Backup procedure for ambient iot device connectivity through a smartphone

A network device comprising:

• at least one processor;
• and
• at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device at least to:
• select a first user equipment apparatus (first UE) to provide backscattering service to at least one ambient IoT device;
• select one or more backup user equipment apparatuses (backup UEs) capable of providing the backscattering service to at least one ambient IoT device;
• transmit, to the first UE, an instruction to provide the backscattering service to ambient IoT devices for a service period of time T, the instruction comprising a configuration for sidelink communication with at least one of the backup UEs;
• and
• transmit, to at least one of the backup UEs, a configuration for sidelink communication with the first UE.

A method comprising:

• selecting, by a network device, a first user equipment apparatus (first UE) to provide backscattering service to at least one ambient IoT device;
• selecting one or more backup user equipment apparatuses (backup UEs) capable of providing the backscattering service to at least one ambient IoT device;
• transmitting, to the first UE, an instruction to provide the backscattering service to ambient IoT devices for a service period of time T, the instruction comprising a configuration for sidelink communication with at least one of the backup UEs;
• and
• transmitting, to at least one of the backup UEs, a configuration for sidelink communication with the first UE.