stack, e.g., to provide control messages or to receive control messages. The communication interface 213 may include RF circuitry, e.g., such as the RF circuitry disclosed below in connection with FIG. 6. The processor 211 may load program code from the memory 212 and execute the program code. Upon executing the program code, the processor 211 may be configured to implement techniques as disclosed herein.

[0054] FIG. 6 illustrates RF circuitry 313 of a device capable of implementing a backscattering node of a backscattering wireless transmission. For instance, the wireless interface of the low- power WD 65 may include the RF circuitry 313. The RF circuitry 313 enables a passive spectrum access. An information-carrying signal 113 (obtained from the excitation signal picked- up via an antenna circuitry) is either absorbed (OFF-duration) or reflected (ON-duration). Reflection can be achieved by setting the switch 302 to the position in which it is connected to the impedance-mismatched load 321; in this scenario, there is an impedance mismatch between the antenna circuitry and the load 321 , leading to the reflection. Absorption can be achieved by setting the switch 302 to the position in which it is connected to the impedance- matched load 303. The switch is actuated by a circuitry 304 that applies an OOK modulation mode based on an incoming bitstream 305 that encodes the information to be communicated. In some cases, a reflective amplifier may be provided that can boost the reflected signal (not shown in FIG. 6). FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method according to various examples. The method of FIG. 7 is implemented by an intermediate WD, e.g., a UE such as the UE 69. The intermediate WD implementing the method of FIG. 7 is configured for participating in an ambient wireless transmission between that intermediate WD and one or more low-power WDs. While generally the intermediate WD may participate in an uplink or downlink ambient wireless transmission, the method of FIG. 7 will be exemplified for a scenario in which the intermediate WD participates in an uplink ambient wireless transmission from the low-power WD to the cellular network. However, the method of FIG. 7 is equally applicable for a scenario in which the intermediate WD participates in a downlink ambient wireless transmission from the cellular network to the low- power WD (cf. FIG. 13).

[0055] The illustrated method may be executed by a processor, upon loading program code from a memory and upon executing the program code. The illustrated method may be executed by the processor 211, upon loading program code stored in the memory 212 and upon executing the program code (cf. FIG. 5).

[0056] More specifically, the intermediate WD implementing the method of FIG. 7 is an intermediate WD (cf. TAB. 1), i.e., implementing both an intermediate node (cf. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2: intermediate node 182 implemented by the UE 69) of a Layer 2 or Layer 3 data communication between one or more low-power WDs and a cellular network, as well as a receiving node of a Layer 1 backscattering wireless transmission from the one or more low- power WDs to the intermediate WD (cf. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4: receiving node 109). The intermediate WD thus acts as a “reader” for the uplink backscattering wireless transmission.

[0057] The method of FIG. 7 corresponds to a configuration phase 3098 of the intermediate node. The method of FIG. 7, in particular, corresponds to a configuration phase 3098 of a data- transfer assistance provided by the intermediate node to one or low-power WDs.

[0058] At optional box 3004, a capability of the intermediate WD to implement an intermediate node of a data communication between the low-power WD and the cellular network is provided. For example, the capability of the intermediate node to authorize or restrict a data-transfer assistance based on the connectivity information may be indicated to one or nodes that are responsible for determining and provisioning connectivity information (details with respect to the connectivity information will be later on explained). At optional box 3005, the intermediate WD discovers a new low-power WD. The discovery may be a one-way or two-way process. For instance, a discovery / beacon signal broadcasted by the low-power WD may be detected. That discovery signal may or may not be triggered by a discovery trigger transmitted by the low- power WD.

[0059] At box 3005, the discovery may include establishing an identity of the low-power WD. This may be a global identification, e.g., a universal subscriber identification. The identity may be valid in or restricted in validity to the cellular network to which the intermediate WD is connected. For instance, a discovery signal provided by the low power WD may be indicative of its identity.

[0060] At box 3010, the intermediate WD requests connectivity information for the newly discovered low-power WD. The request of box 3010 may be based on or even indicative of the identity of the low-power WD, as obtained through the discovery at box 3005. The request may be provided to the cellular network. A node at the cellular network may handle management of connectivity information.

[0061] The request may be provided to an application node. The application node may be a functionality executed by the intermediate WD itself. The application node may be implemented by a remote application device, e.g., executed at a device reachable via the Internet, e.g., an application server.

[0062] The request is optional. Box 3010 is optional. Sometimes, the connectivity information may be pro-actively provided to the intermediate WD.

[0063] At box 3015, the intermediate WD obtains the connectivity information, e.g., from a node of the cellular network (e.g., a node in the radio-access network or a core network node) or from an application node. The connectivity information is obtained upon providing the request of box 3010.

[0064] For instance, the intermediate WD may obtain the connectivity information from a BS of the cellular network. The intermediate WD may obtain the connectivity information from the serving BS to which the intermediate WD is connected. In another scenario, the intermediate WD may obtain the connectivity information from a control node of a core of the cellular network, e.g., from a mobility control node.

[0065] It would also be possible that the connectivity information is obtained from an application node, e.g., implemented by another application device (e.g., an application server outside of the cellular network) or even implemented by the intermediate WD itself. Aspects with respect to such application node or application device have been previously disclosed in connection with box 3010 above.

[0066] For instance, the connectivity information may be included in a control message, e.g., a Radio Resource Control (RRC) control message. The connectivity information may be included in a Layer 3 control message.

[0067] As a general rule, in the various disclosed examples the connectivity information regulates the intermediate WD transferring data between the cellular network and one or more low-power devices. In the present example, the connectivity information regulates the intermediate WD transferring data between the low-power WD that has been discovered at box 3010 and the cellular network.

[0068] The connectivity information may specify circumstances under which a data-transfer assistance is provided by the intermediate node implemented by the intermediate WD.

[0069] The connectivity information may restrict or allow or otherwise impact the data transfer to and / or from the cellular network.

[0070] The connectivity information may impose one or more constraints onto assistance functionality provided by the intermediate node implemented by the intermediate WD.

[0071] For instance, the connectivity information may authorize transferring data between the cellular network and a given low-power WD; the connectivity information may, on the other hand, restrict transferring data between the cellular network and another low-power WD.

[0072] The connectivity information may be specific for an individual low-power WD. For example, in the scenario illustrated in FIG. 7, the connectivity information is linked to the low- power WD that is discovered at box 3005. The connectivity information may select between authorization or restriction of transferring the data for a particular low-power WD. The connectivity information may, in other words, activate a private mode of the data-transfer assistance. For instance, the capability signaling of box 3004 may be indicative of supporting the activation of such private mode.

[0073] However, this is only one option. In another option, the connectivity information may not be specific for an individual low-power WD. Rather, the connectivity information may activate a certain mode that regulates the transferring of data generally, without being tied to individual low-power WDs. In other words, the connectivity information may select between an authorization or a restriction of transferring data between the cellular network and at least one of anonymous or arbitrary low-power WDs. Such a scenario is illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0074] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method according to various examples. The method of FIG. 8 is implemented by an intermediate WD, e.g., a UE such as the UE 69. The intermediate WD implementing the method of FIG. 8 is configured for participating in an ambient wireless transmission between that intermediate WD and one or more low-power WDs. While generally the intermediate WD may participate in an uplink or downlink ambient wireless transmission, the method of FIG. 7 will be exemplified for a scenario in which the intermediate WD participates in an uplink ambient wireless transmission from the low-power WD to the cellular network. However, the method may be equally implemented for a scenario in which the intermediate WD participates in a downlink ambient wireless transmission to the low-power WD (cf .FIG .13).

[0075] The illustrated method may be executed by a processor, upon loading program code from a memory and upon executing the program code, the illustrated method may be executed by the processor 211, upon loading program code stored in the memory 212 and upon executing the program code (cf. FIG. 5).

[0076] The method of FIG. 8 corresponds to a configuration phase of the intermediate node. The method of FIG. 8, in particular, corresponds to a configuration phase 3098 of a data- transfer assistance provided by the intermediate node to one or low-power WDs.

[0077] The method of FIG. 8 generally corresponds to the method of FIG. 7.

[0078] The method of FIG. 8 starts at box 3104. Box 3104 corresponds to box 3004 (cf. FIG. 7). Optional box 3104 corresponds to box 3004.

[0079] Box 3105 corresponds to box 3010. At box 3105, the intermediate WD requests connectivity information. At this point, the intermediate WD may not yet have discovered any low-power WD for which the connectivity information would be applicable. Accordingly, the intermediate WD seeks to connectivity information for an arbitrary low-power WD.

[0080] The request of box 3105 may not be indicative of any identity of a low-power WD. At box 3110, the intermediate WD obtains the connectivity information. Box 3110 corresponds to box 3015, previously discussed in connection with FIG. 7.

[0081] For example, the connectivity information may activate a public mode for transferring data between the cellular network and low-power WDs. I.e., any arbitrary WD may use this assistance.

[0082] Only then (after obtaining the connectivity information), at box 3115, a discovery of a low-power WD is performed. For instance, it would be possible that upon activating the public mode, the intermediate wireless device actively announces the intermediate node functionality. For instance, advertising beacons may be broadcasted. This may trigger the discovery at box 3115.

[0083] Box 3115 corresponds to box 3005, previously discussed in connection with FIG. 7. The data communication between the cellular network and the low-power WD discovered at box 3115 is regulated by the connectivity information previously obtained at box 3110.

[0084] In some scenarios, the connectivity information may be proactively provided to the intermediate WD. Hence, box 3105 is optional. For instance, it would be possible that upon indicating the capability of implementing the intermediate node, the intermediate WD is at some point proactively configured to activate the intermediate node and along with this activation of the intermediate node, the connectivity information may be obtained.

[0085] Once the configuration phase 3098 has been completed (cf. FIG. 7 or FIG. 8), the execution phase 3099 can commence. Aspects with respect to the execution phase 3099 are disclosed in connection with FIG. 9.

[0086] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method according to various examples. The method of FIG. 9 may be implemented by an intermediate WD such as the UE 69. In particular, the method of FIG. 9 may be implemented upon completing the method of FIG. 7 or the method of FIG. 8.

[0087] Again, the method of FIG. 9 is exemplified for a scenario of uplink data of the low-power WD to be delivered to the cellular network. However, this is only an example; it would be equally possible to deliver downlink data to the low-power WD.

[0088] The intermediate WD provide data-transfer assistance to a low-power WD, thereby facilitating a data communication between the low-power WD and the cellular network.

[0089] At box 3020, the intermediate WD receives data from the low-power WD. The data is received via an ambient wireless transmission; the ambient wireless transmission may be implemented by a backscattering wireless transmission. The intermediate WD, thus, may implement the functionality of a receiving node of the backscattering wireless transmission, as previously explained in connection with FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 (receiving node 109).

[0090] At box 3025, it is determined whether to transfer the data to the cellular network. The judgment at box 3025 is based on the connectivity information obtained at box 3015 (cf. FIG. 7) or at box 3110 (cf. FIG. 8).

[0091] Upon determining, at box 3025, that the data is to be transferred to the cellular network, the method commences at box 3030. At box 3030 the data is transferred to the cellular network. Otherwise, the method commences at box 3035.

[0092] Next, examples of the decision-making process of box 3025 based on the connectivity information will be described. For instance, the connectivity information may authorize transferring of data to the cellular network for that particular low-power WD from which the data is received at box 3020. For instance, the connectivity information may include a respective indicator that is indicative of authorization to transfer the data, as well as an associated identity of that particular low-power WD. For instance, such a scenario may be applicable to the method of FIG. 7, because there the connectivity information may be requested upon discovery of a particular low-power WD. The intermediate node may be referred to operate in a "private mode", because the intermediate WD provides the assistance of data transfer only to specific low- power WDs based on their identity. In such private mode intermediate node scenario, unless a particular low-power WD is positively authorized, the default setting may be to not transfer data to the cellular network for any unauthorized low-power WDs.

[0093] This is different when operating the intermediate node in a “public mode”. This is explained next. Here, the connectivity information may generally authorize transferring of data for arbitrary or anonymous low-power WDs. In such a scenario, it would be possible that the data is received, at box 3020, from a low-power WD whose identity is unknown to the intermediate WD. Nonetheless, the intermediate WD may then decide to transfer that data to the cellular network, in accordance with the connectivity information. It would also be possible that the identity of the low-power WD is known to the intermediate WD, but not specifically linked to the authorization to transfer the data. In other words, it would be possible that the authorization to transfer the data is globally valid irrespective of the particular identity of the low- power WD providing the data. Such a scenario may be, in particular, applicable to the method of FIG. 8, because here the connectivity information may be obtained prior to discovery of a particular low-power WD.

[0094] As previously explained, it may be judged, at box 3025, that the connectivity information does not authorize, i.e., restricts, transferring of the data. In this case, it would be optionally possible to execute box 3035. At box 3035 the previous judgment to not forward the data in view of the connectivity information may be overruled. This selective overruling of the restriction to transfer the data is based on a type of the data. In particular, it is possible to establish the type of the data at box 3035 and then, depending on the type of the data, determine to transfer the data to the cellular network ("yes"-path exiting box 3035). For instance, it would be possible to determine, at box 3035, whether the data is high-priority data or low priority data. For instance, it would be possible to determine, at box 3035, whether the data is emergency data. Examples of high-priority vs. low-priority data include, e.g., mission-critical application data vs. non-mission-critical application data. High-priority data can, e.g., include data that may affect operability of the low-power WD. Examples of high-priority data may include state of charge information, availability information, error information, e.g., Layer 2 positive or negative acknowledgements, transmission meta-data, etc. The type of the data may be established based on a flag in a header or other information contained in the header of an associated data packet. The type of the data may also be established based on a deep packet inspection technique, considering the payload content of a data packet.

[0095] It would be possible that the intermediate WD is pre-provisioned with a list of traffic types for which the overruling is to be executed. For instance, such list may be provided along with the connectivity information. It would also be possible that traffic types for which the overruling is to be executed is fixedly configured, e.g., in accordance with the communication protocol.

[0096] Box 3035 is optional. In some scenarios, upon judging, at box 3025, to not transfer the data, the data may be directly discarded.

[0097] Summarizing, using the technique of FIG. 7, a security functionality can be provided at the intermediate node implemented by the intermediate WD. The intermediate node can be utilized as a “public” intermediate node, a “private” intermediate node, or a mix thereof. When operating the intermediate node in the private mode, only low-power WDs that are preauthorized to the intermediate node may use the data-transfer assistance functionality of the intermediate node. All other low-power WDs do not benefit from the data-transfer assistance functionality. On the other hand, when operating in the public mode, any arbitrary or even anonymous low-power WD may use the data-transfer assistance functionality, e.g., also such low-power WDs that are not owned by or known by the intermediate node in advance. The private mode may also have an over-ride option (cf. box 3035) that may handle certain high- priority traffic types such as e.g. emergency, malfunction, and / or trustworthy alarms. It can be seen as only providing limited services to “public” devices but full services to “private” devices.

[0098] FIG. 10 is a signaling diagram according to various examples. The signaling of FIG. 10 illustrates the configuration phase 3098 of the intermediate node implemented by the UE 69.

[0099] At 5005, a discovery signal 4005 is transmitted by the low-power WD 65 and received by the UE 69. Upon receiving the discovery signal 4005, the UE 69 transmits a request 4010 for connectivity information, at 5010. Accordingly, 5005 may implement box 3005 of the method of FIG. 7; and 5010 may implement box 3010 of FIG. 7.

[0100] In the scenario FIG. 10, the UE 69 provides the request 4010 to a node 63 of the cellular network 62. For instance, the UE 69 may provide the request to the serving BS (cf. FIG. 1 : BS 61) or to a core network node.

[0101] At 5015, the UE 69 obtains the connectivity information 4015 from the node 63 of the cellular network. Accordingly, 5015 may implement box 3015 of FIG. 7.

[0102] FIG. 11 is a signaling diagram according to various examples. FIG. 11 , similar to FIG. 10, illustrates the configuration phase 3098. 5105, accordingly, corresponds to 5005; 5110, accordingly, corresponds to 5010; 5115, accordingly, corresponds to 5015.

[0103] However, in the scenario of FIG. 11 , the request 4010 is provided to an application node 40, rather than to the cellular network node 63. The application node 40 may be locally implemented at the UE 69 (not shown in FIG. 11) or by a remote application device, e.g., a server reachable via the Internet and outside of the cellular network. Then, the connectivity information 4015 is obtained, at 5115, from the application node 40. It is optionally possible to provide, at 5120, the connectivity information 4015 to the network node 63.

[0104] Various modifications are conceivable for the scenarios of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. For instance, as previously discussed in connection with FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, it is possible that the request 4010 for the connectivity information 4015 is not triggered by the discovery 4005; but rather pro-actively transmitted by the UE 69, e.g., to obtain an authorization to transfer data for anonymous or arbitrary low-power WDs. Furthermore, it would even be possible that the request 4010 is dispensed with; in other words, it would be possible that the network node 63 or the application node 40 proactively provide the connectivity information 4015.

[0105] FIG. 12 is a signaling diagram according to various examples. FIG. 12 illustrates the execution phase 3099 of the intermediate node implemented by the UE 69. In FIG. 12, uplink data 4105 associated with the data communication 189 is received from the low-power WD 65 at 5205. For instance, the data 4105 may be received via a backscattering wireless transmission (cf. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 where the backscattering transmission 190 has been explained in detail). In the scenario of FIG. 12, the UE 69 is authorized to transfer the data 4105 obtained at 5205 to the cellular network, e.g., to the serving BS 61. Accordingly, the UE 69 provides the 4105 to the BS 61 , at 5210.

[0106] As will be appreciated, 5205 corresponds to box 3020 of FIG. 9; and 5210 corresponds to box 3030 of FIG. 9.

[0107] FIG. 13 is another signaling diagram according to various examples. Also FIG. 13 illustrates the execution phase 3099 of the intermediate node implemented by the UE 69. FIG.

[0108] 13 generally corresponds to the FIG. 12. However, while FIG. 12 is an uplink scenario, FIG. 13 is a downlink scenario. In FIG. 13, downlink data 4110 associated with the data communication 189 and for the low-power WD 65 is obtained, at 5210, at the UE 69. The UE is authorized to transfer that downlink data 4110 to the low-power WD 65 and, accordingly, at 5205 forwards the data. For instance, a time-domain modulation, e.g., On-Off-Keying or using Amplitude Keying may be used. The low-power WD 65 uses a low-complexity RF receiver circuitry for receiving the downlink data 4110.

[0109] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method according to various examples. The method of FIG.

[0110] 14 may be executed by a node of a cellular network, e.g., implemented at a base station or in the core of the cellular network. It would also be possible that the method of FIG. 14 is executed by an application node associated with a specific application for which a data communication between a low-power WD and the cellular network (cf. data communication 189 in FIG. 1 in FIG. 2). The method of FIG. 14 may be executed by a processor upon loading program code from a memory and upon executing the program code. For instance, the method of FIG. 14 may be executed by the processor 211 upon loading program code that is stored in the memory 212 (cf. FIG. 5).

[0111] The method of FIG. 14 is interrelated to the method of FIG. 7 and to the method of FIG. 8.

[0112] At box 3804, the node obtains a capability of the intermediate WD to implement an intermediate node of the data communication. More specifically, the capability may be indicative of the capability of the intermediate node to authorize or restrict a data-transfer assistance functionality.

[0113] For instance, the capability to operate in a private mode or a public mode with respect to authorization / restriction of the data transfer may be indicated.

[0114] Box 3804 is, accordingly, interrelated to box 3000 and for as well as to box 3104.

[0115] At box 3810, it is optionally possible to obtain a request for connectivity information. That request may or may not be indicative of the identity of a particular low-power WD. The request is obtained from the intermediate WD. The request may be indicative of the intermediate WD requesting execution of the intermediate node in a public mode or in a private mode.

[0116] At box 3815, connectivity information is determined. For instance, the connectivity information may be indicative of activation of a public mode or private mode of the intermediate node executed by the intermediate WD. The connectivity information may select between authorization or restriction of the intermediate WD transferring data between the cellular network and an anonymous and / or arbitrary low-power WD. It would also be possible that the connectivity information selects between authorization restriction of the intermediate WD transferring data between the cellular network and a particular low-power WD.

[0117] Various decision criteria for determining the connectivity information are conceivable. For instance, the connectivity information may be determined based on one or more security aspects or security regulations of the cellular network. The connectivity information may be set based on quality of service requirements of a certain application.

[0118] At box 3820, the connectivity information is then provided to the intermediate WD. Accordingly, box 3820 is interrelated to box 3015 as well as the box 3115.

[0119] Summarizing, above, techniques have been disclosed that enable to authorize or restrict assistance functionality for transferring data between the cellular network and one or low-power WDs. In other words, the connectivity provided by an intermediate node can be restricted.

[0120] For instance, such authorization or restriction may be provided for specific low-power WDs or may be provided for arbitrary or anonymous low-power WDs. Authorization or restriction may be provided for a group or set of low-power WDs. For instance, a list of certain low-power WDs that are authorized for the data transfer assistance functionality may be maintained at a intermediate node. Respective connectivity information may be obtained, e.g., from an application node or from a control node at the cellular network. The connectivity information may be tied to specific identities of one or low-power WDs oh may be generally applicable to arbitrary low-power WDs.

[0121] In a scenario in which data is received at the intermediate node and it is determined that the intermediate node is not authorized to transfer the data, this lack of authorization may be overruled for certain types of data. For instance, high-priority traffic may be passed through.

[0122] The present disclosure accordingly relates to methods, apparatuses, and systems for authorizing or restricting assistance functionality for transferring data between a cellular network and one or more low-power WDs. The connectivity provided by an intermediate node can be restricted, thereby enabling authorization or restriction of specific low-power WDs or arbitrary / anonymous low-power WDs. This restriction may be provided for a group or set of low- power WDs. For instance, the assistance functionality for transferring data between a cellular network and one or more low-power WDs can be selectively authorized or restricted based on certain criteria, such as specific identities of low-power WDs or types of data being transferred. This selective authorization or restriction enables the cellular network to control which low- power WDs are allowed to utilize the assistance functionality. Furthermore, high-priority traffic may be passed through even if an intermediate node is not authorized to transfer data. The solution also provides various options for implementing the intermediate node, such as a UE (User Equipment) or other types of WDs having a wired backbone connection or a non-3GPP backbone connection to a base station. Additionally, the solution supports both uplink and downlink ambient wireless transmissions between the low-power WD and an intermediate node. The disclosure provides several benefits, including improved control over data transfer assistance functionality, enhanced security, and efficient use of network resources. Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, equivalents and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of the specification. The present invention includes all such equivalents and modifications and is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0123] Further summarizing, at least the following EXAMPLES have been disclosed.

[0124] E X A M P L E S

[0125] EXAMPLE 1. A method for use in a wireless device (69, 200) connected to a cellular network (62), the wireless device (69, 200) participating in an ambient wireless transmission (190) between the wireless device (69, 200) and one or more low-power wireless devices (65), wherein the method comprises:

[0126] - obtaining (3015, 3115) connectivity information (4015) regulating the wireless device (69, 200) transferring data (4105, 4110) between the cellular network (62) and the one or more low-power wireless devices (65).

[0127] EXAMPLE 2. The method of EXAMPLE 1 , wherein the connectivity information (4015) regulates the wireless device (69, 200) transferring data (4105) to the cellular network (62), the data (4015) being received from the one or more low-power wireless devices (65) along the ambient wireless transmission, the ambient wireless transmission being a backscattering wireless transmission (190).

[0128] EXAMPLE 3. The method of EXAMPLE 1 or 2, wherein the connectivity information selects between an authorization or a restriction to transfer the data between the cellular network and at least one of anonymous or arbitrary low-power wireless devices.

[0129] EXAMPLE 4. The method of EXAMPLE 3, wherein the connectivity information is obtained prior to the wireless device (69, 200) discovering the respective at least one of the anonymous or arbitrary low-power wireless devices (65).

[0130] EXAMPLE 5. The method of EXAMPLE 1 or 2, wherein the connectivity information selects between an authorization or a restriction to forward the data between the cellular network and a particular one of the one or more low-power wireless devices (65).

[0131] EXAMPLE 6. The method of EXAMPLE 5, further comprising:

[0132] - obtaining (3005) identity information for the particular one of the one or more low-power wireless devices (65), and

[0133] - requesting (3010, 5010), at the cellular network (62) and based on the identity information, the connectivity information (4015), wherein the connectivity information is obtained upon said requesting.

[0134] EXAMPLE 7. The method of any one of EXAMPLES 3 to 6, wherein the method further comprises, upon the connectivity information selecting the restriction to forward the data for a given low-power wireless device:

[0135] - receiving data from the given low-power wireless device using the ambient wireless transmission,

[0136] - establishing a type of the data, and - depending on the type of the data, selectively forwarding the data to the cellular network or discarding the data.

[0137] EXAMPLE 8. The method of any one of the preceding EXAMPLES, wherein the connectivity information (4015) is obtained from the cellular network (62, 63), or wherein the connectivity information (4015) is obtained from an application node (40).

[0138] EXAMPLE 9. The method of any one of the preceding EXAMPLES, wherein the ambient wireless transmission is a backscattering transmission, and / or wherein the ambient wireless transmission is for reception using a low-complexity radiofrequency receiver circuitry.

[0139] EXAMPLE 10. The method of any one of the preceding EXAMPLES, further comprising:

[0140] - selectively transferring (3030) the data in accordance with the connectivity information.

[0141] EXAMPLE 11. The method of any one of the preceding EXAMPLES, wherein the connectivity information activates one of a public mode or a private mode for said transferring of the data between the cellular network and the one or more low-power wireless devices.

[0142] EXAMPLE 12. A wireless device (69, 200) configured to connect to a cellular network (62) and to participate in an ambient wireless transmission (190) between the wireless device (69, 200) and one or more low-power wireless devices (65), wherein the wireless device (69, 200) comprises a processor (211) and a memory (212), the processor (211) being configured to load program code from the memory (212) and to execute the program code, the processor (211), upon executing the program code, obtaining connectivity information (4015) regulating the wireless device (69, 200) transferring data (4105, 4110) between the cellular network (62) and the one or more low-power wireless devices (65).

[0143] EXAMPLE 13. The wireless device (60, 200) of EXAMPLE 12, wherein the processor, upon executing the program code, performs the method of any one of the EXAMPLES 1 to 11.

[0144] EXAMPLE 14. A system, comprising the wireless device of EXAMPLE 12 or 13 and the one or more low-power wireless devices.

[0145] EXAMPLE 15. A method for use in a node (40, 63), the method comprising:

[0146] - determining (3815) connectivity information (4105) regulating a wireless device (69, 200) transferring data (4105, 4110) between a cellular network (62) and one or more low- power wireless devices (65), and

[0147] - providing (3820) the connectivity information to the wireless device (69, 200).

[0148] EXAMPLE 16. A device comprising a processor and a memory, the processor (211) being configured to load program code from the memory (212) and to execute the program code, the processor (211), upon executing the program code, determining (3815) connectivity information (4105) regulating a wireless device (69, 200) transferring data (4105, 4110) between a cellular network (62) and one or more low-power wireless devices (65), and providing (3820) the connectivity information to the wireless device (69, 200). For instance, while above various scenarios have been disclosed in which the ambient wireless transmission is implemented as a backscattering wireless transmission, in other scenarios, other forms of ambient wireless transmission may be employed. For example, it would be possible to use other forms of ambient wireless transmissions, e.g., active transmission powered by energy harvesting, low-power high-repetition wireless transmission, modulation schemes enabling low-power RF circuitry, to give a few examples.

[0149] For further illustration, various examples have been disclosed in which uplink data is transmitted by a low-power WD for delivery to a cellular network. However, similarly, techniques may be employed for an ambient wireless transmission towards the low-power WD. Here, here, the low-power WD can employ a low-power low-complexity RF receiver circuitry. Such low- power, low-complexity receiver circuitry may not be capable of frequency-domain operations for demodulation, e.g., Fast Fourier Transforms for separating multiple subcarriers in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex (OFDM) modulation. Example modulation schemes of the ambient wireless transmission that are suitable for reception by a low-power low-complexity are explained: Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) modulates digital data as variations in the amplitude of a carrier wave, facilitating demodulation through simple envelope detection techniques in the time domain. Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) encodes data by altering the carrier wave's frequency, which can be demodulated using time-domain methods such as zero-crossing detection, where the number of zero crossings within a given period is counted to determine frequency. Phase Shift Keying (PSK) modifies the phase of the carrier wave to represent data, and while typically more complex, can be managed in the time domain using phase detectors that compare the received signal's phase with a reference signal. On-Off Keying (OOK), a simpler variant of ASK, signifies data presence or absence through the presence or absence of the carrier wave, respectively, and is demodulated by detecting these changes via simple threshold detectors. Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) varies the amplitude of a series of pulses according to the data signal, requiring straightforward amplitude detection of these pulses for demodulation. Pulse Position Modulation (PPM) encodes information by varying the position of a pulse within a designated time frame, with detection focusing on identifying the pulse's timing, a process conducted entirely in the time domain. Furthermore, Differential Phase Shift Keying (DPSK) facilitates the encoding of data through changes in phase relative to the previous signal, simplifying the receiver design to only necessitate the comparison of the phases of successive symbols. Each of these modulation techniques may be relied upon by the ambient wireless transmission in downlink direction, towards the low-power WD.

[0150] For further illustration, various techniques have been disclosed in which an intermediate WD implementing an intermediate node to transfer data associated with the data communication between a low-power WD and a cellular network is implemented by a UE. In other examples, such intermediate WD may also be implemented by other types of WDs, e.g., a transmit-receive unit (TRU) having a wired backbone connection or a non-3GPP backbone connection to a base station, etc.

Claims

C L A I M S1. A method for use in a wireless device connected to a cellular network, the wireless device participating in an ambient wireless transmission between the wireless device and one or more low-power wireless devices, wherein the method comprises:- obtaining connectivity information regulating the wireless device transferring data between the cellular network and the one or more low-power wireless devices.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the connectivity information regulates the wireless device transferring data to the cellular network, the data being received from the one or more low-power wireless devices along the ambient wireless transmission, the ambient wireless transmission being a backscattering wireless transmission.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the connectivity information selects between an authorization or a restriction to transfer the data between the cellular network and at least one of anonymous or arbitrary low- power wireless devices.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the connectivity information is obtained prior to the wireless device discovering the respective at least one of the anonymous or arbitrary low-power wireless devices.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the connectivity information selects between an authorization or a restriction to forward the data between the cellular network and a particular one of the one or more low- power wireless devices.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:- obtaining identity information for the particular one of the one or more low-power wireless devices, and- requesting, at the cellular network and based on the identity information, the connectivity information, wherein the connectivity information is obtained upon said requesting.

7. The method of any one of claims 3, wherein the method further comprises, upon the connectivity information selecting the restriction to forward the data for a given low-power wireless device:- receiving data from the given low-power wireless device using the ambient wireless transmission,- establishing a type of the data, and- depending on the type of the data, selectively forwarding the data to the cellular network or discarding the data.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the connectivity information is obtained from the cellular network, or wherein the connectivity information is obtained from an application node.

9. The method of claim 1 ,wherein the ambient wireless transmission is a backscattering transmission, and / or wherein the ambient wireless transmission is for reception using a low-complexity radiofrequency receiver circuitry.

10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:- selectively transferring the data in accordance with the connectivity information.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the connectivity information activates one of a public mode or a private mode for said transferring of the data between the cellular network and the one or more low-power wireless devices.

12. A wireless device configured to connect to a cellular network and to participate in an ambient wireless transmission between the wireless device and one or more low-power wireless devices, wherein the wireless device comprises a processor and a memory, the processor being configured to load program code from the memory and to execute the program code, the processor, upon executing the program code, obtaining connectivity information regulating the wireless device transferring data between the cellular network and the one or more low-power wireless devices.

13. A system, comprising the wireless device of claim 12 and the one or more low-power wireless devices.

14. A method for use in a node, the method comprising:- determining connectivity information regulating a wireless device transferring data between a cellular network and one or more low-power wireless devices, and- providing the connectivity information to the wireless device.

15. A device comprising a processor and a memory, the processor being configured to load program code from the memory and to execute the program code, the processor, upon executing the program code, determining connectivity information regulating a wireless device transferring data between a cellular network and one or more low-power wireless devices, and providing the connectivity information to the wireless device.

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