Packet-based PRS resource mapping and configuration

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for group-based positioning reference signal (PRS) resource mapping and configuration. In an example embodiment, a location server determines a group of neighboring base stations based on a geographic location of a base station. The location server allocates at least one time domain resource and a group of frequency domain resources for a group of PRSs to be transmitted by a group of neighboring base stations. The location server also sends an indication to a group of neighboring base stations indicating at least one time domain resource and a group of frequency domain resources.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the field of communications, and more particularly to a method, an apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium for group-based positioning reference signal (PRS) resource mapping and configuration. Background Art

[0002] Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) is a downlink positioning technique in Long Term Evolution (LTE) Release 9 (Rel-9). The technique uses a multi-point measurement approach where a user equipment (UE) measures the time of arrival (TOA) of signals received from multiple base stations (e.g., eNBs). In LTE, Positioning Reference Signals (PRS) have been introduced to allow the UE to make appropriate timing measurements of signals from base stations, thereby improving OTDOA positioning performance.

[0003] Positioning technology for new radio (NR) systems is being developed in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standardization. Positioning technology needs to enable radio access technology (RAT)-dependent positioning to operate in both frequency range 1 (or FR1, also known as the sub 6Ghz range) and frequency range 2 (or FR2, also known as the millimeter wave range). However, there is no applicable PRS design in NR systems to enable the OTDOA positioning algorithm to achieve high positioning accuracy. Summary of the invention

[0004] Generally speaking, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, apparatus, and computer-readable storage media for packet-based positioning reference signal (PRS) resource mapping and configuration.

[0005] In a first aspect, a location server is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory comprising computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the location server to: determine a group of neighboring base stations based on the geographic location of the base station. Cause the location server to allocate at least one time domain resource and a group of frequency domain resources for a group of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by the group of neighboring base stations. Also cause the location server to send an indication indicating at least one time domain resource and a group of frequency domain resources to the group of neighboring base stations.

[0006] In a second aspect, a user equipment is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, wherein the at least one memory comprises computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, use the user equipment to: receive an indication of at least one time domain resource and a set of frequency domain resources for a set of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by a set of neighboring base stations. A set of positioning reference signals transmitted by a set of neighboring base stations. Enable the user equipment to determine a beam direction for receiving the set of positioning reference signals. Also enable the user equipment to receive a set of positioning reference signals in a beam direction on the time domain resources and the frequency domain resources.

[0007] In a third aspect, a base station is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, wherein the at least one memory comprises computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the base station to: receive from a location server an indication of at least time domain resources and frequency domain resources for transmitting a positioning reference signal. The base station is also caused to transmit a positioning reference signal on the time domain resources and the frequency domain resources.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. In the method, a location server determines a group of neighboring base stations based on the geographic location of the base station. The location server allocates at least one time domain resource and a group of frequency domain resources for a group of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by the group of neighboring base stations. The location server also sends an indication to the group of neighboring base stations indicating at least one time domain resource and a group of frequency domain resources.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, a method is provided. In the method, a user equipment receives an indication of at least one time domain resource and a set of frequency domain resources for a set of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by a set of neighboring base stations. The user equipment determines a beam direction for receiving the set of positioning reference signals. The user equipment also receives a set of positioning reference signals in the beam direction on the time domain resource and the set of frequency domain resources.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, a method is provided. In the method, a base station receives an indication from a location server indicating at least time domain resources and frequency domain resources for transmitting a positioning reference signal. The base station also transmits the positioning reference signal on the time domain resources and the frequency domain resources.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for performing the method according to the third or fourth aspect.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided on which a computer program is stored. The computer program, when executed by a processor of a device, causes the device to perform the method according to the third or fourth aspect.

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

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

[0015] Figure 1 An example PRS resource mapping in LTE is shown;

[0016] Figure 2 An example PRS resource configuration in LTE is shown;

[0017] Figure 3 An example scenario is shown where the gNBs are geographically far away from each other;

[0018] Figure 4 An example environment in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown;

[0019] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an example method according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating an example method according to some other example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 7 shows an example use of a group ID according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an example method according to some other example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Fig. 9 shows an example signaling flow 800 between a location server, a base station, and a UE according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig.10 An example scenario of packet-based PRS transmission according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0025] Fig.11 illustrates an example scenario of packet-based PRS transmission according to some other example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0026] Fig.12 A simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described only for illustration and to help those skilled in the art understand and implement the present disclosure, and do not imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways except for the way described below.

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

[0030] As used herein, the term "base station" (BS) refers to a device via which a user equipment (UE) can access a communication network. Examples of base stations include relays, access points (APs), transmission points (TRPs), Node Bs (NodeBs or NBs), evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs or eNBs), new radio (NR) NodeBs (gNBs), remote radio units (RRUs), radio heads (RHs), remote radio heads (RRHs), low power nodes (such as femto, pico, etc.).

[0031] As used herein, the term "user plane function" (UPF) refers to a device, function or component used to provide various functions in the user plane in the core network. The UPF can provide interconnection, packet routing and forwarding between mobile infrastructure and data networks, etc.

[0032] As used herein, the term "user equipment" (UE) refers to a terminal device capable of wireless communication with a time-sensitive communication (TSC) terminal station or with a base station. Communication may involve transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic signals, radio waves, infrared signals, and / or other types of signals suitable for transmitting information over the air. Examples of UE include, but are not limited to, smart phones, wireless-enabled tablets, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), and / or wireless customer premises equipment (CPEs).

[0033] As used herein, the term "location server" refers to a device, function, or entity that can provide location services or management to a UE. As an example, the location server can be a device in the core network of a communication network, such as an Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center (E-SMLC) that can communicate with a base station. As another example, the location server can be integrated with a base station.

[0034] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0035] (a) pure hardware circuit implementation (such as implementation in analog and / or digital circuitry only) and

[0036] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s) (including digital signal processor(s)) with software, software and memory(s) that work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions) and

[0037] (c) Hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s) (such as microprocessor(s) or portion(s) of microprocessor(s)) that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but the software may not be present when the software is not required for operation.

[0038] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers implementations of only a hardware circuit or a processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to a particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0039] 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. The term "include" and its variations should be understood as open terms meaning "including but not limited to." The term "based on" should be understood as "based at least in part on." The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" should be understood as "at least one embodiment." The term "another embodiment" should be understood as "at least one other embodiment." Other definitions, explicit and implicit, may be included below.

[0040] As used herein, the terms "first" and "second" and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, which should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0041] As a mature positioning technology, OTDOA has been specified in LTE standardization. In OTDOA positioning, the UE needs to measure the time difference for receiving PRS signals from two or more base stations. In LTE, the PRS resources of multiple cells are multiplexed in the frequency domain of one subframe. A cell-specific frequency shift is introduced in the PRS mapping rule.

[0042] As an example, where v shift represents the frequency shift, Represents a physical cell identifier (PID), and mod represents a modulo operation. In this case, there are six possible frequency shift modes to achieve multiplexing of six cells in the frequency domain. The value of mod(PCI, 6) determines one of the six possible frequency arrangements. Therefore, the frequency domain resources of the PRS can be determined for the cell by mod(PCI, 6).

[0043] Figure 1 An example PRS resource mapping 100 is shown. In this example, three base stations represented by gNB#1, gNB#2, and gNB#3 transmit PRS on the same time domain resources (such as symbol 105), but on different time domain resources to achieve frequency domain multiplexing. The frequency domain resources of these base stations can be identified by different mod(PCI,6) values.

[0044] In addition, PRS can be transmitted in a predefined positioning subframe grouped by multiple consecutive subframes, which are called "positioning opportunities". Positioning opportunities occur periodically with a certain period. PRS subframe configuration (such as subframe offset, number of downlink (DL) consecutive subframes and PRS periodicity, etc.) can be configured individually by each base station.

[0045] PRS subframe configuration may also involve PRS muting. As described above, in the case of frequency domain multiplexing of 6 cells, the frequency domain resources of PRS can be determined by mod(PCI, 6). Therefore, if the cells have the same mod(PCI, 6) value (e.g., PCI=0 and PCI=6), the PRS will collide and will no longer be orthogonal. In this case, PRS muting can be introduced to make the PRS opportunities orthogonal to each other.

[0046] PRS muting requires that the PRS be transmitted at zero power at certain positioning occasions. For example, if the (strong) PRS received by a UE from its serving base station is muted, then the (weak) PRS from a neighboring base station (with the same frequency shift) may be more easily detected by the UE. PRS muting can be configured by a central node.

[0047] Figure 2 An example PRS resource configuration 200 in LTE is shown. Figure 2As shown, for a reference time 205 when the subframe number (SFN) = 0 and the time slot number = 0, the PRS subframe offset 210 is configured by the base station. The base station also configures the number of consecutive subframes in the PRS opportunity 215 and the PRS period 220. In this example, six cells are multiplexed, and for PCI = 0, PCI = 6, PCI = 12, and PCT = 18, the PRS may conflict. The PRS muting patterns for these PCIs are configured as {1000}, {0100}, {0010}, and {0001}, respectively, where "1" indicates muting of PRS transmission in the corresponding transmission opportunity 215.

[0048] Traditionally, in LTE, the frequency domain resources of PRS can be determined by the cell ID. The time domain resources of PRS can be configured autonomously by the base station without any coordination with neighboring cells or neighboring base stations.

[0049] In NR, beamforming has been agreed to improve audibility, especially at least for high frequency bands. For example, in NR systems, receiver (Rx) beamforming needs to be supported to achieve high audibility in high frequency bands. In this case, the PRS resource configuration in LTE does not seem to be efficient for NR systems if Rx beamforming is used on the UE side.

[0050] For example, using Figure 1 As shown in the PRS resource mapping 100, the PRS signals of the three gNBs have been configured to be transmitted in one subframe 105 with different subcarriers. The PRS configuration can be determined autonomously by one of the gNBs without considering the geographical location of the gNB. If the three gNBs are geographically far away from each other, the UE can only receive one of the PRS signals at a time opportunity by using one receive beam direction.

[0051] Figure 3 An example scenario 300 is shown where the gNBs are geographically distant from each other.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, three gNBs 305, 310, and 315 (represented by gNB#1, gNB#2, and gNB#3) are arranged in a Figure 1 In this case, UE 320 can only receive one of the PRSs at one time instance by using one of the receive beam directions 325, 330, and 335. Therefore, UE 320 needs several time instances to receive all the PRSs of the three gNBs 305, 310, and 315, which results in a waste of resources.

[0053] So far, there is no suitable PRS design in NR systems to enable the OTDOA positioning algorithm to achieve high positioning accuracy.

[0054] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a novel PRS resource mapping and configuration scheme to improve resource efficiency in, for example, Rx beamforming of NR systems. The scheme proposes PRS configuration based on base station grouping. With this scheme, a location server divides base stations into different neighboring base station groups based on their geographical locations. For a group of neighboring base stations, the location server allocates at least one time domain resource and a group of different frequency domain resources for the transmission of PRS. The number of time domain resources may depend on the number of base stations in the group.

[0055] In this way, a group of PRS can be transmitted by a group of base stations using different frequency domain resources at one time instance. Therefore, the UE can receive a group of PRS from multiple cells in one beam direction. Compared with the autonomous PRS configuration of the base station in LTE, the PRS configuration scheme according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure ensures that the neighboring gNB transmits PRS at one time opportunity under the control of the location server. In this way, the UE can receive the maximum number of PRSs at the same time, thereby achieving high resource efficiency.

[0056] Figure 4 An example environment 400 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown. The environment 400, as part of a communication network, includes a UE 410 and a plurality of base stations 420-1, 420-2, ... 420-N (where N represents a positive integer). For the purpose of discussion, these base stations will be collectively referred to as base stations 420. The environment 400 also includes a location server 430, which may communicate with the base stations 420, and communicate with the UE 410 via the base stations 420 to provide location services to the UE 410.

[0057] It should be understood that Figure 4 The number of base stations, UEs, and location servers shown in FIG. 4 is for illustration purposes only and does not imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Environment 400 may include any suitable number of base stations, UEs, and location servers suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] The UE 410 may communicate with the base station 420 or with another terminal device or a location server 430 or other network entity via the base station 420. The communication between the UE 410 and the base station 420 may follow any suitable wireless communication standard or protocol, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), Fifth Generation (5G) NR, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) standards, and adopt any suitable communication technology, including, for example, Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), Code Division Multiplexing (CDM), Bluetooth, ZigBee and Machine Type Communication (MTC), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) and Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (uRLLC) technology.

[0059] Location server 430 may communicate with base station 420. Communication between location server 430 and base station 420 may utilize any suitable communication technology. In some example embodiments, location server 430 and base station 420 may communicate in a cable.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, base stations 420-1...420-N are geographically adjacent to each other. Location server 430 clusters these base stations 420 into group 440. It should be understood that showing one group 440 in environment 400 is only for illustrative purposes and does not imply any limitation. Environment 400 may include any suitable number of groups 440 of neighboring base stations. For the groups 440 of neighboring base stations, location server 430 allocates the same time domain resources and different frequency domain resources for the transmission of PRS. UE 410 may use one beam direction 450 to receive PRS from the group 440 of base stations.

[0061] Figure 5 1 shows a flow chart of an example method 500 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 500 may be performed as follows: Figure 4 For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to the location server 430 shown. Figure 4 Method 500 is described.

[0062] As shown, at block 505, location server 430 determines a group 440 of neighboring base stations based on the geographic location of the base stations. The geographic location of base stations 420 may be determined by location server 430 based on geographic information received or collected from these base stations 420. In some example embodiments, location server 430 may collect positioning assistance information from surrounding base stations. The positioning assistance information may include geographic coordinates of surrounding base stations as geographic information about these base stations. Based on the geographic coordinates, location server 430 may determine which base stations are adjacent to each other, and then determine that these base stations form a group of neighboring base stations.

[0063] Location server 430 may determine the proximity of base station 420 based on a comparison of the geographic distance between the base stations and a threshold distance. The threshold distance may be preconfigured according to network deployment and actual needs. For example, in an example embodiment in which location server 430 obtains the geographic coordinates of base station 420 as geographic information, location server 430 may determine the geographic distance between the base stations based on the corresponding geographic coordinates, and then compare the geographic distance with the threshold distance. If the geographic distance between the base stations 420 is lower than the threshold distance, location server 430 may determine that the base stations 420 are adjacent to each other.

[0064] At block 510, the location server 430 allocates at least one time domain resource and a set of frequency domain resources for a set of PRSs to be transmitted by a set of neighboring base stations 420. The number of time domain resources allocated by the location server 430 may depend on the number of base stations in the group 440. For example, when the number of base stations in the group is greater than a threshold number, more than one time domain resource may be allocated to the group. The threshold number may depend on the multiplexing of base stations or PRSs in the frequency domain. For example, in the case of six base stations multiplexing in the frequency domain, the threshold number may be set to 6. Based on the time and frequency resource allocation, multiple PRSs may be transmitted by multiple neighboring base stations 420 at the same time instance using different frequency domain resources.

[0065] The time domain resources may include any suitable resources in the time domain. For example, the time domain resources may include a transmit opportunity for a PRS. The location server 430 may allocate a transmit opportunity for a group of neighboring base stations. The frequency domain resources may include any suitable resources in the frequency domain. For example, the frequency domain resources may include subcarriers, subbands, and bandwidth portions in the frequency domain. In an example embodiment where the location server 430 may allocate different subcarriers to neighboring base stations in the group, a group of neighboring base stations will transmit PRS on different subcarriers but at the same time instance.

[0066] In addition, time and frequency resources may refer to any other suitable resource configuration. For example, time domain resources may include the duration of a transmission opportunity, the location of a transmission opportunity, and the period of a transmission opportunity. Frequency domain resources may include a cell-specific frequency shift and PRS bandwidth. In the case of allocating subcarriers, the frequency shift may implicitly indicate the subcarrier index.

[0067] In some example embodiments, location server 430 may allocate different time domain resources, such as transmission opportunities, for different groups of base stations. Therefore, different groups of base stations transmit PRSs on different time domain resources.

[0068] At block 515, the location server 430 sends an indication indicating at least one time domain resource and a set of frequency domain resources to the group 440 of neighboring base stations. The indication may be sent to the group 440 of neighboring base stations using LTE Positioning Protocol A (LPPa) or any other suitable protocol that already exists or will be developed in the future.

[0069] In some example embodiments, location server 430 may send an indication to UE 410 indicating at least one time domain resource and a set of frequency domain resources, for example, via a serving cell of UE 410. For example, location server 430 may include information about both time domain and frequency domain resources in assistance data for UE 410. The indication may be sent by reusing existing signaling, such as a ProvideAssistanceData message using the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP). By reusing existing signaling to transmit time and frequency resources from location server 430 to the group of base stations, no additional signaling needs to be introduced to provide backward compatibility. It should be understood that any other suitable signaling may be used. Using the time and frequency resources, UE 410 may receive a set of PRSs from a group 440 of neighboring base stations in one beam direction 450.

[0070] In some example embodiments, location server 430 may configure a group identification (ID) to group of neighboring base stations 440 and send the group ID to group of neighboring base stations 440. Similar to the indication used to indicate time domain and frequency domain resources, the group ID may be indicated to base station 420 using LPP or any other suitable protocol.

[0071] In some example embodiments, location server 430 may send an indication of the group ID to UE 410. The indication may also be included in the assistance data of UE 410. In this way, when the number of base stations in group 440 is large and these base stations 420 are configured with more than one time domain resource, UE 410 may still determine that the same beam direction 450 will be used to receive PRS from these base stations 420 based on the group ID.

[0072] The base station 420 transmits the PRS on the configured time and frequency resources based on the PRS configuration determined by the location server 430. The UE 410 receives the PRS on the configured time and frequency resources by using Rx beamforming.

[0073] Figure 6 600 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 600 may be performed as follows: Figure 4 For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 4 Method 600 is described.

[0074] At block 605, UE 410 receives from location server 420 an indication of at least one time domain resource and a set of frequency domain resources for a set of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by group 440 of neighboring base stations. As described above, in some example embodiments, the indication may be received from location server 430 via a serving cell in a PrivateAssistanceData message using LPP.

[0075] At block 610, the UE 410 determines the beam direction 450 for receiving the set of positioning reference signals. The beam direction may be determined by beam scanning during PRS reception. The UE 410 may determine the beam direction using any suitable beam training method that already exists or will be developed in the future.

[0076] In some example embodiments, Rx beamforming may be triggered under some conditions. For example, if UE 410 is located outside of group 440, Rx beamforming may be preferred. If UE 410 is located inside group 440, an omni-directional antenna may be preferred because UE 410 may not be able to receive a group of PRSs in one beam direction at one time instance in this case.

[0077] UE 410 can determine the position relative to group 440 of neighboring base stations 420 by measuring the received signal strength of a group of PRS from base station 420. For example, the received signal strength may include a signal to noise ratio (SNR). If the received signal strength of the PRS is lower than a threshold strength, it can be determined that UE 410 is outside group 440. Then, Rx beamforming is triggered to facilitate reception of a group of PRS to achieve high audibility. If the received signal strength of the PRS exceeds the threshold strength, UE 410 will adaptively switch the RX antenna mode from the directional mode to the omnidirectional mode to improve the performance of PRS reception and further improve the positioning accuracy.

[0078] In an example embodiment where a group ID is configured for each group of neighboring base stations, UE 410 may determine the grouping of base stations based on the group ID. For example, UE 410 may receive a group ID for group 440 of neighboring base stations from location server 430. Based on the group ID, UE 410 may determine that a beam direction will be used to detect or receive a group of PRSs.

[0079] To reduce the overhead of beam scanning, UE 410 only needs to perform beam scanning once for each group of PRS. In an example embodiment in which the group ID is indicated to UE 410, UE 410 may know the relationship between group 440 and time domain resources (such as transmission opportunities) to avoid repeated beam scanning. The configuration of the group ID may save energy at UE 410 by avoiding repeated Rx beam scanning processes.

[0080] Figure 7 Example uses of group IDs according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0081] As shown, UE 410 receives PRS from group #1 on the same beam direction 450-1 at time opportunity 705 and time opportunity 710. UE 410 receives PRS from group #2 on beam direction 450-2 at time opportunity 715.

[0082] Still reference Figure 6 At block 615 , the UE 410 receives the set of positioning reference signals in the beam direction 450 on the time domain resources and a set of frequency domain resources.

[0083] Figure 8 800 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 The base station 420 is shown as one of the base stations. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 4 Method 800 is described.

[0084] At block 805, base station 420 receives an indication from location server 420 indicating at least time domain resources and frequency domain resources for transmitting PRS. In some example embodiments, the indication may be received from location server 430 using LPPa or any other suitable protocol.

[0085] In some example embodiments, the indicated time domain resource may be one of at least one time domain resource allocated by location server 430 for a set of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by group 440 of neighboring base stations. The indicated frequency domain resource may be a frequency domain resource of a set of frequency domain resources allocated by location server 430 for group 440 of neighboring base stations.

[0086] In some example embodiments, the indication may indicate to base station 420 the time domain and frequency domain resources allocated for the entire group 440. The indication may indicate other configurations related to base station 420.

[0087] At block 810, the base station 420 transmits a PRS on time domain resources and frequency domain resources.

[0088] In some example embodiments, base station 420 may receive an indication of a group ID for group 440 of neighboring base stations from location server 430. The indication may also be received using LPPa or any other suitable protocol.

[0089] In some exemplary embodiments, base station 420 may send geographic information, such as its geographic coordinates, to location server 430. Thus, location server 430 may determine which base stations may be clustered into group 440 based on the geographic locations of the various base stations 420.

[0090] Reference above Figures 4 to 7 All operations and features described are also applicable to method 800 and have similar effects. Details may be omitted for simplicity.

[0091] Fig. 9 An example signaling flow 900 between a location server 430, a base station 420 (e.g., a gNB), and a UE 410 is shown according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0092] In flow 900, base station 420 provides (905) geographic coordinates to location server 430. Location server 430 determines (910) PRS grouping and PRS resource configuration. Location server 430 indicates (915) the PRS configuration to the corresponding group of base stations 420. Location server 430 also indicates (920) the PRS configuration to UE 410. Base station 420 performs (925) PRS transmission using the PRS resource configuration. UE 410 performs (930) PRS reception accordingly.

[0093] Fig.10 An example scenario 1000 of packet-based PRS transmission according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0094] As shown, three neighboring base stations 420-1, 420-2, and 420-3 (labeled as gNB#1, gNB#2, gNB#3) form a group 440-1 (labeled as group#1). Three neighboring base stations 420-4, 420-5, and 420-6 (labeled as gNB#4, gNB#5, gNB#6) for another group 440-2 (labeled as group#2). The two groups are assigned to different transmission opportunities 1005 and 1010. The PRS of group#1 (gNB#1, gNB#2, gNB#3) is transmitted simultaneously at the transmission opportunity 1005, and the PRS of group#2 (gNB#4, gNB#5, gNB#6) is also transmitted simultaneously at the transmission opportunity 1010. The PRS of the base stations 410 in one group 440 is transmitted at different frequencies (such as subcarriers 1015, 1020, and 1025).

[0095] In this scenario 1000, UE 410 is outside of groups 440-1 and 440-2. Therefore, Rx beamforming is triggered at UE 410. UE 410 may receive one set of PRS at one transmit opportunity 1005 using one beam direction 450-1 and receive another set of PRS at another transmit opportunity 1010 using another beam direction 450-2.

[0096] Fig.11 An example scenario 1100 of packet-based PRS transmission according to some other example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0097] In scenario 1100, the grouping of base stations and the PRS mapping of each group are the same as scenario 1000. For simplicity, it is not repeated. As shown in the figure, in this example, UE 410 is located inside group 440-1. In this case, UE 410 can detect that the received SNR of PRS is high. Then, UE 410 uses an omni-directional antenna to receive PRS from group 440-1 at a transmission opportunity 1005 in an omni-directional mode 1105.

[0098] For the PRS of group 440-2, since the UE is outside of group 440-2, the UE can still use Rx beamforming on beam direction 450-2. For example, UE 410 can determine that the measured SNR of the PRS from group 440-2 is lower than the threshold SNR, and Rx beamforming can be triggered to improve the audibility and positioning accuracy of the PRS. Therefore, a group of PRS can be received from the group 440-2 of the base station at one time instance.

[0099] The group-based PRS resource configuration mechanism can be used when the UE 410 is outside any group 440 to receive a group of PRSs at a time by using Rx beamforming. This mechanism can also be used when the UE 410 is within a group 440 of base stations. In this case, the UE 410 can switch the antenna mode from a directional antenna to an omni-directional antenna for PRS reception according to the measured SNR to ensure PRS reception performance.

[0100] Fig.12 1 is a simplified block diagram of a device 1200 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 As shown, device 1200 may be implemented by location server 430 , UE 410 , or base station 420 .

[0101] As shown, the device 1200 includes a processor 1210, a memory 1220 coupled to the processor 1210, a communication module 1230 coupled to the processor 1210, and a communication interface (not shown) coupled to the communication module 1230. The memory 1220 stores at least a program 1240. The communication module 1230 is used for two-way communication, for example, via multiple antennas. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication.

[0102] Assume that program 1240 includes program instructions that, when executed by associated processor 1210, enable device 1200 to operate in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, as described herein with reference to Figures 4 to 11 The embodiments herein may be implemented by computer software executable by the processor 1210 of the device 1200, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. The processor 1210 may be configured to implement various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0103] The memory 1220 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as, as non-limiting examples, non-transitory computer-readable storage media, semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. Although only one memory 1220 is shown in the device 1200, there may be several physically different memory modules in the device 1200. The processor 1210 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network and may include, as non-limiting examples, one or more of the following: a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. The device 1200 may have multiple processors, such as a dedicated integrated circuit chip that is time-slave to a clock synchronized with a main processor.

[0104] When the device 1200 acts as the location server 430 or a part of the location server 430, the processor 1210 and the communication module 1230 may cooperate to implement the above reference Figure 5 When the device 1200 is used as a UE 410 or a part of a UE 410, the processor 1210 and the communication module 1230 may cooperate to implement the method 500 described above. Figure 6 When the device 1200 acts as a base station 420 or a part of a base station 420, the processor 1210 and the communication module 1230 may cooperate to implement the method 600 described above with reference to Figure 8 The method 800 described above is Figures 4 to 11 All operations and features described are equally applicable to the device 1200 and have similar effects. For simplicity, the details will be omitted.

[0105] In general, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representations, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the boxes, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0106] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product, tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions (such as those included in a program module) that are executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the above-referenced Figures 4 to 8 Methods 500, 600 and 800 described. Typically, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functions of program modules can be combined or split between program modules as needed. Machine executable instructions for program modules can be executed in local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, program modules can be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0107] The program code for executing the disclosed method can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes can be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device so that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, the function / operation specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram is realized. The program code can be executed completely on the machine, partially on the machine, as an independent software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or completely on a remote machine or server.

[0108] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, etc.

[0109] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor systems, devices or apparatuses, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer readable storage media would include an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer floppy disk, 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 disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0110] In addition, although operations are described in a particular order, this should not be construed as requiring such operations to be performed in the particular order shown or in order, or performing all of the operations shown, to obtain the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment. Certain features described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0111] Although the disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the 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.

[0112] Various embodiments of these techniques have been described. In addition to or as an alternative to the above, the following embodiments are described. Features described in any of the following examples may be utilized with any other examples described herein.

[0113] In some aspects, a location server comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, enable the location server to: determine a group of neighboring base stations based on the geographic location of the base stations; allocate at least one time domain resource and a group of frequency domain resources for a group of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by the group of neighboring base stations; and send an indication to a group of neighboring base stations indicating at least one time domain resource and a group of frequency domain resources.

[0114] In some example embodiments, the location server determines a group of neighboring base stations by: receiving geographic information about the plurality of base stations from the plurality of base stations; determining that the plurality of base stations are neighboring based on the received geographic information; and clustering the plurality of base stations into a group of neighboring base stations.

[0115] In some example embodiments, one of the at least one time domain resource comprises a time opportunity of a positioning reference signal in the time domain.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the frequency domain resources in the set of frequency domain resources include at least one of a subcarrier, a subband, and a bandwidth portion in the frequency domain.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the location server is further caused to: send an indication indicating at least one time domain resource and a set of frequency domain resources towards the user equipment.

[0118] In some example embodiments, the location server is further caused to: assign a group identity to a set of neighboring base stations; and send an indication of the group identity to the set of neighboring base stations.

[0119] In some example embodiments, the location server is further caused to: send an indication of the group identity towards the user equipment.

[0120] In some aspects, a user device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory, including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to use the user device with the at least one processor to: receive from a location server an indication of at least one time domain resource and a set of frequency domain resources for a set of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by a set of neighboring base stations; determine a beam direction for receiving the set of positioning reference signals; and receive a set of positioning reference signals in the beam direction on the time domain resources and the set of frequency domain resources.

[0121] In some example embodiments, a user device determines a beam direction by: measuring a received signal strength of a set of positioning reference signals; determining whether the received signal strength is below a threshold strength; and in response to determining that the received signal strength is below the threshold strength, determining a beam direction for receiving a set of positioning reference signals.

[0122] In some example embodiments, the user equipment is further caused to: in response to determining that the received signal strength exceeds a threshold strength, receive a set of positioning reference signals using an omni-directional antenna.

[0123] In some example embodiments, the user equipment is further caused to: receive an indication of a group identity for a group of neighboring base stations from a location server.

[0124] In some aspects, a base station includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory, including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, enable the base station to: receive from a location server an indication of at least time domain resources and frequency domain resources for transmitting a positioning reference signal; and transmit a positioning reference signal on the time domain resources and the frequency domain resources.

[0125] In some example embodiments, the time domain resources include a time-frequency resource in at least one time domain resource allocated by the location server for a set of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by a set of neighboring base stations, and the frequency domain resources include a frequency domain resource in a set of frequency domain resources allocated by the location server for the set of positioning reference signals.

[0126] In some example embodiments, the base station is further caused to: receive an indication of a group identity for a group of neighboring base stations from a location server.

[0127] In some example embodiments, the base station is further caused to: send geographic information about the base station to a location server.

[0128] In some aspects, a method includes: determining, by a location server, a group of neighboring base stations based on the geographic location of the base stations; allocating at least one time domain resource and a group of frequency domain resources for a group of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by the group of neighboring base stations; and sending an indication to the group of neighboring base stations indicating at least one time domain resource and a group of frequency domain resources.

[0129] In some example embodiments, determining a group of neighboring base stations includes: receiving geographic information about the plurality of base stations from the plurality of base stations; determining the plurality of base stations are neighboring based on the received geographic information; and clustering the plurality of base stations into a group of neighboring base stations.

[0130] In some example embodiments, one of the at least one time domain resource comprises a time opportunity of a positioning reference signal in the time domain.

[0131] In some example embodiments, the frequency domain resources in the set of frequency domain resources include at least one of a subcarrier, a subband, and a bandwidth portion in the frequency domain.

[0132] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: sending an indication indicating at least one time domain resource and a set of frequency domain resources towards the user equipment.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: allocating a group identity for a group of neighboring base stations; and sending an indication of the group identity to the group of neighboring base stations.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises sending an indication of the group identity towards the user equipment.

[0135] In some aspects, a method includes: receiving, by a user device from a location server, an indication of at least one time domain resource and a set of frequency domain resources for a set of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by a set of neighboring base stations; determining a beam direction for receiving the set of positioning reference signals; and receiving the set of positioning reference signals in the beam direction on the time domain resources and the set of frequency domain resources.

[0136] In some example embodiments, determining a beam direction includes: measuring a received signal strength of a set of positioning reference signals; determining whether the received signal strength is below a threshold strength; and in response to determining that the received signal strength is below the threshold strength, determining a beam direction for receiving a set of positioning reference signals.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises, in response to determining that the received signal strength exceeds the threshold strength, receiving a set of positioning reference signals using an omni-directional antenna.

[0138] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises receiving, from a location server, an indication of a group identity for a group of neighboring base stations.

[0139] In some example embodiments, a method includes: receiving, by a base station from a location server, an indication indicating at least time domain resources and frequency domain resources for transmitting a positioning reference signal; and transmitting the positioning reference signal on the time domain resources and the frequency domain resources.

[0140] In some example embodiments, the time domain resources include one time domain resource of at least one time domain resource allocated by the location server for a set of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by a set of neighboring base stations, and the frequency domain resources include a frequency domain resource of a set of frequency domain resources allocated by the location server for the set of positioning reference signals.

[0141] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises receiving, from a location server, an indication of a group identity for a set of neighboring base stations.

[0142] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises sending geographic information about the base station to a location server.

[0143] In some aspects, an apparatus includes: a component for determining, by a location server, a set of neighboring base stations based on the geographic location of the base stations; a component for allocating at least one time domain resource and a set of frequency domain resources for a set of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by the set of neighboring base stations; and a component for sending an indication to a set of neighboring base stations indicating at least one time domain resource and a set of frequency domain resources.

[0144] In some example embodiments, means for determining a group of neighboring base stations includes means for receiving geographic information about the plurality of base stations from the plurality of base stations; means for determining that the plurality of base stations are neighboring based on the received geographic information; and means for clustering the plurality of base stations into a group of neighboring base stations.

[0145] In some example embodiments, one of the at least one time domain resource comprises a time opportunity of a positioning reference signal in the time domain.

[0146] In some example embodiments, the frequency domain resources in the set of frequency domain resources include at least one of a subcarrier, a subband, and a bandwidth portion in the frequency domain.

[0147] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for sending an indication indicating at least one time domain resource and a set of frequency domain resources towards the user equipment.

[0148] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for assigning a group identification for a set of neighboring base stations; and means for sending an indication of the group identification to the set of neighboring base stations.

[0149] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for sending an indication of the group identity towards the user equipment.

[0150] In some aspects, an apparatus includes: a component for receiving, by a user device, from a location server an indication of at least one time domain resource and a set of frequency domain resources for a set of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by a set of neighboring base stations; a component for determining a beam direction for receiving a set of positioning reference signals; and a component for the user to receive a set of positioning reference signals in the beam direction on the time domain resources and the set of frequency domain resources.

[0151] In some example embodiments, the means for determining a beam direction includes: means for measuring a received signal strength of a set of positioning reference signals; means for determining whether the received signal strength is below a threshold strength; and means for determining a beam direction for receiving a set of positioning reference signals in response to determining that the received signal strength is below the threshold strength.

[0152] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving a set of positioning reference signals using an omni-directional antenna in response to determining that the received signal strength exceeds the threshold strength.

[0153] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving an indication of a group identity of a neighboring group of base stations from a location server.

[0154] In some example embodiments, an apparatus includes: means for receiving, by a base station from a location server, an indication indicating at least time domain resources and frequency domain resources for transmitting a positioning reference signal; and means for transmitting the positioning reference signal on the time domain resources and the frequency domain resources.

[0155] In some example embodiments, the time domain resources include a time-frequency resource in at least one time domain resource allocated by the location server for a set of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by a set of neighboring base stations, and the frequency domain resources include a frequency domain resource in a set of frequency domain resources allocated by the location server for the set of positioning reference signals.

[0156] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving, from a location server, an indication of a group identity for a set of neighboring base stations.

[0157] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for sending geographic information about the base station to a location server.

[0158] In some aspects, a computer-readable storage medium includes program instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor of the device, cause the device to perform methods according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A location server, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the location server to: determining a set of neighboring base stations based on the geographic location of the base station; Allocate a time domain resource and a set of frequency domain resources for a set of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by the set of neighboring base stations, wherein the one time domain resource includes a transmission opportunity of the positioning reference signal in the time domain; Sending an indication indicating the one time domain resource and the set of frequency domain resources to the set of neighboring base stations; Allocating a group identifier for the group of neighboring base stations; as well as An indication of the group identifier is sent toward a user equipment so that the user equipment determines a beam direction for receiving the set of positioning reference signals based on the group identifier.

2. The location server of claim 1 , wherein the location server determines the set of neighboring base stations by: receiving geographic information about the plurality of base stations from the plurality of base stations; Determining, based on the received geographic information, that the plurality of base stations are proximate; as well as The plurality of base stations are clustered into the group of neighboring base stations.

3. The location server according to claim 1, wherein the frequency domain resources in the set of frequency domain resources include at least one of a subcarrier, a subband, and a bandwidth part in the frequency domain.

4. The location server according to claim 1, wherein the location server is further configured to: An indication for indicating the one time domain resource and the set of frequency domain resources is sent towards the user equipment.

5. The location server according to claim 1, wherein the location server is further configured to: An indication of the group identity is sent to the group of neighboring base stations.

6. A user equipment, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user device to: Receiving, from a location server, an indication of one time domain resource and one frequency domain resource for a set of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by a set of neighboring base stations, wherein the one time domain resource comprises a transmission opportunity of the positioning reference signal in the time domain; receiving an indication of a group identifier for the group of neighboring base stations from the location server, and determining the group of neighboring base stations that send the group of positioning reference signals based on the group identifier; Determining a beam direction for receiving the group of positioning reference signals based on the group identifier; as well as The set of positioning reference signals is received in the beam direction on the time domain resources and the set of frequency domain resources.

7. The user equipment according to claim 6, wherein the user equipment determines the beam direction by: Measuring received signal strength of the set of positioning reference signals; determining whether the received signal strength is below a threshold strength; and In response to determining that the received signal strength is below the threshold strength, the beam direction for receiving the set of positioning reference signals is determined.

8. The user equipment according to claim 7, wherein the user equipment is further configured to: In response to determining that the received signal strength exceeds the threshold strength, the set of positioning reference signals is received using an omnidirectional antenna.

9. A method comprising: The location server determines a group of neighboring base stations based on the geographical location of the base station; Allocate a time domain resource and a set of frequency domain resources for a set of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by the set of neighboring base stations, wherein the one time domain resource includes a transmission opportunity of the positioning reference signal in the time domain; send an indication for indicating the one time domain resource and the set of frequency domain resources to the set of neighboring base stations; Allocating a group identifier for the group of neighboring base stations; as well as An indication of the group identifier is sent toward a user equipment so that the user equipment determines a beam direction for receiving the set of positioning reference signals based on the group identifier.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein determining the set of neighboring base stations comprises: receiving geographic information about the plurality of base stations from the plurality of base stations; Determining, based on the received geographic information, that the plurality of base stations are proximate; as well as The plurality of base stations are clustered into the group of neighboring base stations.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the frequency domain resources in the set of frequency domain resources include at least one of a subcarrier, a subband, and a bandwidth part in the frequency domain.

12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: An indication for indicating the one time domain resource and the set of frequency domain resources is sent towards the user equipment.

13. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: An indication of the group identity is sent to the group of neighboring base stations.

14. A method comprising: Receiving, by a user equipment, from a location server an indication of one time domain resource and one frequency domain resource for a group of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by a group of neighboring base stations, wherein the one time domain resource includes a transmission opportunity of the positioning reference signal in the time domain; receiving an indication of a group identifier for the group of neighboring base stations from the location server, and determining the group of neighboring base stations that send the group of positioning reference signals based on the group identifier; Determining a beam direction for receiving the group of positioning reference signals based on the group identifier; as well as The set of positioning reference signals is received in the beam direction on the time domain resources and the set of frequency domain resources.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein determining the beam direction comprises: Measuring received signal strength of the set of positioning reference signals; Determining whether the received signal strength is lower than a threshold strength; as well as In response to determining that the received signal strength is below the threshold strength, the beam direction for receiving the set of positioning reference signals is determined.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: In response to determining that the received signal strength exceeds the threshold strength, the set of positioning reference signals is received using an omnidirectional antenna.

17. An apparatus comprising: means for determining, by a location server, a set of neighboring base stations based on a geographic location of the base station; A means for allocating one time domain resource and one frequency domain resource for a set of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by the set of neighboring base stations, wherein the one time domain resource comprises a transmission opportunity of the positioning reference signal in the time domain; means for sending an indication indicating the one time domain resource and the set of frequency domain resources to the set of neighboring base stations; means for assigning a group identifier to the group of neighboring base stations; as well as Means for sending an indication of the group identity towards a user equipment so that the user equipment determines a beam direction for receiving the set of positioning reference signals based on the group identity.

18. An apparatus comprising: A means for receiving, by a user equipment, an indication from a location server, the indication being used to indicate one time domain resource and one frequency domain resource for a set of positioning reference signals to be transmitted by a set of neighboring base stations, wherein the one time domain resource comprises a transmission opportunity of the positioning reference signal in the time domain; means for receiving an indication of a group identity for the set of neighboring base stations from the location server, and determining the set of neighboring base stations that transmit the set of positioning reference signals based on the group identity; means for determining a beam direction for receiving the set of positioning reference signals based on the group identifier; as well as Means for receiving the set of positioning reference signals in the beam direction on the time domain resources and the set of frequency domain resources.

19. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions stored thereon, which instructions, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

20. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions stored thereon, which instructions, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

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