Apparatus, method, and computer program

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, whilst operating in an idle mode or an inactive mode, from a base station, an application layer message to trigger an action, wherein the application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel; and perform the action triggered by the application layer message.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM

[0002] Field of the disclosure

[0003] The present disclosure relates to techniques for managing a user equipment (e.g., Internet of things device) in a communication system.

[0004] Background

[0005] A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as communication devices, base stations (BSs) and / or other nodes by providing carriers between the various entities involved in the communications path.

[0006] The communication system may be a wireless communication system. Examples of wireless systems comprise public land mobile networks (PLMN) operating based on radio standards such as those provided by 3GPP, satellite based communication systems and different wireless local networks, for example wireless local area networks (WLAN). The wireless systems can typically be divided into cells, and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

[0007] The communication system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. Communication protocols and / or parameters which shall be used for the connection are also typically defined. Examples of standard are 4G, 5G or 6G standards.

[0008] Summary

[0009] According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, whilst operating in an idle mode or an inactive mode, from a base station, an application layer message to trigger an action, wherein the application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel; and perform the action triggered by the application layer message. The idle mode or an inactive mode may comprise a radio resource control idle mode or a radio resource control inactive mode.

[0010] The application layer message may comprise an apparatus-terminated trigger message.

[0011] The application layer message may be conveyed on a physical downlink control channel via downlink control information format 1_0.

[0012] The application layer message may be conveyed on a physical downlink control channel via downlink control information format 2_7.

[0013] The application layer message may be conveyed within an early paging message.

[0014] The application layer message may be conveyed on a physical downlink control channel via downlink control information format 2_6.

[0015] The application layer message may be conveyed within a wake-up signal.

[0016] The application layer message may be conveyed on a physical downlink shared channel within a paging message.

[0017] The action may relate to at least one of: collecting or reporting measurements; or updating a software.

[0018] The action may comprise at least one of: setting a type of measurements; setting a number of measurements; setting a type of aggregation of measurements; setting a threshold of measurements; setting a timing for collecting measurements; setting a timing for reporting measurements; collecting measurements; aggregating measurements; reporting measurements; stopping collecting measurements; stopping aggregating measurements or stopping reporting measurements.

[0019] A type of measurements may comprise an environmental parameter (e.g., temperature or humidity).

[0020] A number of measurements (e.g., N measurements) may comprise an amount / quantity of measurements. A type of aggregation of measurements may comprise a temporal aggregation of measurements (e.g., temporal average of multiple measurements collected by a single apparatus) or a spatial aggregation of measurements (e.g., spatial average of multiple measurements collected by multiple apparatus).

[0021] A threshold of measurements may comprise an upper threshold and / or a lower threshold. Measurements above the upper threshold and / or measurements below the lower threshold (e.g., outliers) may be collected and / or reported.

[0022] A timing for collecting measurements may comprise an earliest time, a latest time, a start time, an end time and / or a periodicity (e.g., N measurements collected per unit of time). The earliest time, the latest time, the start time and / or the end time may be an absolute time or a relative time (e.g., relative to the reception of the application layer message).

[0023] A timing for reporting measurements may comprise an earliest time, a latest time, a start time, an end time and / or a periodicity (e.g., N measurements reported per unit of time). The earliest time the latest time, the start time and / or the end time may be an absolute time or a relative time (e.g., relative to the reception of the application layer message).

[0024] Stopping may comprise stopping temporarily (e.g., suspending / pausing) or stopping definitively (e.g., interrupting).

[0025] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: transition from the idle mode or an inactive mode to a connected mode before performing the action; or abstain from transitioning from the idle mode or an inactive mode to a connected mode before performing the action.

[0026] The connected mode may comprise a radio resource control connected mode.

[0027] Transitioning from the idle mode or an inactive mode to the connected mode may comprise transmitting, to the base station, a radio resource control setup message or radio resource control resume message.

[0028] The application layer message may comprise an explicit application layer message or an implicit application layer message. The explicit application layer message may be conveyed via an information element; or the implicit application layer message may be conveyed via at least one of a physical downlink control channel occasion or a physical downlink shared channel or a radio network temporary identifier

[0029] The information element may comprise a string of bits (e.g., bitmap).

[0030] The apparatus may decode the string of bits based on a look up table.

[0031] The look up table may be dynamic (e.g., not hardcoded). The look up table may be received from the base station (e.g., via a system information block). The look up table may only be known by the apparatus and the base station.

[0032] The look up table may be static (e.g., hardcoded). The look up table may be set in standards. The look up table may be known by all apparatus and the base station.

[0033] The string of bits may be conveyed via reserved bits (e.g., reserved bits 5 to 8) of a short messages field of a downlink control information format (e.g., DCI format 1_0).

[0034] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: transmit, to the base station, an acknowledgement of receipt of the application layer message.

[0035] The acknowledgement of receipt may be an explicit acknowledgement of receipt or an implicit acknowledgement of receipt.

[0036] An implicit acknowledgement of receipt may be conveyed via a random access channel preamble used for performing a random access channel procedure.

[0037] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: transmit, to the base station, capability information indicating a capability of the apparatus to receive an application layer message whilst operating in idle mode or inactive mode. The capability information may be transmitted in a radio resource control connection request message or a radio resource control resume request message.

[0038] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from the base station, configuration information to receive an application layer message.

[0039] The configuration information to receive an application layer message may be received via a radio resource control re-configuration message.

[0040] The configuration information to receive an application layer message may comprise at least one of: whether an application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel; wherein an application layer is conveyed via downlink control information format 1_0, via downlink control information format 2_7, via downlink control information format 2_6, within an early paging message, within a wake-up signal or within a paging message; or whether an application layer message is an explicit application layer message and / or an implicit application layer message and how the application layer message is conveyed.

[0041] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from the base station, configuration information to behave in response to receiving an application layer message.

[0042] The configuration information to behave in response to receiving an application layer message may be received via a radio resource control re-configuration message or a system information block.

[0043] The configuration information to behave in response to receiving an application layer message comprises at least one of: whether to transmit an acknowledgement of receipt; whether the acknowledgement of receipt is an explicit acknowledgement of receipt or an implicit acknowledgement of receipt; whether to transition from the idle mode or the inactive mode to a connected mode; or when to transition from the idle mode or the inactive mode to a connected mode.

[0044] Transitioning from the idle mode or an inactive mode to a connected mode may or may not occur. Transitioning from the idle mode or an inactive mode to a connected mode may occur before collecting measurements or before reporting measurements.

[0045] How to report measurements may comprise reporting measurements via small data transmission (e.g., via a payload of a message 3 or a message A of a random access channel procedure).

[0046] The apparatus may comprise a user equipment.

[0047] The apparatus may comprise a low power wide area network user equipment.

[0048] The apparatus may comprise a sensor to perform measurements.

[0049] The apparatus may comprise an Internet of things device.

[0050] The apparatus may comprise an ambient Internet of things device.

[0051] According to an aspect there is provided a method comprising: receiving, whilst operating in an idle mode or an inactive mode, from a base station, an application layer message to trigger an action, wherein the application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel; and performing the action triggered by the application layer message.

[0052] The method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0053] The idle mode or an inactive mode may comprise a radio resource control idle mode or a radio resource control inactive mode.

[0054] The application layer message may comprise an apparatus-terminated trigger message.

[0055] The application layer message may be conveyed on a physical downlink control channel via downlink control information format 1_0.

[0056] The application layer message may be conveyed on a physical downlink control channel via downlink control information format 2_7. The application layer message may be conveyed within an early paging message.

[0057] The application layer message may be conveyed on a physical downlink control channel via downlink control information format 2_6.

[0058] The application layer message may be conveyed within a wake-up signal.

[0059] The application layer message may be conveyed on a physical downlink shared channel within a paging message.

[0060] The action may relate to at least one of: collecting or reporting measurements; or updating a software.

[0061] The action may comprise at least one of: setting a type of measurements; setting a number of measurements; setting a type of aggregation of measurements; setting a threshold of measurements; setting a timing for collecting measurements; setting a timing for reporting measurements; collecting measurements; aggregating measurements; reporting measurements; stopping collecting measurements; stopping aggregating measurements or stopping reporting measurements.

[0062] A type of measurements may comprise an environmental parameter (e.g., temperature or humidity).

[0063] A number of measurements (e.g., N measurements) may comprise an amount / quantity of measurements.

[0064] A type of aggregation of measurements may comprise a temporal aggregation of measurements (e.g., temporal average of multiple measurements collected by a single apparatus) or a spatial aggregation of measurements (e.g., spatial average of multiple measurements collected by multiple apparatus).

[0065] A threshold of measurements may comprise an upper threshold and / or a lower threshold. Measurements above the upper threshold and / or measurements below the lower threshold (e.g., outliers) may be collected and / or reported. A timing for collecting measurements may comprise an earliest time, a latest time, a start time, an end time and / or a periodicity (e.g., N measurements collected per unit of time). The earliest time, the latest time, the start time and / or the end time may be an absolute time or a relative time (e.g., relative to the reception of the application layer message).

[0066] A timing for reporting measurements may comprise an earliest time, a latest time, a start time, an end time and / or a periodicity (e.g., N measurements reported per unit of time). The earliest time the latest time, the start time and / or the end time may be an absolute time or a relative time (e.g., relative to the reception of the application layer message).

[0067] Stopping may comprise stopping temporarily (e.g., suspending / pausing) or stopping definitively (e.g., interrupting).

[0068] The method may comprise: transitionning from the idle mode or an inactive mode to a connected mode before performing the action; or abstain from transitioning from the idle mode or an inactive mode to a connected mode before performing the action.

[0069] The connected mode may comprise a radio resource control connected mode.

[0070] Transitioning from the idle mode or an inactive mode to the connected mode may comprise transmitting, to the base station, a radio resource control setup message or radio resource control resume message.

[0071] The application layer message may comprise an explicit application layer message or an implicit application layer message.

[0072] The explicit application layer message may be conveyed via an information element; or the implicit application layer message may be conveyed via at least one of a physical downlink control channel occasion or a physical downlink shared channel or a radio network temporary identifier

[0073] The information element may comprise a string of bits (e.g., bitmap).

[0074] The method may comprise decoding the string of bits based on a look up table. The look up table may be dynamic (e.g., not hardcoded). The look up table may be received from the base station (e.g., via a system information block). The look up table may only be known by the apparatus and the base station.

[0075] The look up table may be static (e.g., hardcoded). The look up table may be set in standards. The look up table may be known by all apparatus and the base station.

[0076] The string of bits may be conveyed via reserved bits (e.g., reserved bits 5 to 8) of a short messages field of a downlink control information format (e.g., DCI format 1_0).

[0077] The method may comprise: transmitting, to the base station, an acknowledgement of receipt of the application layer message.

[0078] The acknowledgement of receipt may be an explicit acknowledgement of receipt or an implicit acknowledgement of receipt.

[0079] An implicit acknowledgement of receipt may be conveyed via a random access channel preamble used for performing a random access channel procedure.

[0080] The method may comprise: transmitting, to the base station, capability information indicating a capability of the apparatus to receive an application layer message whilst operating in idle mode or inactive mode.

[0081] The capability information may be transmitted in a radio resource control connection request message or a radio resource control resume request message.

[0082] The method may comprise: receiving, from the base station, configuration information to receive an application layer message.

[0083] The configuration information to receive an application layer message may be received via a radio resource control re-configuration message.

[0084] The configuration information to receive an application layer message may comprise at least one of: whether an application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel; wherein an application layer is conveyed via downlink control information format 1_0, via downlink control information format 2_7, via downlink control information format 2_6, within an early paging message, within a wake-up signal or within a paging message; or whether an application layer message is an explicit application layer message and / or an implicit application layer message and how the application layer message is conveyed.

[0085] The method may comprise: receiving, from the base station, configuration information to behave in response to receiving an application layer message.

[0086] The configuration information to behave in response to receiving an application layer message may be received via a radio resource control re-configuration message or a system information block.

[0087] The configuration information to behave in response to receiving an application layer message comprises at least one of: whether to transmit an acknowledgement of receipt; whether the acknowledgement of receipt is an explicit acknowledgement of receipt or an implicit acknowledgement of receipt; whether to transition from the idle mode or the inactive mode to a connected mode; or when to transition from the idle mode or the inactive mode to a connected mode.

[0088] Transitioning from the idle mode or an inactive mode to a connected mode may or may not occur.

[0089] Transitioning from the idle mode or an inactive mode to a connected mode may occur before collecting measurements or before reporting measurements.

[0090] How to report measurements may comprise reporting measurements via small data transmission (e.g., via a payload of a message 3 or a message A of a random access channel procedure).

[0091] The apparatus may comprise a user equipment.

[0092] The apparatus may comprise a low power wide area network user equipment.

[0093] The apparatus may comprise a sensor to perform measurements.

[0094] The apparatus may comprise an Internet of things device. The apparatus may comprise an ambient Internet of things device.

[0095] According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for receiving, whilst operating in an idle mode or an inactive mode, from a base station, an application layer message to trigger an action, wherein the application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel; and means for performing the action triggered by the application layer message.

[0096] According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising circuitry configured to perform: receiving, whilst operating in an idle mode or an inactive mode, from a base station, an application layer message to trigger an action, wherein the application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel; and performing the action triggered by the application layer message.

[0097] According to an aspect there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to perform: receiving, whilst operating in an idle mode or an inactive mode, from a base station, an application layer message to trigger an action, wherein the application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel; and performing the action triggered by the application layer message.

[0098] According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: transmit, to a user equipment, whilst operating in an idle mode or an inactive mode, an application layer message to trigger an action, wherein the application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel.

[0099] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine configuration information to transmit an application layer message; and transmit, to the user equipment, the application layer message based on the configuration information to transmit an application layer message.

[0100] The configuration information to transmit an application layer message may comprise at least one of: whether the user equipment is capable of receiving an application layer message whilst operating in idle mode or inactive mode; whether the user equipment is part of a group of user equipment capable of receiving an application layer message whilst operating in idle mode or inactive mode; a number of different application layer messages; a number of repetitions of an application layer message; a periodicity of repetitions of an application layer message; a fallback action after reaching the number of repetitions of application layer messages; a priority of an application layer message; whether the application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel; wherein the application layer is conveyed via downlink control information format 1_0, via downlink control information format 2_7, via downlink control information format 2_6 or within a paging message whether an application layer message is an explicit application layer message or an implicit application layer message and / or how an application layer message is conveyed; or an action triggered by an application layer message.

[0101] A number of different application layer messages (e.g., N) may depend on a number of bits, a number of physical downlink control channel occasions or physical downlink shared channel I or a number of radio network temporary identifiers.

[0102] A number of repetitions of an application layer message (e.g., N) may comprise a maximum number of repetitions of an application layer message..

[0103] A periodicity of repetitions of an application layer message (e.g., N / min) may comprise a number of repetitions of an application layer message per unit of time.

[0104] A fallback action after reaching the number of repetitions of an application layer message may comprise transmitting a paging message not conveying an application layer message to cause the user equipment to transition from the idle mode or the inactive mode to the connected mode..

[0105] A priority of an application layer message may be higher or lower than a priority of other messages conveyed in a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel.

[0106] Determining the configuration information to transmit an application message may comprise: coordinating with at least one of a core network function and an application server.

[0107] The network function may comprise an access and mobility management function. The apparatus may comprise a base station.

[0108] According to an aspect there is provided a method comprising: transmitting, to a user equipment, whilst operating in an idle mode or an inactive mode, an application layer message to trigger an action, wherein the application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel.

[0109] The method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0110] The method may comprise: determining configuration information to transmit an application layer message; and transmit, to the user equipment, the application layer message based on the configuration information to transmit an application layer message.

[0111] The configuration information to transmit an application layer message may comprise at least one of: whether the user equipment is capable of receiving an application layer message whilst operating in idle mode or inactive mode; whether the user equipment is part of a group of user equipment capable of receiving an application layer message whilst operating in idle mode or inactive mode; a number of different application layer messages; a number of repetitions of an application layer message; a periodicity of repetitions of an application layer message; a fallback action after reaching the number of repetitions of application layer messages; a priority of an application layer message; whether the application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel; wherein the application layer is conveyed via downlink control information format 1_0, via downlink control information format 2_7, via downlink control information format 2_6 or within a paging message whether an application layer message is an explicit application layer message or an implicit application layer message and / or how an application layer message is conveyed; or an action triggered by an application layer message.

[0112] A number of different application layer messages (e.g., N) may depend on a number of bits, a number of physical downlink control channel occasions or physical downlink shared channel I or a number of radio network temporary identifiers.

[0113] A number of repetitions of an application layer message (e.g., N) may comprise a maximum number of repetitions of an application layer message.. A periodicity of repetitions of an application layer message (e.g., N / min) may comprise a number of repetitions of an application layer message per unit of time.

[0114] A fallback action after reaching the number of repetitions of an application layer message may comprise transmitting a paging message not conveying an application layer message to cause the user equipment to transition from the idle mode or the inactive mode to the connected mode..

[0115] A priority of an application layer message may be higher or lower than a priority of other messages conveyed in a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel.

[0116] Determining the configuration information to transmit an application message may comprise: coordinating with at least one of a core network function and an application server.

[0117] The network function may comprise an access and mobility management function.

[0118] The apparatus may comprise a base station.

[0119] According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for transmitting, to a user equipment, whilst operating in an idle mode or an inactive mode, an application layer message to trigger an action, wherein the application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel.

[0120] According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising circuitry configured to perform: transmitting, to a user equipment, whilst operating in an idle mode or an inactive mode, an application layer message to trigger an action, wherein the application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel.

[0121] According to an aspect there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to perform: transmitting, to a user equipment, whilst operating in an idle mode or an inactive mode, an application layer message to trigger an action, wherein the application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel. According to an aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods.

[0122] According to an aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods.

[0123] According to an aspect, there is provided a non-volatile tangible memory medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods.

[0124] In the above, many different aspects have been described. It should be appreciated that further aspects may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the aspects described above.

[0125] Various other aspects are also described in the following detailed description and in the attached claims.

[0126] List of abbreviations

[0127] AF: Application Function

[0128] A-loT : Ambient Internet of Things Device

[0129] AMF: Access and Mobility Management Function

[0130] AS: Application Server

[0131] BS: Base Station

[0132] CU: Centralized Unit

[0133] DCI: Downlink Control Information

[0134] DL: Downlink

[0135] DTT : Device-Terminated Trigger

[0136] DU: Distributed Unit gNB: gNodeB loT: Internet of Things

[0137] LPWA: Low Power Wide Area

[0138] LTE: Long Term Evolution

[0139] MS: Mobile Station

[0140] MsG A: Message A

[0141] MsG B: Message B MsG 1 : Message 1

[0142] MsG 2 : Message 2

[0143] MsG 3 : Message 3

[0144] MsG 4 : Message 4

[0145] MTC: Machine Type Communication

[0146] NEF: Network Exposure Function

[0147] NF: Network Function

[0148] NR: New radio

[0149] NRF: Network Repository Function

[0150] PLMN: Public Land Mobile Network

[0151] PDCCH: Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0152] PDSCH: Physical Downlink Shared Channel

[0153] PRACH: Physical Random Access Channel

[0154] P-RNTI: Paging Radio Network Temporary Identifier

[0155] PLISCH: Physical Uplink Shared Channel

[0156] RAM: Random Access Memory

[0157] (R)AN: (Radio) Access Network

[0158] RAR: Random Access Response

[0159] ROM: Read Only Memory

[0160] RRC: Radio Resource Control

[0161] SMF: Session Management Function

[0162] SUM: Short User-plane Message

[0163] UE: User Equipment

[0164] WLAN: Wireless Local Area Network

[0165] 4G: 4thGeneration

[0166] 5G: 5thGeneration

[0167] 5GC: 5G Core network

[0168] 5GS: 5G System

[0169] 6G: 6thGeneration

[0170] Brief Description of the Figures

[0171] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

[0172] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an example 5G system; Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an example control apparatus;

[0173] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an example user equipment;

[0174] Fig. 4 shows an example of a signaling diagram of a process for managing a user equipment in a communication system;

[0175] Fig. 5 shows an example of a table listing fields of a downlink control information format 1_0;

[0176] Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of an example of a method for managing user equipment performed by the user equipment;

[0177] Fig. 7 shows a block diagram of an example of a method for managing user equipment performed by a base station;

[0178] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a non-volatile memory medium storing instructions which when executed by a processor allow a processor to perform one or more of the steps of the method of any of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7.

[0179] Detailed Description of the Figures

[0180] In the following certain embodiments are explained with reference to mobile communication devices capable of communication via a wireless cellular system and mobile communication systems serving such mobile communication devices. Before explaining in detail the exemplifying embodiments, certain general principles of a wireless communication system, access systems thereof, and mobile communication devices are briefly explained with reference to Fig. 1 , Fig.2 and Fig.3 to assist in understanding the technology underlying the described examples.

[0181] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an example 5G system (5GS). The 5GS may comprises user equipment (UEs), a (radio) access network ((R)AN), a 5G core network (5GC), one or more application servers (AS) / application functions (AF) and one or more data networks (DN).

[0182] The 5G (R)AN may comprise one or more base stations (BSs). The one or more BSs may comprise one or more gNodeBs (gNBs). The gNodeBs may comprise one or more gNB distributed unit functions connected to one or more gNB centralized unit functions. The gNodeBs may comprise activator gNodeBs, reader gNodeBs or activator and reader gNodeBs.

[0183] The 5GC may comprise an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), an authentication server function (ALISF), a user data management (UDM), a user plane function (UPF), a network exposure function (NEF).

[0184] It will be understood that although solutions for managing a UE are discussed in the context of a 5GS, these solutions may be used with other communication systems, in particular a 6GS.

[0185] It will be understood that other communication systems, in particular a 6GS, may comprise some or all of the components of a 5GS.

[0186] Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a control apparatus 200 for controlling a function of the (R)AN or the 5GC as illustrated on Fig. 1 . The control apparatus may comprise at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, at least on read only memory (ROM) 211 b, at least one processor 212, 213 and an input / output interface 214. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to the RAM 211a and the ROM 211 b. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 215. The software code 215 may for example allow to perform one or more steps to perform one or more of the present aspects. The software code 215 may be stored in the ROM 211 b. The control apparatus 200 may be interconnected with another control apparatus 200 controlling another function of the 5G (R)AN or the 5GC. In some embodiments, each function of the (R)AN or the 5GC comprises a control apparatus 200. In alternative embodiments, two or more functions of the (R)AN or the 5GC may share a control apparatus.

[0187] Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a user equipment 300, such as the user equipment illustrated on Fig. 1. The UE 300 may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples comprise a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a ’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, a machine-type communications (MTC) device, an Internet of things (loT) device or any combinations of these or the like. The UE 300 may provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications. The communications may be one or more of voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia, data, machine data and so on.

[0188] An loT device may comprise ambient loT (A-loT) devices. An A-loT device may be configured to measure ambient conditions, such temperature or humidity. An A-loT device may comprise a sensor. An A-loT device may be configured to harvest energy (e.g., radio frequency energy from a signal received from another apparatus or solar energy).

[0189] The UE 300 may receive signals over an air or radio interface 307 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In Fig. 3 transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 306. The transceiver apparatus 306 may be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

[0190] The UE 300 may be provided with at least one processor 301 , at least one memory ROM 302a, at least one RAM 302b and other possible components 303 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The at least one processor 301 is coupled to the RAM 302b and the ROM 302a. The at least one processor 301 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 308. The software code 308 may for example allow to perform one or more of the present aspects. The software code 308 may be stored in the ROM 302a.

[0191] The processor, storage and other relevant control apparatus can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and / or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 304. The device may optionally have a user interface such as keypad 305, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. Optionally one or more of a display, a speaker and a microphone may be provided depending on the type of the device.

[0192] One or more aspect of this disclosure relate to managing a UE (e.g., loT device), in particular but not exclusively to collect and / or report measurements to a BS.

[0193] In this disclosure, the expressions “base station” or “network” may be used interchangeably.. The loT may refer to the interconnection and the autonomous exchange of data between loT devices via BSs. The loT may comprise the massive loT, the critical loT, and the broadband loT. The massive loT has the widest application with use cases such as smart meter, asset tracking and management, fleet management, sensors, remote monitoring, smart cities, etc. The massive loT may be supported via a low power wide area (LPWA) network.

[0194] In existing LPWA networks, a UE may receive, from a BS, whilst operating in radio resource control (RRC) idle mode or RRC inactive mode, an indication of an incoming paging message. The indication of an incoming paging message may be conveyed via downlink control information (DCI) received on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The DCI may comprise a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) scrambled with a paging radio network temporary identifier (P-RNTI). The P-RNTI may be allocated by the BS to the UE or may be set in standards (e.g., 3GPP specifications).

[0195] The UE may receive, from the BS, a paging message. The paging message may be received on a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). The paging message may comprise an indication of incoming DL data.

[0196] The UE may transition to a RRC connected mode. In a scenario (RRC connection establishment), the UE may transmit, to the BS, a RRCConnectionRequest message. The UE may receive, from the BS, a RRCSetup message. The UE may transmit, to the BS, a RRCSetupComplete message. In another scenario (successful RRC connection resumption), the UE may transmit, to the BS, a RRCResumeRequest message. The UE may receive, from the BS, a RRCResumeComplete message. In another scenario (unsuccessful RRC connection resumption + fallback to RRC connection establishment) the UE may transmit, to the BS, a RRCResumeRequest message. The UE may receive, from the BS, a RRCSetup message. The UE may transmit, to the BS, a RRCSetupComplete message.

[0197] The UE may receive DL data. The DL data may be received on the PDSCH. The DL data may comprise a device-terminated trigger (DTT) message to trigger an action relating to (selectively) collecting and / or reporting measurements to the BS and / or other device operations. The DTT message may have a very small size (e.g., one to a few bits).

[0198] The UE may perform the action relating to collecting and / or reporting measurements to the BS. The measurement may be reported on a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). Upon completion of the action relating to collecting and / or reporting measurements, the UE may transition back to the RRC idle mode or RRC inactive mode to save power and / or resources. In scenario (RRC release), the UE may receive, from the BS, a RRCRelease message. In another scenario (RRC suspension), the UE may receive, from the BS, a RRCSuspension message.

[0199] A problem in existing LPWA networks is that, every time the BS transmits a DTT message, the UE needs to transition from the RRC idle mode or the RRC inactive mode to the RRC connected mode to receive the DTT message. Such transitions increase the power and / or resource consumptions by the UE.

[0200] One or more aspect of this disclosure provides techniques for managing UE (e.g., loT device), in particular but not exclusively, to address the above problem.

[0201] In this disclosure, the expressions “RRC idle mode” and “RRC idle state” may be used interchangeably. The expressions “RRC inactive mode” and “RRC inactive state” may be used interchangeably. The expressions “RRC connected mode” and “RRC connected state” may be used interchangeably.

[0202] Fig. 4 shows an example of a signaling diagram of a process for managing a user equipment (e.g., loT device) in a communication system.

[0203] Initially, a UE may operate in RRC idle mode or RRC inactive mode.

[0204] At step 1 , the UE may transmit, to the BS, UE capability information. The UE capability information may comprise an indication of a capability of the UE to receive an application layer message whilst operating in RRC idle mode or RRC inactive mode. The capability information may be transmitted via RRC signaling (e.g., in a RRCConnectionRequest message or a RRCConnectionResume message). The application layer message may comprise a DTT message.

[0205] In this disclosure, the expressions “application layer message” and “user plane message” may be used interchangeably.

[0206] In this disclosure, the expressions “device-terminated trigger (DTT) message” and “short userplane message” may be used interchangeably. The BS may store the UE capability information. The BS may store a UE capability information flag along with an identifier of the UE allocated by the BS (e.g., next generation application protocol identifier).

[0207] Additionally or alternatively, the BS may transmit the UE capability information to a core network function (e.g., AMF). The core network function (e.g., AMF) may store the UE capability information. The core network function (e.g., AMF) may store a UE capability information flag along with an identifier of the UE allocated by the BS (e.g., next generation application protocol identifier).

[0208] At step 2, the BS and / or the core network function (e.g., AMF) may coordinate with an AS to determine configuration information to transmit and / or receive an application layer message.

[0209] The configuration information to transmit and / or receive an application layer message may comprise whether the UE is capable of receiving an application layer message whilst operating in RRC idle mode or RRC inactive mode.

[0210] The configuration information to transmit and / or receive an application layer message may comprise whether the UE is part of a group of UEs capable of receiving an application layer message whilst operating in RRC idle mode or RRC inactive mode.

[0211] The configuration information to transmit and / or receive an application layer message may comprise a number of different application layer messages. A number of different application layer messages (e.g., N) may depend on a number of bits, a number of PDCCH occasions used for transmitting a DCI conveying an application message or a number of radio network temporary identifiers (RNTIs) used for scrambling a DCI conveying an application message. For example, if an application layer message comprises three bits the number of different application layer messages may be equal to eight (e.g., 23).

[0212] The configuration information to transmit and / or receive an application layer message may comprise a number of repetitions of an application layer message. A number of repetitions of an application layer message (e.g., N) may comprise a maximum number of repetitions of an application layer message. The configuration information to transmit and / or receive an application layer message may comprise a periodicity of repetitions of an application layer message. A periodicity of repetitions of an application layer message (e.g., N / min) may comprise a number of repetitions of an application layer message per unit of time.

[0213] The configuration information to transmit and / or receive an application layer message may comprise a fallback action after reaching the number of repetitions of an application layer message. A fallback action after reaching the number of repetitions of an application layer message may comprise transmitting a paging message not conveying an application layer message to cause the UE to transition from the RRC idle mode or RRC inactive mode to the RRC connected mode or to cause the UE to perform a small data transmission procedure.

[0214] The configuration information to transmit and / or receive an application layer message may comprise a priority of an application layer message. A priority of an application layer message may be higher or lower than a priority of other messages conveyed on a PDCCH or a PDSCH.

[0215] The configuration information to transmit and / or receive an application layer message may comprise whether an application layer message is conveyed via a PDCCH or a PDSCH.

[0216] The configuration information to transmit and / or receive an application layer message may comprise whether an application layer message is conveyed via DCI. For example, the configuration information to transmit and / or receive an application layer message may comprise whether an application layer message is conveyed via a DCI format 1_0, via a DCI format 2_7 (e.g., early paging message), via a DCI format 2_6 (e.g., wake-up signal) or via a paging message.

[0217] The configuration information to transmit and / or receive an application layer message may comprise whether an application layer message is an explicit application layer message and / or an implicit application layer message and / or how an application layer message is conveyed.

[0218] The configuration information to transmit and / or receive an application layer message may comprise an action triggered by an application layer message.

[0219] An action triggered by an application layer message may be related to collecting and / or reporting measurements. It will be understood an action may not necessarily be related to collecting and / or reporting measurements. An action may be related to updating a software run on the UE.

[0220] An action related to collecting and / or reporting measurements may comprise setting a type of measurements. A type of measurements may comprise an environmental parameter (e.g., temperature or humidity).

[0221] It will be understood that more than one type of measurements may be set (e.g., temperature or humidity).

[0222] An action related to collecting and / or reporting measurements may comprise setting a number of measurements. A number of measurements (e.g., N measurements) may comprise an amount / quantity of measurements.

[0223] An action related to collecting and / or reporting measurements may comprise setting a type of aggregation of measurements. A type of aggregation of measurements may comprise a temporal aggregation of measurements (e.g., temporal average of multiple measurements collected by a single apparatus) or a spatial aggregation of measurements (e.g., spatial average of multiple measurements collected by multiple apparatus). For example, temporal aggregation and / or spatial aggregation may be used by in a smart grid to optimize power delivery

[0224] An action related to collecting and / or reporting measurements may comprise setting a threshold of measurements. A threshold of measurements may comprise an upper threshold and / or a lower threshold. Measurements above the upper threshold and / or measurements below the lower threshold (e.g., outlier measurements) may be collected and / or reported.

[0225] An action related to collecting and / or reporting measurements may comprise setting a timing for collecting measurements. A timing for collecting measurements may comprise an earliest time, a latest time, a start time, an end time and / or a periodicity (e.g., N measurements collected per unit of time). The earliest time, the latest time, the start time and / or the end time may be an absolute time or a relative time (e.g., relative to the reception of the application layer message).

[0226] An action related to collecting and / or reporting measurements may comprise setting a timing for reporting measurements. A timing for reporting measurements may comprise an earliest time, a latest time, a start time, an end time and / or a periodicity (e.g., N measurements reported per unit of time). The earliest time, the latest time, the start time and / or the end time may be an absolute time or a relative time (e.g., relative to the reception of the application layer message).

[0227] An action related to collecting and / or reporting measurements may comprise collecting measurements.

[0228] An action related to collecting and / or reporting measurements may comprise aggregating measurements.

[0229] An action related to collecting and / or reporting measurements may comprise reporting measurements.

[0230] An action related to collecting and / or reporting measurements may comprise stopping collecting measurements.

[0231] An action related to collecting and / or reporting measurements may comprise stopping aggregating measurements.

[0232] An action related to collecting and / or reporting measurements may comprise stopping reporting measurements.

[0233] It will be understood that stopping may comprise stopping temporarily (e.g., suspending / pausing) or stopping definitively (e.g., interrupting).

[0234] It will be understood that some of the configuration information to transmit and / or receive an application layer message (e.g., whether an application layer message is an explicit application layer message and / or an implicit application layer message and / or how an application layer message is conveyed) may be encrypted by the AS (e.g., using an encryption key known by the UE but not known by the BS and / or the core network function (e.g., AMF)).

[0235] The BS and / or the core network function (e.g., AMF) may coordinate with an AS to determine configuration information to behave in response to receiving an application layer message.

[0236] The configuration information to behave in response to receiving an application layer message may comprise whether to transmit an acknowledgement of receipt and / or how to transmit an acknowledgement of receipt. An acknowledgement of receipt may be an explicit acknowledgement of receipt or an implicit acknowledgement of receipt. An implicit acknowledgement of receipt may be conveyed via a random access channel preamble used for performing a random access channel procedure.

[0237] The configuration information to behave in response to receiving an application layer message may comprise whether to transition from the RRC idle mode or the RRC inactive mode to the RRC connected mode. Transitioning from the RRC idle mode or the RRC inactive mode to the RRC connected mode may occur before collecting measurements. Transitioning from the RRC idle mode or the RRC inactive mode to the RRC connected mode may occur after collecting measurements and before reporting measurements

[0238] The configuration information to behave in response to receiving an application layer message may comprise when to transition from the RRC idle mode or the RRC inactive mode to the RRC connected mode.

[0239] The configuration information to behave in response to receiving an application layer message may comprise how to report measurements. How to report measurements may comprise reporting measurements via small data transmission (e.g., via a payload of a message 3 or a message A during a random access channel procedure whilst operating in the RRC idle mode or the RRC inactive mode) or via normal data transmission (e.g., after a random access channel procedure whilst operating in the RRC connected mode).

[0240] The configuration information to behave in response to receiving an application layer message may comprise how to report measurements to the BS.

[0241] The configuration information to behave in response to receiving an application layer message may comprise how to report a failure to collect measurements to the BS.

[0242] It will be understood that some of the configuration information to behave after receiving application layer message may be encrypted by the AS (e.g., using an encryption key known by the UE but not known by the BS and / or the core network function (e.g., AMF)).

[0243] At step 3, the UE may receive, from the BS, the configuration information to transmit and / or receive an application layer message and / or the configuration information to behave in response to receiving an application layer message. The configuration information to transmit and / or receive an application layer message and / or the configuration information to behave in response to receiving an application layer message may be received via RRC signaling (e.g., in a RRCReconfiguration message and / or RRCRelease message).

[0244] At step 4, the UE may remain in the RRC idle mode or RRC inactive mode. The UE may monitor a PDCCH or a PDSCH. The UE may monitor a DCI 1_0, a DCI 2_7 (e.g., early paging message), a DCI 2_6 (e.g., wake-up signal) or a paging message.

[0245] At step 5, the AS may determine that an application layer message is to be transmitted by the BS to the UE to trigger an action.

[0246] At step 6, the BS may receive, from the AS, a notification to transmit an application layer message to the UE.

[0247] At step 7, the BS may check the configuration information to transmit and / or receive an application layer message to trigger an action.

[0248] At step 8, the BS may transmit, to the UE, an application layer message to trigger an action based on the configuration information to transmit and / or receive an application layer message.

[0249] The application layer message may be transmitted only to the UE (e.g., unicast), to a group of UEs including the UE (e.g., multicast) or to all the UEs (e.g., broadcast).

[0250] The application layer message may comprise an identifier of the UE and / or an identifier of another UE. The identifier of the UE and / or an identifier of another UE may indicate that the UE and / or the other UE are to perform the action triggered by the application layer message.

[0251] The application layer may comprise a power level threshold so that the UE and / or the other UE are to perform the action if their power level is above the power level threshold. Otherwise, the UE and / or the other UE are not to perform the action.

[0252] The application layer message may comprise information indicating the action.

[0253] The application layer message may be broadcast in clear or encrypted. The application layer message may be broadcast in clear when there are no privacy / security concerns.

[0254] The application layer message may be broadcast encrypted when there are privacy / security concerns (e.g., using a key known by the UE and the AS). The application layer message may be broadcast partially encrypted (e.g., the identifier of the UE and / or the identifier of another UE may not be encrypted and information indicating the action may be encrypted). In this way, a malicious UE may know what UEs may perform an action but may not know what is the action. The key may be UE specific (e.g., a UE may use a single key for DTT messages originating from multiple applications provided by the AS) or application specific (e.g., a UE may store multiple keys for DTT messages originating from multiple applications provided by the AS).

[0255] The application layer message may be unicast or multicast in clear or encrypted.

[0256] At step 9, the UE may perform the action trigger by the application layer message.

[0257] The application layer message may comprise an explicit application layer message. The application layer message may be conveyed via one or more information elements. An information element may comprise a string of bits (bitmap).

[0258] The UE may decode a string of bits based on a look up table.

[0259] In an example, the look up table may be dynamic (e.g., not hardcoded). The look up table may be received from the BS (e.g., via a system information block). The look up table may only be known by the UE and the BS.

[0260] In an example, the look up table may be static (e.g., hardcoded). The look up table may be set in standards. The look up table may be known by all UEs and the BS.

[0261] In an example, a string of bits may comprise: 00000000 = 'Stop all transmissions', 00000001 = 'Report last requested type of data', 00000010 = 'Stop all measurements', First X bits = Earliest time to transmit, Second Y bits = Latest time to transmit, Third Z bits = Periodicity to transmit or Last T bits: type of measurements. In an example, a string of bits may be conveyed via reserved bits (e.g., reserved bits 5 to 8) of a short messages field of a DCI format (e.g., DCI format 1_0).

[0262] Fig. 5 shows an example of a table listing fields of a DCI format 1_0. The DCI format 1_0 may be used for paging and notification for system information modifications, earthquake and tsunami warning system and / or commercial mobile alert service. The DCI format 1_0 may be transmitted on PDCCH. The DCI format 1_0 may be transmitted along with a cyclic redundancy check scrambled with a P-RNTI allocated to the UE with or without an associated paging message.

[0263] The DCI format 1_0 comprises a short messages field. The short messages field may comprise eight bits. Bit-1 (MSB) if set to 'T may indicate system information modification notification (other than SIB6, SIB7, and SIB8). Bit-2 if set to T may indicate earthquake and tsunami warning system (primary and / or secondary) notification and / or a commercial mobile alert service notification. Bits 5-8 are currently reserved. These bits may be used to convey an application layer message.

[0264] An application layer message may comprise an implicit application layer message. An application layer message may be conveyed via a PDCCH occasion or a PDSCH occasion used for conveying an application layer or a RNTI used for scrambling a cyclic redundancy check of a DCI conveying an application layer.

[0265] At step 10, the UE may perform the action triggered by the application layer message.

[0266] The UE may collect measurements.

[0267] The UE may perform a random access channel procedure. The UE may report measurements. The measurements may be reported on PUSCH.

[0268] In a scenario, the measurements may be reported during the random access channel procedure whilst the UE is in RRC idle mode or RRC inactive mode via small data transmission. For example, during the random access channel procedure, the UE may transmit, to the BS, a message 3 or a message A. The message 3 or message A may comprise the measurements and / or a RRCConnectionRequest message or a RCCResumeRequest message. The UE may receive, from the BS, a message 4 or a message B. The message 4 or the message B may comprise a RRCRelease message. After the random access procedure, the UE may remain in RRC idle mode or RRC inactive mode.

[0269] In another scenario, the measurements may be reported after the random access channel procedure whilst the UE is in connected mode via normal data transmission. For example, during the random access channel procedure, the UE may transmit, to the BS, a message 3 or a message A. The message 3 or message A may comprise the measurements and / or a RRCConnectionRequest message or a RCCResumeRequest message. The UE may receive, from the BS, a message 4 or a message B. The message 4 or the message B may comprise a RRCResume message or a RRCSetup message. After the random access procedure, the UE may transition from the RRC idle mode or the RRC inactive mode to the RRC connected state. The UE may transmit, to the BS, the measurements.

[0270] The UE may start collecting measurements in response to the application layer message being received.

[0271] The UE may start reporting measurements in response to collecting measurements being completed. This may cause delays in reporting measurements.

[0272] The UE may start reporting measurements in response to collecting measurements being started. This may reduce delays in reporting measurements.

[0273] Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of an example of a method for managing UE (e.g., loT device) performed by the UE.

[0274] At step 600, the UE may receive, whilst operating in an idle mode or an inactive mode, from a BS, an application layer message to trigger an action, wherein the application layer message is conveyed on a PDCCH or a PDSCH.

[0275] At step 602, the UE may perform the action triggered by the application layer message.

[0276] Fig. 7 shows a block diagram of an example of a method for managing a UE (e.g., loT device) performed by a BS. At step 700, the BS may transmit, to a UE, whilst operating in an idle mode or an inactive mode, an application layer message to trigger an action, wherein the application layer message is conveyed on a PDCCH or a PDSCH.

[0277] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of non-volatile memory media 800 storing instructions which when executed by a processor allow the processor to perform one or more of the steps of the method of any of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7.

[0278] It is noted that while the above describes example embodiments, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0279] The embodiments may thus vary within the scope of the attached claims. In general, some embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although embodiments are not limited thereto. While various embodiments may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as nonlimiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0280] The embodiments may be implemented by computer software stored in a memory and executable by at least one data processor of the involved entities or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Further in this regard it should be noted that any procedures, e.g., as in any of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD.

[0281] The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), gate level circuits and processors based on multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

[0282] Alternatively or additionally some embodiments may be implemented using circuitry. The circuitry may be configured to perform one or more of the functions and / or method steps previously described. That circuitry may be provided in the base station and / or in the communications device.

[0283] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0284] (a) hardware-only circuit options (such as options in only analogue and / or digital circuitry);

[0285] (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as:

[0286] (i) a combination of analogue and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and

[0287] (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as the communications device or base station to perform the various functions previously described; and

[0288] (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0289] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an option of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example integrated device.

[0290] The term “means” as used in the description and in the claims may refer to one or more individual elements configured to perform the corresponding recited functionality or functionalities, or it may refer to several elements that perform such functionality or functionalities. Furthermore, several functionalities recited in the claims may be performed by the same individual means or the same combination of means. For example, performing such functionality or functionalities may be caused in an apparatus by a processor that executes instructions stored in a memory of the apparatus.

[0291] The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples a full and informative description of some embodiments However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings will still fall within the scope as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, whilst operating in an idle mode or an inactive mode, from a base station, an application layer message to trigger an action, wherein the application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel; and perform the action triggered by the application layer message.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel via downlink control information format 1_0.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel via downlink control information format 2_7.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel via downlink control information format 2_6.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink shared channel within a paging message.

6. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the action relates to at least one of: collecting or reporting measurements; or updating a software.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the action comprises at least one of: setting a type of measurements; setting a number of measurements; setting a type of aggregation of measurements; setting a threshold of measurements; setting a timing for collecting measurements; setting a timing for reporting measurements; collecting measurements; aggregating measurements; reporting measurements;34stopping collecting measurements; stopping aggregating measurements; or stopping reporting measurements.

8. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: transition from the idle mode or an inactive mode to a connected mode before performing the action; or abstain from transitioning from the idle mode or an inactive mode to a connected mode before performing the action.

9. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the application layer message comprises an explicit application layer message or an implicit application layer message.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the explicit application layer message is conveyed via an information element; or wherein the implicit application layer message is conveyed via at least one of a physical downlink control channel occasion or a physical downlink shared channel or a radio network temporary identifier.

11. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: transmit, to the base station, an acknowledgement of receipt of the application layer message.

12. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: transmit, to the base station, capability information indicating a capability of the apparatus to receive an application layer message whilst operating in idle mode or inactive mode.

13. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from the base station, configuration information to receive an application layer message.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the configuration information to receive an application layer message comprises at least one of: whether an application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel; wherein an application layer is conveyed via downlink control information format 1_0, via downlink control information format 2_7, via downlink control information format 2_6, within an early paging message, within a wake-up signal or within a paging message ; or whether an application layer message is an explicit application layer message and / or an implicit application layer message and how the application layer message is conveyed.

15. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from the base station, configuration information to behave in response to receiving an application layer message.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the configuration information to behave in response to receiving an application layer message comprises at least one of: whether to transmit an acknowledgement of receipt; whether the acknowledgement of receipt is an explicit acknowledgement of receipt or an implicit acknowledgement of receipt; or whether to transition from the idle mode or the inactive mode to a connected mode; when to transition from the idle mode or the inactive mode to a connected mode.

17. The apparatus of any of claim 1 to 16, wherein the apparatus comprises a user equipment.

18. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the apparatus comprises an Internet of things device.

19. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: transmit, to a user equipment, whilst operating in an idle mode or an inactive mode, an application layer message to trigger an action, wherein the application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine configuration information to transmit an application layer message; and transmit, to the user equipment, the application layer message based on the configuration information to transmit an application layer message.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the configuration information to transmit an application layer message comprises at least one of: whether the user equipment is capable of receiving an application layer message whilst operating in idle mode or inactive mode; whether the user equipment is part of a group of user equipment capable of receiving an application layer message whilst operating in idle mode or inactive mode; a number of different application layer messages; a number of repetitions of an application layer message; a periodicity of repetitions of an application layer message; a fallback action after reaching the number of repetitions of application layer messages; a priority of an application layer message; whether the application layer message is conveyed on a physical downlink control channel or a physical downlink shared channel; wherein the application layer is conveyed via downlink control information format 1_0, via downlink control information format 2_7, via downlink control information format 2_6 or within a paging message whether an application layer message is an explicit application layer message or an implicit application layer message and / or how an application layer message is conveyed; or an action triggered by an application layer message.

22. The apparatus of claim 20 or claim 21 , wherein determining the configuration information to transmit an application message comprises:coordinating with at least one of a core network function and an application server.

23. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the apparatus comprises a base station.

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