Authentication relay procedure for passive iot

A network node, comprising:

• a memory storing computer readable instructions;
• and
• processing circuitry configured to execute the computer readable instructions to cause the network node to,
• transmit a first activation signal to at least one Internet of Things (IoT) device, the first activation signal causing the at least one IoT device to transmit a first transmission signal, receive a request from a reader node, the request including an authentication test condition, and
• transmit a second activation signal to the at least one IoT device, the second activation signal generated based on the authentication test condition, the second activation signal causing the at least one IoT device to transmit a second transmission signal.

A method of operating a network node comprising:

• receiving a first transmission signal from at least one IoT device in response to a first activation signal transmitted by an activator node;
• determining an authentication test condition based on the received first transmission signal;
• and
• transmitting a request to the activator node based on the determined authentication test condition, the request enabling the activator node to transmit a second activation signal generated based on the determined authentication test condition.