Reporting periodic data from ambient IoT device

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods, devices, apparatuses and computer readable storage medium for reporting periodic data from ambient internet of things (AIoT) device In a method, a first apparatus receives, from a second apparatus, configuration information comprising at least one of: at least one periodic command configuration for collecting data from one or more AIoT devices, or at least one configured grant (CG) configuration for transmission of data collected from the one or more AIoT devices. The first apparatus then transmits collected data to the second apparatus based on the at least one CG configuration. The data is collected from the one or more AIoT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration. [FIG. 2]

Description

REPORTING PERIODIC DATA FROM AMBIENT IOT DEVICECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from, and the benefit of, India Provisional Application No. 202441075377, filed October 4, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] Various example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunication and in particular, to methods, devices, apparatuses and computer readable storage medium for reporting periodic data from ambient internet of things (AloT) device.BACKGROUND

[0003] In recent years, Internet of Things (loT) has attracted much attention in the wireless communication world. The automation and digitalization of various industries open numbers of new markets requiring new loT technologies of supporting battery-less devices with no energy storage capability or devices with energy storage that do not need to be replaced or recharged manually. Thus, AloT is proposed, which is a promising field in some communication systems such as the 5th generation mobile communication technology (5G) new radio (NR).

[0004] Ambient Internet of Things (Ambient loT or AloT) refers to the technology related to devices that are powered by ambient energy sources, enabling the devices to operate either purely batteryless without any energy storage capability at all or with a limited energy storage capability.SUMMARY

[0005] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: receive, from a second apparatus, configuration information comprising at least one of: at least one periodic command configuration for collecting data from one or more AloT devices, or at least one configured grant (CG) configuration for transmission of data collected from the one or more AloT devices; and transmit collected data to the second apparatus based on the at least one CG configuration, wherein the data is collected from the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration.

[0006] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second apparatus. The second apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus at least to: transmit, to a first apparatus, configuration information comprising at least one of: at least one periodic commandconfiguration for collecting data from one or more AloT devices, or at least one CG configuration for transmission of data collected from the one or more AloT devices; and receive, from the first apparatus, collected data based on the at least one CG configuration, wherein the data is collected by the first apparatus from the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration.

[0007] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method. The method comprises: receiving, from a second apparatus, configuration information comprising at least one of: at least one periodic command configuration for collecting data from one or more AloT devices, or at least one CG configuration for transmission of data collected from the one or more AloT devices; and transmitting collected data to the second apparatus based on the at least one CG configuration, wherein the data is collected from the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration.

[0008] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method. The method comprises: transmitting, to a first apparatus, configuration information comprising at least one of: at least one periodic command configuration for collecting data from one or more AloT devices, or at least one CG configuration for transmission of data collected from the one or more AloT devices; and receiving, from the first apparatus, collected data based on the at least one CG configuration, wherein the data is collected by the first apparatus from the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration.

[0009] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a second apparatus, configuration information comprising at least one of: at least one periodic command configuration for collecting data from one or more AloT devices, or at least one CG configuration for transmission of data collected from the one or more AloT devices; and means for transmitting collected data to the second apparatus based on the at least one CG configuration, wherein the data is collected from the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration.

[0010] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second apparatus. The second apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to a first apparatus, configuration information comprising at least one of: at least one periodic command configuration for collecting data from one or more AloT devices, or at least one CG configuration for transmission of data collected from the one or more AloT devices; and means for receiving, from the first apparatus, collected data based on the at least one CG configuration, wherein the data is collected by the first apparatus from the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration.

[0011] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium comprises instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus toperform at least the method according to the third aspect.

[0012] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium comprises instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the fourth aspect.

[0013] It is to be understood that the Summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily comprehensible through the following description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, where:

[0015] FIG. 1A illustrates an example communication environment associated with ambient loT;

[0016] FIG. 1 B illustrates another example communication environment associated with ambient loT ;

[0017] FIG. 1 C illustrates an example signaling flow of reporting periodic data from an AloT device;

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a signaling flow of reporting periodic data in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a signaling flow of reporting periodic data from AloT device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a signaling flow of reporting periodic data from AloT device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a signaling flow of reporting periodic data from AloT device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a signaling flow of reporting periodic data from AloT device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a second apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a device that is suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0026] FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer readable medium in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar element.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It is to be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without suggesting any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Embodiments described herein can be implemented in various manners other than the ones described below.

[0029] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0030] References in the present disclosure to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” and the like indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but it is not necessary that every embodiment includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0031] It shall be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,”..., etc. in front of noun(s) and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another and they do not limit the order of the noun(s). For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0032] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0033] As used herein, unless stated explicitly, performing a step “in response to A” does not indicate that the step is performed immediately after “A” occurs and one or more intervening steps may be included.

[0034] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “has”, “having”,“includes” and / or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0035] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):(i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and(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 a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and(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.

[0036] 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 implementation 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 and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0037] As used herein, the term “communication network” refers to a network following any suitable communication standards, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE- A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-loT) and so on. Furthermore, the communications between a terminal device and a network device in the communication network may be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocols, including, but not limited to, the first generation (1 G), the second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, the fifth generation (5G), 5.5G, the sixth generation (6G) communication protocols, and / or any other protocols either currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied in various communication systems. Given the rapid development in communications, there will of course also be future type communication technologies and systems with which the present disclosure may be embodied. It should not be seen as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to only the aforementioned system.

[0038] As used herein, the term “network device” refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services therefrom. The network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), for example, a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a radio header (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (I AB) node, a low power node such as a femto, a pico, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-ground network device such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite, an aircraft network device, and so forth, depending on the applied terminology and technology. In some example embodiments, radio access network (RAN) split architecture comprises a Centralized Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU) at an IAB donor node. An IAB node comprises a Mobile Terminal (IAB-MT) part that behaves like a UE toward the parent node, and a DU part of an IAB node behaves like a base station toward the next-hop IAB node.

[0039] The term “terminal device” refers to any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example rather than limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), a Subscriber Station (SS), a Portable Subscriber Station, a Mobile Station (MS), or an Access Terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, a tablet, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computers, desktop computer, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer-premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like. The terminal device may also correspond to a Mobile Termination (MT) part of an IAB node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms “terminal device”, “communication device”, “terminal”, “user equipment” and “UE” may be used interchangeably.

[0040] As used herein, the term “resource,” “transmission resource,” “resource block,” “physical resource block” (PRB), “uplink resource,” or “downlink resource” may refer to any resource for performing a communication, for example, a communication between a terminal device and a network device, such as a resource in time domain, a resource in frequency domain, a resource in space domain, a resource in code domain, or any other combination of the time, frequency, space and / or code domain resource enabling a communication, and the like. In the following, unless explicitly stated,a resource in both frequency domain and time domain will be used as an example of a transmission resource for describing some example embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted that example embodiments of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0041] Ambient Internet of Things (also referred to as Ambient loT or AloT) refers to the technology related to devices that are powered by ambient energy sources, enabling the devices to operate either purely battery-less without any energy storage capability at all or with a limited energy storage capability. The use cases, traffic scenarios, and device constraints of AloT are studied in the Rel-19 study. Moreover, new potential service requirements as well as new KPIs are identified. Based on the study, representative uses cases, connectivity topologies, deployment scenarios, AloT device categories, desired targets, and required functionalities are defined.

[0042] FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic diagram of an example communication environment 100A associated with ambient loT. In the communication environment 100A, a plurality of communication devices, including an ambient loT (AloT) device 110, a network device 130 can communicate with each other. The topology described with reference to FIG. 1 A is also referred to as Topology 1 .

[0043] In the example of Topology 1 , the ambient loT device 110 communicates directly and bidirectionally with the network device 120, the communication including data and / or signaling. In the communication environment 100A, the network device 130 may be a base station (BS). For example, the network device 130 may be outdoor, and the ambient loT device 110 may be indoor. Although FIG. 1A illustrates a single network device 120 communicating with the AloT 110 device, the network device 120 transmitting to the AloT device may be different from the network device 120 receiving from the AloT device.

[0044] The network device 130 may be a NG-RAN device. As used herein, the term "RAN" refers to the Radio Access Network, a critical component of wireless communication systems such as LTE and 5G. The RAN connects devices, such as smartphones and loT devices, to the core network, facilitating the transmission of data and control signals. “NG-RAN” , also known as the next generation RAN, is an important part of the 5G network architecture. The network device 130 is sometimes referred to as a NG-RAN device.

[0045] FIG. 1 B illustrates a schematic diagram of an example communication environment 100B associated with ambient loT, in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. In the communication environment 100B, a plurality of communication devices, including an AloT device 110, a network device 130, and an intermediate node 120, may communicate with each other.

[0046] In the example of FIG. 1 B, the ambient loT device 110 communicates bidirectionally with an intermediate node 120 between the ambient loT device 110 and the network device 130. For example, the AloT device 110 may directly communicate bidirectionally with the intermediate node 120, whichin turn communicates bidirectionally with the network device. The topology described with reference to FIG. 1 B is also referred to as Topology 2.

[0047] In the Topology 2, the network device 130 may be a base station serving an intermediate node 120. The intermediate node 120 may be a UE, a relay, an IAB node, a repeater, and the like which is capable of Ambient loT. The intermediate node 120 may transfer Ambient loT data and / or signaling between the ambient loT device 110 and the network device 130, and a UE may act as an intermediate node 120 which is under the control of the network device 130. For example, the network device 130 may be outdoor, and the ambient loT device 110 may be indoor.

[0048] In some cases, the intermediate node 120 may be located between the network device 130 and the AloT device 110 and may be implemented as a relay, IAB node, UE, repeater, etc. that is capable of communicating with the AloT device 110. The intermediate node 120 may transfer AloT data and / or signaling between the network device 130 and the AloT device 110. Although FIG. 1 B illustrates a single intermediate node 120 communicating with the AloT device 110, the intermediate node 120 transmitting to the AloT device 110 may be different from the intermediate node 120 receiving from the AloT device 110.

[0049] It is to be understood that the number of devices and their connections shown in FIGS. 1A and 1 B are only for the purpose of illustration without suggesting any limitation. The communication environment 100A and 100B may include any suitable number of devices configured to implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure. Although not shown, it would be appreciated that one or more additional devices may be located in the cell, and one or more additional cells may be deployed in the communication environment 100A or 100B. It is noted that although illustrated as a network device, the network device 130 may be another device than a network device. Although illustrated as a terminal device, the intermediate node 120 may be a device other than a terminal device.

[0050] Some examples may involve the intermediate node 120 operating as a UE which may be authorized to be an intermediate node, and the network device 130 operating as a base station. However, sometimes, operations described in connection with a terminal device may be implemented at a network device or other device, and operations described in connection with a network device may be implemented at a terminal device or other device.

[0051] Communications in the communication environments 100A and 100B may be implemented according to any proper communication protocol(s), comprising, but not limited to, cellular communication protocols, wireless local network communication protocols such as Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 and the like, and / or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Moreover, the communication may utilize any proper wireless communication technology, comprising but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform spread OFDM (DFT-s- OFDM) and / or any other technologies currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0052] Both Topology 1 and Topology 2 are within the scope of the study. The study is currently focusing on device-originated, device-terminated-triggered (DO-TTT) traffic. Specifically, the data originates at the AloT device 110. Furthermore, the AloT device must be triggered by another node (e.g. the network device 130 in FIG. 1A or the intermediate node 120 in FIG. 1 B) to send the data to the network.

[0053] Specifically, in the Topology 2, an initial trigger message (also referred to as an AloT paging message) is sent by the intermediate node 120 (implemented as a reader UE) to one or more AloT devices 110. Depending on whether the AloT paging message is for inventory-only procedure, inventory and command procedure, or command-only procedure, the AloT paging message content of the AloT paging message triggers the AloT device 110 to respond with appropriate data. Furthermore, the number of steps in the procedure may depend on the type of procedure. For example, in an inventory procedure, the AloT device 110 may be prompted to provide its device identification (ID). If the AloT paging message is for “inventory and command procedure” with a “read” command being indicated, the AloT device 110 may initially provide its device ID. Moreover, in a subsequent step of the procedure, the AloT device 110 may respond with the data requested by the “read” command.

[0054] New radio (NR) supports mobile-originated (MO) Small Data Transmission (SDT) while a UE is in RRCJNACTIVE state (e.g., without transitioning to RRC_CONNECTED) over Type 1 configured grant resources (configured on the initial bandwidth part, BWP via dedicated signaling in RRCRelease with suspend indication). The grant may include time-domain allocation and frequency-domain allocation of resources as well as the periodicity of resources. MO-SDT may be initiated by the UE only if UL data in the buffer for transmission across all radio bearers for which SDT is enabled is less than or equal to a configured amount.

[0055] After the initial physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmission in a CG resource, the network can schedule subsequent UL transmissions using dynamic grants or they may take place on the following CG resource occasions. SDT procedure over CG resources may only be initiated with valid UL timing alignment. The UL timing alignment is maintained by the UE based on a SDT-specific timing alignment timer configured by the network via dedicated signaling and, for initial CG-SDT transmission, also by downlink (DL) reference signal received power (RSRP) of configured number of highest ranked SSBs which are above a configured RSRP threshold. Upon expiry of the SDT-specific timing alignment timer, the CG resources may be released while maintaining the CG resourceconfiguration. Moreover, there is no specification support for association of the CG resources with any specific data that is available in the UE buffer.

[0056] In one use case, AloT devices are used as sensors. A sensor may perform measurements that it stores locally. In some applications, periodic sensor measurement reports may be requested by the application server.

[0057] In Topology 2, the command message for reading data from one or more AloT devices is sent to the reader UE, acting as the intermediate node, over the Uu interface when the UE is in RRC_CONNECTED state. The content of this message may or may not be transparent to the BS serving the UE. The BS may also provide an UL grant to the UE for forwarding the AloT data. Following reception of the command message from the BS, the reader UE sends a trigger message with the read command to the AloT devices. Subsequently, the devices perform access and send the data to the reader UE. The reader UE then forwards the reported data to the application server via the BS. This is illustrated in FIG. 1C. Although there is no current agreement on the RRC state that the reader UE needs to be in to communicate with the AloT device, the reader UE needs to be in RRC_CONNECTED state for both receiving the command message from the BS and for sending the data reported by the AloT device to the BS. The reader UE may subsequently move to RRCJDLE or RRCJNACTIVE state.

[0058] Specifically, FIG. 1 C illustrates an example signaling flow 100C of reporting periodic data from AloT device. The signaling flow 100C involves a plurality of communication devices, including AloT devices 110 and 112, a network device 130, and an intermediate node 120, can communicate with each other.

[0059] In the signaling flow 100C, as illustrated, the intermediate node 120 may be in RRCJDLE state or RRCJNACTIVE state. At 1010, the network device 130 may transmit a paging message to the intermediate node 120. Moreover, at 1020, a procedure for radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment is performed. Furthermore, at 1030, the network device 130 transmits, to the intermediate node 120, a command message. The command message may include an uplink (UL) grant for AloT data. For example, the command message may be for inventory-only procedure, inventory and command procedure, or command-only procedure. Specifically, the intermediate node 120 may transmit, to the AloT devices 110 and 112, AloT paging message, respectively.

[0060] As illustrated, the intermediate node 120 may transmit a command message to the AloT device 110 at 1041. Additionally, at 1042 the intermediate node 120 may transmit a command message to the AloT device 112. Correspondingly, the AloT devices 110 and 112 may transmit AloT data to the intermediate node 120 based on the command at 1051 and 1052. Subsequently, the intermediate node 120 may transmit the AloT device data to the network device. At 1060, the intermediate node 120 may report the data to the network device 130. In some implementations, theintermediate node 120 may transition to RRCJNACTIVE state after 1060.

[0061] The network device 130 may transmit another paging message to the intermediate node 120. Then, at 1080, a procedure for radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment is performed. Furthermore, at 1090, the network device 130 transmits, to the intermediate node 120, a command message. The command message may include an uplink, UL, grant for AloT data. For example, the command message may be for inventory-only procedure, inventory and command procedure, or command-only procedure. Specifically, the intermediate node 120 may transmit, to the AloT devices 110 and 112, AloT paging message, respectively.

[0062] As illustrated, the intermediate node 120 may transmit a command message to the AloT device 110 at 1041. Additionally, at 1102 the intermediate node 120 may transmit a command message to the AloT device 112. As a response, the AloT device 110 and the AloT device 112 may transmit AloT data to the intermediate node 120 at 1111 and 1112, respectively. Subsequently, the intermediate node 120 may transmit the AloT device data to the network device. At 1120, the intermediate node 120 may report the AloT data to the network device 130. In these cases, the procedure is performed periodically. Moreover, the AloT data may be reported to the network device 130 repeatedly.

[0063] For periodic retrieval of data from the AloT device 110 and 112, the above procedure may normally be repeated, as illustrated. That is, if the reader UE is in RRCJDLE (or RRCJNACTIVE) state, the BS may move the reader UE to RRC_CONNECTED state each time to send the command message and collect the data. This entails signaling overhead and additional power consumption for the reader UE.

[0064] Therefore, it is to be studied to develop a method to enable periodic data reporting without the reader UE having to transition to RRC_CONNECTED state for each instance of data reporting from the device if it has previously transitioned RRCJNACTIVE or RRCJDLE state.

[0065] Example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for reporting of periodic data from AloT device. In the solution, configuration information comprising at least one periodic command configuration and / or at least one configured grant is proposed. The periodic command configuration is used for commanding the AloT devices and the configured grant is used to indicate the resources for transmitting the telegram. Moreover, the transmission of the AloT data may be performed.

[0066] Example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] Reference is made to FIG. 2, a signaling flow of reporting periodic data in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The signaling flow 200 involves a first apparatus 210 and a second apparatus 220. In some embodiments, the first apparatus 210 may be implemented asor included in the intermediate node 120 in FIG. 1 B. Specifically, the first apparatus 210 may be implemented as or included in a terminal device or a reader UE. The second apparatus 220 may be implemented as or included in the network device 130 in FIG. 1 B. Moreover, the second apparatus 220 may be implemented as gNB or a BS serving the reader UE. For the purposes of discussion, the signaling flow 200 will be discussed with reference to FIG. 1 B.

[0068] In the signaling flow 200, the second apparatus 220 transmits (2010) configuration information to the first apparatus 210. Correspondingly, the first apparatus 210 receives (2020) the configuration information from the second apparatus 220. Specifically, the configuration information may comprise at least one of at least one periodic command configuration for collecting data from one or more AloT devices, or at least one CG configuration for transmission of data collected from the one or more AloT devices. Moreover, the first apparatus 210 transmits (2030) collected data to the second apparatus 220 based on the at least one CG configuration. Specifically, the data may be collected from the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration. Correspondingly, the second apparatus 220 receives (2040) the collected data.

[0069] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 210 may transmit one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration. Moreover, the first apparatus 210 may receive one or more responses to the paging requests from the one or more AloT devices, each response including the data associated with a corresponding AloT device.

[0070] Moreover, the first apparatus 210 may perform a periodic transmission of one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration, after a start time offset indicated in the at least one periodic command configuration that is applied upon receiving the periodic command configuration. Alternatively or in addition, the first apparatus 210 may perform a periodic transmission of one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration, within an end time offset indicated in the at least one periodic command configuration that is applied upon receiving the at least one periodic command configuration.

[0071] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 220 may transmit, to the first apparatus 210, an activation message to start a periodic transmission of the one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices. Alternatively or in addition, the second apparatus 220 may transmit a deactivation message to stop a periodic transmission of the one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices. As a further alternative or additionally, the second apparatus 220 may transmit a suspension message to suspend a periodic transmission of the one or more paging requests for a time period indicated in the suspension message.

[0072] If the first apparatus 210 receives an activation message from the second apparatus 220,the first apparatus 210 may start a periodic transmission of one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration.

[0073] Alternatively or in addition, the first apparatus 210 receives a deactivation message from the second apparatus, the first apparatus 210 may stop a periodic transmission of the one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices.

[0074] As a further alternative or additionally, if the first apparatus 210 receives a suspension message from the second apparatus 220, it may suspend a periodic transmission of the one or more paging requests for a time period indicated in the suspension message.

[0075] The activation message may include a first time offset for starting the periodic transmission. Additionally, the deactivation message may include a second time offset for end of the periodic transmission. Alternatively, the suspension message may include a third time offset for start of the suspension and the time period of the suspension.

[0076] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 210 may receive the configuration information in an inactive state or in a connected state. Moreover, the first apparatus 210 collects the data in the inactive state or in the connected state, and transmits the data to the second apparatus 220 in the inactive state or in the connected state. For example, the inactive state may include RRCJDLE or RRCJNACTIVE.

[0077] Additionally, the configuration information may be received via a radio resource control (RRC) message from the second apparatus 220.

[0078] Moreover, one of the at least one periodic command configuration may include a message for the first apparatus to periodically transmit paging requests to the one or more AloT devices, one or more device identifications (IDs) and / or group IDs to be addressed, a periodicity for transmitting the paging requests to the one or more AloT devices, a start time for a periodic transmission of the paging requests, an end time for the periodic transmission of the paging requests, a start time offset indicating a time period from a time point of receiving a periodic command configuration to a time point of starting the periodic transmission, an end time offset indicating a time period from a time point of receiving a periodic command configuration to a time point of ending the periodic transmission, or a number of the paging requests that are periodically transmitted.

[0079] In addition, the at least one CG configuration may include at least one of: a resource for a configured grant, a periodicity for transmitting the collected data, IDs of one or more periodic command configurations of the at least one periodic command configuration associated with the configured grant, or a criterion for checking low mobility or stationarity.

[0080] Additionally, the periodicity for transmitting the collected data may be different from the periodicity for transmitting the paging requests.

[0081] In some example embodiments, the configuration information may further include associationinformation indicating association of the at least one CG configuration with one or more periodic command configurations of the at least one periodic command configuration. Alternatively or in addition, a configured grant may be used to transmit data collected based on the one or more periodic command configurations.

[0082] Moreover, for the command message indicated in the respective at least one periodic command configuration, the first apparatus 210 may transmit to at least one of the one or more AloT devices, a paging request to trigger the at least one AloT device to report data.

[0083] Furthermore, the first apparatus 210 may determine that, in the one or more AloT devices, there may be at least one AloT device associated with a command indicated in the at least one periodic command configuration. Additionally, the first apparatus 210 may collate the data collected from the at least one AloT device. Moreover, the first apparatus 210 may transmit the collated data to the second apparatus 220 using at least one configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration. It is to be understood that the collated data covers those data collected over multiple instances of the periodic commands, for the case where the periodicity of the CG is a multiple of the periodicity of the periodic commands.

[0084] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 220 may receive collated data from the first apparatus 210. Specifically, the collated data may be obtained by collating data collected from at least one AloT device of the one or more AloT devices, the at least one AloT device being associated with a command indicated in the at least one periodic command configuration.

[0085] Moreover, the second apparatus 220 may receive, from the first apparatus 210, a request for a resource allocation for a subsequent transmission of the collated data. Specifically, a configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration is insufficient for transmitting the collated data. As a response, the second apparatus 220 may transmit, to the first apparatus 210, information about allocated resource for the subsequent transmission.

[0086] In some cases, the first apparatus 210 may determine insufficiency of a configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration for transmitting the collated data. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 210 may transmit, to the second apparatus 220, a request for a resource allocation for a subsequent transmission of the collated data. In addition, if the first apparatus 210 receives, from the second apparatus 220, information about allocated resource, the first apparatus 210 may perform the subsequent transmission using the allocated resource.

[0087] For instance, the request may be indicated in a buffer status report, BSR. Moreover, the information about the allocated resource may be indicated via a downlink control channel.

[0088] Alternatively, if the first apparatus 210 determines a configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration is insufficient for transmitting the collated data, the first apparatus 210 may transmit, to the second apparatus 220, a request for changing a size of the configured grant.Furthermore, upon receiving, from the second apparatus 220, information about the configured grant with the changed size, the first apparatus 210 may perform subsequent transmissions based on the configured grant with the changed size.

[0089] Correspondingly, when the second apparatus 220 receives, from the first apparatus 210, a request for changing a size of the configured grant, it may know that the configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration may be insufficient for transmitting the collated data. The second apparatus 220, if determining that the size related to the configured grant can be changed, it may transmit, to the first apparatus 210, information about the configured grant with the changed size.

[0090] In some implementations, the request for changing the size of the configured grant may be indicated via MAC CE or an RRC message.

[0091] In this way, the first apparatus 210 is able to report data from AloT device to the second apparatus 220 in an efficient and flexible way. Thus, the efficiency of reporting periodic data is improved.

[0092] More details will be discussed below, where a reader UE acts as an example of the first apparatus 210 and a BS acts as an example of the second apparatus 220. In some example embodiments, the BS may provide a configuration to a low-mobility or stationary reader UE based on which the reader UE periodically commands AloT devices to send data (to the reader UE). Moreover, the reader UE may periodically forward the collected device data using a configured grant to the network without having to be in, or transition to, RRC_CONNECTED state each time.

[0093] Specifically, the BS may provide a periodic command configuration to the reader UE. For example, the periodic command configuration may include one or more command messages (e.g., “read” command) that the reader UE must periodically send to trigger responses from AloT device(s). Moreover, the periodic command configuration may include one or more device IDs and / or group IDs to be addressed by the periodic command.

[0094] The periodic command configuration may include periodicity Tofor transmitting the command to the AloT device(s) for multiple operations at the AloT devices (also referred to as “devices” for purpose of discussion). Moreover, the start time and end time (e.g., specified as time offsets) for the periodic triggering of devices (optional). Specifically, the number of periodic triggers may be indicated instead of the end time.

[0095] In some example embodiments, the BS may provide a configured grant (CG) configuration to the reader UE for sending data collected by the reader UE in response to periodic commands.

[0096] The CG configuration may include a resource pool and associated periodicity T CG. Moreover, command message I D(s) associated with the CG may be indicated. The CG may be used to send data collected from devices corresponding to the commands. Additionally, the criterion to check low mobility or stationarity (e.g., the validity of its timing advance for uplink transmission based on RSRPmeasurement) may be indicated.

[0097] In some implementations, for the command message ID indicated in the respective at least one periodic command configuration, the reader UE may trigger AloT devices to send data according to the configuration. Moreover, the reader UE may forward the collected AloT data to the BS based on the associated CG configuration. A core network (CN) node or function (e.g., an application function (AF)) may be also informed when the CG is released.

[0098] In these cases, if multiple AloT devices are triggered with a command, the reader UE may collate the data received from multiple devices before sending it to the BS based on the CG. The data collected from the AloT devices corresponding to multiple command message IDs may be collated and sent based on the CG. Moreover, information to map the data with the corresponding device I D(s) and multiple periods is included in the transmission. Additionally, the periodic triggering of devices may be explicitly activated and deactivated or suspended.

[0099] In addition, the reader UE may determine that the CG associated with the periodic command configuration is not sufficient for the data accumulated at the reader UE. If the reader UE determines that the insufficiency of the CG is a one-time occurrence, the reader UE may request the network for dynamic resource allocation for a subsequent transmission based on its data buffer size. The reader UE may determine that the insufficiency of the CG is expected to persist. Moreover, a request for change of the CG may be indicated based on the expected data size. Alternatively, if the reader UE determines that the insufficiency of the CG is expected to persist, it may indicate a request for change of the CG based on the expected data size.

[0100] In some example embodiments, a reader UE may provide a UE capability indication informing the network whether it can function as only a sending reader (for bistatic connectivity), as only receiving reader (bistatic functionality), or as both sending reader and receiving reader (monostatic connectivity). Specifically, the network associates the reader UEs with AloT devices based on the capability indication.

[0101] Moreover, the core network (e.g., AloT Application Function) may trigger periodic reading of data by a reader UE from one or more AloT devices. In an example, sensors may make regular measurements, which are periodically retrieved by the CN. Alternatively, the network may be assumed to have knowledge of the association between AloT devices and reader UEs.

[0102] If the reader UE is not connected to the network, a paging message may be sent to the UE, and the reader UE is transitioned to RRC_CONNECTED state. The network may provide a periodic command configuration to the reader UE to collect data from one or more devices or device groups.

[0103] In one example, the periodic configuration information may be provided through RRC configuration by the BS. Furthermore, the periodic configuration information may include one or more command messages (e.g., “read” command) and associated command ID(s) that the reader UE mustperiodically send to trigger responses from AloT device(s). Additionally, the periodic configuration information may include. The application may request different types of data from different groups of devices. In this case, each request may be signaled as a different command message with an associated command ID.

[0104] In some implementations, for one or more device IDs and / or group ID, the command may be addressed to a single device, multiple devices, a single group of devices, a multiple groups of devices, or a mix of individual devices and groups of devices, each associated with an ID.

[0105] Alternatively or in addition, the command may be addressed to all devices that can receive the command. In an example, a unique ID may be used to address all devices. In another example, a single bit may be used to indicate addressing all devices. In a different example, a field of bits may indicate the type of addressing.

[0106] Moreover, a periodicity Tc may define the period for the reader UE to send the commands to the devices. In each instance, the command triggers the addressed devices to send the indicated data.

[0107] The start time Ts and the end time TE define the time window within which the reader UE periodically sends commands to the AloT devices. The time window may be indicated as offsets relative to the current time. In an example, the default start time may have zero time offset (i.e. , it is activated effective immediately).

[0108] An indication of an associated DRB may be indicated.

[0109] In an example, the BS may also configure automatic deactivation or cancellation of the periodic configuration corresponding to a message ID if the reader UE does not receive any responses from AloT devices for K successive periodic commands associated with that message ID.

[0110] Furthermore, the contents of the periodic command configuration are at least partly visible to the BS to which the reader UE is connected.

[0111] In an example, the BS may also configure automatic deactivation or cancellation of the periodic configuration corresponding to a message ID if the reader UE does not receive any responses from AloT devices for K successive periodic commands associated with that message ID. The BS may need to know that the command is for “read” from AloT devices since it may schedule periodic uplink resources for the reader UE to forward the data collected from the devices.

[0112] Moreover, the BS may need to know at least a maximum number of AloT devices to schedule adequate uplink resources to the reader UE. Additionally, the BS may need to know at least an approximate number of AloT devices and the approximate data size per device to allocate resources for communication between the reader UE and AloT devices. In these cases. Some parts of the command message may be transparent to the BS, e.g., what type of data is requested from the device.

[0113] Some parts of the command message may be transparent to the BS, e.g., what type of data is requested from the device.

[0114] The BS needs to know the periodicity of the commands at least to configure resources to match the AloT data collected in responds to the periodic commands.

[0115] In an example, once the BS has this information, it may

[0116] determine whether to enable the CG based on reader UE UL activity, e.g., if the reader UE is continuously sending UL data due to many responses to be forwarded for many different sets of devices, the CG is not needed. The load of the cell may also be another criterion used by BS to enable CG.

[0117] In addition, the BS may determine whether the reader UE should stay in RRC_CONNECTED state or transition to RRCJNACTIVE state based on Tc and the CG configurations of the reader UE.

[0118] In an example, if some of the above information is transparent to the BS (e.g., if it is provided via access and mobility management Function (AMF), which in turns receives it from the AloT AF), the UE reader may receive the information and provide it to the BS using RRC UE assistance information procedure.

[0119] The BS may notify the AloT AF that a CG has been setup corresponding to a periodic command configuration, and hence there is no need for periodic commands. The AloT AF may also be informed when the CG is released.

[0120] Specifically, by the reader UE, the reader UE may inform the AloT AF. Alternatively, by the BS, the BS may inform the AMF, which in turns informs the AloT AF.

[0121] The periodic configuration information may be signaled in the RRC Release message with suspend indication. The BS may provide a CG configuration for sending data collected by the reader UE corresponding to the periodic command configuration. The CG configuration may include an indication of the uplink resource pool and periodicity TCG of the uplink grant. In an example, if TCG =N'Tc, the reader UE may read data from a device N times (i.e, over N consecutive periods) before collating and forwarding the data to the network.

[0122] In an example, if TCG =N-Tc, the reader UE may read data from a device N times (i.e, over N consecutive periods) before collating and forwarding the data to the network. The configuration also may include command message I D(s) associated with the CG. Alternatively, the association of the CG configuration with command message IDs may be separately indicated in RRC.

[0123] The data collected from devices corresponding to these command IDs may be sent using the configured grant. The CG configuration may be provided in the RRC Release message with suspend indication.

[0124] In an example, the BS may provide multiple CG configurations, each with an associated ID. Specifically, the association of each CG configuration with command message IDs may be indicated within the corresponding CG configuration. Alternatively, the association may be separately indicated in an RRC message. In an embodiment, the multiple CG configurations may be provided in the RRCRelease message. In an alternative embodiment, the multiple CG configurations may be provided in an RRC configuration or RRC reconfiguration message.

[0125] After being provided with the periodic message configuration, the CG configuration, and the association of CG configurations with command message ID, the reader UE may be transitioned to RRCJNACTIVE state.

[0126] In some implementations, in a variant, both the periodic message configuration and the CG configurations may be valid for one or more RRC states (e.g., only RRCJNACTIVE state; or RRCJNACTIVE state and RRC_CONNECTED state). Therefore, the reader UE may send the periodic commands to AloT devices and utilize the CG to send the collected AloT device data to the BS while it is in RRC_CONNECTED state.

[0127] For the command message ID indicated in the respective at least one periodic command configuration, the reader UE may send a command to the AloT devices to trigger them to send data. Starting at the indicated start time, the reader UE periodically sends commands with periodicity Tc to the AloT device(s) and / or device group(s) whose IDs are indicated in the configuration for the corresponding message ID.

[0128] Reader may employ either contention-based random access, CBRA, or contention-based access, CFA, to for command responses and includes the corresponding access parameters in the command.

[0129] The reader UE receives data in response from the corresponding AloT device(s). The reader may employ either CBRA or CFA to for command responses and includes the corresponding access parameters in the command. The reader UE receives data in response from the corresponding AloT device(s).

[0130] The reader UE sends the data collected from the AloT devices using the CG associated with the message ID for the command that triggered the data collection, at the corresponding periodicity TCG.

[0131] The reader UE checks the criterion for low mobility or stationarity (i.e., to determine whether it may use the CG). If the reader UE determines that it may use the CG, it activates the associated DRB and forwards the data to the BS using the associated CG. The reader UE may collate the data received from multiple devices and then send the device data. The data collected from devices corresponding to multiple command message IDs may be collated. Information to map the data with the corresponding device I D(s) may be also indicated. For example, the following information may be indicated: Message ID, Number N of device responses, A list of N data sets, where each data set comprises device ID, data size, device data.

[0132] Alternatively, the size of the data from each device may be fixed. In this case, the following information may be indicated. Data size (e.g., from each device), a list of device IDs, data fromcorresponding devices. In an embodiment, a hybrid of the above alternatives may be employed when data corresponding to multiple groups of devices (or multiple message IDs) are sent and the data from devices within the same group (or for the same message ID) are of the same size.

[0133] In an example, the total amount of collated data sent by the reader UE to the BS may be less than the size of the CG. In this case, the reader UE may send the data in two parts. The first part may indicate the total size of the data (including all fields described above). The second part may include the actual data (including all fields and according to one of the formats described above). This may be supported by including an indicator that the first part does not contain the complete information and that it contains only “meta-data” of the actual data.

[0134] In an example, if automatic deactivation is configured, and if the reader UE does not receive any responses from AloT devices for K successive periodic commands associated with that message ID, the reader UE may stop sending the periodic commands associated with that message ID. Furthermore, if all message IDs linked to a CG are deactivated, the CG may be released.

[0135] Alternatively, if automatic cancellation is configured, and if the reader UE does not receive any responses from AloT devices for K successive periodic commands associated with that message ID, the periodic configuration associated with that message ID may be cancelled and cannot be reactivated.

[0136] If the reader UE determines that the criterion for low mobility or stationarity is not satisfied, it does not use the CG for sending AloT data. In an example, if the BS determines that the reader UE has not used L successive CGs, it may release the CG. The value L may be signaled to the reader UE via CG configuration.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the reader UE may determine that the CG associated with the periodic command configuration is not sufficient for the data accumulated at the reader UE.

[0138] Specifically, If the data accumulated from the AloT devices at the reader UE is higher than the CG and cannot be sent using the provided CG, and the reader UE may determine that requirement to send more data is not expected to be repeated over subsequent CG occasions. Moreover, the reader UE may request the network for dynamic resource allocation for a subsequent transmission based on its data buffer size. The reader UE then may send the accumulated device data using the dynamically allocated resources.

[0139] This procedure can be triggered by sending a BSR and the network can provide dynamic resource via physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, indication and the reader UE can use the PUSCH resources indicated in PDCCH and send the data. The BSR may also account for the overhead associated with indication of other information such as message ID, number of devices, size of data from each device, etc.

[0140] If the reader UE determines that the need to change the size of the CG is expected to persistover multiple subsequent CG occasions, the reader UE may indicate this to the network via any of the below methods, information indicating a new size for the CG. The network may then configure the reader UE with the new CG that can be used for subsequent periodic reporting. The reader UE may send the accumulated device data using the new CG.

[0141] The periodic triggering of devices may be explicitly activated and deactivated / suspended through separate messages that also indicate the periodic command message ID. An activation message may indicate that the reader UE shall start periodic triggering of devices.

[0142] An activation message may indicate that the reader UE shall start periodic triggering of devices.

[0143] In an embodiment, the deactivation message may include a time offset for end of periodic triggering. A suspension message indicates that the reader UE shall suspend periodic triggering for a time period TP indicated in the message.

[0144] In an embodiment, the activation message may include a time offset for start of periodic triggering.

[0145] A deactivation message indicates that the reader UE shall stop periodic triggering

[0146] In an example, the activation and deactivation may be signaled via MAC CEs. In a second example, the activation and deactivation indication may be indicated via RRC messages. In a third example, the activation and deactivation may be signaled via paging messages.

[0147] In an embodiment, the reader UE may be configured with multiple paging occasions, each associated with a different group of devices. The periodic configuration may be activated (or deactivated) only for the group of devices associated with the paging occasion in which the reader UE receives the activation (or deactivation) signal.

[0148] The BS may update the periodic command configuration and CG configuration at any time. If the reader UE is not in RRC_CONNECTED state, the BS may page the reader UE, in response to which the reader UE accesses the network and transitions to the RRC_CONNECTED state. In example, the BS may increase the periodicity of the CG.

[0149] While a periodic command configuration for a reader UE is active, the BS may be not precluded from sending from sending one-time or aperiodic command messages to the same reader UE for additional triggering of AloT devices for data. In an example, the aperiodic command may be sent between two instances of the configured periodic commands. The procedure for sending the command to the reader UE and collecting the AloT data from the reader UE may be the same as without any periodic command configuration.

[0150] Now more detailed embodiments will be further discussed below. FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram 300 of example resources for a signaling flow of reporting periodic data from AloT device with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the diagram 300 will bediscussed with reference to FIGS. 1 A, 1 B and FIG. 2. The signaling flow 300 involves a reader UE 310, a base station, BS, 320, AloT devices 330 and 332. In some embodiments, the reader UE 310 may be implemented as or included in the intermediate node 120 in FIG. 1 B. Moreover, the BS 320 may be implemented as or included in the network device 130 in FIG. 1 B. Specifically, the reader UE 310 may be an implementation of the first apparatus 210 in FIG.2. The BS 320 may be an implementation of the second apparatus 220 in FIG. 2.

[0151] In the signaling flow 300, as illustrated, the reader UE 310 may be in RRCJDLE state or RRCJNACTIVE state. If the reader UE 310 is in RRCJDLE or RRCJNACTIVE state, it is paged following which it accesses the network and transitions to RRC_CONNECTED state. At 3010, the BS 320 may transmit a paging message to the reader UE 310. Moreover, at 3020, a procedure for radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment is performed. Furthermore, at 3030, the BS 320 may transmit, to the reader UE 310, an RRC release message. Moreover, the end time offset may be indicated in the periodic command configuration. Additionally, the end time offset may indicate the time length of reporting the periodic data from the AloT device.

[0152] The periodic command configuration (for one or more command messages with associated IDs), the CG configuration (for one or more CGs with associated IDs), and the association between the command messages and CGs may be provided through higher layer signaling, e.g., via RRC Release message. The RRC release message may include, but not limited to, the periodic command configuration, CG configuration, and association information. For example, the association may indicate that the RRC release message may be for inventory-only procedure, inventory and command procedure, or command-only procedure. Specifically, the reader UE 310 may transmit, to the AloT devices 330 and 332, AloT paging message, respectively. Subsquently, the reader UE 310 is released to RRCJNACTIVE state via RRC Release with suspend indication. After 3030, the reader UE 310 may be in an RRCJnactive state.

[0153] Based on the indicated start time offset for a command message, the reader UE 310 may send periodic commands to the AloT devices 330 and 332 indicated in the periodic command configuration for the command message. As illustrated, the reader UE 310 may transmit an AloT paging message to the AloT device 330 and 332 at 3041 and 3042, respectively. Correspondingly, the AloT device 330 and 332 may transmit AloT data to the reader UE 310 at 3051 and 3052, respectively. Moreover, the reader UE 310 may transmit the AloT paging message after receiving the RRC release message for a time length equal to the start time offset. The start time offset may be indicated in the periodic command configuration. Subsequently, the reader UE 310 may transmit the AloT device data to the BS 320. At 3060, the reader UE 310 may report the data to the BS 320. The reader UE 310 may send the collected AloT data to the BS 320 using the CG associated with the periodic command messages. Specifically, the periodicity of the CGs may be an integer multiple ofthe periodicity of the commands. In some implementations, the reader UE 310 may be in RRCJNACTIVE after 3060.

[0154] In some example embodiments, the reader UE 310 may transmit a further AloT paging message to the AloT devices 330 and 332 at 3071 and 3072, respectively. Correspondingly, the AloT devices 330 and 332 may transmit AloT data to the reader UE 310 based on the periodic command configuration at 3081 and 3082, respectively. Subsequently, the reader UE 310 may transmit the AloT device data to the BS 320 at 3090. As illustrated, the time length between the transmission of AloT device data at 3060 and the transmission of AloT device data at 3090 is TCG, and the time length between the transmission of the paging request at 3042 and the transmission of the paging request at 3072 is Tc. In some embodiments, the time length Tc is indicated in the periodic command configuration as the time cycle TCG for the reader UE to report the data from AloT device. Alternatively, the TCG may be different from Tc, for example larger than Tc.

[0155] The reader UE 310 may stop the periodic commands when it reaches the time corresponding to the indicated end time offset. Alternatively, the periodic commands may be deactivated or suspended before the end time. Furthermore, at 3100, the BS 320 may transmit a message for deactivate periodic commands to the reader UE 310. In these cases, the reporting of data from AloT device is deactivated. Additionally, at 3100, the BS 320 may transmit a message for suspend periodic commands message to suspend the reporting for a length of time indicated in the message. Furthermore, the message transmitted at 3100 may include a message ID indicating which periodic command is to be deactivated or suspended.

[0156] In this way, the reader UE 310 may use the configuration information for reporting the data from the AloT device 330 and 332 without transition to RRC_CONNECTED state in an efficient way. Moreover, the BS 320 is able to provide configurations to a reader UE 310 such that the reader UE may send period commands to AloT devices 330 and 332 and send the collected data to the network without having to transition between RRC_CONNECTED state and RRCJNACTIVE state each time. Thus, the flexibility and efficiency of reporting data from AloT device is improved.

[0157] Now more detailed embodiments will be further discussed below. FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram 400 of example resources for a signaling flow of reporting periodic data from AloT device with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the diagram 400 will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1 B and FIG. 2. The signaling flow 400 involves a reader UE 410, a base station, BS, 420, AloT devices 430 and 432. In some embodiments, the reader UE 410 may be implemented as or included in the intermediate node 120 in FIG. 1 B. Moreover, the BS 420 may be implemented as or included in the network device 130 in FIG. 1 B. Specifically, the reader UE 410 may be an implementation of the first apparatus 210 in FIG.2. The BS 420 may be an implementation of the second apparatus 220 in FIG. 2.

[0158] In the signaling flow 400, as illustrated, the reader UE 410 may be in RRCJDLE state or RRCJNACTIVE state. If the reader UE 410 is in RRCJDLE or RRCJNACTIVE state, it is paged following which it accesses the network and transitions to RRC_CONNECTED state. At 4010, the BS 420 may transmit a paging message to the reader UE 410. Moreover, at 4020, a procedure for radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment is performed. Furthermore, at 4030, the BS 420 transmit, to the reader UE 410, an RRC release message. The periodic command configuration (for one or more command messages with associated IDs), the CG configuration (for one or more CGs with associated IDs), and the association between the command messages and CGs may be provided through higher layer signaling, e.g., via an RRC Release message. The RRC release message may include, but not limited to, the periodic command configuration, CG configuration , and association information. For example, the association may indicate that the RRC release message may be for inventory-only procedure, inventory and command procedure, or command-only procedure. Specifically, the reader UE 410 may transmit, to the AloT devices 430 and 432, AloT paging message, respectively. Subsquently, the reader UE 410 is released to RRCJNACTIVE state via RRC Release with suspend indication. After 4030, the reader UE 410 may be in an RRCJNACTIVE state.

[0159] An activation message may be sent by the BS 420 to the reader UE 410 (e.g., via a paging message) to trigger the start of the periodic commands corresponding to the indicated message ID. The BS 420 may transmit a message activate periodic commands to the reader UE 410 at 4040. The message ID may be included in the message indicating commands for which the activate periodic command is used.

[0160] Accordingly, the reader UE 410 may send periodic commands to the AloT devices 430 and 432 indicated in the periodic command configuration for the command message. Based on the activate periodic commands for a command message, the reader UE 410 may send corresponding periodic commands to the AloT devices 430 and 432. As illustrated, the reader UE 410 may transmit an AloT paging message to the AloT device 430 and 432 at 4051 and 4052, respectively. Correspondingly, the AloT device 430 and 432 may transmit AloT data to the reader UE 410 at 4061 and 4062, respectively. Subsequently, the reader UE 410 may transmit the AloT device data to the BS 420. At 4070, the reader UE 410 may report the data to the BS 420. The reader UE 410 may send the collected AloT data to the BS 420 using the CG associated with the periodic command messages. Specifically, the periodicity of the CGs may be an integer multiple of the periodicity of the commands.

[0161] In some example embodiments, the reader UE 410 may transmit a further AloT paging message to the AloT devices 430 and 432 at 4081 and 4082, respectively. Correspondingly, the AloT devices 430 and 432 may transmit AloT data to the reader UE 410 based on the periodic command configuration at 4091 and 4092, respectively. Subsequently, the reader UE 410 may transmit the AloT device data to the BS 420 at 4100. As illustrated, the time length between the transmission of AloTdevice data at 4070 and the transmission of AloT device data at 4100 is TCG, and the time length between the transmission of the paging request at 4052 and the transmission of the paging request at 4082 is Tc. In some embodiments, the time length Tc is indicated in the periodic command configuration as the time cycle T CG for the reader UE to report the data from AloT device. Alternatively, the TCG may be different from Tc, for example larger than Tc.

[0162] The reader UE 410 may stop the periodic commands when it reaches the time corresponding to the indicated end time offset. Alternatively, the periodic commands may be deactivated or suspended before the end time. A deactivation message may be sent to trigger the end of the periodic commands corresponding to the indicated message ID. Accordingly, the reader UE 410 may stop the periodic commands. Furthermore, at 4110, the BS 420 may transmit a message for deactivate periodic commands to the reader UE 410. In these cases, the reporting of data from AloT device is deactivated. Additionally, at 4110, the BS 420 may transmit a message for suspend periodic commands message to suspend the reporting for a length of time indicated in the message. Furthermore, the message at 4110 may include a message ID indicating which periodic command is to be deactivated or suspended.

[0163] In this way, the reader UE 410 may use the configuration information for reporting the data from the AloT devices 430 and 432 without transition to RRC_CONNECTED state in an efficient way. Moreover, the BS 420 is able to provide configurations to a reader UE 410 such that the reader UE may send period commands to AloT devices 430 and 432 and send the collected data to the network without having to transition between RRC_CONNECTED state and RRCJNACTIVE state each time. Thus, the flexibility and efficiency of reporting data from AloT device is improved.

[0164] Now more detailed embodiments will be further discussed below. FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram 500 of example resources for a signaling flow of reporting periodic data from AloT device with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the diagram 500 will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1 B and FIG. 2. The signaling flow 500 involves a reader UE 510, a base station, BS, 520, AloT devices 530 and 532. In some embodiments, the reader UE 510 may be implemented as or included in the intermediate node 120 in FIG. 1 B. Moreover, the BS 520 may be implemented as or included in the network device 130 in FIG. 1 B. Specifically, the reader UE 510 may be an implementation of the first apparatus 210 in FIG.2. The BS 520 may be an implementation of the second apparatus 220 in FIG. 2.

[0165] In the signaling flow 500, as illustrated, the reader UE 510 may be in RRCJDLE state or RRCJNACTIVE state. If the reader UE 510 is in RRCJDLE or RRCJNACTIVE state, it is paged following which it accesses the network and transitions to RRC_CONNECTED state. At 5010, the BS 520 may transmit a paging message to the reader UE 510. Moreover, at 5020, a procedure for radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment is performed.

[0166] Moreover, at 5030, the BS 520 may transmit, to the reader UE 510, a message includingperiodic command configuration, CG configuration, and association information. The periodic command configuration (for one or more command messages with associated IDs), the CG configuration (for one or more CGs with associated IDs), and the association information between the command messages and CGs may be provided through higher layer signaling, e.g., via RRC configuration message. Moreover, the end time offset may be indicated in the periodic command configuration. Additionally, the end time offset may indicate the time length of reporting the periodic data from the AloT device.

[0167] Based on the indicated start time offset for a command message, the reader UE 510 may send periodic commands to the AloT devices 530 and 532 indicated in the periodic command configuration for the command message. Furthermore, while the reader UE 510 is still in RRC_CONNECTED state, based on the indicated start time offset for a command message, the reader UE 510 may send periodic commands to the AloT devices 530 and 532 indicated in the periodic command configuration for the command message. As illustrated, the reader UE 510 may transmit an AloT paging message to the AloT device 530 and 532 at 5041 and 5042, respectively. Correspondingly, the AloT device 530 and 532 may transmit AloT data to the reader UE 510 at 5051 and 5052, respectively.

[0168] The start time offset and the end time offset of the periodic command configuration may be adjusted. The reader UE 510 may stop the periodic commands when it reaches the time corresponding to the indicated end time offset.

[0169] Moreover, the reader UE 510 may transmit the AloT paging message after receiving the message including periodic command configuration, CG configuration, and association information for a time length equal to the start time offset. The start time offset may be indicated in the periodic command configuration. Subsequently, the reader UE 510 may transmit the AloT device data to the BS 520. At 5060, the reader UE 510 may report the data to the BS 520. The reader UE 510 may send the collected AloT data to the BS 520 using the CG associated with the periodic command messages. Specifically, the periodicity of the CGs may be an integer multiple of the periodicity of the commands.

[0170] In some example embodiments, the reader UE 510 may be released to RRCJNACTIVE state using the RRC Release message with suspend indication. Specifically, the RRC Release message may include the periodic command configuration, the CG configuration, and the association information between the command messages and the suspend indication. Furthermore, at 5070, the BS 520 may transmit an RRC release message to the reader UE 510. Specifically, the RRC release message may include periodic command configuration, CG configuration, and association information. In some implementations, the reader UE 310 may be in RRCJNACTIVE after 5070.

[0171] In some example embodiments, the reader UE 310 may transmit a further AloT paging message to the AloT devices 530 and 532 at 5081 and 5082, respectively. Correspondingly, the AloTdevices 530 and 532 may transmit AloT data to the reader UE 510 based on the periodic command configuration at 5091 and 5092, respectively. Subsequently, the reader UE 510 may transmit the AloT device data to the BS 520 at 5100. As illustrated, the time length between the transmission at 5060 and the transmission at 5100 is TCG. The time length between the transmission at 5042 and the transmission at 5082 is Tc. In some implementations, TCG is equal to Tc. That is, the time length Tc is indicated in the periodic command configuration as the time cycle for the reader UE to report the data from AloT device. In some other implementations, TCG may be different from Tc, for example, TCG may be larger than Tc.

[0172] In this way, the reader UE 510 may use the configuration information for reporting the data from the AloT devices 530 and 532 without transition to RRC_CONNECTED state in an efficient way. Moreover, the BS 520 is able to provide configurations to a reader UE 510 such that the reader UE may send period commands to AloT devices 530 and 532 and send the collected data to the network without having to transition between RRC_CONNECTED state and RRCJNACTIVE state each time. Thus, the efficiency of reporting data from AloT device is improved.

[0173] In some example embodiments, the configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration may be insufficient for transmitting the collated data. In these cases, the reader UE may require more resources for transmitting the collated data. Now more detailed embodiments will be further discussed below. FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram 600 of example resources for a signaling flow of reporting periodic data from AloT device with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the diagram 600 will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 B and FIG. 2.

[0174] The signaling flow 600 involves a reader UE 610, a base station, BS, 620, an AloT devices 630. In some embodiments, the reader UE 610 may be implemented as or included in the intermediate node 120 in FIG. 1 B. Moreover, the BS 620 may be implemented as or included in the network device 130 in FIG. 1 B. Specifically, the reader UE 610 may be an implementation of the first apparatus 210 in FIG.2. The BS 620 may be an implementation of the second apparatus 220 in FIG. 2.

[0175] In the signaling flow 600, as illustrated, the reader UE 610 may be in RRCJDLE state or RRCJNACTIVE state. If the reader UE 610 is in RRCJDLE or RRCJNACTIVE state, it is paged following which it accesses the network and transitions to RRC_CONNECTED state. Moreover, at 6010, a procedure for radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment is performed. As illustrated, after 6010, the reader UE 610 may be in the RRC_CONNECTED state. Furthermore, at 6020, the BS 620 transmit, to the reader UE 610, a CG configuration.

[0176] As illustrated, after 6020, the reader UE 610 may be in the RRCJNACTIVE state. For example, the association may indicate that the RRC release message may be for inventory-only procedure, inventory and command procedure, or command-only procedure. Furthermore, at 6030, AloT communication may be performed between the reader UE 610 and the AloT device 630.Specifically, the reader UE 610 may transmit, to the AloT devices 630, AloT paging message. Moreover, the AloT 630 may transmit data to the reader UE 610. In these cases, if the configured grant is not sufficient for the reader UE 610, a plurality of approaches may be used.

[0177] Furthermore, the dotted blocks 602 and 604 represent two different example approaches for solving the insufficiency in transmitting the collected data. The approach of block 602 may be the case where the requirement to send more data is not a periodic requirement and is ad hoc. In an example, the requirement to send more data may be a periodic (or almost periodic) requirement, but the size of additional data may vary sporadically in different instances. In the embodiment of block 602, at 6040, the reader UE 610 may determine that the CG is not enough to send the data accumulated and the resource need is ad hoc or not periodic. At 6050, the reader UE 610 may transmit a request via buffer state report, BSR, to the BS 620. The request may indicate information about the resource allocation for a subsequent transmission of the collated data. For example, the size of the resources which is needed for transmitting the collated data may be indicated in the BSR. Thus, the reader UE 610 is able to send a BSR indicating the size in each instance.

[0178] Moreover, at 6060, the BS 620 may transmit, to the reader UE 610, information about allocated resource. Specifically, the information about the allocated resource may be indicated via a downlink control channel. For example, the allocated resource may be a dynamic PUSCH indicated via a PDCCH. The BS 620 may respond with the PDCCH indicating the PUSCH allocation for the dynamic resource matching the requirement in the current instance.

[0179] Subsequently, the reader UE 610 may use the CG to send the data in the UL. For example, at 6070, the reader UE 610 may transmit the collated data to the BS 620 using the allocated resources, for example, the dynamic PUSCH.

[0180] The approach of block 604 may be the case where the configured grant has to be changed as the reader UE 610 senses the need to change the size of the configured grant due to the expectation of having to periodically send a consistent amount of more data. In the embodiment of block 604, at 6080, the reader UE 610 may determine that the CG is not enough to send the data accumulated and the additional resource need is periodic. Moreover, the dotted blocks 606 and 608 represent two example approaches for allocating resource for transmitting the collated data, respectively.

[0181] In the embodiment of block 606, the reader UE 610 may send a UL MAC CE indicating the need for change in the configured grant size. Specifically, at 6090, the reader UE 610 may transmit a request for a resource allocation via MAC CE. For example, the size of the resources which is needed for transmitting the collated data may be indicated in the MAC CE.

[0182] Moreover, at 6100, the BS 620 may respond to the UL MAC CE indicating the change in the configured grant size. In these cases, the BS 620 may transmit, to the reader UE 610, updated CGindicating CG with updated size.

[0183] Alternatively, in the embodiment of block 608, the reader UE 610 may use UE assistance information to indicate the need to change the configured grant size. Specifically, at 6110, the reader UE 610may transmit a request for a resource allocation via RRC message. For example, the size of the resources which is needed for transmitting the collated data may be indicated in the RRC message.

[0184] Moreover, at 6120, the BS 620 may transmit, to the reader UE 610, updated CG indicating CG with updated size.

[0185] As a response to both 6100 and 6120, the BS 620 may respond with updated configured grant with new size. The reader UE 610 may uses the new configured grant size for subsequent configured grant transmissions. Furthermore, at 6130, the reader UE 610 may transmit the collated data to the BS 620 using the resources with updated size.

[0186] In this way, the reader UE 610 may be allocated with resources for transmitting the collated data if the configured grant is insufficient. Thus, the reliability and flexibility of reporting the periodic data from the AloT device is improved.

[0187] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an example method 700 implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 700 will be described from the perspective of the first apparatus 210 in FIG. 2.

[0188] At block 710, the first apparatus 210 receives, from a second apparatus, configuration information comprising at least one of: at least one periodic command configuration for collecting data from one or more AloT devices, or at least one CG configuration for transmission of data collected from the one or more AloT devices.

[0189] At block 720, the first apparatus 210 transmits collected data to the second apparatus based on the at least one CG configuration, wherein the data is collected from the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration.

[0190] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further comprises: transmitting one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration; and receiving one or more responses to the paging requests from the one or more AloT devices, each response comprising the data associated with a corresponding AloT device.

[0191] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further comprises: performing a periodic transmission of one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration, after a start time offset indicated in the at least one periodic command configuration that is applied upon receiving the periodic command configuration, and / or within an end time offset indicated in the at least one periodic command configuration that is applied upon receiving the at least one periodic command configuration.

[0192] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further comprises: performing at least oneof: in response to receiving an activation message from the second apparatus, starting a periodic transmission of one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration; in response to receiving a deactivation message from the second apparatus, stopping a periodic transmission of the one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices; or in response to receiving a suspension message from the second apparatus, suspending a periodic transmission of the one or more paging requests for a time period indicated in the suspension message.

[0193] In some example embodiments, the activation message may comprise a first time offset for start of the periodic transmission, and / or wherein the deactivation message comprises a second time offset for end of the periodic transmission, and / or wherein the suspension message comprises a third time offset for start of the suspension and the time period.

[0194] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 210 may receive the configuration information in an inactive state or in a connected state. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 210 may collect the data in the inactive state or in the connected state, and may transmit the data to the second apparatus in the inactive state or in the connected state.

[0195] In some example embodiments, the configuration information may be received via a radio resource control, RRC, message from the second apparatus.

[0196] In some example embodiments, one of the at least one periodic command configuration comprises at least one of: a command message for the first apparatus to periodically transmit paging requests to the one or more AloT devices, one or more device IDs and / or group IDs to be addressed, a periodicity for transmitting the paging requests to the one or more AloT devices, a start time for a periodic transmission of the paging requests, an end time for the periodic transmission of the paging requests, a start time offset indicating a time period from a time point of receiving a periodic command configuration to a time point of starting the periodic transmission, an end time offset indicating a time period from a time point of receiving a periodic command configuration to a time point of ending the periodic transmission, or a number of the paging requests that are periodically transmitted.

[0197] In some example embodiments, the at least one CG configuration may comprise at least one of: a resource for a configured grant, a periodicity for transmitting the collected data, IDs of one or more periodic command configurations of the at least one periodic command configuration associated with the configured grant, or a criterion for checking low mobility or stationarity.

[0198] In some example embodiments, the periodicity for transmitting the collected data may be different from the periodicity for transmitting the paging requests.

[0199] In some example embodiments, the configuration information may further comprise association information indicating association of the at least one CG configuration with one or more periodic command configurations of the at least one periodic command configuration. In addition oralternatively, in some example embodiments, a configured grant is used to transmit data collected based on the one or more periodic command configurations.

[0200] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further comprises: for the command message indicated in the respective at least one periodic command configuration, transmitting to at least one of the one or more AloT devices, a paging request to trigger the at least one AloT device to report data.

[0201] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further comprises: determining that at least one AloT device of the one or more AloT devices is associated with a command indicated in the at least one periodic command configuration; collating the data collected from the at least one AloT device; and transmitting the collated data to the second apparatus using at least one configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration.

[0202] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further comprises: determining insufficiency of a configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration for transmitting the collated data; transmitting, to the second apparatus, a request for a resource allocation for a subsequent transmission of the collated data; and in response to receiving, from the second apparatus, information about allocated resource, perform the subsequent transmission using the allocated resource.

[0203] In some example embodiments, the request may be indicated in a buffer status report, BSR, and the information about the allocated resource is indicated via a downlink control channel.

[0204] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further comprises: determining insufficiency of a configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration for transmitting the collated data; transmitting, to the second apparatus, a request for changing a size of the configured grant; and in response to receiving, from the second apparatus, information about the configured grant with the changed size, perform subsequent transmissions based on the configured grant with the changed size.

[0205] In some example embodiments, the request for changing the size of the configured grant is indicated via MAC CE or a RRC message.

[0206] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 210 may comprise a terminal device, and the second apparatus 220 may comprise network device.

[0207] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of an example method 800 implemented at a second apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 800 will be described from the perspective of the second apparatus 220 in FIG. 2.

[0208] At block 810, the second apparatus 220 transmits, to a first apparatus, configuration information comprising at least one of: at least one periodic command configuration for collecting data from one or more AloT devices, or at least one CG configuration for transmission of data collected from the one or more AloT devices.

[0209] At block 820, the second apparatus 220 receives, from the first apparatus, collected databased on the at least one CG configuration, wherein the data is collected by the first apparatus from the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration.

[0210] In some example embodiments, the method 800 further comprises: transmitting, to the first apparatus, at least one of: an activation message to start a periodic transmission of the one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices; a deactivation message to stop a periodic transmission of the one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices; or a suspension message to suspend a periodic transmission of the one or more paging requests for a time period indicated in the suspension message.

[0211] In some example embodiments, the activation message may comprise a first time offset for start of the periodic transmission, and / or wherein the deactivation message comprises a second time offset for end of the periodic transmission, and / or wherein the suspension message comprises a third time offset for start of the suspension and the time period.

[0212] In some example embodiments, the configuration information may be transmitted via a RRC message.

[0213] In some example embodiments, one of the at least one periodic command configuration may comprise at least one of: a command message for the first apparatus to periodically transmit paging requests to the one or more AloT devices, one or more device IDs and / or group IDs to be addressed, a periodicity for transmitting the paging requests to the one or more AloT devices, a start time for a periodic transmission of the paging requests, an end time for the periodic transmission of the paging requests, a start time offset indicating a time period from a time point of receiving a periodic command configuration to a time point of starting the periodic transmission, an end time offset indicating a time period from a time point of receiving a periodic command configuration to a time point of ending the periodic transmission, or a number of the paging requests that are periodically transmitted.

[0214] In some example embodiments, the at least one CG configuration may comprise at least one of: a resource for a configured grant, a periodicity for transmitting the collected data, IDs of one or more periodic command configurations of the at least one periodic command configuration associated with the configured grant, or a criterion for checking low mobility or stationarity.

[0215] In some example embodiments, the periodicity for transmitting the collected data may be different from the periodicity for transmitting the paging requests.

[0216] In some example embodiments, the configuration information may further comprise association information indicating association of the at least one CG configuration with periodic command configurations of the at least one periodic command configuration, and / or wherein a configured grant is used for the first apparatus to transmit data collected based on the one or more periodic command configurations.

[0217] In some example embodiments, the method 800 further comprises: receiving collated datafrom the first apparatus, wherein the collated data is obtained by collating data collected from at least one AloT device of the one or more AloT devices, the at least one AloT device being associated with a command indicated in the at least one periodic command configuration.

[0218] In some example embodiments, the method 800 further comprises: receiving, from the first apparatus, a request for a resource allocation for a subsequent transmission of the collated data, wherein a configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration is insufficient for transmitting the collated data; and transmitting, to the first apparatus, information about allocated resource for the subsequent transmission.

[0219] In some example embodiments, the request may be indicated in a buffer status report, BSR, and the information about the allocated resource is indicated via a downlink control channel.

[0220] In some example embodiments, the method 800 further comprises: receiving, from the first apparatus, a request for changing a size of the configured grant, wherein a configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration is insufficient for transmitting the collated data; and transmitting, to the first apparatus, information about the configured grant with the changed size.

[0221] In some example embodiments, the request for changing the size of the configured grant may be indicated via MAC CE or a RRC message.

[0222] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus may comprise a terminal device, and the second apparatus 220 may comprise network device.

[0223] In some example embodiments, a first apparatus capable of performing any of the method 700 (for example, the first apparatus 210 in FIG. 2) may comprise means for performing the respective operations of the method 700. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module. The first apparatus may be implemented as or included in the first apparatus 210 in FIG. 2.

[0224] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a second apparatus, configuration information comprising at least one of: at least one periodic command configuration for collecting data from one or more AloT devices, or at least one CG configuration for transmission of data collected from the one or more AloT devices; and means for transmitting collected data to the second apparatus based on the at least one CG configuration, wherein the data is collected from the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration.

[0225] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration; and means for receiving one or more responses to the paging requests from the one or more AloT devices, each response comprising the data associated with a corresponding AloT device.

[0226] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for performinga periodic transmission of one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration, after a start time offset indicated in the at least one periodic command configuration that is applied upon receiving the periodic command configuration, and / or within an end time offset indicated in the at least one periodic command configuration that is applied upon receiving the at least one periodic command configuration.

[0227] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for performing at least one of: in response to receiving an activation message from the second apparatus, starting a periodic transmission of one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration; in response to receiving a deactivation message from the second apparatus, stopping a periodic transmission of the one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices; or in response to receiving a suspension message from the second apparatus, suspending a periodic transmission of the one or more paging requests for a time period indicated in the suspension message.

[0228] In some example embodiments, the activation message comprises a first time offset for start of the periodic transmission, and / or wherein the deactivation message comprises a second time offset for end of the periodic transmission, and / or wherein the suspension message comprises a third time offset for start of the suspension and the time period.

[0229] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus receives the configuration information in an inactive state or in a connected state, or wherein the first apparatus collects the data in the inactive state or in the connected state, and transmits the data to the second apparatus in the inactive state or in the connected state.

[0230] In some example embodiments, the configuration information is received via a radio resource control, RRC, message from the second apparatus.

[0231] In some example embodiments, one of the at least one periodic command configuration comprises at least one of: a command message for the first apparatus to periodically transmit paging requests to the one or more AloT devices, one or more device IDs and / or group IDs to be addressed, a periodicity for transmitting the paging requests to the one or more AloT devices, a start time for a periodic transmission of the paging requests, an end time for the periodic transmission of the paging requests, a start time offset indicating a time period from a time point of receiving a periodic command configuration to a time point of starting the periodic transmission, an end time offset indicating a time period from a time point of receiving a periodic command configuration to a time point of ending the periodic transmission, or a number of the paging requests that are periodically transmitted.

[0232] In some example embodiments, the at least one CG configuration comprises at least one of: a resource for a configured grant, a periodicity for transmitting the collected data, IDs of one or more periodic command configurations of the at least one periodic command configuration associated withthe configured grant, or a criterion for checking low mobility or stationarity.

[0233] In some example embodiments, the periodicity for transmitting the collected data is different from the periodicity for transmitting the paging requests.

[0234] In some example embodiments, the configuration information further comprises association information indicating association of the at least one CG configuration with one or more periodic command configurations of the at least one periodic command configuration. In addition or alternatively, in some example embodiments, a configured grant is used to transmit data collected based on the one or more periodic command configurations.

[0235] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for, for the command message indicated in the respective at least one periodic command configuration, transmitting to at least one of the one or more AloT devices, a paging request to trigger the at least one AloT device to report data.

[0236] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for determining that at least one AloT device of the one or more AloT devices is associated with a command indicated in the at least one periodic command configuration; means for collating the data collected from the at least one AloT device; and means for transmitting the collated data to the second apparatus using at least one configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration.

[0237] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for determining insufficiency of a configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration for transmitting the collated data; means for transmitting, to the second apparatus, a request for a resource allocation for a subsequent transmission of the collated data; and means for in response to receiving, from the second apparatus, information about allocated resource, perform the subsequent transmission using the allocated resource.

[0238] In some example embodiments, the request is indicated in a buffer status report, BSR, and the information about the allocated resource is indicated via a downlink control channel.

[0239] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for determining insufficiency of a configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration for transmitting the collated data; means for transmitting, to the second apparatus, a request for changing a size of the configured grant; and means for in response to receiving, from the second apparatus, information about the configured grant with the changed size, perform subsequent transmissions based on the configured grant with the changed size.

[0240] In some example embodiments, the request for changing the size of the configured grant is indicated via MAC CE or a RRC message.

[0241] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises a terminal device, and the second apparatus comprises network device.

[0242] In some example embodiments, a second apparatus capable of performing any of the method 800 (for example, the second apparatus 220 in FIG. 2) may comprise means for performing the respective operations of the method 800. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module. The second apparatus may be implemented as or included in the second apparatus 220 in FIG. 2.

[0243] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to a first apparatus, configuration information comprising at least one of: at least one periodic command configuration for collecting data from one or more AloT devices, or at least one CG configuration for transmission of data collected from the one or more AloT devices; and means for receiving, from the first apparatus, collected data based on the at least one CG configuration, wherein the data is collected by the first apparatus from the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration.

[0244] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, at least one of: an activation message to start a periodic transmission of the one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices; a deactivation message to stop a periodic transmission of the one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices; or a suspension message to suspend a periodic transmission of the one or more paging requests for a time period indicated in the suspension message.

[0245] In some example embodiments, the activation message comprises a first time offset for start of the periodic transmission, and / or wherein the deactivation message comprises a second time offset for end of the periodic transmission, and / or wherein the suspension message comprises a third time offset for start of the suspension and the time period.

[0246] In some example embodiments, the configuration information is transmitted via a radio resource control, RRC, message.

[0247] In some example embodiments, one of the at least one periodic command configuration comprises at least one of: a command message for the first apparatus to periodically transmit paging requests to the one or more AloT devices, one or more device IDs and / or group IDs to be addressed, a periodicity for transmitting the paging requests to the one or more AloT devices, a start time for a periodic transmission of the paging requests, an end time for the periodic transmission of the paging requests, a start time offset indicating a time period from a time point of receiving a periodic command configuration to a time point of starting the periodic transmission, an end time offset indicating a time period from a time point of receiving a periodic command configuration to a time point of ending the periodic transmission, or a number of the paging requests that are periodically transmitted.

[0248] In some example embodiments, the at least one CG configuration comprises at least one of: a resource for a configured grant, a periodicity for transmitting the collected data, IDs of one or moreperiodic command configurations of the at least one periodic command configuration associated with the configured grant, or a criterion for checking low mobility or stationarity.

[0249] In some example embodiments, the periodicity for transmitting the collected data is different from the periodicity for transmitting the paging requests.

[0250] In some example embodiments, the configuration information further comprises association information indicating association of the at least one CG configuration with periodic command configurations of the at least one periodic command configuration, and / or wherein a configured grant is used for the first apparatus to transmit data collected based on the one or more periodic command configurations.

[0251] I n some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises: means for receiving collated data from the first apparatus, wherein the collated data is obtained by collating data collected from at least one AloT device of the one or more AloT devices, the at least one AloT device being associated with a command indicated in the at least one periodic command configuration.

[0252] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises: means for receiving, from the first apparatus, a request for a resource allocation for a subsequent transmission of the collated data, wherein a configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration is insufficient for transmitting the collated data; and means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, information about allocated resource for the subsequent transmission.

[0253] In some example embodiments, the request is indicated in a buffer status report, BSR, and the information about the allocated resource is indicated via a downlink control channel.

[0254] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises: means for receiving, from the first apparatus, a request for changing a size of the configured grant, wherein a configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration is insufficient for transmitting the collated data; and means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, information about the configured grant with the changed size.

[0255] In some example embodiments, the request for changing the size of the configured grant is indicated via MAC CE or a RRC message.

[0256] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises a terminal device, and the second apparatus comprises network device.

[0257] FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram of a device 900 that is suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 900 may be provided to implement a communication device, for example, the first apparatus 210 and the second apparatus 220 in FIG. 2. As shown, the device 900 includes one or more processors 910, one or more memories 920 coupled to the processor 910, and one or more communication modules 940 coupled to the processor 910.

[0258] The communication module 940 is for bidirectional communications. The communicationmodule 940 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interfaces may represent any interface that is necessary for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, the communication module 940 may include at least one antenna.

[0259] The processor 910 may be of any type suitable to the local technical network and may include one or more of the following: general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on multicore processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The device 900 may have multiple processors, such as an application specific integrated circuit chip that is slaved in time to a clock which synchronizes the main processor.

[0260] The memory 920 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of the non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a Read Only Memory (ROM) 924, an electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, a hard disk, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disk (DVD), an optical disk, a laser disk, and other magnetic storage and / or optical storage. Examples of the volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a random-access memory (RAM) 922 and other volatile memories that will not last in the power-down duration.

[0261] A computer program 930 includes computer executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 910. The instructions of the program 930 may include instructions for performing operations / acts of some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The program 930 may be stored in the memory, e.g., the ROM 924. The processor 910 may perform any suitable actions and processing by loading the program 930 into the RAM 922.

[0262] The example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by means of the program 930 so that the device 900 may perform any process of the disclosure as discussed with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 8. The example embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0263] In some example embodiments, the program 930 may be tangibly contained in a computer readable medium which may be included in the device 900 (such as in the memory 920) or other storage devices that are accessible by the device 900. The device 900 may load the program 930 from the computer readable medium to the RAM 922 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer readable medium may include any types of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, a flash memory, a hard disk, CD, DVD, and the like. The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e. , tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0264] FIG. 10 shows an example of the computer readable medium 1000 which may be in form ofCD, DVD or other optical storage disk. The computer readable medium 1000 has the program 930 stored thereon.

[0265] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, and other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device. Although various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other pictorial representations, it is to be understood that the block, apparatus, system, technique or method described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0266] Some example embodiments of the present disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer readable medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in program modules, being executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor, to carry out any of the methods as described above. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, or the like that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or split between program modules as desired in various embodiments. Machineexecutable instructions for program modules may be executed within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0267] Program code for carrying out methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, cause the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may execute entirely on a machine, partly on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the machine and partly on a remote machine or entirely on the remote machine or server.

[0268] In the context of the present disclosure, the computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable the device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of the carrier include a signal, computer readable medium, and the like.

[0269] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable medium may include but not limited to an electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computer readable storage medium would include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0270] Further, although operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Likewise, although several specific implementation details are contained in the above discussions, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Unless explicitly stated, certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, unless explicitly stated, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in a plurality of embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0271] Although the present disclosure has been described in languages specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the present disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . A first apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: receive, from a second apparatus, configuration information comprising at least one of: at least one periodic command configuration for collecting data from one or more ambient internet of things, AloT, devices, or at least one configured grant, CG, configuration for transmission of data collected from the one or more AloT devices; and transmit collected data to the second apparatus based on the at least one CG configuration, wherein the data is collected from the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration.

2. The first apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first apparatus is caused to: transmit one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration; and receive one or more responses to the paging requests from the one or more AloT devices, each response comprising the data associated with a corresponding AloT device.

3. The first apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: perform a periodic transmission of one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration, after a start time offset indicated in the at least one periodic command configuration that is applied upon receiving the periodic command configuration, and / or within an end time offset indicated in the at least one periodic command configuration that is applied upon receiving the at least one periodic command configuration.

4. The first apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: perform at least one of: in response to receiving an activation message from the second apparatus, starting a periodic transmission of one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration; in response to receiving a deactivation message from the second apparatus, stopping aperiodic transmission of the one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices; or in response to receiving a suspension message from the second apparatus, suspending a periodic transmission of the one or more paging requests for a time period indicated in the suspension message.

5. The first apparatus of claim 4, wherein the activation message comprises a first time offset for start of the periodic transmission, and / or wherein the deactivation message comprises a second time offset for end of the periodic transmission, and / or wherein the suspension message comprises a third time offset for start of the suspension and the time period.

6. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first apparatus receives the configuration information in an inactive state or in a connected state, or wherein the first apparatus collects the data in the inactive state or in the connected state, and transmits the data to the second apparatus in the inactive state or in the connected state.

7. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the configuration information is received via a radio resource control, RRC, message from the second apparatus.

8. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein one of the at least one periodic command configuration comprises at least one of: a command message for the first apparatus to periodically transmit paging requests to the one or more AloT devices, one or more device identifications, IDs, and / or group IDs to be addressed, a periodicity for transmitting the paging requests to the one or more AloT devices, a start time for a periodic transmission of the paging requests, an end time for the periodic transmission of the paging requests, a start time offset indicating a time period from a time point of receiving a periodic command configuration to a time point of starting the periodic transmission, an end time offset indicating a time period from a time point of receiving a periodic command configuration to a time point of ending the periodic transmission, or a number of the paging requests that are periodically transmitted.

9. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one CG configurationcomprises at least one of: a resource for a configured grant, a periodicity for transmitting the collected data, identifications, IDs, of one or more periodic command configurations of the at least one periodic command configuration associated with the configured grant, or a criterion for checking low mobility or stationarity.

10. The first apparatus of claim 9, wherein the periodicity for transmitting the collected data is different from the periodicity for transmitting the paging requests.

11. The first apparatus of claim 9, wherein the configuration information further comprises association information indicating association of the at least one CG configuration with one or more periodic command configurations of the at least one periodic command configuration, and / or wherein a configured grant is used to transmit data collected based on the one or more periodic command configurations.

12. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the first apparatus is caused to: for the command message indicated in the respective at least one periodic command configuration, transmit to at least one of the one or more AloT devices, a paging request to trigger the at least one AloT device to report data.

13. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: determine that at least one AloT device of the one or more AloT devices is associated with a command indicated in the at least one periodic command configuration; collate the data collected from the at least one AloT device; and transmit the collated data to the second apparatus using at least one configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration.

14. The first apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: determine insufficiency of a configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration for transmitting the collated data; transmit, to the second apparatus, a request for a resource allocation for a subsequent transmission of the collated data; and in response to receiving, from the second apparatus, information about allocated resource, perform the subsequent transmission using the allocated resource.

15. the first apparatus of claim 14, wherein the request is indicated in a buffer status report, BSR, and the information about the allocated resource is indicated via a downlink control channel.

16. The first apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: determine insufficiency of a configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration for transmitting the collated data; transmit, to the second apparatus, a request for changing a size of the configured grant; and in response to receiving, from the second apparatus, information about the configured grant with the changed size, perform subsequent transmissions based on the configured grant with the changed size.

17. A second apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus at least to: transmit, to a first apparatus, configuration information comprising at least one of: at least one periodic command configuration for collecting data from one or more ambient internet of things, AloT, devices, or at least one configured grant, CG, configuration for transmission of data collected from the one or more AloT devices; and receive, from the first apparatus, collected data based on the at least one CG configuration, wherein the data is collected by the first apparatus from the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration.

18. The second apparatus of claim 17, wherein the second apparatus is caused to: transmit, to the first apparatus, at least one of: an activation message to start a periodic transmission of the one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices; a deactivation message to stop a periodic transmission of the one or more paging requests to the one or more AloT devices; or a suspension message to suspend a periodic transmission of the one or more paging requests for a time period indicated in the suspension message.

19. The second apparatus of claim 18, wherein the activation message comprises a first timeoffset for start of the periodic transmission, and / or wherein the deactivation message comprises a second time offset for end of the periodic transmission, and / or wherein the suspension message comprises a third time offset for start of the suspension and the time period.

20. The second apparatus of any of claims 17 to 19, wherein one of the at least one periodic command configuration comprises at least one of: a command message for the first apparatus to periodically transmit paging requests to the one or more AloT devices, one or more device identifications, IDs, and / or group IDs to be addressed, a periodicity for transmitting the paging requests to the one or more AloT devices, a start time for a periodic transmission of the paging requests, an end time for the periodic transmission of the paging requests, a start time offset indicating a time period from a time point of receiving a periodic command configuration to a time point of starting the periodic transmission, an end time offset indicating a time period from a time point of receiving a periodic command configuration to a time point of ending the periodic transmission, or a number of the paging requests that are periodically transmitted.21 . The second apparatus of any of claims 17 to 20, wherein the at least one CG configuration comprises at least one of: a resource for a configured grant, a periodicity for transmitting the collected data, identifications, IDs, of one or more periodic command configurations of the at least one periodic command configuration associated with the configured grant, or a criterion for checking low mobility or stationarity.

22. The second apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the periodicity for transmitting the collected data is different from the periodicity for transmitting the paging requests.

23. The second apparatus of claim 20, wherein the configuration information further comprises association information indicating association of the at least one CG configuration with periodic command configurations of the at least one periodic command configuration, and / or wherein a configured grant is used for the first apparatus to transmit data collected based onthe one or more periodic command configurations.

24. The second apparatus of any of claims 17 to 23, wherein the second apparatus is caused to: receive collated data from the first apparatus, wherein the collated data is obtained by collating data collected from at least one AloT device of the one or more AloT devices, the at least one AloT device being associated with a command indicated in the at least one periodic command configuration.

25. The second apparatus of claim 24, wherein the second apparatus is caused to: receive, from the first apparatus, a request for a resource allocation for a subsequent transmission of the collated data, wherein a configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration is insufficient for transmitting the collated data; and transmit, to the first apparatus, information about allocated resource for the subsequent transmission.

26. The second apparatus of claim 25, wherein the request is indicated in a buffer status report, BSR, and the information about the allocated resource is indicated via a downlink control channel.

27. The second apparatus of claim 24, wherein the second apparatus is caused to: receive, from the first apparatus, a request for changing a size of the configured grant, wherein a configured grant indicated in the at least one CG configuration is insufficient for transmitting the collated data; and transmit, to the first apparatus, information about the configured grant with the changed size.

28. A method comprising: receiving, from a second apparatus, configuration information comprising at least one of: at least one periodic command configuration for collecting data from one or more ambient internet of things, AloT, devices, or at least one configured grant, CG, configuration for transmission of data collected from the one or more AloT devices; and transmitting collected data to the second apparatus based on the at least one CG configuration, wherein the data is collected from the one or more AloT devices based on the at least one periodic command configuration.

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