Obtaining a modulation scheme

Abstract

There is provided a method (1000) for reliable communications, performed by a first communication device (100; 700) The method comprises obtaining (1100) at least one indication related to at least one modulation scheme. The at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points and a second set of constellation points. The second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points having a fewer number of constellation points. Amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points. Further, the method comprises transmitting (1300), to a second communication device (300; 800), at least one indication related to at least one symbol. The at least one symbol is based on a modulation scheme determined within the at least one modulation scheme, and on data to be transmitted.

Description

[0001] OBTAINING A MODULATION SCHEME

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a method for reliable communications, performed by a first communication device. Further, the invention relates to a method, for enabling reliable communications, performed by a computing node. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for reliable communications, performed by a second communication device. The invention further relates to a first communication device, a computing node, a second communication device, a system, computer programs and computer program products.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Wireless communication and mobile broadband provide flexibility and freedom and are increasingly present in our society. More and more people and businesses depend on wireless communication to improve overall quality of life. However, the wireless medium is inherently not secure since the propagation channel is not exclusive to the intended transmitter and receiver. An eavesdropper, if appropriate security measures have not been taken in the communication network, can listen to wireless transmissions because the propagation channel allows for such a vulnerability. Additionally, an interferer or jammer can add signals or noise. The difference between an interferer and a jammer is that the jammer has a malicious intent to degrade the communication.

[0006] The simplest form of jamming is barrage jamming where noise or a generic signal is transmitted to reduce the communication receiver’s signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Drawbacks of barrage jamming is that it requires substantial power from the jammer, it does not target a particular system or user, and is comparably easy to detect.

[0007] Through the cellular generations security and reliability of communication systems have been continuously improved. However, the capabilities of jammers have also been improved.

[0008] A smart jammer listens to the system it intends to jam and adapts its jamming signal to the system. A smart jammer can target a specific system and / or user and will, therefore, use less power and be harder to detect, when compared to a barrage jammer. A smart jammer requires more skills than a barrage jammer but due to lower power requirements can be more easily implemented using commercially available Radio Frequency (RF) hardware kits, e.g., Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP), and suitable software.

[0009] Cellular systems are vulnerable during the setup phase since the initial synchronization signals and system information are sent in the clear. After the user equipment (UE) has been authenticated, signals are encrypted. Thus, a smart jammer can establish synchronization with the system but cannot read acknowledgement (ACK), negative ACK (NACK) or similar signals to determine whether a jamming attack is successful or not. To overcome this, a smart jammer can perform modulation classification. Modulation classification is a family of algorithms that automatically determines the modulation type of a received signal, either to guarantee that the signal is correctly demodulated, and that a transmitted message can be accurately recovered, or to identify an unknown signal. Modulation classification has found significant roles in military, civil, intelligence, and security applications. Modulation classification is applicable both to analogue modulation, e.g., amplitude modulation (AM) and frequency modulation (FM), and digital modulation, e.g., phase shift keying (PSK) and Quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM).

[0010] A smart jammer can listen to a broadcast and establish synchronization from signals sent in the clear. Based on publicly available knowledge of transmission formats, as example, 3rdGeneration Partnership Program (3GPP) standards are openly available, the smart jammer would know where in a frame to transmit to reduce the SNR or otherwise disrupt the transmission. The smart jammer can then use modulation classification to detect when the communication system switches to a lower-order modulation. The jammer can thus assess whether or not its transmissions are effective, i.e., causing performance degradation in the communication system, and adapt its transmissions based on the assessment.

[0011] The document WO 2024186244 Al discusses some of the challenges and solutions for modulation secrecy.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] An object of the invention is to enable a resilient modulation scheme.

[0014] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for reliable communications, performed by a first communication device. The method comprises obtaining at least one indication related to at least one modulation scheme. The at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points and a second set of constellation points. The second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points having a fewer number of constellation points. Amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points. The method further comprises transmitting, to a second communication device, at least one indication related to at least one symbol. The at least one symbol is based on a modulation scheme determined within the at least one modulation scheme, and on data to be transmitted.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the at least one indication related to the at least one modulation scheme is obtained from a computing node.

[0016] According to an embodiment, an average amplitude of the constellation points of the first set of constellation points and / or the second set of constellation points, respectively, is zero or close to zero.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps asymptotic spectrum of the first set of constellation points. According to an embodiment, at least two modulation schemes are obtained, such that the at least two modulation schemes are joint modulation schemes, or disjoint modulation schemes.

[0018] According to an embodiment, at least two modulation schemes are obtained, such that the at least two modulation schemes have a zero-mean power weighted average.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the modulation scheme determined within the at least one modulation scheme, is determined based on a pre-determined sequence.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the pre-determined sequence is round-robin or pseudorandom.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the first communication device is comprised in a communication system and / or a wireless communication system.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the method comprises providing to a second communication device at least one indication related to the least one modulation scheme.

[0023] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for enabling reliable communications, performed by a computing node. The method comprises providing, to a first communication device and / or to a second communication device, at least one indication related to at least one modulation scheme. The at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points and a second set of constellation points. The second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points having a fewer number of constellation points. Amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the method comprises generating the at least one modulation scheme.

[0025] According to an embodiment, an average amplitude of the constellation points of the first set of constellation points and / or the second set of constellation points, respectively, is zero or close to zero.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps asymptotic spectrum of the first set of constellation points.

[0027] According to an embodiment, at least two modulation schemes are provided, such that the at least two modulation schemes are joint modulation schemes, or disjoint modulation schemes.

[0028] According to an embodiment, at least two modulation schemes are provided, such that the at least two modulation schemes have a zero-mean power weighted average.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the computing node is comprised in a communication system and / or a wireless communication system.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the computing node is a first communication device, and / or a second communication device. A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for reliable communications performed by a second communication device. The method comprises obtaining at least one indication related to at least one modulation scheme. The at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points and a second set of constellation points. The second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points having a fewer number of constellation points. Amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points. The method further comprises receiving, from a first communication device, at least one indication related to at least one symbol. The at least one symbols is based on a modulation scheme determined within the at least one modulation scheme, and on the data to be transmitted.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the at least one indication related to at least one modulation scheme is obtained from a computing node and / or from a first communication device.

[0032] According to an embodiment, an average amplitude of the constellation points of the first set of constellation points and / or the second set of constellation points, respectively, is zero or close to zero.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps asymptotic spectrum of the first set of constellation points.

[0034] According to an embodiment, at least two modulation schemes are obtained, such that the at least two modulation schemes are joint modulation schemes, or disjoint modulation schemes.

[0035] According to an embodiment, at least two modulation schemes are obtained, such that the at least two modulation schemes have a zero-mean power weighted average.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the modulation scheme determined within the at least one modulation scheme, is determined based on a pre-determined sequence.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the pre-determined sequence is round-robin or pseudorandom.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the second communication device is comprised in a communication system, and / or a wireless communication system.

[0039] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a first communication device adapted to perform the first aspect.

[0040] A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a computing node adapted to perform the second aspect.

[0041] A sixth aspect of the invention relates to a second communication device adapted to perform the third aspect.

[0042] A seventh aspect of the invention relates to a first communication device, comprising processing circuitry and a memory. The first communication device configured to obtain at least one indication related to least one modulation scheme. The at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points and a second set of constellation points. The second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points having a fewer number of constellation points. Amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points. The first communication device further configured to transmit, to a second communication device, at least one indication related to at least one symbol. The at least one symbol is based on a modulation scheme determined within the at least one modulation scheme, and on the data to be transmitted.

[0043] An eighth aspect of the invention relates to a computing node, comprising a processing circuitry and a memory. The computing node configured to provide, to a first communication device and / or to a second communication device, at least one indication related to at least one modulation scheme. The at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points and a second set of constellation points. The second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points having a fewer number of constellation points. Amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points.

[0044] A ninth aspect of the invention relates to a second communication device, comprising a processing circuitry and a memory. The second communication device configured to obtain at least one modulation scheme. The at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points and a second set of constellation points. The second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points having a fewer number of constellation points. Amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points. The second communication device further configured to receive, from a first communication device, at least one symbol determined within the at least one modulation scheme. The at least one symbol is based on the data to be transmitted.

[0045] A tenth aspect of the invention relates to a communication system comprising at least a first communication device according to the fourth and / or seventh aspect, and at least a second communication device according to the sixth and / or ninth aspect.

[0046] An eleventh aspect of the invention relates to a computer program, comprising instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to carry out the first aspect, the second aspect, and / or the third aspect.

[0047] A twelfth aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product, comprising a computer- readable medium, comprising instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to carry out the first aspect, the second aspect, and / or the third aspect.

[0048] A thirteenth aspect of the invention relates to a tangible, non-transient computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform operations according to the first aspect, the second aspect, and / or the third aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] For a beter understanding of examples of the present disclosure, and to show more clearly how the examples may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the following drawings in which:

[0050] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a set of a 64-QAM constellation, a 16-QAM constellation and a 4- QAM constellation.

[0051] Figure 2 illustrates an example of histograms representing amplitude spectrum of the modulation schemes according to Figure 1, without noise.

[0052] Figure 3 illustrates an example of histograms representing amplitude spectrum of the modulation schemes according to Figure 1, with noise.

[0053] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a block diagram of a communication system.

[0054] Figure 5 illustrates a method for reliable communications.

[0055] Figure 6 illustrates an example of asymptotic spectrum for a square modulation scheme, and for a circular modulation scheme.

[0056] Figure 7 illustrates a method for enabling reliable communications.

[0057] Figure 8 illustrates a method for reliable communications.

[0058] Figure 9 illustrates a signaling diagram according to some embodiments.

[0059] Figure 10 illustrates an example of set of a 64-QAM constellation, a 16-QAM constellation and a 4- QAM constellation.

[0060] Figure 11 illustrates an example of histograms representing amplitude spectrum of the modulation schemes according to Figure 10, without noise.

[0061] Figure 12 illustrates an example of histograms representing amplitude spectrum of the modulation schemes according to Figure 10, with noise.

[0062] Figure 13 illustrates an example of four disjoint 16-QAM constellations derived from a 64-QAM constellation.

[0063] Figure 14 illustrates an example of a non-square set of 16 constellation points with non-zero power average that is are a subset of a 64-QAM constellation.

[0064] Figure 15 illustrates an example of four 4-QAM constellations that are a subset of a 64-QAM constellation.

[0065] Figure 16 illustrates an example of a communication system in accordance with some embodiments.

[0066] Figure 17 illustrates a communication device in accordance with some embodiments. Figure 18 illustrates a communication device in accordance with some embodiments.

[0067] Figure 19 is a block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized.

[0068] Figure 20 illustrates a computing node in accordance with some embodiments.

[0069] Figure 21 illustrates a computer program product.

[0070] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] The inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. This inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description. Any step or feature illustrated by dashed lines should be regarded as optional.

[0072] As indicated / presented / described above, a jammer may use modulation classification to detect when a transmitter or communication system switches to a lower-order modulation, and thus assess whether or not its jamming transmissions are effective. By inferring the modulation order, a jammer can infer its effectiveness in disrupting the communication service without even attempting to infiltrate the network or focus on specific control or other channels.

[0073] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a set of a 64-QAM constellation, a 16-QAM constellation and a 4- QAM constellation.

[0074] Figure 1 displays three modulation constellations representing three modulation schemes. A 64-QAM scheme, represented via the 64 small points. A 16-QAM scheme, represented with the 16 circles, and partially overlapping the 64-QAM constellation. A 4-QAM constellation, represented via the 4 big points, fully overlapping with the 64-QAM constellation and the 16-QAM constellation. The comer points are common to both 64-QAM and 16-QAM, where they have the same maximum amplitude, and these four points are also the only four points in 4-QAM, also known as Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK). Each of the displayed dots / circles in Figure 1 represents a point, or symbol, in a modulation constellation representing a modulation scheme and has a corresponding label in the modulation scheme. Thus, for example, transmitting a symbol having an amplitude and phase of one of the constellation points corresponds to transmitting data corresponding to the label of that constellation point.

[0075] A modulation constellation may be a set / collection of points representing a modulation scheme. A set of constellation points is a specific arrangement of symbols in a geometric space, typically represented in a two-dimensional plane. A set of constellation points is a graphical representation of different symbols used in a modulation scheme, where each point corresponds to a unique symbol that can be transmitted over a communication channel. Each point in the constellation represents a unique symbol that encodes a specific bit pattern.

[0076] A modulation scheme may refer to method or technique used to encode information onto an input signal for transmission through a communication channel. The modulation scheme determines how the properties of the input signal are altered to convey the information. This could involve changes to the amplitude, frequency, phase, or a combination thereof. Modulation schemes are chosen based on several factors, including the type of information to be transmitted, the requirements of the communication channel, and the desired trade-offs between data rate, power efficiency, and robustness against interference and noise. Some examples of modulation schemes are Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK), Amplitude and Phase shift Keying (APSK), Continuous Phase Modulation (CPM), Frequency Shift Keying (FSK), multiple FSK (MFSK), Minimum Shift Keying (MSK), On-Off Keying (OOK), PSK, QAM, Trellis Coded Modulation (TCM), Wavelet Modulation (WDM). The choice of modulation scheme impacts the efficiency, capacity, and performance of the communication system. For example, higher-order QAM schemes can carry more bits per symbol, increasing data rates but requiring a higher signal-to-noise ratio to maintain reliable communication. Similarly, OFDM is particularly effective in dealing with multipath propagation and is therefore widely used in wireless broadband technologies.

[0077] Design of a modulation scheme considers factors like the distance between the constellation points, which affects the error rate, and the energy of the signals, which affects power efficiency. The greater the distance between the constellation points, the more robust the system is against noise, but this typically requires more signal power.

[0078] Figure 2 illustrates an example of histograms representing amplitude spectra of the modulation schemes according to Figure 1, without noise.

[0079] The amplitude spectra of the 4-QAM, 16-QAM and 64-QAM schemes according to figure 1 are illustrated in three different histograms, the first (4-QAM), the second (16-QAM), and the third (64- QAM), respectively. The three modulation constellations representing the three modulation schemes each have four points with amplitude 1, but apart from these points, the amplitude spectra are clearly distinguishable. A device such as a jammer that listens to a signal may thus estimate from the amplitude information the modulation scheme used in the signal. The jammer may, by estimating the modulation scheme used by the signal, infer whether its interference is causing a degradation in the signal quality, e.g., the modulation order is reduced from an earlier transmission, or not. The amplitude spectrum may be defined as the probability density function of the amplitudes, in absolute value, of the constellation points.

[0080] Figure 3 illustrates an example of histograms representing amplitude spectra of the modulation schemes according to Figure 1, with noise.

[0081] The amplitude spectra of the 4-QAM, 16-QAM and 64-QAM schemes are illustrated in three different histograms, the first (4-QAM), the second (16-QAM), and the third (64-QAM), respectively. It can be seen that even in the presence of noise, compared to Figure 2 without noise, the three different constellations are clearly distinguishable and could thus easily be identified by a jammer.

[0082] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a block diagram of a communication system 200.

[0083] The communication system 200 comprises a first communication device 100 and a second communication device 300. The first communication device 100 comprises an information source 101 block, an encoder 102 block, and a modulator 103 block. According to the example, the second communication device 300 comprises an information sink block 301, a decoder block 302, and a demodulator block 303. Via a communication channel the first communication device 100 can communicate with the second communication device 300. The modulator and demodulator blocks may be adapted to enable a resilient modulation scheme according to the embodiments herein.

[0084] The information source 101 may refer to an originator or generator of a content that is to be transmitted over the communication channel. This content can take various forms, such as voice, text, or data, and the information source itself may be a device that produces or holds this content. The information source is responsible for providing the data that will be transmitted through the communication channel.

[0085] The encoder 102 may be a device, system, or algorithm that transforms input information from the information source into a different format. This transformation process can involve several tasks, such as data compression, error control coding, encryption, and modulation. Examples of encoders may be data compression encoder, error correction encoder, encryption encoder, line code encoders, etc. Each of these encoders serves a specific purpose, and in atypical communication system 200, multiple encoders may be used in sequence or in parallel to prepare data for transmission. A corresponding decoder 302 of the second communication device 300 at the receiving end performs the inverse operations to recover the original information.

[0086] The modulator 103 may be a device, circuit, or algorithm that alters an input signal in order to encode / modulate information for transmission through a physical medium. The process of modulation involves varying one or more properties of the input signal, such as its amplitude, frequency, or phase, etc. This may allow information to be transmitted over a wireless channel or a wired connection, such as coaxial cables or optical fibers. Some examples of a type of modulation are Amplitude Modulation (AM), Frequency Modulation (FM), Phase Modulation (PM). Some modulation methods are ASK, FSK, PSK, QAM. Modulators are critical components in any communication system, as they enable the transmission of information over various types of communication channels. A corresponding demodulator 303 at the receiving end of the second communication device 300 performs the inverse process to recover the original information from the modulated input signal.

[0087] The communication channel may refer to a medium or pathway through which information is transmitted from a sender and / or transmitter, to a receiver. The communication channel may be a physical medium, like a wire or air, or it may be a logical or virtual path within a larger communication system. Characteristics of the communication channel, such as its bandwidth, noise level, and propagation properties, etc., determine the quality and capacity of the communication channel. Some examples of different types of communication channels are wired channels (e.g., twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, optical fiber), wireless channels (e.g., radio frequency spectrum, infrared spectrum, optical spectrum, satellite channels, acoustic channels), virtual channels, etc. In the context of a communication system, channels can also be logical subdivisions of a physical medium. For example, a single fiber-optic cable can carry multiple channels of information, each separated by wavelength (wavelength-division multiplexing, WDM), or a radio frequency band can be divided into multiple channels using frequency-division multiplexing (FDM), orthogonal FDM (OFDM), code division multiplexing (CDM), etc.

[0088] The information sink 301 may be an entity that receives the information originated from / generated by the information source 101 and transmitted by the first communication device 100 through the communication channel. The information sink 301 may be the endpoint of the communication process, where the transmitted data is ultimately intended to be delivered and utilized. For instance, in a simple telephone conversation, the listener’s handset acts as the information sink 301, receiving the voice signal from a network. In a more complex data network, a server that receives data from various sensors could be considered an information sink 301. The information sink 301 is the counterpart to the information source 101. In practice, many devices, e.g., communication devices, and systems can function as both information sources 101 and information sinks 301, depending on the context of the communication. For example, smartphones can send (source) and receive (sink) messages, calls, and data.

[0089] Figure 5 illustrates a method 1000 for reliable communications.

[0090] The method 1000 is performed by the first communication device, e.g., a user equipment (UE) or a network node.

[0091] The method 1000 comprises obtaining 1100 at least one indication related to at least one modulation scheme. The at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points and a second set of constellation points. The second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points having a fewer number of constellation points. Amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points. In this way the first set of constellation points and the second set of constellation points have similar amplitude spectrum and thus, the modulation order leakage is reduced.

[0092] The method 1000 further comprises transmitting 1300, to the second communication device, at least one indication related to at least one symbol. The at least one symbol being based on a modulation scheme determined within the at least one modulation scheme. The at least one symbol being based on the data to be transmitted.

[0093] According to a first embodiment of the method 1000, the first communication device obtains e.g., acquires, gains, procures, attains, receives, monitors, and / or generates, at least one indication related to at least one modulation scheme. As an example, the at least one modulation scheme is obtained from a computing node, the second communication device, a third communication device, and / or the network node. The at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points and a second set of constellation points. The second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points having a fewer number of constellation points. Amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points. The at least one communication scheme may comprise a third, fourth, fifth, etc. set of constellation points. The third, fourth, fifth, etc. set of constellation points being a subset of at least one set of constellation points, e.g., the first, the second, the third, the fourth, etc., set of constellation points.

[0094] As an example, the at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points, for example, a 1024-QAM. The at least one communication scheme further comprises a second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points, e.g., a 1024-QAM, a 256- QAM, a 32-PSK. Amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points may at least partially overlap amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points. In this way the modulation order leakage is reduced, as the capability of a jammer to discern which modulation order is used based on amplitude spectrum, is impaired.

[0095] As another example, a set of constellation points (a first set of constellation points, a second set of constellation points, a third set of constellation points, etc.), has an average amplitude of the constellation points equal to zero or close to zero. Having the average amplitude of the constellation points equal to zero or close to zero enable efficient power amplifier utilization.

[0096] As another example, the amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps asymptotic spectrum of the first set of constellation points. In this way the modulation order leakage is reduced, as the capability of a jammer to discern which modulation order is used based on amplitude spectrum, is impaired. Figure 6 illustrates an example of asymptotic spectrum for a square modulation scheme, e.g., a QAM modulation scheme, and for a circular modulation scheme, e.g., a PSK modulation scheme. According to figure 6, as the number of constellation points in a modulation constellation increases, the amplitude spectrum of the points of the modulation constellation approaches an asymptotic amplitude spectrum.

[0097] According to the first embodiment of the method 1000, the first communication device transmits to the second communication device, at least one indication related to at least one symbol. The at least one symbol being based on a modulation scheme determined within the at least one modulation scheme. The at least one symbol being based on the data to be transmitted.

[0098] As an example, the at least one symbol is one of the constellation points of the first set of constellation points, or the second set of constellation point of the modulation scheme.

[0099] An advantage of a modulation scheme according to the first embodiment and its examples, is that it limits information leakage about the modulation used. This may decrease the capabilities of eavesdroppers and of jammers to determined which modulation is currently used in a communication system. Further, this may increase the communication system robustness against jammer / jamming and eavesdroppers.

[0100] According to a second embodiment of the method 1000, the at least one modulation scheme refers to at least two modulation schemes. The at least two modulation schemes are joint modulation schemes, or disjoint modulation schemes. Additionally, or in alternative the at least two modulation schemes have a zero-mean power weighted average. As an example, three modulation schemes are obtained, such that the mean power weighted average of the three modulation schemes is zero, or close to zero.

[0101] The at least two modulation schemes are joint modulation schemes when the constellation points belonging to a first modulation scheme at least partially overlap with the constellation points belonging to a second modulation scheme, or disjoints, when the constellation points belonging to a first modulation scheme do not overlap with the constellation points belonging to a second modulation scheme.

[0102] According to the second embodiment of the method 1000, the first communication device transmits at least one indication related to at least one symbol. The indication is transmitted to the second communication device. The at least one symbol being based on a modulation scheme determined within the at least two modulation schemes. The at least one symbol being based on the data to be transmitted.

[0103] According to an embodiment of the method 1000, as an addition to the first and / or second embodiment of the method 1000, the modulation scheme is determined within the at least two modulation schemes based on a pre-determined sequence, e.g., a round-robin sequence or a pseudorandom sequence. As an example of a modulation scheme determined within the at least two modulation schemes based on a pseudo-random sequence, in a first interval the first communication device transmits to the second communication device, at least one indication related to a first symbol. The first interval may be a time interval, a frequency interval, a space interval, a symbol interval, etc. The first symbol is based on a first modulation scheme. In a second interval, the first communication device transmits to the second communication device, at least one indication related to a second symbol. The second symbol is based on a third modulation scheme. In a third interval, the first communication device transmits to the second communication device, at least one indication related to a third symbol. The third symbol is based on the first modulation scheme. In a fourth interval, the first communication device transmits to the second communication device, at least one indication related to a fourth symbol. The fourth symbol is based on a second modulation scheme. And so on. Assuming proper selection of the modulation schemes and of the sequence, a zero-mean power weighted average may be obtained across the intervals, even if the individual set of constellation points belonging to the modulation schemes have a non-zero average amplitude. This ensures an efficient utilization of a power amplifier.

[0104] According to a fourth embodiment of the method 1000, as an addition of any one of the previous embodiments of the method 1000, the first communication device provides 1200 to a second communication device at least one indication related to the at least one modulation scheme.

[0105] According to an embodiment the first communication device is comprised in a communication system and / or a wireless communication system.

[0106] Figure 7 illustrates a method 2000 for enabling reliable communications.

[0107] The method 2000 is performed by a computing node.

[0108] The method 2000 comprises providing 2200, to the first communication device and / or to the second communication device, at least one indication related to at least one modulation scheme. The at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points and a second set of constellation points. The second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points having a fewer number of constellation points. Amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points.

[0109] The second method may comprise generating 2100 the at least one modulation scheme.

[0110] According to an embodiment of the method 2000, the computing node provides, e.g., supplies, offers, gives, delivers, dispenses, bestows, provisions, allocates, and / or distributes, to the first communication device and / or the second communication device, at least one indication related to at least one modulation scheme. The at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points and a second set of constellation points. The second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points having a fewer number of constellation points. Amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points. The at least one communication scheme may comprise a third, fourth, fifth, etc. set of constellation points. The third, fourth, fifth, etc. set of constellation points being a subset of at least one set of constellation points, e.g., the first, the second, the third, the fourth, etc., set of constellation points.

[0111] As an example, the at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points, for example, a 512-QAM. The at least one communication scheme further comprises a second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points, e.g., a 512-QAM, a 64- QAM, a 16-PSK. Amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points may at least partially overlap amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points. In this way the modulation order leakage is reduced, as the capability of a jammer to discern which modulation order is used based on amplitude spectrum, is impaired.

[0112] As another example, the at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points, for example, a 64-PSK. The at least one communication scheme further comprises a second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points, e.g., a 64-PSK, a 32-PSK, a 16-PSK, a 4-QAM.

[0113] As another example, a set of constellation points (a first set of constellation points, a second set of constellation points, a third set of constellation points, etc.), has an average amplitude of the constellation points zero or close to zero. Having the average amplitude of the constellation points zero or close to zero enable efficient power amplifier utilization.

[0114] As another example, the amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps asymptotic spectrum of the first set of constellation points. In this way the modulation order leakage is reduced, as the capability of a jammer to discern which modulation order is used based on amplitude spectrum, is impaired.

[0115] According to a second embodiment of the method 2000, as an addition to the first embodiment of the method 2000, the computing node generates, computes, and / or determines the at least one modulation scheme, and / or the at least one indication related to the at least one modulation scheme.

[0116] According to a third embodiment of the method 2000, the at least one modulation scheme of the first and / or second embodiment of the method 2000 comprises at least two modulation schemes. The at least two modulation schemes are joint modulation schemes, or disjoint modulation schemes. Additionally, or in alternative the at least two modulation schemes have a zero-mean power weighted average. As an example, three modulation schemes are be provided and / or generated, such that the mean power weighted average of the three modulation schemes is zero, or close to zero. At least two modulation schemes are joint modulation schemes when the constellation points belonging to a first modulation scheme at least partially overlap with the constellation points belonging to a second modulation scheme, or disjoints, when the constellation points belonging to a first modulation scheme do not overlap with the constellation points belonging to a second modulation scheme.

[0117] As an example, the computing node may be part of (or be) the first communication device, a second communication device, a third communication device, a network node, a virtual node, etc.

[0118] According to an embodiment the computing node is comprised in a communication system and / or a wireless communication system.

[0119] Figure 8 illustrates a method 3000 for enabling reliable communications.

[0120] The method 3000 is performed by the second communication device.

[0121] The method 3000 comprises obtaining 3100 at least one indication related to at least one modulation scheme. The at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points and a second set of constellation points. The second set of constellation points is a subset of the first set of constellation points having a fewer number of constellation points. Amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points.

[0122] The method 3000 further comprises receiving 3200, from the first communication device, at least one indication related to at least one symbol. The at least one symbol being based on a modulation scheme determined within the at least one modulation scheme. The at least one symbol being based on the data to be transmitted.

[0123] According to a first embodiment of the method 3000, the second communication device obtains, acquires, gains, procures, attains, receives, monitors, and / or generates at least one indication related to at least one modulation scheme. Additionally, or in alternative the second communication device obtains, acquires, gains, procures, attains, receives, and / or monitors the at least one indication related to the at least one modulation scheme from a computing node, a third communication device, and / or a network node. The at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points and a second set of constellation points. The second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points having a fewer number of constellation points. Amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points. The at least one communication scheme may comprise a third, fourth, fifth, etc. set of constellation points. The third, fourth, fifth, etc. set of constellation points being a subset of at least one set of constellation points, e.g., the first, the second, the third, the fourth, etc., set of constellation points. As an example, the at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points, for example, a 1024-QAM. The at least one communication scheme further comprises a second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points, e.g., a 1024-QAM, a 256- QAM, a 32-PSK. Amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points may at least partially overlap amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points. In this way the modulation order leakage is reduced, as the capability of a jammer to discern which modulation order is used based on amplitude spectrum, is impaired.

[0124] As another example, a set of constellation points (a first set of constellation points, a second set of constellation points, a third set of constellation points, etc.), has an average amplitude of the constellation points zero or close to zero. Having the average amplitude of the constellation points zero or close to zero enable efficient power amplifier utilization.

[0125] As another example, the amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps asymptotic spectrum of the first set of constellation points. In this way the modulation order leakage is reduced, as the capability of a jammer to discern which modulation order is used based on amplitude spectrum, is impaired.

[0126] According to the first embodiment of the method 3000 for reliable communications, the second communication device receives from the first communication device, at least one indication related to at least one symbol. The at least one symbol being based on a modulation scheme determined within the at least one modulation scheme. The at least one symbol being based on the data to be transmitted.

[0127] As an example, the at least one symbol is one of the constellation points of the first set of constellation points, or the second set of constellation points of the modulation scheme.

[0128] An advantage of a modulation scheme according to the first embodiment and its examples, is that it limits information leakage about the modulation used. This may decrease the capabilities of eavesdroppers and of jammers to determined which modulation is currently used in the communication system. Further, this may increase the communication system robustness against jammer / jamming and eavesdroppers.

[0129] According to a second embodiment of the method 3000 for reliable communications, the at least one modulation scheme of the first embodiment of the method 3000 for reliable communications refers to at least two modulation schemes. The at least two modulation schemes are joint modulation schemes, or disjoint modulation schemes. Additionally, or in alternative the at least two modulation schemes have a zero-mean power weighted average. As an example, three modulation schemes are be obtained, such that the mean power weighted average of the three modulation schemes is zero, or close to zero. According to the second embodiment of the method 1000 for reliable communications, the second communication device receives from a first communication device, at least one indication related to at least one symbol. The at least one symbol being based on a modulation scheme determined within the at least two modulation schemes. The at least one symbol being based on the data to be transmitted.

[0130] According to a third embodiment of the method 3000 for reliable communications, as an addition to the first and / or second embodiment of the method 3000 for reliable communications, the modulation scheme is determined within the at least two modulation schemes based on a pre-determined sequence, e.g., a round-robin sequence or a pseudo-random sequence.

[0131] As an example, in a first interval e.g., time, frequency, space, symbols, etc., the second communication device receives from the first communication device, at least one indication related to a first symbol. The first symbol is based on a first modulation scheme. In a second interval, the second communication device received from the first communication device, at least one indication related to a second symbol. The second symbol is based on a third modulation scheme. In a third interval, the second communication device receives from the first communication device, at least one indication related to a third symbol. The third symbol is based on the first modulation scheme, and so on. Assuming proper selection of the modulation schemes and of the sequence, a zero-mean power weighted average may be obtained across the intervals, even if the individual set of constellation points belonging to the modulation schemes have a non-zero average amplitude. This ensures an efficient utilization of a power amplifier.

[0132] According to an embodiment the second communication device is comprised in a communication system and / or a wireless communication system.

[0133] Figure 9 illustrates a signaling diagram according to some embodiments.

[0134] According to an embodiment, the computing node 400 provides 2200, to the first communication device 100 and / or to a second communication device 400, at least one indication related to at least one modulation scheme. The at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points and a second set of constellation points. The second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points having a fewer number of constellation points. Amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points.

[0135] The first communication device 100 obtains the at least one modulation scheme. Further, the first communication device 100 transmits to a second communication device 400, at least one indication related to at least one symbol. The at least one symbol is based on a modulation scheme determined within the at least one modulation scheme, and on the data to be transmitted. The second communication device 400 obtains, as example from the computing node, from the first communication device, from a node / communication device, or generated, at least one indication related to the at least one modulation scheme. Further, the second communication device 400 receives the at least one indication related to the at least one symbol. The second communication device 400 is able to decode / demodulate the at least one symbol having knowledge of the modulation scheme determined within the at least one modulation scheme. The knowledge of the modulation scheme determined within the at least one modulation scheme is obtained, for example, by obtaining an indication (from the first communication device, the computing node, the third communication device, and / or a network node) related to the modulation scheme, by using a pre-determined modulation scheme, by using a pre-determined sequence for determining the modulation scheme, by obtaining an indication (from the first communication device, the computing node, the third communication device, and / or a network node) related to the pre-determined sequence for determining the modulation scheme, etc.

[0136] As an example, at least two modulation schemes may be provided by the computing node. Further, the first communication device may transmit to the second communication device at least one symbol based on a modulation scheme determined within the at least two modulation schemes based on a predetermined sequence, e.g., a round-robin sequence or a pseudo-random sequence. In this case, the second communication device may obtain, for example, from the first communication device, from the computing node, from another node / communication device, the pre-determined sequence in order to use the correct modulation scheme for demodulating the at least one received symbol.

[0137] Figure 10 illustrates an example of set of a 64-QAM constellation, a 16-QAM constellation and a 4- QAM constellation. The first set of constellation points is a 64-QAM constellation, the second set of constellation points is a 16-QAM constellation, and the third set of constellation points is a 4-QAM constellation. The small points represent a 64-QAM constellation, the circles represent a 16-QAM constellation being a subset of the 64-QAM constellation, the diamonds represent a 4-QAM constellation being a subset of the 16-QAM constellation and of the 64-QAM constellation. The constellation points of the third set of constellation points overlap with the constellation points of the second set of constellation points and with the constellation points of the first set of constellation points. The constellation points of the second set of constellation points overlap with the constellation points of the first set of constellation points.

[0138] Figure 11 illustrates an example of histograms representing amplitude spectra of the modulation schemes according to Figure 10, without noise. The amplitude spectra of the 4-QAM, 16-QAM and 64-QAM schemes are illustrated in three different histograms, the first, the second, and the third, respectively. The amplitude spectrum of the 4-QAM overlaps with the amplitude spectrum of the 16- QAM and with the amplitude spectrum of the 64-QAM. The amplitude spectrum of the 16-QAM overlaps with the amplitude spectrum of the 64-QAM. A device such as a jammer that listens to a signal is not able to estimate, from the amplitude information of the first, second, and third set of constellation points, the modulation scheme used in the signal. As an example, a jamming device would not be able to distinguish between a 16-QAM and a 64-QAM since all the constellation points of the 16-QAM are also part of the constellation points of the 64-QAM.

[0139] Figure 12 illustrates an example of histograms representing amplitude spectra of the modulation schemes according to Figure 10, with noise. The noisy amplitude spectrum of the 4-QAM, 16-QAM and 64-QAM schemes are illustrated in three different histograms, the first, the second, and the third, respectively. Even with noise, the amplitude spectrum of the 4-QAM mostly overlaps with the amplitude spectrum of the 16-QAM and with the amplitude spectrum of the 64-QAM. The amplitude spectrum of the 16-QAM mostly overlaps with the amplitude spectrum of the 64-QAM. Even in the presence of noise the different constellations are not clearly distinguishable and thus a jammer would not be able to estimate from the amplitude information the modulation scheme used in the signal.

[0140] Figure 13 illustrates an example of four disjoint 16-QAM constellations derived from a 64-QAM constellation. The four disjoint 16-QAM constellations are represented in the figure by inverted triangles shapes, squares shapes, diamonds shapes, and circles shapes. Individually the four disjoint 16-QAM constellations do not have an average amplitude of the constellation points of approximatively zero and thus not approximately achieve a zero-mean power weighted average over time. However, these four disjoint 16-QAM constellations may be part of different modulation schemes. Thus, the first communication device could alternate between the four disjoint 16-QAM constellations, being comprised in four modulation schemes, using, for example, a round-robin pattern to approximately achieve a zero-mean power weighted average over time.

[0141] Figure 14 illustrates an example of a non-square set of 16 constellation points with non-zero power average that is are a subset of a 64-QAM constellation. Non-square modulation constellations with non-zero power are not commonly used, for example, in 3GPP networks such as 4G LTE, 5G NR, or 6G, due their inefficient use of power amplifier. However, such drawback can be overcome with the use of multiple non-square modulation schemes, as long as the multiple non-square modulation schemes have, together, approximately a zero average power. According to some previous embodiment, by using a pre-determined pattern when determining the modulation scheme on which the at least one symbol to be transmitted is based on, within the at least one modulation scheme, the average power over time may be approximatively zero.

[0142] Figure 15 illustrates an example of four 4-QAM constellations that are a subset of a 64-QAM constellation. In the example the four 4-QAM constellations are represented in the figure by inverted triangles shapes, squares shapes, diamonds shapes, and circles shapes. The four 4-QAM constellations may be considered unusual as they are non-symmetric. However, the teachings of some of the previous embodiments enable their use. The use of non-symmetric constellations enables the creation and use of constellation that maximize (or minimize) multiple metrics, for example, the Euclidean distance of the constellation points, the information loss, the amplitude spectrum similarity with the one of another constellations, etc.

[0143] Figure 16 illustrates an example of a communication system 200 in accordance with some embodiments. In the example, the communication system 200 includes a telecommunication network 202 that includes an access network 204, such as a radio access network (RAN), and a core network 206, which includes one or more core network nodes 208. The access network 204 includes one or more access network nodes, such as network nodes 210a and 210b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as network nodes 210), or any other similar 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) access nodes or non-3GPP access points. Moreover, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, a network node is not necessarily limited to an implementation in which a radio portion and a baseband portion are supplied and integrated by a single vendor. Thus, it will be understood that network nodes include disaggregated implementations or portions thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the telecommunication network 202 includes one or more Open-RAN (ORAN) network nodes. An ORAN network node is a node in the telecommunication network 202 that supports an ORAN specification (e.g., a specification published by the O-RAN Alliance, or any similar organization) and may operate alone or together with other nodes to implement one or more functionalities of any node in the telecommunication network 202, including one or more network nodes 210 and / or core network nodes 208.

[0144] Examples of an ORAN network node include an open radio unit (O-RU), an open distributed unit (O-DU), an open central unit (O-CU), including an O-CU control plane (O-CU-CP) or an O-CU user plane (O-CU-UP), a RAN intelligent controller (near-real time or non-real time) hosting software or software plug-ins, such as a near-real time control application (e.g., xApp) or a non-real time control application (e.g., rApp), or any combination thereof (the adjective “open” designating support of an ORAN specification). The network node may support a specification by, for example, supporting an interface defined by the ORAN specification, such as an Al, Fl, Wl, El, E2, X2, Xn interface, an open fronthaul user plane interface, or an open fronthaul management plane interface. Moreover, an ORAN access node may be a logical node in a physical node. Furthermore, an ORAN network node may be implemented in a virtualization environment (described further below) in which one or more network functions are virtualized. For example, the virtualization environment may include an O-Cloud computing platform orchestrated by a Service Management and Orchestration Framework via an O-2 interface defined by the O-RAN Alliance or comparable technologies. The network nodes 210 facilitate direct or indirect connection of user equipment (UE), such as by connecting UEs 212a, 212b, 212c, and 212d (one or more of which may be generally referred to as UEs 212) to the core network 206 over one or more wireless connections. Example wireless communications over a wireless connection include transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and / or other types of signals suitable for conveying information without the use of wires, cables, or other material conductors. Moreover, in different embodiments, the communication system 200 may include any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, UEs, and / or any other components or systems that may facilitate or participate in the communication of data and / or signals whether via wired or wireless connections. The communication system 200 may include and / or interface with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular, radio network, and / or other similar type of system.

[0145] The UEs 212 may be any of a wide variety of communication devices, including wireless devices arranged, configured, and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with the network nodes 210 and other communication devices. Similarly, the network nodes 210 are arranged, capable, configured, and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with the UEs 212 and / or with other network nodes or equipment in the telecommunication network 202 to enable and / or provide network access, such as wireless network access, and / or to perform other functions, such as administration in the telecommunication network 202.

[0146] In the depicted example, the core network 206 connects the network nodes 210 to one or more host computing systems, such as host 216. These connections may be direct or indirect via one or more intermediary networks or devices. In other examples, network nodes may be directly coupled to hosts. The core network 206 includes one more core network nodes (e.g., core network node 208) that are structured with hardware and software components. Features of these components may be substantially similar to those described with respect to the UEs, network nodes, and / or hosts, such that the descriptions thereof are generally applicable to the corresponding components of the core network node 208. Example core network nodes include functions of one or more of a Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Mobility Management Entity (MME), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Subscription Identifier De-concealing function (SIDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP), Network Exposure Function (NEF), and / or a User Plane Function (UPF).

[0147] The host 216 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider other than an operator or provider of the access network 204 and / or the telecommunication network 202. The host 216 may host a variety of applications to provide one or more service. Examples of such applications include live and pre-recorded audio / video content, data collection services such as retrieving and compiling data on various ambient conditions detected by a plurality of UEs, analytics functionality, social media, functions for controlling or otherwise interacting with remote devices, functions for an alarm and surveillance center, or any other such function performed by a server. As a whole, the communication system 200 of Figure 16 enables connectivity between the UEs, network nodes, and hosts. In that sense, the communication system may be configured to operate according to predefined rules or procedures, such as specific standards that include, but are not limited to: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM); Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS); Uong Term Evolution (LTE), and / or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G standards, or any applicable future generation standard (e.g., 6G); wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards (WiFi); and / or any other appropriate wireless communication standard, such as the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Near Field Communication (NFC) ZigBee, LiFi, and / or any low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) standards such as LoRa and Sigfox.

[0148] In some examples, the telecommunication network 202 is a cellular network that implements 3GPP standardized features. Accordingly, the telecommunications network 202 may support network slicing to provide different logical networks to different devices that are connected to the telecommunication network 202. For example, the telecommunications network 202 may provide Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) services to some UEs, while providing Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) services to other UEs, and / or Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC)ZMassive loT services to yet further UEs.

[0149] In some examples, the UEs 212 are configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For instance, a UE may be designed to transmit information to the access network 204 on a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to requests from the access network 204. Additionally, a UE may be configured for operating in single- or multi -RAT or multi -standard mode. For example, a UE may operate with any one or combination of Wi-Fi, NR (New Radio) and LTE, i.e. being configured for multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC), such as E-UTRAN (Evolved-UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) New Radio - Dual Connectivity (EN-DC).

[0150] In the example, the hub 214 communicates with the access network 204 to facilitate indirect communication between one or more UEs (e.g., UE 212c and / or 212d) and network nodes (e.g., network node 210b). In some examples, the hub 214 may be a controller, router, content source and analytics, or any of the other communication devices described herein regarding UEs. For example, the hub 214 may be a broadband router enabling access to the core network 206 for the UEs. As another example, the hub 214 may be a controller that sends commands or instructions to one or more actuators in the UEs. Commands or instructions may be received from the UEs, network nodes 210, or by executable code, script, process, or other instructions in the hub 214. As another example, the hub 214 may be a data collector that acts as temporary storage for UE data and, in some embodiments, may perform analysis or other processing of the data. As another example, the hub 214 may be a content source. For example, for a UE that is a VR device, display, loudspeaker, or other media delivery device, the hub 214 may retrieve VR assets, video, audio, or other media or data related to sensory information via a network node, which the hub 214 then provides to the UE either directly, after performing local processing, and / or after adding additional local content. In still another example, the hub 214 acts as a proxy server or orchestrator for the UEs, in particular if one or more of the UEs are low energy loT devices.

[0151] The hub 214 may have a constant / persistent or intermittent connection to the network node 210b. The hub 214 may also allow for a different communication scheme and / or schedule between the hub 214 and UEs (e.g., UE 212c and / or 212d), and between the hub 214 and the core network 206. In other examples, the hub 214 is connected to the core network 206 and / or one or more UEs via a wired connection. Moreover, the hub 214 may be configured to connect to an M2M service provider over the access network 204 and / or to another UE over a direct connection. In some scenarios, UEs may establish a wireless connection with the network nodes 210 while still connected via the hub 214 via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the hub 214 may be a dedicated hub - that is, a hub whose primary function is to route communications to / from the UEs from / to the network node 210b. In other embodiments, the hub 214 may be a non-dedicated hub - that is, a device which is capable of operating to route communications between the UEs and network node 210b, but which is additionally capable of operating as a communication start and / or end point for certain data channels.

[0152] Figure 17 shows a communication device 100; 300 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0153] The communication device 100; 300 presents additional details of some embodiments of the UE 212 of Figure 1. As used herein, a communication device refers to a device capable, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with network nodes and / or other communication devices. Examples of a communication device include, but are not limited to, a UE, a smart phone, mobile phone, cell phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phone, wireless local loop phone, desktop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), wireless cameras, gaming console or device, music storage / playback device, wearable terminal device, wireless endpoint, mobile station, tablet, laptop, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), an Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) device, wireless customer-premise equipment (CPE), vehicle, vehicle-mounted or vehicle embedded / integrated wireless device, etc. Other examples include any UE identified by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including a narrow band internet of things (NB-IoT) UE, a machine type communication (MTC) UE, and / or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE.

[0154] A communication device may support device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example by implementing a 3GPP standard for sidelink communication, Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC), vehicle -to -vehicle (V2V), vehicle -to -infrastructure (V2I), or vehicle-to- everything (V2X). In other examples, a communication device may not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human user who owns and / or operates the relevant device. Instead, a communication device may represent a device that is intended for sale to, or operation by, a human user but which may not, or which may not initially, be associated with a specific human user (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, a communication device may represent a device that is not intended for sale to, or operation by, an end user but which may be associated with or operated for the benefit of a user (e.g., a smart power meter).

[0155] The communication device 100; 300 includes processing circuitry 110; 310 that is operatively coupled via a bus 120; 320 to an input / output interface 130; 330, a power source 140; 340, a memory 150; 350, a communication interface 160; 360, and / or any other component, or any combination thereof. Certain communication devices may utilize all or a subset of the components shown in Figure 17. the level of integration between the components may vary from one communication device to another communication device, further, certain communication devices may contain multiple instances of a component, such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0156] The processing circuitry 110; 310 is configured to process instructions and data and may be configured to implement any sequential state machine operative to execute instructions stored as machine-readable computer programs in the memory 150; 350. The processing circuitry 110; 310 may be implemented as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., in discrete logic, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc.); programmable logic together with appropriate firmware; one or more stored computer programs, general-purpose processors, such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP), together with appropriate software; or any combination of the above. For example, the processing circuitry 110; 310 may include multiple central processing units (CPUs).

[0157] In the example, the input / output interface 130; 330 may be configured to provide an interface or interfaces to an input device, output device, or one or more input and / or output devices. Examples of an output device include a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, a printer, an actuator, an emitter, a smartcard, another output device, or any combination thereof. An input device may allow a user to capture information into the communication device 100; 300. Examples of an input device include a touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a web camera, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, a directional pad, a trackpad, a scroll wheel, a smartcard, and the like. The presence-sensitive display may include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor to sense input from a user. A sensor may be, for instance, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, a force sensor, a magnetometer, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, etc., or any combination thereof. An output device may use the same type of interface port as an input device. For example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port may be used to provide an input device and an output device.

[0158] In some embodiments, the power source 140; 340 is structured as a battery or battery pack. Other types of power sources, such as an external power source (e.g., an electricity outlet), photovoltaic device, or power cell, may be used. The power source 140; 340 may further include power circuitry for delivering power from the power source 140; 340 itself, and / or an external power source, to the various parts of the communication device 100; 300 via input circuitry or an interface such as an electrical power cable. Delivering power may be, for example, for charging of the power source 140; 340. Power circuitry may perform any formatting, converting, or other modification to the power from the power source 140; 340 to make the power suitable for the respective components of the communication device 100; 300 to which power is supplied.

[0159] The memory 150; 350 may be or be configured to include memory such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disks, optical disks, hard disks, removable cartridges, flash drives, and so forth. In one example, the memory 150; 350 includes one or more application programs 152; 352, such as an operating system, web browser application, a widget, gadget engine, or other application, and corresponding data 154; 354. The memory 150; 350 may store, for use by the communication device 100; 300, any of a variety of various operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

[0160] The memory 150; 350 may be configured to include a number of physical drive units, such as redundant array of independent disks (RAID), flash memory, USB flash drive, external hard disk drive, thumb drive, pen drive, key drive, high-density digital versatile disc (HD-DVD) optical disc drive, internal hard disk drive, Blu-Ray optical disc drive, holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical disc drive, external mini -dual in-line memory module (DIMM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), external micro-DIMM SDRAM, smartcard memory such as tamper resistant module in the form of a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) including one or more subscriber identity modules (SIMs), such as a USIM and / or ISIM, other memory, or any combination thereof. The UICC may for example be an embedded UICC (eUICC), integrated UICC (iUICC) or a removable UICC commonly known as ‘SIM card.’ The memory 150; 350 may allow the communication device 100; 300 to access instructions, application programs and the like, stored on transitory or non-transitory memory media, to off-load data, or to upload data. An article of manufacture, such as one utilizing a communication system may be tangibly embodied as or in the memory 150; 350, which may be or comprise a device-readable storage medium. The processing circuitry 110; 310 may be configured to communicate with an access network or other network using the communication interface 160; 360. The communication interface 160; 360 may comprise one or more communication subsystems and may include or be communicatively coupled to an antenna 170; 370. The communication interface 160; 360 may include one or more transceivers used to communicate, such as by communicating with one or more remote transceivers of another device capable of wireless communication (e.g., another communication device or a network node in an access network). Each transceiver may include a transmitter 162; 362 and / or a receiver 164; 364 appropriate to provide network communications (e.g., optical, electrical, frequency allocations, and so forth). Moreover, the transmitter 162; 362 and receiver 164; 364 may be coupled to one or more antennas (e.g., antenna 170; 370) and may share circuit components, software or firmware, or alternatively be implemented separately.

[0161] In the illustrated embodiment, communication functions of the communication interface 160; 360 may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication, LPWAN communication, data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short-range communications such as Bluetooth, near-field communication, location-based communication such as the use of the global positioning system (GPS) to determine a location, another like communication function, or any combination thereof. Communications may be implemented in according to one or more communication protocols and / or standards, such as IEEE 802.11, Code Division Multiplexing Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), GSM, LTE, New Radio (NR), UMTS, WiMax, Ethernet, transmission control protocol / intemet protocol (TCP / IP), synchronous optical networking (SONET), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), QUIC, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and so forth.

[0162] Regardless of the type of sensor, a communication device may provide an output of data captured by its sensors, through its communication interface 160; 360, via a wireless connection to a network node. Data captured by sensors of a communication device can be communicated through a wireless connection to a network node via another communication device. The output may be periodic (e.g., once every 15 minutes if it reports the sensed temperature), random (e.g., to even out the load from reporting from several sensors), in response to a triggering event (e.g., when moisture is detected an alert is sent), in response to a request (e.g., a user initiated request), or a continuous stream (e.g., a live video feed of a patient).

[0163] As another example, a communication device comprises an actuator, a motor, or a switch, related to a communication interface configured to receive wireless input from a network node via a wireless connection. In response to the received wireless input the states of the actuator, the motor, or the switch may change. For example, the communication device may comprise a motor that adjusts the control surfaces or rotors of a drone in flight according to the received input or to a robotic arm performing a medical procedure according to the received input. A communication device, when in the form of an Internet of Things (loT) device, may be a device for use in one or more application domains, these domains comprising, but not limited to, city wearable technology, extended industrial application and healthcare. Non-limiting examples of such an loT device are a device which is or which is embedded in: a connected refrigerator or freezer, a TV, a connected lighting device, an electricity meter, a robot vacuum cleaner, a voice controlled smart speaker, a home security camera, a motion detector, a thermostat, a smoke detector, a door / window sensor, a flood / moisture sensor, an electrical door lock, a connected doorbell, an air conditioning system like a heat pump, an autonomous vehicle, a surveillance system, a weather monitoring device, a vehicle parking monitoring device, an electric vehicle charging station, a smart watch, a fitness tracker, a wearable for tactile augmentation or sensory enhancement, a water sprinkler, an animal- or item-tracking device, a sensor for monitoring a plant or animal, an industrial robot, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), and any kind of medical device, like a heart rate monitor or a remote controlled surgical robot. A communication device in the form of an loT device comprises circuitry and / or software in dependence of the intended application of the loT device in addition to other components as described in relation to the communication device 100; 300 shown in Figure 17.

[0164] As yet another specific example, in an loT scenario, a communication device may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurements, and transmits the results of such monitoring and / or measurements to another communication device and / or a network node. The communication device may in this case be an M2M device, which may in a 3GPP context be referred to as an MTC device. As one particular example, the communication device may implement the 3GPP NB-IoT standard. In other scenarios, a communication device may represent a vehicle, such as a car, a bus, a truck, a ship and an airplane, or other equipment that is capable of monitoring and / or reporting on its operational status or other functions associated with its operation.

[0165] In practice, any number of communication devices may be used together with respect to a single use case. For example, a first communication device might be or be integrated in a drone and provide the drone’s speed information (obtained through a speed sensor) to a second communication device that is a remote controller operating the drone. When the user makes changes from the remote controller, the first communication device may adjust the throttle on the drone (e.g. by controlling an actuator) to increase or decrease the drone’s speed. The first and / or the second communication device can also include more than one of the functionalities described above. For example, a communication device might comprise the sensor and the actuator, and handle communication of data for both the speed sensor and the actuators.

[0166] Figure 18 illustrates a communication device 700; 800 in accordance with some embodiments. As used herein, communication device refers to equipment capable, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with other communication device, UEs and / or with network nodes or equipment, in a telecommunication network. Examples of communication devices include, but are not limited to, network nodes, access points (APs) (e.g., radio access points), base stations (BSs) (e.g., radio base stations, Node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNBs) and NRNodeBs (gNBs)), O-RAN nodes or components of an O-RAN node (e.g., O-RU, O-DU, O-CU).

[0167] Base stations may be categorized based on the amount of coverage they provide (or, stated differently, their transmit power level) and so, depending on the provided amount of coverage, may be referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, or macro base stations. A base station may be a relay node or a relay donor node controlling a relay. A communication device may also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station such as centralized digital units, distributed units (e.g., in an O-RAN access node) and / or remote radio units (RRUs), sometimes referred to as Remote Radio Heads (RRHs). Such remote radio units may or may not be integrated with an antenna as an antenna integrated radio. Parts of a distributed radio base station may also be referred to as nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS).

[0168] Other examples of communication devices include multiple transmission point (multi-TRP) 5G access nodes, multi -standard radio (MSR) equipment such as MSR BSs, network controllers such as radio network controllers (RNCs) or base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), transmission points, transmission nodes, multi-cell / multicast coordination entities (MCEs), Operation and Maintenance (O&M) nodes, Operations Support System (OSS) nodes, SelfOrganizing Network (SON) nodes, positioning nodes (e.g., Evolved Serving Mobile Location Centers (E-SMLCs)), and / or Minimization of Drive Tests (MDTs).

[0169] The communication device 700; 800 includes a processing circuitry 710; 810, a memory 720; 820, a communication interface 730; 830, and a power source 740; 840. The communication device 700; 800 may be composed of multiple physically separate components (e.g., a NodeB component and a RNC component, or a BTS component and a BSC component, etc.), which may each have their own respective components. In certain scenarios in which the communication device 700; 800 comprises multiple separate components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of the separate components may be shared among several communication devices. For example, a single RNC may control multiple NodeBs. In such a scenario, each unique NodeB and RNC pair, may in some instances be considered a single separate communication device. In some embodiments, the communication device 700; 800 may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some components may be duplicated (e.g., separate memory 720; 820 for different RATs) and some components may be reused (e.g., a same antenna 750; 850 may be shared by different RATs). The communication device 700; 800 may also include multiple sets of the various illustrated components for different wireless technologies integrated into communication device 700; 800, for example GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, Zigbee, Z-wave, LoRaWAN, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or Bluetooth wireless technologies. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chip or set of chips and other components within communication device 700; 800.

[0170] The processing circuitry 710; 810 may comprise a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software and / or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other communication device 700; 800 components, such as the memory 720; 820, to provide communication device 700; 800 functionality.

[0171] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 710; 810 includes a system on a chip (SOC). In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 710; 810 includes one or more of radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 712; 812 and baseband processing circuitry 714; 814. In some embodiments, the radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 712; 812 and the baseband processing circuitry 714; 814 may be on separate chips (or sets of chips), boards, or units, such as radio units and digital units. In alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry 712; 812 and baseband processing circuitry 714; 814 may be on the same chip or set of chips, boards, or units.

[0172] The memory 720; 820 may comprise any form of volatile or non-volatile computer-readable memory including, without limitation, persistent storage, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a flash drive, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or nonvolatile, non-transitory device-readable and / or computer-executable memory devices that store information, data, and / or instructions that may be used by the processing circuitry 710; 810. The memory 720; 820 may store any suitable instructions, data, or information, including a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, and / or other instructions capable of being executed by the processing circuitry 710; 810 and utilized by the communication device 700; 800. The memory 720; 820 may be used to store any calculations made by the processing circuitry 710; 810 and / or any data received via the communication interface 730; 830. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 710; 810 and memory 720; 820 is integrated.

[0173] The communication interface 730; 830 is used in wired or wireless communication of signaling and / or data between a communication device, network node, access network, and / or UE. As illustrated, the communication interface 730; 830 comprises port(s) / terminal(s) 732; 832 to send and receive data, for example to and from a network over a wired connection. The communication interface 730; 830 also includes radio front-end circuitry 734; 834 that may be coupled to, or in certain embodiments a part of, the antenna 750; 850. Radio front-end circuitry 734; 834 comprises filters 736; 836 and amplifiers 738; 838. The radio front-end circuitry 734; 834 may be connected to an antenna 750; 850 and processing circuitry 710; 810. The radio front-end circuitry may be configured to condition signals communicated between antenna 750; 850 and processing circuitry 710; 810. The radio front-end circuitry 734; 834 may receive digital data that is to be sent out to other communication devices, network nodes or UEs via a wireless connection. The radio front-end circuitry 734; 834 may convert the digital data into a radio signal having the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 736; 836 and / or amplifiers 738; 838. The radio signal may then be transmitted via the antenna 750; 850. Similarly, when receiving data, the antenna 750; 850 may collect radio signals which are then converted into digital data by the radio front-end circuitry 734; 834. The digital data may be passed to the processing circuitry 710; 810. In other embodiments, the communication interface may comprise different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0174] In certain alternative embodiments, the communication device 700; 800 does not include separate radio front-end circuitry 734; 834, instead, the processing circuitry 710; 810 includes radio frontend circuitry and is connected to the antenna 750; 850. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of the RF transceiver circuitry 712; 812 is part of the communication interface 730; 830. In still other embodiments, the communication interface 730; 830 includes one or more ports or terminals 732; 832, the radio front-end circuitry 734; 834, and the RF transceiver circuitry 712; 812, as part of a radio unit (not shown), and the communication interface 730; 830 communicates with the baseband processing circuitry 714; 814, which is part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0175] The antenna 750; 850 may include one or more antennas, or antenna arrays, configured to send and / or receive wireless signals. The antenna 750; 850 may be coupled to the radio front-end circuitry 734; 834 and may be any type of antenna capable of transmitting and receiving data and / or signals wirelessly. In certain embodiments, the antenna 750; 850 is separate from the communication device 700; 800 and connectable to the communication device 700; 800 through an interface or port.

[0176] The antenna 750; 850, communication interface 730; 830, and / orthe processing circuitry 710; 810 may be configured to perform any receiving operations and / or certain obtaining operations described herein as being performed by the communication device. Any information, data and / or signals may be received from a UE, another communication device, a network node and / or any other network equipment. Similarly, the antenna 750; 850, the communication interface 730; 830, and / orthe processing circuitry 710; 810 may be configured to perform any transmitting operations described herein as being performed by the communication device. Any information, data and / or signals may be transmitted to a UE, another communication device, a network node and / or any other network equipment. The power source 740; 840 provides power to the various components of communication device 700; 800 in a form suitable for the respective components (e.g., at a voltage and current level needed for each respective component). The power source 740; 840 may further comprise, or be coupled to, power management circuitry to supply the components of the communication device 700; 800 with power for performing the functionality described herein. For example, the communication device 700; 800 may be connectable to an external power source (e.g., the power grid, an electricity outlet) via an input circuitry or interface such as an electrical cable, whereby the external power source supplies power to power circuitry of the power source 740; 840. As a further example, the power source 740; 840 may comprise a source of power in the form of a battery or battery pack which is connected to, or integrated in, power circuitry. The battery may provide backup power should the external power source fail.

[0177] Embodiments of the communication device 700; 800 may include additional components beyond those shown in Figure 18 for providing certain aspects of the communication device’s functionality, including any of the functionality described herein and / or any functionality necessary to support the subject matter described herein. For example, the communication device 700; 800 may include user interface equipment to allow input of information into the communication device 700; 800 and to allow output of information from the communication device 700; 800. This may allow a user to perform diagnostic, maintenance, repair, and other administrative functions for the communication device 700; 800. In some embodiments providing a core network node, such as core network node 208 of FIG. 16, some components, such as the radio front-end circuitry 734; 834 and the RF transceiver circuitry 712; 812 may be omitted.

[0178] Figure 19 is a block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment 900 in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized. In the present context, virtualizing means creating virtual versions of apparatuses or devices which may include virtualizing hardware platforms, storage devices and networking resources. As used herein, virtualization can be applied to any device described herein, or components thereof, and relates to an implementation in which at least a portion of the functionality is implemented as one or more virtual components. Some or all of the functions described herein may be implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines (VMs) implemented in one or more virtual environments 900 hosted by one or more of hardware nodes, such as a hardware computing device that operates as a computing node, communication device, network node, UE, core network node, or host. Further, in embodiments in which the virtual node does not require radio connectivity (e.g., a computing node, a core network node or host), then the node may be entirely virtualized. In some embodiments, the virtualization environment 900 includes components defined by the O-RAN Alliance, such as an O- Cloud environment orchestrated by a Service Management and Orchestration Framework via an O- 2 interface. Virtualization may facilitate distributed implementations of a communication device, network node, UE, core network node, or host.

[0179] Applications 910 (which may alternatively be called software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) are run in the virtualization environment 900 to implement some of the features, functions, and / or benefits of some of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0180] Hardware 920 includes processing circuitry, memory that stores software and / or instructions executable by hardware processing circuitry, and / or other hardware devices as described herein, such as a network interface, input / output interface, and so forth. Software may be executed by the processing circuitry to instantiate one or more virtualization layers 930 (also referred to as hypervisors or virtual machine monitors (VMMs)), provide VMs 940a and 940b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as VMs 940), and / or perform any of the functions, features and / or benefits described in relation with some embodiments described herein. The virtualization layer 930 may present a virtual operating platform that appears like networking hardware to the VMs 940.

[0181] The VMs 940 comprise virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interface and virtual storage, and may be run by a corresponding virtualization layer 930. Different embodiments of the instance of a virtual appliance 910 may be implemented on one or more of VMs 940, and the implementations may be made in different ways. Virtualization of the hardware is in some contexts referred to as network function virtualization (NFV). NFV may be used to consolidate many network equipment types onto industry standard high volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage, which can be located in data centers, and customer premise equipment.

[0182] In the context of NFV, a VM 940 may be a software implementation of a physical machine that runs programs as if they were executing on a physical, non-virtualized machine. Each of the VMs 940, and that part of hardware 920 that executes that VM, be it hardware dedicated to that VM and / or hardware shared by that VM with others of the VMs, forms separate virtual network elements. Still in the context of NFV, a virtual network function is responsible for handling specific network functions that run in one or more VMs 940 on top of the hardware 920 and corresponds to the application 910.

[0183] Hardware 920 may be implemented in a standalone communication device with generic or specific components. Hardware 920 may implement some functions via virtualization. Alternatively, hardware 920 may be part of a larger cluster of hardware (e.g. such as in a data center or CPE) where many hardware nodes work together and are managed via management and orchestration 950, which, among others, oversees lifecycle management of applications 910. In some embodiments, hardware 920 is coupled to one or more radio units that each include one or more transmiters and one or more receivers that may be coupled to one or more antennas. Radio units may communicate directly with other hardware nodes via one or more appropriate network interfaces and may be used in combination with the virtual components to provide a virtual node with radio capabilities, such as a communication device, radio access node or a base station. In some embodiments, some signaling can be provided with the use of a control system 960 which may alternatively be used for communication between hardware nodes and radio units.

[0184] Figure 20 illustrates a computing node 400 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0185] The computing node 400 includes processing circuitry 410, a memory 420, a communication interface 430, and / or any other component, or any combination thereof. The processing circuitry 410 is configured to process instructions and data and may be configured to implement any sequential state machine operative to execute instructions stored as machine -readable computer programs in the memory 420. The processing circuitry 410 may be implemented as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., in discrete logic, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc.); programmable logic together with appropriate firmware; one or more stored computer programs, general-purpose processors, such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP), together with appropriate software; or any combination of the above. For example, the processing circuitry 410 may include multiple central processing units (CPUs).

[0186] The memory 420 may be or be configured to include memory such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disks, optical disks, hard disks, removable cartridges, flash drives, and so forth. In one example, the memory 420 includes one or more application programs, such as an operating system, web browser application, a widget, gadget engine, or other application, and corresponding data. The memory 150; 350 may store, for use by the computing node 400, any of a variety of various operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

[0187] The memory 420 may be configured to include a number of physical drive units, such as redundant array of independent disks (RAID), flash memory, USB flash drive, external hard disk drive, thumb drive, pen drive, key drive, high-density digital versatile disc (HD-DVD) optical disc drive, internal hard disk drive, Blu-Ray optical disc drive, holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical disc drive, external mini -dual in-line memory module (DIMM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), external micro-DIMM SDRAM, smartcard memory such as tamper resistant module in the form of a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) including one or more subscriber identity modules (SIMs), such as a USIM and / or ISIM, other memory, or any combination thereof. The UICC may for example be an embedded UICC (eUICC), integrated UICC (iUICC) or a removable UICC commonly known as ‘SIM card.’ The memory 420 may allow the computing node 400 to access instructions, application programs and the like, stored on transitory or non-transitory memory media, to off-load data, or to upload data. An article of manufacture, such as one utilizing a communication system may be tangibly embodied as or in the memory 420, which may be or comprise a device-readable storage medium.

[0188] The processing circuitry 410 may be configured to communicate with a communication device, an access network or other network using the communication interface 430.

[0189] The computing node may be a communication device, a part of a communication device, a function of a communication device, a virtual node, a network node, a distributed node, etc.

[0190] Figure 21 illustrates a computer program product 500. The computer program product 500 comprises a computer-readable medium 510. The computer readable medium comprises instructions 520 that, when executed by processing circuitry or by a network node, cause the processing circuitry or the network node to carry out a method according to some of the previous embodiments. The computer program product 500 may comprise a carrier containing instructions 520 that, when executed by processing circuitry or by a network node, cause the processing circuitry or the network node to carry out a method according to some of the previous embodiments. The carrier may be any one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, an electrical signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer-readable storage medium 520. A computer program comprises instructions 520 that, when executed by processing circuitry or by a network node, cause the processing circuitry or the network node to carry out a method according to some of the previous embodiments.

[0191] Although the computing devices described herein (e.g., communication devices, UEs, network nodes) may include the illustrated combination of hardware components, other embodiments may comprise computing devices with different combinations of components. It is to be understood that these computing devices may comprise any suitable combination of hardware and / or software needed to perform the tasks, features, functions and methods disclosed herein. Determining, calculating, obtaining or similar operations described herein may be performed by processing circuitry, which may process information by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or converted information to information stored in the communication device, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or converted information, and as a result of said processing making a determination. Moreover, while components are depicted as single boxes located within a larger box, or nested within multiple boxes, in practice, computing devices may comprise multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component, and functionality may be partitioned between separate components. For example, a communication interface may be configured to include any of the components described herein, and / or the functionality of the components may be partitioned between the processing circuitry and the communication interface. In another example, non-computationally intensive functions of any of such components may be implemented in software or firmware and computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

[0192] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be provided by processing circuitry executing instructions stored on in memory, which in certain embodiments may be a computer program product in the form of a non -transitory computer-readable storage medium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuitry without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device -readable storage medium, such as in a hard-wired manner. In any of those particular embodiments, whether executing instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or not, the processing circuitry can be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuitry alone or to other components of the computing device, but are enjoyed by the computing device as a whole, and / or by end users and a wireless network generally.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method (1000) for reliable communications, performed by a first communication device (100;700), the method comprising: obtaining (1100) at least one indication related to at least one modulation scheme, wherein the at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points and a second set of constellation points, the second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points having a fewer number of constellation points, and wherein amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points; and transmitting (1300), to a second communication device (300; 800), at least one indication related to at least one symbol, wherein the at least one symbol is based on a modulation scheme determined within the at least one modulation scheme, and on data to be transmitted.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one indication related to the at least one modulation scheme is obtained from a computing node (400).

3. The method of any of the claims 1 to 2, wherein an average amplitude of the constellation points of the first set of constellation points and / or the second set of constellation points, respectively, is zero or close to zero.

4. The method of any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps asymptotic spectrum of the first set of constellation points.

5. The method of any of the claims 1 to 4, wherein at least two modulation schemes are obtained, such that the at least two modulation schemes are joint modulation schemes, or disjoint modulation schemes.

6. The method of any of the claims 1 to 5, wherein at least two modulation schemes are obtained, such that the at least two modulation schemes have a zero-mean power weighted average.

7. The method of any of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the modulation scheme determined within the at least one modulation scheme, is determined based on a pre-determined sequence.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the pre-determined sequence is round-robin or pseudorandom.

9. The method of any of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the first communication device (100; 700) is comprised in a communication system (200) and / or a wireless communication system.

10. The method of any of the claims 1 to 9, comprising providing (1200) to a second communication device (300) at least one indication related to the least one modulation scheme.

11. A method (2000) for enabling reliable communications, performed by a computing node (400), the method comprising: providing (2200), to a first communication device (100; 700) and / or to a second communication device (300; 800), at least one indication related to at least one modulation scheme, wherein the at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points and a second set of constellation points, the second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points having a fewer number of constellation points, and wherein amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points.

12. The method (2000) of claim 11, comprising generating (2100) the at least one modulation scheme.

13. The method (2000) of any of the claims 11 to 12, wherein an average amplitude of the constellation points of the first set of constellation points and / or the second set of constellation points, respectively, is zero or close to zero.

14. The method (2000) of any of the claims 11 to 13, wherein the amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps asymptotic spectrum of the first set of constellation points.

15. The method (2000) of any of the claims 11 to 14, wherein at least two modulation schemes are provided, such that the at least two modulation schemes are joint modulation schemes, or disjoint modulation schemes.

16. The method of any of the claims 11 to 15, wherein at least two modulation schemes are provided, such that the at least two modulation schemes have a zero-mean power weighted average.

17. The method of any of the claims 11 to 16, wherein the computing node (400) is comprised in a communication system (200) and / or a wireless communication system.

18. The method of any of the claims 11 to 17, wherein the computing node (400) is a first communication device (100; 700), and / or a second communication device (300; 800).

19. A method (3000) for reliable communications performed by a second communication device (300; 800), the method comprising: obtaining (3100) at least one indication related to at least one modulation scheme, wherein the at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points and a second set of constellation points, the second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points having a fewer number of constellation points, and wherein amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points; andreceiving (3200), from a first communication device (100; 700), at least one indication related to at least one symbol, wherein the at least one symbols is based on a modulation scheme determined within the at least one modulation scheme, and on the data to be transmitted.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one indication related to at least one modulation scheme is obtained from a computing node (400) and / or from a first communication device (100; 700).

21. The method of any of the claims 19 to 20, wherein an average amplitude of the constellation points of the first set of constellation points and / or the second set of constellation points, respectively, is zero or close to zero.

22. The method of any of the claims 19 to 21, wherein the amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps asymptotic spectrum of the first set of constellation points.

23. The method of any of the claims 19 to 22, wherein at least two modulation schemes are obtained, such that the at least two modulation schemes are joint modulation schemes, or disjoint modulation schemes.

24. The method of any of the claims 19 to 23, wherein at least two modulation schemes are obtained, such that the at least two modulation schemes have a zero-mean power weighted average.

25. The method of any of the claims 19 to 24, wherein the modulation scheme determined within the at least one modulation scheme, is determined based on a pre-determined sequence.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the pre-determined sequence is round-robin or pseudorandom.

27. The method of any of the claims 19 to 26, wherein the second communication device (300; 800) is comprised in a communication system (200) and / or a wireless communication system.

28. A first communication device (100; 700) adapted to perform the method of any of the claims 1 to 10.

29. A computing node (400) adapted to perform the method of any of the claims 11 to 18.

30. A second communication device (300; 800) adapted to perform the method of any of the claims 19 to 27.

31. A first communication device (100; 700), comprising a processing circuitry (110; 710) and a memory (150; 720), the first communication device (100; 700) configured to: obtain (1100) at least one indication related to least one modulation scheme, wherein the at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points and a second set of constellation points, the second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points having a fewer number of constellation points, and wherein amplitudespectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points; and transmit (1300), to a second communication device (300; 800), at least one indication related to at least one symbol, wherein the at least one symbol is based on a modulation scheme determined within the at least one modulation scheme, and on the data to be transmitted.

32. The first communication device (100; 700) of claim 31, adapted to perform the method of any of claims 2 to 10.

33. A computing node (400), comprising processing circuitry (410) and a memory (420), the computing node (400) configured to: provide (2200), to a first communication device (100; 700) and / or to a second communication device (300; 800), at least one indication related to at least one modulation scheme, wherein the at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points and a second set of constellation points, the second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points having a fewer number of constellation points, and wherein amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points.

34. The computing node (400) of claim 33, adapted to perform the method of any of claims 12 to 18.

35. A second communication device (300; 800), comprising processing circuitry (310, 810) and a memory (350, 820), the second communication device (300) configured to: obtain (3100) at least one modulation scheme, wherein the at least one modulation scheme comprises a first set of constellation points and a second set of constellation points, the second set of constellation points being a subset of the first set of constellation points having a fewer number of constellation points, and wherein amplitude spectrum of the second set of constellation points at least partially overlaps amplitude spectrum of the first set of constellations points; and receive (3200), from a first communication device (100; 700), at least one symbol determined within the at least one modulation scheme, wherein the at least one symbol is based on the data to be transmitted.

36. The second communication device (300; 800) of claim 34, adapted to perform the method of any of claims 20 to 27.

37. A communication system (200) comprising: at least a first communication device (100; 700) according to any of the claims 28, 31, 32; and at least a second communication device (300; 800) according to any of the claims 30, 35, 36.

38. A computer program, comprising instructions (520) that, when executed by processing circuitry( 110; 310; 410; 710; 810), cause the processing circuitry to carry out the method according to any of claims 1 to 27.

39. A computer program product (500), comprising a computer-readable medium (510), comprising instructions (520) that, when executed by processing circuitry ( 110; 310; 410; 710; 810), cause the processing circuitry to carry out the method according to any of claims 1 to 27.

40. A tangible, non-transient computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry ( 110; 310; 410; 710; 810), cause the processing circuitry to perform operations according to any of claims 1 to 27.

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