WO2025201717A1

WO2025201717A1 - Configuration of frequency shift

Info

Publication number: WO2025201717A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/053190
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benny Vejlgaard; Johannes Harrebek; Simon Svendsen; Oana-Elena Barbu; Nuno Manuel KIILERICH PRATAS
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Current assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2024-03-28
Filing date: 2025-02-07
Publication date: 2025-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-28
Also published as: GB202404462D0; GB2639926A

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to configuration of frequency shift. A method comprises receiving a request for capability information of the first apparatus; transmitting the capability information of the first apparatus, based on a first configuration of a frequency shift between a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus; receiving a second configuration of the frequency shift; determining, based on the second configuration of the frequency shift, whether a frequency shift is applied between the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first apparatus; and transmitting a signal based on the determining.

Description

CONFIGURATION OF FREQUENCY SHIFT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The application claims priority to, and the benefit of, GB Application No. 2404462.0, filed March 28, 2024, the contents of which are hereby included by reference in their entirety.

FIELDS

[0002] Various example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunication and in particular, to apparatuses, methods and computer readable storage medium for configuration of frequency shift.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Regarding Internet of Things (loT) applications, the third-generation partnership project (3GPP) has specified Narrow Band (NB-loT) or enhanced Machine-Type Communication (eMTC) and new radio (NR) Reduced Capability (RedCap) before Release 18 (Rel-18) to satisfy the requirements on low cost and low power devices for wide area loT communication. These loT devices usually consume tens or hundreds of milliwatts power during transceiving. However, to achieve the internet of everything, loT devices with ten or even a hundred times lower cost and power consumption are needed, especially for a large number of applications requiring batteryless devices. An open issue with existing 3GPP technologies for the target use cases is a capability of cooperating with energy harvesting considering a limited device size. One possible solution is to integrate energy harvesting with a rechargeable battery or a supercapacitor. Attracted by very low power consumption of backscatter communication, many non-3GPP technologies begin to put efforts into related research. There is no comprehensive system design fully meeting the requirements of the target use cases.

SUMMARY

[0004] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: receive a request for capability information of the first apparatus; transmit the capability information of the first apparatus, based on a first configuration of a frequency shift between a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus; receive a second configuration of the frequency shift; and transmit a signal based on the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0005] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a third apparatus. The second i apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the third apparatus at least to: receive capability information of a first apparatus from the first apparatus; transmit the capability information of the first apparatus to a fourth apparatus; receive a second configuration of a frequency shift of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus; receive, from the first apparatus, a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift, based on the second configuration of the frequency shift; and transmit the result to the fourth apparatus.

[0006] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a fourth apparatus. The third apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the fourth apparatus at least to: receive capability information of a first apparatus; determine a second configuration of a frequency shift of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus, at least based on the capability information of the first apparatus; transmit the second configuration of the frequency shift to the first apparatus; and receive a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0007] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method at a first apparatus. The method comprises receiving a request for capability information of the first apparatus; transmitting the capability information of the first apparatus, based on a first configuration of a frequency shift between a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus; receiving a second configuration of the frequency shift; and transmitting a signal based on the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0008] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method at a second apparatus. The method comprises receiving capability information of a first apparatus from the first apparatus; transmitting the capability information of the first apparatus to a fourth apparatus; receiving a second configuration of a frequency shift of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus; receiving, from the first apparatus, a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift, based on the second configuration of the frequency shift; and transmitting the result to the fourth apparatus.

[0009] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method at a fourth apparatus. The method comprises receiving capability information of a first apparatus; determining a second configuration of a frequency shift of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus, at least based on the capability information of the first apparatus; causing the second configuration of the frequency shift to be transmitted to the first apparatus; and receiving a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0010] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for receiving a request for capability information of the first apparatus; means for transmitting the capability information of the first apparatus, based on a first configuration of a frequency shift between a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus; means for receiving a second configuration of the frequency shift; and means for transmitting a signal based on the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0011] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for receiving capability information of a first apparatus from the first apparatus; means for transmitting the capability information of the first apparatus to a fourth apparatus; means for receiving a second configuration of a frequency shift of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus; means for receiving, from the first apparatus, a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift, based on the second configuration of the frequency shift; and means for transmitting the result to the fourth apparatus.

[0012] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for receiving capability information of a first apparatus; means for determining a second configuration of a frequency shift of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus, at least based on the capability information of the first apparatus; means for causing the second configuration of the frequency shift to be transmitted to the first apparatus; and means for receiving a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0013] In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium includes instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the fourth, fifth or sixth aspect.

[0014] It is to be understood that the Summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure may become easily comprehensible through the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Some example embodiments may now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, where:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication environment in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0017] FIGS. 2A to 2E illustrate example connectivity topologies for Ambient loT;

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a signaling diagram illustrating an example communication process according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; [0019] FIG. 4 illustrates an example process for configuring a frequency shift according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of an example method implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an example method implemented at a third apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of an example method implemented at a fourth apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a device that is suitable for implementing example embodiments; and

[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer readable medium in accordance with some example embodiments.

[0025] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Principle of the present disclosure may now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It is to be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without suggesting any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Embodiments described herein may be implemented in various manners other than the ones described below.

[0027] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0028] References in the present disclosure to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” and the like indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but it is not necessary that every embodiment includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0029] It shall be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,”..., etc. in front of noun(s) and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements may not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another and they do not limit the order of the noun(s). For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0030] As used herein, “at least one of the following: <a list of two or more elements>” and “at least one of <a list of two or more elements>” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0031] As used herein, unless stated explicitly, performing a step “in response to A” does not indicate that the step is performed immediately after “A” occurs and one or more intervening steps may be included.

[0032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It may be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “has”, “having”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and/or components etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and/ or combinations thereof.

[0033] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:

(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry) and

(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):

(i) a combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuit(s) with software/firmware and

(ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and

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

[0034] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0035] As used herein, the term “communication network” refers to a network following any suitable communication standards, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-loT) and so on. Furthermore, the communications between a terminal device and a network device in the communication network may be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocols, including, but not limited to, the first generation (1 G), the second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, the fifth generation (5G), the sixth generation (6G) communication protocols, and/or any other protocols either currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied in various communication systems. Given the rapid development in communications, there may of course also be future type communication technologies and systems with which the present disclosure may be embodied. It may not be seen as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to only the aforementioned system.

[0036] As used herein, the term “network device” refers to a node in a communication network which serves a terminal device. The network device may include an access network device or node such as a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), for example, x NodeB (xNB), such as a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB) and an NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a radio header (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a low power node such as a femto, a pico, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-ground network device such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite, an aircraft network device, and so forth, depending on the applied terminology and technology. In some example embodiments, radio access network (RAN) split architecture includes a Centralized Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU) at an IAB donor node. An IAB node includes a Mobile Terminal (IAB-MT) part that behaves like a UE toward the parent node, and a DU part of an IAB node behaves like a base station toward the next-hop IAB node.

[0037] The network device may further include a core network device which may be any computing device or computing system that includes hardware (e.g., at least one processor and at least one memory) and software of one or more network functions of a core network. Examples of core network devices may include, but be not limited to, an evolved Packet Data Gateway (ePGW), a trusted wireless local area network (WLAN) access network (TWAN) node, a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a Session Management Function (SMF), a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), a Serving Gateway (SGW), a Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (PGW), an Authentication Server Function (AUSF), a Subscription Identifier De-concealing function (SIDF), a Unified Data Management (UDM), a Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP), a Network Exposure Function (NEF), a User Plane Function (UPF), and/or a Policy Control Function (PCF).

[0038] The term “terminal device” refers to any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example rather than limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), a Subscriber Station (SS), a Portable Subscriber Station, a Mobile Station (MS), or an Access Terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, a tablet, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computers, desktop computer, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, vehiclemounted wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer-premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and/or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and/or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and/or industrial wireless networks, and the like. The terminal device may also correspond to a Mobile Termination (MT) part of an IAB node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms “terminal device”, “communication device”, “terminal”, “user equipment” and “UE” may be used interchangeably. In some example embodiments, the terminal device may be implemented by a smart phone.

[0039] As used herein, the term “resource,” “transmission resource,” “resource block,” “physical resource block” (PRB), “uplink resource,” or “downlink resource” may refer to any resource for performing a communication, for example, a communication between a terminal device and a network device, such as a resource in time domain, a resource in frequency domain, a resource in space domain, a resource in code domain, or any other combination of the time, frequency, space and/or code domain resource enabling a communication, and the like. In the following, unless explicitly stated, a resource in both frequency domain and time domain may be used as an example of a transmission resource for describing some example embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted that example embodiments of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0040] Regarding loT use cases, the number of loT connections has been growing rapidly in recent years and is predicted to be hundreds of billions in the near future. With more and more ‘things’ expected to be interconnected for improving production efficiency and increasing comforts of life, it demands further reduction of size, cost, and power consumption for loT devices. In particular, regular replacement of a battery for all the loT devices is impractical due to the tremendous consumption of materials and manpower. It has become a trend to use energy harvested from environments to power loT devices for self-sustainable communications, especially in applications with a huge number of devices, e.g., identity (ID) tags and sensors.

[0041] An open issue with existing 3GPP technologies for the target use cases is a capability of cooperating with energy harvesting considering a limited device size. Cellular devices usually consume tens or even hundreds of milliwatts power for transceiver processing. Taking an NB-loT module for example, the typical current consumption for receive processing is about 60mA with supply voltage higher than 3.1V, while 70mA for transmit processing at OdBm transmit power. Furthermore, the output power provided by an energy harvester is mostly below 1 milliwatt, considering the small size of a few square centimeters for practical devices. Since the available power is far less than the consumed power, it is impractical to power cellular devices directly by energy harvesting in most cases.

[0042] One possible solution is to integrate energy harvesting with a rechargeable battery or a supercapacitor. However, there are still a few problems to be solved. Firstly, both the rechargeable battery and supercapacitor may suffer from shortened lifetime in practical cases. It is hard to provide constant charging current or voltage by energy harvesting, while longtime continuous charging is needed due to the very small output power from an energy harvester. Inconstant charging current and longtime continuous charging are both harmful to a battery life. For a supercapacitor, its lifetime may be reduced in high temperature environments (e.g., less than 3 years at 50 degrees centigrade). Secondly, a device size may be increased. As a small size button battery may be able to only provide current of a few tens of milliamps. A battery with much larger size (e.g., AA battery) is usually used to power cellular devices, a size of which may be even larger than a module to be powered. To store energy for a proper duration of working (e.g., one second), the required capacitance of a supercapacitor is at the level of a hundred milli-farads. The size of such supercapacitors may be larger than an NB-loT module. Thirdly, both rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors may be more expensive than the module itself. Even purchased in large quantities, the cost of a suitable battery or supercapacitor may nearly double the cost of the device. [0043] Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a well-known technology supporting batteryless tags (devices). The power consumption of commercial passive RFID tags may be as low as 1 microwatt. The techniques enabling such low power consumption are envelope detection for downlink (DL) data reception, and backscatter communication for uplink (UL) data transmission. RFID is designed for short-range communications, an effective range of which is less than 10 meters. As the air interface of RFID almost remains unchanged, such a transmission scheme becomes the obstacle of improving its link budget and capability of supporting a scalable network (NW).

[0044] Attracted by very low power consumption of backscatter communication, many non-3GPP technologies begin to put efforts into related research, such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and Long Range Radio (LORA). Various research show that a few or tens of microwatts power consumption may be supported for passive tags based on or with small modifications to the above air interfaces. A significant proportion of the studies are targeting at long range communication. Among them, a LoRa tag implemented with commercial off-the-shelf components may send its sensing data to a receiver of 381 meters away. Currently, most of the studies are focusing on independent detailed techniques for various optimization targets. There is no comprehensive system design fully meeting the requirements of the target use cases. The standardization of those technologies is agile, quick and private. There is no feasible unified standard that may be followed by various products in the market. Many products in the market will follow even a private standard once it shows competitiveness in some applications.

[0045] A passive radio is a device that harnesses energy from wireless signals sent on specific carriers and/or bandwidths and charges a simple circuitry that, once activated, will emit or reflect a signal which encodes at least an ID of the passive radio. A system architecture around a passive radio may include an activator, the passive radio and a reader. The activator is a device that sends an activation signal targeted at waking up the passive radio. The passive radio harnesses energy over a range of frequencies and listens for activation signals. Once such a signal is detected, the passive radio emits or reflects a signal which is specific to that radio ID. The reader is a device that listens and detects the passive radio signals. The reader may or may not be collocated with the activator.

[0046] A study item “Ambient-loT” has been started in 3GPP Release 19 (Rel-19). For Ambient-loT, three device types have been identified, including Device A, Device B and Device C. Device A has neither energy storage nor independent signal generation or amplification, i.e., backscattering transmission. Device B has energy storage with no independent signal generation, i.e., backscattering transmission. Use of stored energy can include amplification for reflected signals. Device C has energy storage and independent signal generation, i.e., active RF components for transmission.

[0047] Regarding the three types of devices, design targets for power consumptions are as follows:

Device A < [1 pW] or < [10 pW]; Device A < Device B < Device C; and Device C < 1 mW to < 10 mW. Device complexity design targets are that Device A is comparable to Ultra High Frequency (UHF) RFID; Device A < Device B < Device C; and Device C has orders-of-magnitude lower than NB-loT.

[0048] The following functionalities are to be tackled during an Ambient loT (A-loT or AloT) study: backscattering device with energy storage and potential support for frequency shifted backscatter response. The third device type, denoted as device B+, includes a -100 pW peak power consumption backscattering device with energy storage and independent UL generation for FDD spectrum compliance. It is envisioned that the two types of Ambient loT tags are deployed, which means a low range or low complexity device of -1 p W and a -100 pW device with both backscatter and active transmission capabilities.

[0050] 3GPP operates with two deployment topologies: gNB <-> AloT device; and gNB <-> UE <-> AloT device. This means that for FDD deployments, an AloT device needs to comply with multiple activators (a gNB and a UE) and their related FDD sub-bands, and multiple readers (gNBs and UEs) and their related FDD sub-bands. There is a need to enable a singular Ambient loT device to operate with multiple networks and UE configurations to avoid having dedicated devices for different networks and UE configurations.

[0051] Example embodiments of the present disclosure propose a configuration solution based on device capabilities. In this solution, an apparatus (referred to as a first apparatus such as an A-loT device) reports capability information of the first apparatus. The capability information of the first apparatus is transmitted based on a configuration (referred to as a first configuration) of a frequency shift between a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus. Based on the capability information reported by the first apparatus, another apparatus (referred to as a second apparatus such as a network device) determines a configuration (referred to as a second configuration) of the frequency shift between the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first apparatus. Then, the first apparatus emits a signal according to the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0052] With this solution, for a single apparatus, low power communications may be enabled while communication sessions with no low energy storage and/or higher power may be enabled. In this way, a single apparatus (e.g., an Ambient loT device) may be deployed in any spectral configurations, which is more flexible and efficient.

[0053] It is to be noted that although the issue is originating from a mechanism for ambient loT or loT devices, the proposed solution herein may be applied in general for different types of terminal devices including both low power devices and normal devices.

[0054] FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication environment 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0055] The communication environment 100 includes a first apparatus 110 such as a terminal device (e.g., a UE, A-loT device, tag or sensor) that may be able to receive a signal from a second apparatus 120 and emit or reflect a signal to a third apparatus 130. The second apparatus 120 may operate as an activator that may be a network device (e.g., a gNB) or a terminal device (e.g., a UE or a smart phone). The third apparatus may operate as a reader that may be a network device (e.g., a gNB) or a terminal device (e.g., a UE or a smart phone). In this example, both the second apparatus 120 and the third apparatus 130 may be implemented by terminal devices.

[0056] The communication environment 100 further includes a fourth apparatus 140 which may operate as a network device such as a core network (CN) device e.g., a session control unit (SCU). The fourth apparatus 140 may manage or control communications between the first apparatus 110 and the second and third apparatuses 120 and 130. In some example embodiments, the fourth apparatus 140 may determine configurations applied to the communications between the first apparatus 110 and the second and third apparatuses 120 and 130.

[0057] In this example, the communication environment 100 also includes a fifth apparatus 150 which may operate as a network device such as a gNB. In the embodiments where the second and third apparatuses 120 and 130 both operate as terminal devices, the fifth apparatus 150 may forward communications between the second and third apparatuses 120 and 130 and the fourth apparatus 140. In some example embodiments, the fourth apparatus 150 may be implemented as a hardware, firmware, and/or algorithm-based software component within the fifth apparatus 150.

[0058] The sensing server 140 may be implemented by a physical or virtual device. The sensing server 140 may be implemented as a hardware, firmware, and/or algorithm-based software component within any device or node such as a terminal device, a base station, a core network device (e.g., a location management function or LMF, an application management function or AMF, and a sensing management function or SeMF) and/or the like. In some example embodiments, the sensing server 140 may be physically integrated into or implemented as a part of the sensing transmitter 105 or the sensing receiver 110. the second and third apparatuses 120 and 130 may communicate with the fourth apparatus 140 directly without an intermediation.

[0059] Communications in the communication environment 100 may be implemented according to any proper communication protocol(s), comprising, but not limited to, cellular communication protocols of 1 G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, and the like, wireless local network communication protocols such as Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 and the like, and/or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Moreover, the communication may utilize any proper wireless communication technology, comprising but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple- Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), OFDM, Discrete Fourier Transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) and/or any other technologies currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0060] It is to be understood that the number and types of apparatuses are shown in FIG. 1 for the purpose of illustration, without suggesting any limitation. In some example embodiments, there may be only one apparatus or device, either a network device or a terminal device, that can transmit a signal to the first apparatus 110 and receive a signal from the first apparatus 110. In some example embodiments, the second and third apparatuses 120 and 130 may operate as one or two base stations. In these embodiments, the second and third apparatuses 120 and 130 may communicate with the fourth apparatus 140 directly without an intermediation. In some other embodiments, there may be an intermediate device or node between the first and second apparatuses 110 and 120 and/or an intermediate device or node between the first and third apparatuses 110 and 130. The intermediate device may transfer the information between the first apparatus 110 and the second or third apparatus 120 or 130.

[0061] In the following, some example embodiments will be described by taking an Ambient loT application scenario as an example, where the first, second and third apparatuses 110, 120 and 130 may operate as an Ambient loT device, an activator and a reader. It is to be noted that those example embodiments may be applied in any scenario or use case.

[0062] FIGS. 2A to 2E show example connectivity topologies for Ambient loT networks and devices. In Topology 1 (depicted in FIG. 2A), an Ambient loT device 205 directly and bidirectionally communicates with a base station (BS) 210. The communication between the base station 210 and the ambient loT device 205 includes Ambient loT data and/or signalling. This topology includes the possibility that the BS 210 transmitting to the Ambient loT device 205 is a different from the BS 210 receiving from the Ambient loT device 205.

[0063] In Topology 2 (depicted in FIG. 2B), the Ambient loT device 205 communicates bidirectionally with an intermediate node 215 between the device 205 and the base station 210. In this topology, the intermediate node 215 can be a relay, IAB node, UE, repeater, etc. which is capable of Ambient loT. The intermediate node 215 transfers the information between the BS 210 and the Ambient loT device 205.

[0064] In Topology 3 (depicted in FIGS. 2C and 2D), the Ambient loT device 205 transmits data/signaling to the base station 210 and receives data/signaling from an assisting node 220. Alternatively, the Ambient loT device 205 receives data/signaling from the base station 210 and transmits data/signaling to the assisting node 220. In this topology, the assisting node 220 can be a relay, IAB, UE, repeater, etc. which is capable of ambient loT. In Topology 4 (depicted in FIG. 2E), the Ambient loT device 205 communicates bidirectionally with a UE 225. The communication between the UE 225 and the ambient loT device 205 includes Ambient loT data and/or signaling. [0065] In all these topologies, the Ambient loT device 205 may be provided with a carrier wave from other node(s) either inside or outside the topology. The links in each topology may be bidirectional or unidirectional. The BS 210, UE 225, assisting node 220, or intermediate node 215 may be multiple BSs or UEs, respectively. The mixture of indoor and outdoor placement of such nodes is regarded as a network implementation choice.

[0066] An overall objective is to study a harmonized air interface design with minimized differences (where necessary) for Ambient loT to enable several types of devices. One device with ~1 pW peak power consumption has energy storage, an initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) up to 10X ppm and neither DL nor UL amplification. UL transmission of the device is backscattered on a carrier wave provided externally. Another device with < a few hundred pW peak power consumption has energy storage, initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) up to 10X ppm, and both DL and/or UL amplification. UL transmission of this device may be generated internally by the device or be backscattered on a carrier wave provided externally.

[0067] X is to be decided. A coverage design target is a maximum distance of 10-50 m with device indoors. For Topologies 1 and 2 (a UE as an intermediate node under NW control), the devices have no radio resource control (RRC) states, no mobility, no Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ), and no ARQ. It is to be understood that "< a few hundred pW" means that it is tasked to set a particular value, and that it is for discussions to determine if a presented design with corresponding power consumption satisfies the "< a few hundred pW" requirement.

[0068] Deployment Scenarios have some characteristics. For example, deployment scenario 1 with Topology 1 includes base station and coexistence characteristics: micro-cell and co-site. Deployment scenario 2 with Topology 2 and a UE as an intermediate node, under network control, includes base station and coexistence characteristics: macro-cell and co-site. The location of the intermediate node is indoor.

[0069] A-loT device may utilize Frequency Range 1 (FR1) licensed spectrum in Frequency Division Duplex (FDD); spectrum deployment in-band to new radio (NR), in guard-band to LTE/NR, in standalone band(s); traffic types of device-originated (DO)-device-terminated triggered (DTT), device-terminated (DT), with focus on rUC1 (indoor inventory) and rUC4 (indoor command).

[0070] The study in 3GPP assesses whether the harmonized air interface design can address the device-originated autonomous (DO-A) use case, only to identify which part(s) of the harmonized air interface design is/are not sufficient for the DO-A use case. Transmission from Ambient loT device (including backscattering when used) can occur at least in UL spectrum.

[0071] Table 1 below shows combinations of AloT activation and readers for FDD sub-bands (UL/DL) where A represents an activator and R represents a reader. device with energy storage) may provide a frequency shift. The frequency shift may be limited to few 10 MHz determined by implementation. For example, gNB/UE transmissions may be performed in UL/DL sub-band, and a tag applying FDD band may be dependent duplex frequency shift. The tag (as an example of the first apparatus 110) supporting both type B and B+ functionality may have three different configurations. In configuration #1 , activation may be in DL/UL and backscattering may be without a frequency shift. In configuration #2, activation may be in DL/UL and backscattering may be with a frequency shift. In configuration #3, activation may be in DL/UL and active UL transmission may be performed.

[0073] In the communication environment 100, the first apparatus 110 transmits its capability information towards the fourth apparatus 140, for example, per a request. Accordingly, the fourth apparatus 140 determines a configuration of a frequency shift between a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus 110 so that the first apparatus 110 may communicate with the second apparatus 120 and/or the third apparatus 130 according to the configuration. Some example implementations may be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0074] FIG. 3 is a signaling diagram showing an example communication process 300 between the first, second, third and fourth apparatuses 110 to 140 according to some example embodiments.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 3, in the process 300, the second apparatus 120 transmits (310), to the first apparatus 110, a request for capability information of the first apparatus 110. In some example embodiments, the request may be transmitted (310) by the second apparatus via an activation signal (referred to as a first activation signal). The request may be transmitted (310) by the second apparatus 120 autonomously or according to an instruction from the fourth apparatus 140. For example, the fourth apparatus 140 may instruct the second apparatus 120 to transmit the request to the first apparatus 110. Per instruction, the second apparatus 120 may transmit (310) the request. [0076] Corresponding, the first apparatus 110 receives (315) this request and then transmits (320) capability information of the first apparatus 110 based on a configuration (referred to as a first configuration) of a frequency shift between a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus 110. For example, if the request is received (315) in a certain frequency (i. e. , the reception frequency), the first apparatus 110 may apply a frequency shift on the frequency based on the first configuration, and then transmit (320) its capability information on the shifted frequency (i.e., the transmission frequency). If the request for the capability information is received (315) via the first activation signal from the second apparatus 120, the first apparatus 110 may transmit (320) the capability information to the third apparatus 130 via a response signal (referred to as a first response signal) for the first activation signal.

[0077] In some example embodiments, the first configuration may be a default configuration of the frequency shift. I n an example, the default configuration may indicate backscatter with no frequency shift. In this example, the first apparatus 110 may not apply a frequency shift between the transmission frequency and the reception frequency. In some other example embodiments, the first configuration may be a configuration of the frequency shift currently use by the first apparatus 110. [0078] In some example embodiments, the capability information may indicate at least one of: a capability of backscatter with no frequency shift, a capability of a passive frequency shift, a capability of an active frequency shift, or a capability of transmission power. In some example embodiments, the capability information of the first apparatus 110 may include one or more supported configurations of the frequency shift so that the configurations supported by the first apparatus 110 are aligned between the first apparatus 110 and the fourth apparatus 140. The capability information may include any other information related to the capabilities of the first apparatus 110 which may be used by the fourth apparatus 140 to determine a configuration (referred to as a second configuration) of the frequency shift as will be described in the following paragraphs.

[0079] After the third apparatus 130 receives (325) the capability information of the first apparatus 110, the third apparatus 130 transmits (330) this capability information to the fourth apparatus 140. At least based on the capability information received (335), the fourth apparatus 140 determines (340) the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0080] In some example embodiments, the second configuration of the frequency shift may indicate backscatter with no frequency shift, backscatter with a first frequency shift, or active transmission with a second frequency shift. In some example embodiments, the first frequency shift is smaller than the second frequency.

[0081] In this way, the network may configure whether a frequency shift is applied and what value or value range of the frequency shift is applied for the first apparatus. Thus, the configuration of the frequency shift may be adjusted for the first apparatus 110 according to the capability information provided by the first apparatus 110 and actual deployment and implementation, which is more flexible and efficient.

[0082] For example, backscatter with no frequency shift may be preferred for mono static communication and bistatic communication with a UE activation and gNB reader (denoted as Case #1). Backscatter with a first frequency shift may preferred for a small FDD duplex distance and a limited current consumptions/range (denoted as Case #2). Active transmission with a larger second frequency shift may be preferred for a larger FDD duplex distance and/or for a longer bi-static reading range with the penalty of higher current consumption (denoted as Case #3). Thus, different configurations may be provided to secure low power communication across multiple networks, UE configurations and FDD duplex distances.

[0083] The determining (340) of the second configuration of the frequency shift may be further based on at least one of: a frequency division duplex (FDD) spectrum requirement, an option to transmit and receive in less than a FDD spectral separation, an option to apply a none-frequency shift between the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first apparatus 110, or a required transmission range of the first apparatus 110.

[0084] By way of example, the fourth apparatus 140 may obtain information related to FDD duplex distance. Such information may include the following parameters: FDD spectral requirement(s), an option to transmit and receive (or read) in less than a FDD spectral separation, and/or an option to use a none-frequency shift response. The FDD spectral separation may be a default FDD spectral separation which may be a guard band in proximity to the duplex separation - minimum FDD separation. The option to use a none-frequency shift response may depend on the transmitter/receiver configurations of the first apparatus 110 and/or FDD spectral requirements (e.g., spectrum regulations). The fourth apparatus 140 may determine a required duplex distance of the first apparatus 110 based on at least one of the above parameters.

[0085] The fourth apparatus 140 may further estimate a required transmission range of the first apparatus 110. For example, the fourth apparatus 140 may obtain an estimate of locations and/or links related to the second apparatus 120 and the third apparatus 130 as well as other apparatuses surrounding the first apparatus 110 (e.g., one or more activators and one or more readers). Based on such estimations, the fourth apparatus 140 may determine the required transmission range of the first apparatus 110. Further, the fourth apparatus 140 may determine the second configuration based on the determined duplex distance of the first apparatus 110 as well as the above options. This frequency shift indicated by the second configuration may also be less if configured or preconfigured by the network accordingly. [0086] After determining (340), the fourth apparatus 140 transmits (345) the second configuration of the frequency shift to the first apparatus 110. In some embodiments, the fourth apparatus 140 may transmit (345) the second configuration of the frequency shift to the first apparatus 110 via the second apparatus 120. For example, the fourth apparatus 140 may transmit the second configuration of the frequency shift to the second apparatus 120. Then, the second apparatus 120 may transmit an activation signal (referred to as a second activation signal) to the first apparatus 110 to indicate the second configuration of the frequency shift. In this way, the FDD sub-band shift may be signaled to the first apparatus 110.

[0087] After the first apparatus 110 receives (350) the second configuration, the first apparatus transmits (365) a signal based on the second configuration of the frequency shift. In the example embodiments where the second configuration is received (350) via the second activation signal from the second apparatus 120, the first apparatus 110 may transmit (365) the signal to the third apparatus 130 as a response signal (referred to as a second response signal) for the second activation signal. For example, depending on the second configuration, the first apparatus 110 may transmit (365) the response signal with or without a frequency shift (e.g., the first frequency shift or the second frequency shift). The response signal may be a backscattered signal or an actively generated signal.

[0088] In some example embodiments, the transmitted signal may carry data and/or an acknowledgement (ACK) for the second configuration of the frequency shift. In an example, the first apparatus 110 may immediately response with ACK according to the configured frequency shift based on the second configuration. For example, the first apparatus 110 may determine a response frequency (or a transmitted frequency) based on the configured frequency shift and the reception frequency of the second configuration and respond with the response frequency.

[0089] The fourth apparatus 140 also transmits (355) the second configuration of the frequency shift to the third apparatus 130. Accordingly, after the third apparatus 130 receives (360) the second configuration, the third apparatus 130 receives (370), from the first apparatus 110, a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift, based on the second configuration of the frequency shift. In this way, the third apparatus 130 may listen at the frequency determined based on the frequency shift configured by the second configuration. If the reception is successful, the third apparatus 130 may determine that ACK is received (370) from the first apparatus 110.

[0090] The third apparatus 130 transmits (375) the result of the second configuration of the frequency shift to the fourth apparatus 140. Correspondingly, the fourth apparatus 140 receives (380) this result. Next, signaling and communication or positioning sessions may be performed between the first apparatus 110 and the second and third apparatuses 120 and 130 using the agreed backscattering or active UL transmission.

[0091] FIG. 4 shows an example process 400 for configuring a frequency shift according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. In this example, an AloT device 405 is an example of the first apparatus 110. A UE1 410, as an activator, is an example of the second apparatus 120. A UE2 415, as reader, is an example of the third apparatus 130. An SCU 420 is an example of the fourth apparatus 140. A gNB 425 is an example of the fifth apparatus 150.

[0092] In the process 400, to enable initial communication, a default configuration is required. Any default configuration fulfilling the spectral requirements can be used as default. An example default configuration may be the backscatter without a frequency shift. As shown in FIG. 4, in phase 1 , the AloT device 405 provides (430) its device capability to the SCU 420 which may include a capability of backscatter only, a passive frequency shift and/or an active frequency shift; UL power capabilities; and/or the default configuration.

[0093] In phase 2, the SCU 420 determines (435) the required AloT duplex distance based at least on the following parameters: FDD spectral requirements, an option to transmit and read in less than a default FDD spectral separation, e.g., a guard band in proximity to the duplex separation - minimum FDD separation; and/or an option to use a none-frequency shift response, e.g., depending on the transmitter/receiver configurations, FDD spectral requirements (spectrum regulations).

[0094] The SCU 420 estimates (440) a required response range. This requires an estimate of the activator (i.e., the UE1 415), and multiple reader locations/links. The SCU 420 determines (445) a mode (as an example of the second configuration) for the AloT device 405 to response based on: duplex distance and options in phase 2 and the required response range.

[0095] In phase 4, an FDD sub-band shift (e.g., a frequency shift indicated by the second configuration) is signaled (450) to the AloT device 405. This frequency shift may be less if configured accordingly. In this phase, an activation signal with a configuration of the FDD sub-band shift may be transmitted to the AloT device 405. The AloT device 405 may response with ACK according to the configured response frequency. For example, the AloT device 405 (e.g., a tag) may respond immediately with the configured frequency shift. The UE2 415 (e.g., a reader) may be configured to listen at that frequency and determine it is ACK based on successful reception (RX).

[0096] In phase 5, signaling and communication/positioning sessions performed using the agreed backscattering or active UL transmission. For example, an activation signal is transmitted to the AloT device 405 based on the configuration of the FDD sub-band shift. The AloT device 405 may response with required data according to the configured response frequency.

[0097] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an example method 500 implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 500 will be described from the perspective of the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1.

[0098] At block 510, the first apparatus 110 receives a request for capability information of the first apparatus 110.

[0099] At block 520, the first apparatus 110 transmits the capability information of the first apparatus 110, based on a first configuration of a frequency shift between a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus 110.

[0100] At block 530, the first apparatus 110 receives a second configuration of the frequency shift. [0101] At block 540, the first apparatus 110 transmits a signal based on the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0102] In some example embodiments, the capability information may indicate at least one of: a capability of backscatter with no frequency shift, a capability of a passive frequency shift, a capability of an active frequency shift, a capability of transmission power, or one or more supported configurations of the frequency shift.

[0103] In some example embodiments, the first configuration of the frequency shift may comprise a default configuration of the frequency shift that may indicate backscatter with no frequency shift. [0104] In some example embodiments, the second configuration of the frequency shift may indicate one of: backscatter with no frequency shift, backscatter with a first frequency shift, or active transmission with a second frequency shift.

[0105] In some example embodiments, the first frequency shift may be smaller than the second frequency 120.

[0106] In some example embodiments, the request may be received via a first activation signal from the second apparatus 120. The capability information of the first apparatus 110 may be transmitted to the third apparatus 130 via a first response signal for the first activation signal.

[0107] In some example embodiments, the second configuration of the frequency shift may be received via a second activation signal from the second apparatus. The signal may be transmitted to the third apparatus as a second response signal for the second activation signal.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the transmitted signal may carry at least one of data, or an acknowledgement for the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0109] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of an example method 600 implemented at a third apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 600 will be described from the perspective of the third apparatus 130 in FIG. 1. [0110] At block 610, the third apparatus 130 receives capability information of a first apparatus 110 from the first apparatus 110.

[0111] At block 620, the third apparatus 130 transmits the capability information of the first apparatus to a fourth apparatus 140.

[0112] At block 630, the third apparatus 130 receives a second configuration of a frequency shift of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus 110.

[0113] At block 640, the third apparatus 130 receives, from the first apparatus 110, a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift, based on the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0114] At block 650, the third apparatus 130 transmits the result to the fourth apparatus 140.

[0115] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an example method 700 implemented at a fourth apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 700 will be described from the perspective of the fourth apparatus 140 in FIG. 1.

[0116] At block 710, the fourth apparatus 140 receives capability information of a first apparatus 110.

[0117] At block 720, the fourth apparatus 140 determines a second configuration of a frequency shift of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus 110, at least based on the capability information of the first apparatus 110.

[0118] At block 730, the fourth apparatus 140 transmits the second configuration of the frequency shift to the first apparatus 110.

[0119] At block 740, receiving a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0120] In some example embodiments, the capability information may indicate at least one of: a capability of backscatter with no frequency shift, a capability of a passive frequency shift, a capability of an active frequency shift, a capability of transmission power, or one or more supported configurations of the frequency shift.

[0121] In some example embodiments, the first configuration of the frequency shift may comprise a default configuration of the frequency shift that may indicate backscatter with no frequency shift. [0122] In some example embodiments, the second configuration of the frequency shift may be determined further based on at least one of: a frequency division duplex spectrum requirement, an option to transmit and receive in less than a frequency division duplex spectral separation, an option to apply a none-frequency shift between the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first apparatus 110, or a required transmission range of the first apparatus 110.

[0123] In some example embodiments, the fourth apparatus 140 may instruct a second apparatus 120 to transmit a request for the capability information to the first apparatus 110.

[0124] In some example embodiments, the capability information may be received from a third apparatus 130.

[0125] In some example embodiments, the second configuration of the frequency shift may be transmitted to the first apparatus 110 via a second apparatus 120.

[0126] In some example embodiments, the result may be received from a third apparatus 130.

[0127] In some example embodiments, the fourth apparatus 140 may transmit the second configuration of the frequency offset to the third apparatus 130.

[0128] All operations and features related to the first apparatus 110, and the third apparatus 130 and the fourth apparatus 140 as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 are likewise applicable to the methods 500 to 700 and have similar effects.

[0129] In some example embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing the method 500 (for example, the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1 ) may comprise means for performing the respective operations of the method 500. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module. The apparatus may be implemented as or included in the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1 .

[0130] In some example embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for receiving a request for capability information of the first apparatus; means for transmitting the capability information of the first apparatus, based on a first configuration of a frequency shift between a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus; means for receiving a second configuration of the frequency shift; and means for transmitting a signal based on the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0131] In some example embodiments, the capability information indicates at least one of: a capability of backscatter with no frequency shift, a capability of a passive frequency shift, a capability of an active frequency shift, a capability of transmission power, or one or more supported configurations of the frequency shift.

[0132] In some example embodiments, the first configuration of the frequency shift comprises a default configuration of the frequency shift indicating backscatter with no frequency shift.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the second configuration of the frequency shift indicates one of: backscatter with no frequency shift, backscatter with a first frequency shift, or active transmission with a second frequency shift.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the first frequency shift is smaller than the second frequency. [0135] In some example embodiments, the request is received via a first activation signal from a second apparatus, and the capability information of the first apparatus is transmitted to a third apparatus via a first response signal for the first activation signal.

[0136] In some example embodiments, the second configuration of the frequency shift is received via a second activation signal from the second apparatus, and the signal is transmitted to the third apparatus as a second response signal for the second activation signal.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the transmitted signal carries at least one of data, or an acknowledgement for the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0138] In some example embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing the method 600 (for example, the third apparatus 130 in FIG. 1) may comprise means for performing the respective operations of the method 600. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module. The apparatus may be implemented as or included in the third apparatus 130 in FIG. 1 .

[0139] In some example embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for receiving capability information of a first apparatus from the first apparatus; means for transmitting the capability information of the first apparatus to a fourth apparatus; means for receiving a second configuration of a frequency shift of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus; means for receiving, from the first apparatus, a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift, based on the second configuration of the frequency shift; and means for transmitting the result to the fourth apparatus.

[0140] In some example embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing the method 700 (for example, the fourth apparatus 140 in FIG. 1 ) may comprise means for performing the respective operations of the method 700. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module. The apparatus may be implemented as or included in the fourth apparatus 140 in FIG. 1

[0141] In some example embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for receiving capability information of a first apparatus; means for determining a second configuration of a frequency shift of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus, at least based on the capability information of the first apparatus; means for transmitting the second configuration of the frequency shift to the first apparatus; and means for receiving a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0142] In some example embodiments, the capability information indicates at least one of: a capability of backscatter with no frequency shift, a capability of a passive frequency shift, a capability of an active frequency shift, a capability of transmission power, or one or more supported configurations of the frequency shift.

[0143] In some example embodiments, the first configuration of the frequency shift comprises a default configuration of the frequency shift indicating backscatter with no frequency shift.

[0144] In some example embodiments, the second configuration of the frequency shift is determined further based on at least one of: a frequency division duplex spectrum requirement, an option to transmit and receive in less than a frequency division duplex spectral separation, an option to apply a none-frequency shift between the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first apparatus, or a required transmission range of the first apparatus.

[0145] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for instructing a second apparatus to transmit a request for the capability information to the first apparatus.

[0146] In some example embodiments, the capability information is received from a third apparatus. [0147] In some example embodiments, the second configuration of the frequency shift is transmitted to the first apparatus via a second apparatus.

[0148] In some example embodiments, the result is received from a third apparatus.

[0149] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting the second configuration of the frequency offset to the third apparatus.

[0150] FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of a device 800 that is suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 800 may be provided to implement a communication device, for example, the first apparatus 110, the third apparatus 130 or the fourth apparatus 140 as shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the device 800 includes one or more processors 810, one or more memories 820 coupled to the processor 810, and one or more communication modules 840 coupled to the processor 810.

[0151] The communication module 840 is for bidirectional communications. The communication module 840 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interfaces may represent any interface that is necessary for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, the communication module 840 may include at least one antenna.

[0152] The processor 810 may be of any type suitable to the local technical network and may include one or more of the following: general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on multicore processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The device 800 may have multiple processors, such as an application specific integrated circuit chip that is slaved in time to a clock which synchronizes the main processor.

[0153] The memory 820 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of the non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a Read Only Memory (ROM) 824, an electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, a hard disk, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disk (DVD), an optical disk, a laser disk, and other magnetic storage and/or optical storage. Examples of the volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a random-access memory (RAM) 822 and other volatile memories that will not last in the power-down duration.

[0154] A computer program 830 includes computer executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 810. The instructions of the program 830 may include instructions for performing operations/acts of some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The program 830 may be stored in the memory, e.g., the ROM 824. The processor 810 may perform any suitable actions and processing by loading the program 830 into the RAM 822.

[0155] The example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by means of the program 830 so that the device 800 may perform any process of the disclosure as discussed with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4. The example embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0156] In some example embodiments, the program 830 may be tangibly contained in a computer readable medium which may be included in the device 800 (such as in the memory 820) or other storage devices that are accessible by the device 800. The device 800 may load the program 830 from the computer readable medium to the RAM 822 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer readable medium may include any types of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, a flash memory, a hard disk, CD, DVD, and the like. The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0157] FIG. 9 shows an example of the computer readable medium 900 which may be in form of CD, DVD or other optical storage disk. The computer readable medium 900 has the program 830 stored thereon.

[0158] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, and other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device. Although various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other pictorial representations, it is to be understood that the block, apparatus, system, technique or method described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0159] Some example embodiments of the present disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer readable medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in program modules, being executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor, to carry out any of the methods as described above. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, or the like that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or split between program modules as desired in various embodiments. Machine-executable instructions for program modules may be executed within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0160] Program code for carrying out methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, cause the functions/operations specified in the flowcharts and/or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may execute entirely on a machine, partly on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the machine and partly on a remote machine or entirely on the remote machine or server.

[0161] In the context of the present disclosure, the computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable the device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of the carrier include a signal, computer readable medium, and the like.

[0162] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable medium may include but not limited to an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computer readable storage medium would include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0163] Further, although operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Likewise, although several specific implementation details are contained in the above discussions, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Unless explicitly stated, certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, unless explicitly stated, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in a plurality of embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0164] Although the present disclosure has been described in languages specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the present disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A first apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: receive a request for capability information of the first apparatus; transmit the capability information of the first apparatus, based on a first configuration of a frequency shift between a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus; receive a second configuration of the frequency shift; and transmit a signal based on the second configuration of the frequency shift.

2. The first apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the capability information indicates at least one of: a capability of backscatter with no frequency shift, a capability of a passive frequency shift, a capability of an active frequency shift, a capability of transmission power, or one or more supported configurations of the frequency shift.

3. The first apparatus of any of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first configuration of the frequency shift comprises a default configuration of the frequency shift indicating backscatter with no frequency shift.

4. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second configuration of the frequency shift indicates one of: backscatter with no frequency shift, backscatter with a first frequency shift, or active transmission with a second frequency shift.

5. The first apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first frequency shift is smaller than the second frequency.

6. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the request is received via a first activation signal from a second apparatus, and the capability information of the first apparatus is transmitted to a third apparatus via a first response signal for the first activation signal.

7. The first apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second configuration of the frequency shift is received via a second activation signal from the second apparatus, and the signal is transmitted to the third apparatus as a second response signal for the second activation signal.

8. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transmitted signal carries at least one of data, or an acknowledgement for the second configuration of the frequency shift.

9. A third apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the third apparatus at least to: receive capability information of a first apparatus from the first apparatus; transmit the capability information of the first apparatus to a fourth apparatus; receive a second configuration of a frequency shift of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus; receive, from the first apparatus, a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift, based on the second configuration of the frequency shift; and transmit the result to the fourth apparatus.

10. A fourth apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the fourth apparatus at least to: receive capability information of a first apparatus; determine a second configuration of a frequency shift of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus, at least based on the capability information of the first apparatus; transmit the second configuration of the frequency shift to the first apparatus; and receive a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift.

11. The fourth apparatus of claim 10, wherein the capability information indicates at least one of: a capability of backscatter with no frequency shift, a capability of a passive frequency shift, a capability of an active frequency shift, a capability of transmission power, or one or more supported configurations of the frequency shift.

12. The fourth apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the first configuration of the frequency shift comprises a default configuration of the frequency shift indicating backscatter with no frequency shift.

13. The fourth apparatus of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the second configuration of the frequency shift is determined further based on at least one of: a frequency division duplex spectrum requirement, an option to transmit and receive in less than a frequency division duplex spectral separation, an option to apply a none-frequency shift between the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first apparatus, or a required transmission range of the first apparatus.

14. The fourth apparatus of any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the fourth apparatus to: instruct a second apparatus to transmit a request for the capability information to the first apparatus.

15. The fourth apparatus of any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the capability information is received from a third apparatus.

16. The fourth apparatus of any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the second configuration of the frequency shift is transmitted to the first apparatus via a second apparatus.

17. The fourth apparatus of any of claims 10 to 13 and claim 16, wherein the result is received from a third apparatus.

18. The fourth apparatus of claim 17, wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the fourth apparatus to: transmit the second configuration of the frequency offset to the third apparatus.

19. A method comprising: receiving a request for capability information of the first apparatus; transmitting the capability information of the first apparatus, based on a first configuration of a frequency shift between a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus; receiving a second configuration of the frequency shift; and transmitting a signal based on the second configuration of the frequency shift.

20. A method comprising: receiving capability information of a first apparatus from the first apparatus; transmitting the capability information of the first apparatus to a fourth apparatus; receiving a second configuration of a frequency shift of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus; receiving, from the first apparatus, a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift, based on the second configuration of the frequency shift; and transmitting the result to the fourth apparatus.

21. A method comprising: receiving capability information of a first apparatus; determining a second configuration of a frequency shift of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus, at least based on the capability information of the first apparatus; causing the second configuration of the frequency shift to be transmitted to the first apparatus; and receiving a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift.

22. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a request for capability information of the first apparatus; means for transmitting the capability information of the first apparatus, based on a first configuration of a frequency shift between a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus; means for receiving a second configuration of the frequency shift; and means for transmitting a signal based on the second configuration of the frequency shift.

23. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving capability information of a first apparatus from the first apparatus; means for transmitting the capability information of the first apparatus to a fourth apparatus; means for receiving a second configuration of a frequency shift of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus; means for receiving, from the first apparatus, a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift, based on the second configuration of the frequency shift; and means for transmitting the result to the fourth apparatus.

24. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving capability information of a first apparatus; means for determining a second configuration of a frequency shift of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus, at least based on the capability information of the first apparatus; means for causing the second configuration of the frequency shift to be transmitted to the first apparatus; and means for receiving a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift.

25. A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus at least to perform the method of claim 19, the method of claim 20 or the method of claim 21.