Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) Node Location

Abstract

An integrated access backhaul (IAB) node with an unknown location may use a mobile termination (MT) function to send or receive reference signals to or from multiple base stations in one or more positioning sessions to locate the IAB node. A distributed unit (DU) function may be used additionally or alternatively to send or receive reference signals to or from multiple nodes (e.g., a user equipment (UE) or an MT function of a downstream IAB node). Positioning measurements based on the reference signals may be sent to a location server, which may determine the location of the IAB node. The location server may further receive a mobility indication for the IAB node, which may be used for positioning of the UE, such as by excluding information about mobile IAB nodes during positioning.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 923,319, filed on October 18, 2019, entitled “BASE STATION POSITIONING,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 923,395, filed on October 18, 2019, entitled “INTEGRATED ACCESS BACKHAUL (IAB) NODE POSITIONING,” and U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 17 / 070,214, filed on October 14, 2020, entitled “INTEGRATED ACCESS BACKHAUL (IAB) NODE POSITIONING,” all of which are assigned to their assignees and are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Technical Field

[0003] The following relates generally to wireless communications and, more particularly, to techniques for supporting location services for user equipment (UE) in wireless networks. Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc. These systems may be able to support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple access systems include fourth generation (4G) systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, advanced LTE (LTE-A) systems, or LTE-A Pro systems, and fifth generation (5G) systems, which may be referred to as new radio (NR) systems. These systems may employ techniques such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), or discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM). A wireless multiple access communication system may include multiple base stations or network access nodes, each of which simultaneously supports communication with multiple communication devices, which may be referred to as user equipment (UE).

[0005] In some wireless communication systems, a positioning engine, such as a location engine in a UE or external to the UE (e.g., a location server, which includes a location measurement function (PMF), a location management function (LMF) or a location management component (LMC) in an NR network, or a secure user plane location (SUPL) location platform (SLP) or an enhanced serving mobile location center (eSMLC) in LTE) can use radio access network information to determine the position or location of supported UEs. This information can be associated with a UE-based positioning technique or a UE-assisted positioning technique, for example, where downlink (DL) reference signal transmissions from one or more base stations can be measured by the UE, or uplink reference signal transmissions from the UE can be measured by one or more base stations, and the resulting measurements are used by the UE or a location server to determine the location of the UE. These methods can support various positioning services (e.g., navigation systems, emergency communications) and supplement one or more additional positioning systems supported by wireless communication devices (such as global positioning system (GPS) technology).

[0006] The positioning procedures for determining the position of the UE using radio access network information assume that the positions of the supporting base stations are known to the positioning engine. For example, the position of the base station can be measured offline, for example using GPS technology or a site survey, and programmed in the positioning engine, for example stored in the positioning engine, or can be provided to the UE by a location server in positioning assistance data. However, some base stations may have unknown locations. For example, a completely stationary base station may not have a GPS receiver or a site survey, or the results of the site survey may not be precise. Sometimes, a mobile base station (e.g., such as a home router) may be relocated occasionally, rendering a previously known position invalid. A completely mobile base station (such as a mobile integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node) such as in a taxi or train may not have positioning capabilities or may not have updated its latest position fix. Summary of the invention

[0007] An integrated access backhaul (IAB) node with an unknown location may use a mobile termination (MT) function to send or receive reference signals to or from multiple base stations in one or more positioning sessions to locate the IAB node. A distributed unit (DU) function may be used additionally or alternatively to send or receive reference signals to or from multiple nodes (e.g., a user equipment (UE) or an MT function of a downstream IAB node). Positioning measurements based on the reference signals may be sent to a location server, which may determine the location of the IAB node. The location server may further receive a mobility indication for the IAB node, which may be used for positioning of the UE, such as by excluding information about mobile IAB nodes during positioning.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method for locating an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node is performed on the IAB node, wherein the IAB node includes a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function, the method comprising: sending or receiving messages for one or more positioning sessions to determine the location of the IAB node; and sending or receiving reference signals for locating the IAB node to or from multiple nodes in a wireless network in the one or more positioning sessions.

[0009] In one embodiment, an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node in a wireless network is configured to perform positioning on the IAB node, wherein the IAB node includes a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function, and the IAB node includes: an external interface configured to communicate with other nodes in the wireless network; at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the external interface and the at least one memory, the at least one processor being configured to: send or receive messages for one or more positioning sessions to determine the location of the IAB node; and send or receive reference signals for locating the IAB node to or from multiple nodes in the wireless network in the one or more positioning sessions.

[0010] In one embodiment, an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node in a wireless network is configured to perform positioning on the IAB node, wherein the IAB node includes a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function, and the IAB node includes: a component for sending or receiving messages for one or more positioning sessions to determine the location of the IAB node; and a component for sending or receiving reference signals for locating the IAB node to or from multiple nodes in the wireless network in the one or more positioning sessions.

[0011] In one embodiment, a non-transitory storage medium includes program code stored thereon, the program code being operable to configure at least one processor in an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node in a wireless network to perform positioning of the IAB node, wherein the IAB node includes a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function, the non-transitory storage medium including: program code for sending or receiving messages for one or more positioning sessions to determine the location of the IAB node; and program code for sending or receiving reference signals for locating the IAB node to or from multiple nodes in the wireless network in the one or more positioning sessions.

[0012] In one embodiment, a method for locating an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node with an unknown location in a wireless network, performed by a location server, wherein the IAB node includes a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function, the method comprising: receiving location information from the IAB node, the location information including positioning measurements based on reference signals for positioning received by the IAB node from multiple nodes in the wireless network; and determining the location of the IAB node using the received location information.

[0013] In one embodiment, a location server is configured to perform positioning for an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node with an unknown location in a wireless network, wherein the IAB node includes a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function, the location server including: an external interface configured to communicate with other nodes in the wireless network; at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the external interface and the at least one memory, the at least one processor being configured to: receive location information from the IAB node, the location information including positioning measurements based on reference signals for positioning received by the IAB node from multiple nodes in the wireless network; and determine the location of the IAB node using the received location information.

[0014] In one embodiment, a location server is configured to perform positioning for an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node with an unknown location in a wireless network, wherein the IAB node includes a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function, the location server including: a component for receiving location information from the IAB node, the location information including positioning measurements based on a reference signal for positioning received by the IAB node from multiple nodes in the wireless network; and a component for determining the location of the IAB node using the received location information.

[0015] In one embodiment, a non-transitory storage medium includes program code stored thereon, the program code being operable to configure at least one processor in a location server to perform positioning on an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node having an unknown location in a wireless network, wherein the IAB node includes a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function, the non-transitory storage medium including: program code for receiving location information from the IAB node, the location information including positioning measurements based on reference signals for positioning received by the IAB node from multiple nodes in the wireless network; and program code for determining the location of the IAB node using the received location information.

[0016] In one embodiment, a method for locating a user equipment (UE) performed by a location server includes: receiving a mobility indication to an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node from the IAB node; and locating the UE using the mobility indication to the IAB node.

[0017] In one embodiment, a location server configured to perform positioning for a user equipment (UE) includes: an external interface configured to communicate with other nodes in the wireless network; at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the external interface and the at least one memory, the at least one processor being configured to: receive a mobility indication of an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node from the IAB node; and use the mobility indication of the IAB node to locate the UE.

[0018] In one embodiment, a location server configured to perform positioning for a user equipment (UE) includes: a component for receiving a mobility indication of an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node from the IAB node; and a component for using the mobility indication of the IAB node to locate the UE.

[0019] In one embodiment, a non-transitory storage medium includes program code stored thereon, the program code being operable to configure at least one processor in a location server to perform positioning of a user equipment (UE), the non-transitory storage medium including: program code for receiving a mobility indication of an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node from the IAB node; and program code for positioning the UE using the mobility indication of the IAB node.

[0020] In one embodiment, a method for locating a user equipment (UE) performed by the UE includes: receiving positioning assistance data from a location server, the positioning assistance data including a mobility indication of an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node; performing positioning measurements based on multiple base stations, wherein the mobility indication of the IAB node is used during the positioning measurement.

[0021] In one embodiment, a user equipment (UE) is configured to perform positioning on the UE, the UE comprising: a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with a base station in a wireless network; at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the wireless transceiver and the at least one memory, the at least one processor being configured to: receive positioning assistance data from a location server, the positioning assistance data comprising a mobility indication of an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node; perform positioning measurements based on multiple base stations, wherein the mobility indication of the IAB node is used during the positioning measurements.

[0022] In one embodiment, a user equipment (UE) is configured to perform positioning on the UE, the UE comprising: a component for receiving positioning assistance data from a location server, the positioning assistance data comprising a mobility indication of an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node; and a component for performing positioning measurements based on multiple base stations, wherein the mobility indication of the IAB node is used during the positioning measurement.

[0023] In one embodiment, a non-transitory storage medium includes a program code stored thereon, the program code being operable to configure at least one processor in a user equipment (UE) to perform positioning for the UE, the non-transitory storage medium including: a program code for receiving positioning assistance data from a location server, the positioning assistance data including a mobility indication for an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node; and a program code for performing positioning measurements based on multiple base stations, wherein the mobility indication for the IAB node is used during the positioning measurements.

[0024] In one embodiment, a method for locating a base station with an unknown location performed by a location server in a wireless network includes: participating in multiple positioning sessions to estimate the locations of one or more user equipment (UE), wherein the base station participates in at least one of the multiple positioning sessions, and at least one of the multiple positioning sessions includes one or more other base stations with known locations; receiving location measurements associated with the base station and the one or more UEs in each of the multiple positioning sessions; and determining an estimated location of the base station using the location measurements associated with the base station and the one or more UEs.

[0025] In one embodiment, a location server configured to locate a base station with an unknown location in a wireless network includes: an external interface configured to communicate with other nodes in the wireless network; at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the external interface and the at least one memory, the at least one processor being configured to: participate in multiple positioning sessions to estimate the locations of one or more user equipment (UEs), wherein the base station participates in at least one of the multiple positioning sessions, and at least one of the multiple positioning sessions includes one or more other base stations with known locations; receive location measurements associated with the base station and the one or more UEs in each of the multiple positioning sessions; and determine an estimated location of the base station using the location measurements associated with the base station and the one or more UEs.

[0026] In one embodiment, a location server configured for locating a base station with an unknown location in a wireless network includes: a component for participating in multiple positioning sessions to estimate the location of one or more user equipment (UE), wherein the base station participates in at least one of the multiple positioning sessions, and at least one of the multiple positioning sessions includes one or more other base stations with known locations; a component for receiving location measurements associated with the base station and the one or more UEs in each of the multiple positioning sessions; and a component for determining an estimated location of the base station using the location measurements associated with the base station and the one or more UEs.

[0027] In one embodiment, a non-transitory storage medium includes program code stored thereon, the program code being operable to configure at least one processor in a location server to perform positioning for a base station having an unknown location in a wireless network, the non-transitory storage medium including: program code for participating in multiple positioning sessions to estimate the locations of one or more user equipment (UEs), wherein the base station participates in at least one of the multiple positioning sessions, and at least one of the multiple positioning sessions includes one or more other base stations having known locations; program code for receiving location measurements associated with the base station and the one or more UEs in each of the multiple positioning sessions; and program code for determining an estimated location of the base station using the location measurements associated with the base station and the one or more UEs.

[0028] In one embodiment, a network entity configured to locate a node with an unknown location in a wireless network includes: an external interface configured to communicate with other nodes in the wireless network; at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the external interface and the at least one memory, the at least one processor being configured to: issue a command to a user equipment (UE) instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with a node, wherein the node includes one of a base station or another UE.

[0029] In one embodiment, a network entity configured for locating a node with an unknown location in a wireless network includes: a component for issuing a command to a user equipment (UE) instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with the node, wherein the node includes one of a base station or another UE.

[0030] In one embodiment, a non-transitory storage medium includes program code stored thereon, the program code being operable to configure at least one processor in a network entity configured to locate a node with an unknown location in a wireless network, the non-transitory storage medium including: program code for issuing a command to a user equipment (UE) instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with the node, wherein the node includes one of a base station or another UE.

[0031] In one embodiment, a method performed by a user equipment (UE) for locating a node with an unknown location in a wireless network includes: receiving a command from a network entity in the wireless network, the command instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with the node, wherein the node includes one of a base station or another UE; and performing positioning measurements with the node.

[0032] In one embodiment, a user equipment (UE) configured to locate a node with an unknown location in a wireless network includes: an external interface configured to communicate with other nodes in the wireless network; at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the external interface and the at least one memory, the at least one processor being configured to: receive a command from a network entity in the wireless network, the command instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with the node, wherein the node includes one of a base station or another UE; and perform positioning measurements with the node.

[0033] In one embodiment, a user equipment (UE) configured for locating a node with an unknown location in a wireless network includes: a component for receiving a command from a network entity in the wireless network, the command instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with the node, wherein the node includes one of a base station or another UE; and a component for performing positioning measurements with the node.

[0034] In one embodiment, a non-transitory storage medium includes program code stored thereon, the program code being operable to configure at least one processor in a user equipment (UE), the UE being configured to locate a node having an unknown location in a wireless network, the non-transitory storage medium including: program code for receiving a command from a network entity in the wireless network, the command instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with the node, wherein the node includes one of a base station or another UE; and program code for performing positioning measurements with the node.

[0035] In one embodiment, a method for locating a base station having an unknown location in a wireless network includes: receiving a request for the ability to perform a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station; and responding to the request, the response indicating the ability to perform a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station.

[0036] In one embodiment, a base station with an unknown location in a wireless network is configured to locate the base station, comprising: an external interface configured to communicate with other nodes in the wireless network; at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the external interface and the at least one memory, the at least one processor being configured to: receive a request for the ability to execute a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station; and respond to the request, the response indicating the ability to execute a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station.

[0037] In one embodiment, a base station with an unknown location in a wireless network is configured to locate the base station, comprising: a component for receiving a request for the ability to perform a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station; and a component for responding to the request, the response indicating the ability to perform a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station.

[0038] In one embodiment, a non-transitory storage medium includes program code stored thereon, the program code being operable to configure at least one processor in a base station configured to locate a base station having an unknown location in a wireless network, the non-transitory storage medium including: program code for receiving a request for the ability to perform a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station; and program code for responding to the request, the response indicating the ability to perform a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system supporting one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0040] Figure 2 A simplified environment and exemplary techniques for determining the location of a node are shown.

[0041] Figure 3 A simplified environment and another exemplary technique for determining the location of a node are shown.

[0042] Figure 4 A simplified environment and exemplary techniques for determining the location of a base station are shown.

[0043] Figure 5 An example of an integrated access backhaul (IAB) architecture in standalone mode is shown, illustrating the functions and interfaces of the IAB.

[0044] Fig. 6A , 6B 6C show various modes of independent and dependent operation of the IAB.

[0045] Figure 7 An IAB architecture capable of determining the location of an IAB node is shown.

[0046] Figure 8 A simplified exemplary procedure for determining the location of an IAB node is shown.

[0047] Fig. 9 Another simplified exemplary procedure for determining the location of an IAB node is shown.

[0048] Fig.10 Another simplified exemplary procedure for determining the location of an IAB node is shown.

[0049] Fig.11 A procedure 1100 is shown that includes messages that may be used to determine a location of a UE using a mobility indication to an IAB node.

[0050] Fig.12 A process flow illustrating a method performed by an Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) node having an unknown location in a wireless network for locating an IAB node is shown.

[0051] Fig.13A Another process flow illustrating a method performed by an Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) node having an unknown location in a wireless network for locating an IAB node is shown.

[0052] Fig. 13B Another process flow illustrating a method performed by an Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) node having an unknown location in a wireless network for locating an IAB node is shown.

[0053] Fig.14 A process flow illustrating a method performed by a location server for locating an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node with an unknown location in a wireless network is shown.

[0054] Fig.15 A process flow illustrating a method for locating a user equipment (UE) is shown.

[0055] Fig.16 A process flow illustrating a method for locating a user equipment (UE) is shown.

[0056] Fig.17 is a diagram of a hardware implementation of an IAB node capable of performing positioning as discussed herein.

[0057] Fig.18 is a diagram of a hardware implementation of a location server capable of performing positioning as discussed herein.

[0058] Fig.19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of a UE capable of positioning as discussed herein.

[0059] Fig. 20 A simplified exemplary procedure for determining the location of a base station is shown.

[0060] Fig.21 Another simplified exemplary procedure for determining the location of a base station is shown.

[0061] Fig. 22 A procedure is shown that includes messages that can be used to determine the location of a base station.

[0062] Fig.23 A process flow illustrating a method performed by a location server for locating a base station with an unknown location is shown.

[0063] Fig.24 A process flow illustrating a method performed by a network entity for locating a node having an unknown location in a wireless network is shown.

[0064] Fig.25 A process flow illustrating a method performed by a user equipment (UE) for locating a node having an unknown location in a wireless network is shown.

[0065] Fig.26 A process flow performed by a base station having an unknown location in a wireless network for locating a base station is shown.

[0066] Fig. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of a location server capable of performing positioning as discussed herein.

[0067] Fig.28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of a UE capable of positioning as discussed herein.

[0068] Fig.29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of a base station capable of performing positioning as discussed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] In position determination, the position of a user equipment (UE) may be determined using positioning procedures such as observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), etc. Positioning procedures rely on positioning measurements of DL or UL reference signals performed by the UE and / or by a base station to determine the distance between the UE and a base station, the difference in distance from the UE to two or more base stations, and angles relative to one or more base stations, etc. Based on the knowledge of the locations of the base stations, the positioning measurements may be used to determine the position of the UE.

[0070] However, some base stations may not have a known location. For example, some base stations may be mobile and may have moved since the last time their location was determined. In addition, some base stations may not have the ability to determine their own location, for example, the base station may not have a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. Although site surveys can be used to map the locations of base stations, some base stations may not be included in the site survey, or if they are included, the site survey may not be accurate and the resulting position fix may not be reliable. Base stations without a known location are of no use to the UE's position determination.

[0071] One type of base station under consideration for wireless communication systems (e.g., 5GNR networks using next-generation node base stations (referred to as gNB) base stations) is an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node that uses a wireless backhaul to connect to another base station (gNB) (i.e., referred to as an IAB donor) that has a wired connection to a core network. In high-frequency deployments (e.g., millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies), numerous deployments of IAB nodes may help compensate for server path and penetration losses due to high-frequency spectrum and alleviate the difficulty of configuring a wired (e.g., fiber-based) backhaul to such a dense base station deployment. In addition, some IAB nodes may be mobile, for example, located on a vehicle such as a taxi or train.

[0072] Therefore, techniques and procedures associated with determining the location of a mobile base station, such as a mobile IAB node, may be needed so that positioning of the UE can be performed using reference signals from the IAB node.

[0073] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system 100 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The wireless communication system 100 includes a base station 105, a UE 115, and one or more core networks, shown as an evolved packet core (EPC) 160 and a fifth generation core (5GC) 190. Although two core networks are shown, the wireless communication system may use only one core network, such as 5GC 190. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may be a long term evolution (LTE) network, an advanced LTE (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, or a new radio (NR) network. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (e.g., mission-critical) communications, low-latency communications, or communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices.

[0074] The base station 105 may communicate wirelessly with the UE 115 via one or more base station antennas. The base station 105 described herein may include or may be referred to by those skilled in the art as a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next generation NodeB or a giga-NodeB (any of which may be referred to as a gNB), a home NodeB, a home eNodeB, or some other suitable term. The wireless communication system 100 may include different types of base stations 105 (e.g., macro cell base stations or small cell base stations). The UE 115 described herein may be able to communicate with various types of base stations 105 and network devices, including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, gNBs, and relay base stations, among others.

[0075] A base station may also be referred to as a gNB, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), an access point, a base transceiver station, a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a transceiver function, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), a transmit receive point (TRP), or some other suitable term. The base station 105 provides an access point to the EPC 160 or the 5GC 190 for the UE 115. Examples of UE 115 include a cellular phone, a smart phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a satellite broadcast, a global positioning system, a multimedia device, a video device, a digital audio player (such as an MP3 player), a camera, a game console, a tablet computer, a smart device, a wearable device, a vehicle, an electric meter, a gas pump, a large or small kitchen appliance, a healthcare device, an implant, a sensor / actuator, a display, or any other similarly functional device. Some of the UE 115 may be referred to as an IoT device (such as a parking meter, a gas pump, an oven, a vehicle, a heart rate monitor, etc.). Some of the UEs 115 may be referred to as IIoT devices, such as sensors, instruments, and other devices networked together in industrial applications. The UEs 115 may also be referred to as stations, mobile stations, subscriber stations, mobile units, subscriber units, wireless units, remote units, mobile devices, wireless devices, wireless communication devices, remote devices, mobile subscriber stations, access terminals, mobile terminals, wireless terminals, remote terminals, handsets, user agents, mobile clients, clients, or some other suitable terminology.

[0076] For example, the location of the base station 105 may be known through offline measurements, use of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) such as GPS, or a site survey. The known location of the base station 105 may be stored in a location server (such as the LMF 196 in the 164 / 1965GC190) for locating the UE 115. However, the location of some base stations 105 may be unknown. For example, some base stations 105 may not have positioning capabilities. For example, some base stations 105 may not have a GNSS receiver or positioning capabilities. A completely stationary base station 105 may not have a site survey or have an inaccurate site survey. An occasionally moving base station 105 (such as a home router) may occasionally move and the location may not be updated. A completely mobile base station 105 (such as a mobile integrated access backhaul (IAB) node) on a vehicle, for example, may not have positioning capabilities or may not update its current location. For example, Figure 1 As shown, the base station 105' on the vehicle 104 may be a mobile IAB node, while the base station 105 with which the IAB node 105' communicates via the backhaul link 134' is the IAB donor.

[0077] Each base station 105 may be associated with a particular geographic coverage area 110 in which communications with various UEs 115 are supported. Each base station 105 may provide communications coverage for a respective geographic coverage area 110 via a communications link 125, and the communications link 125 between the base station 105 and the UE 115 may utilize one or more carriers. The communications link 125 shown in the wireless communication system 100 may include an uplink transmission from the UE 115 to the base station 105, or a downlink transmission from the base station 105 to the UE 115. Downlink transmissions may also be referred to as forward link transmissions, and uplink transmissions may also be referred to as reverse link transmissions.

[0078] The geographic coverage area 110 of the base station 105 can be divided into sectors that constitute a portion of the geographic coverage area 110, and each sector can be associated with a cell. For example, each base station 105 can provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a small cell, a hotspot, or other type of cell, or various combinations thereof. In some examples, the base station 105 can be mobile and thus provide communication coverage for a mobile geographic coverage area 110. In some examples, different geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies can overlap, and the same base station 105 or different base stations 105 can support overlapping geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies. The wireless communication system 100 may include, for example, a heterogeneous LTE / LTE-A / LTE-A Pro or NR network, in which different types of base stations 105 provide coverage for various geographic coverage areas 110.

[0079] The term "cell" refers to a logical communication entity for communicating with a base station 105 (e.g., via a carrier), and may be associated with an identifier (e.g., a physical cell identifier (PCID), a virtual cell identifier (VCID)) for distinguishing adjacent cells operating via the same or different carriers. In some examples, a carrier may support multiple cells, and different cells may be configured according to different protocol types (e.g., machine type communication (MTC), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), or other protocol types) that may provide access rights to different types of devices. In some examples, the term "cell" may refer to a portion (e.g., a sector) of a geographic coverage area 110 on which the logical entity operates.

[0080] UE 115 can be dispersed throughout the wireless communication system 100, and each UE 115 can be fixed or mobile. UE 115 can also be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, or a subscriber device, or some other suitable terminology, where "device" can also be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client. UE 115 can also be a personal electronic device, such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In some examples, UE 115 can also refer to a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or an MTC device, etc., which can be implemented in various products such as electrical appliances, vehicles, meters, etc.

[0081] Some UEs 115, such as MTC or IoT devices, may be low-cost or low-complexity devices and may provide automated communication between machines (e.g., via machine-to-machine (M2M) communication). M2M communication or MTC may refer to data communication technology that allows devices to communicate with each other or with a base station 105 without human intervention. In some examples, M2M communication or MTC may include communications from devices that integrate sensors or meters to measure or capture information and relay the information to a central server or application, which may utilize the information or present the information to humans interacting with the program or application. Some UEs 115 may be designed to collect information or implement automated behavior of machines. Examples of applications for MTC devices include smart metering, inventory monitoring, water level monitoring, equipment monitoring, healthcare monitoring, wildlife monitoring, weather and geological event monitoring, fleet management and tracking, remote security sensing, physical access control, and transaction-based business billing.

[0082] Some UEs 115 may be configured to employ a reduced power consumption mode of operation, such as half-duplex communication (e.g., a mode that supports one-way communication via transmission or reception, but not simultaneous transmission and reception). In some examples, half-duplex communication may be performed at a reduced peak rate. Other power saving techniques for UE 115 include entering a power saving "deep sleep" mode when not engaged in active communication, or operating over a limited bandwidth (e.g., in accordance with narrowband communication). In some examples, UE 115 may be designed to support critical functions (e.g., mission-critical functions), and the wireless communication system 100 may be configured to provide ultra-reliable communication for these functions.

[0083] In some examples, UE 115 may also be able to communicate directly with other UE 115 (e.g., using a peer-to-peer (P2P) or device-to-device (D2D) protocol). One or more of a group of UEs 115 utilizing D2D communication may be within a geographic coverage area 110 of a base station 105. Other UEs 115 in the group may be outside the geographic coverage area 110 of the base station 105 or unable to receive transmissions from the base station 105. In some examples, multiple groups of UEs 115 communicating via D2D communication may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system, in which each UE 115 transmits to each other UE 115 in the group. In some examples, the base station 105 facilitates the scheduling of resources for D2D communication. In other cases, D2D communication is performed between UEs 115 without the involvement of the base station 105.

[0084] The base stations 105 can communicate with the EPC 160 and / or the 5GC 190 and with each other. For example, the base stations 105 can interface with their corresponding core networks via a backhaul link (e.g., via S1, N2, N3, or other interfaces). For example, the eNB base station 105 can interface with the EPC 160 via a backhaul link 132, and the gNB base station 105 can interface with the 5GC 190 via a backhaul link 184. The base stations 105 can communicate with each other directly (e.g., directly between the base stations 105) or indirectly (e.g., via a core network or an intermediate base station) via a backhaul link 134 (e.g., via X2, Xn, or other interfaces). The backhaul link 134 can be wired, or can be wireless, as shown by the backhaul link 134 to the movable base station 105'.

[0085] The core network 160 / 190 may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions.

[0086] For example, the EPC 160 may include a mobility management entity (MME) 162, an enhanced serving mobile location center (E-SMLC) 164, a serving gateway 166, a gateway mobile location center (GMLC) 168, a home secure user plane location (SUPL) location platform (H-SLP) 170, and a packet data network (PDN) gateway 172. The MME 162 may communicate with a home subscriber server (HSS) 174. The MME 162 is a control node that handles signaling between the UE 115 and the EPC 160. Typically, the MME 162 provides bearer and connection management. The E-SMLC 164 may support location determination of the UE, for example, using a 3GPP control plane (CP) location solution. All user Internet Protocol (IP) packets are delivered through the serving gateway 166, which itself is connected to the PDN gateway 172. The PDN gateway 172 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. The PDN gateway 172 is connected to the IP service 176. IP services 176 may include the Internet, an intranet, an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS), a PS streaming service, and / or other IP services. GMLC 168 may provide location access to the UE on behalf of external client 169 (e.g., an external client that may be within IP services 176 or an IP service). H-SLP 170 may support the SUPL User Plane (UP) location solution defined by the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) and may support location services for the UE based on subscription information stored in H-SLP 170 for the UE.

[0087] 5GC 190 may include H-SLP 191, access and mobility management function (AMF) 192, gateway mobile location center (GMLC) 193, session management function (SMF) 194 and user plane function (UPF) 195, location management function (LMF) 196. AMF 192 may communicate with unified data management (UDM) 197. AMF 192 is a control node that handles signaling between UE 115 and 5GC 190, and for positioning functionality, may communicate with LMF 196, which may support UE location determination. In some embodiments, LMF 196 may be co-located with base station 105 in NG-RAN and may be referred to as location management component (LMC). GMLC 193 may be used to allow external clients 199 outside or inside IP service 198 to receive location information about UE. All user Internet Protocol (IP) packets may be passed through UPF 195. UPF 195 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. UPF 195 is connected to IP services 198. H-SLP 191 can also be connected to IP services 198. IP services 198 can include the Internet, intranet, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), PS streaming services and / or other IP services.

[0088] At least some network devices, such as base stations 105, may include subcomponents, such as access network entities, which may be examples of access node controllers (ANCs). Each access network entity may communicate with UE 115 through multiple other access network transport entities, which may be referred to as radio heads, smart radio heads, or transmit / receive points (TRPs). In some configurations, the various functions of each access network entity or base station 105 may be distributed across various network devices (e.g., radio heads and access network controllers), or combined into a single network device (e.g., base station 105).

[0089] The wireless communication system 100 can operate using one or more frequency bands typically in the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). Typically, because the length of the wavelength ranges from about 1 decimeter to 1 meter, the region from 300 MHz to 3 GHz is referred to as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band. Buildings and environmental features may block or redirect UHF waves. However, the waves can penetrate the structure sufficiently so that the macrocell provides services to the UE 115 located indoors. Compared to the transmission of smaller frequencies and longer waves using the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portion of the spectrum below 300 MHz, the transmission of UHF waves can be associated with smaller antennas and shorter ranges (e.g., less than 100 kilometers).

[0090] The wireless communication system 100 may also operate in the Super High Frequency (SHF) region using frequency bands from 3 GHz to 30 GHz, also known as centimeter bands. The SHF region includes bands such as the 5 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band, which may be used by devices that may be able to tolerate interference from other users.

[0091] The wireless communication system 100 may also operate in the ultra-high frequency (EHF) region of the spectrum (e.g., from 30 GHz to 300 GHz), also known as the millimeter frequency band. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may support millimeter wave (mmW) communications between the UE 115 and the base station 105, and the EHF antennas of the respective devices may be smaller and more closely spaced than the UHF antennas. In some examples, this may facilitate the use of antenna arrays within the UE 115.

[0092] In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 can utilize both authorized radio spectrum bands and unlicensed radio spectrum bands. For example, the wireless communication system 100 can adopt licensed assisted access (LAA), unlicensed LTE (LTE-U) radio access technology, or NR technology in unlicensed bands such as the 5GHz ISM band. When operating in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, wireless devices such as base stations 105 and UE 115 can adopt a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure to ensure that the channel is cleared before sending data. In some examples, operations in unlicensed bands can be based on carrier aggregation configurations combined with component carriers (e.g., LAA) operating in licensed bands. Operations in unlicensed spectrum can include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, peer-to-peer transmissions, or a combination of these. Duplexing in unlicensed spectrum can be based on frequency division duplexing (FDD), time division duplexing (TDD), or a combination of both.

[0093] In some examples, the base station 105 or the UE 115 may be equipped with multiple antennas, which may be used to employ techniques such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication, or beamforming. For example, the wireless communication system 100 may use a transmission scheme between a transmitting device (e.g., a base station 105) and a receiving device (e.g., a UE 115), wherein the transmitting device is equipped with multiple antennas and the receiving device is equipped with one or more antennas. MIMO communication may employ multipath signal propagation to improve spectral efficiency by transmitting or receiving multiple signals via different spatial layers, which may be referred to as spatial multiplexing. Multiple signals may be transmitted, for example, by a transmitting device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Similarly, multiple signals may be received by a receiving device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Each of the multiple signals may be referred to as a separate spatial stream and may carry bits associated with the same data stream (e.g., the same codeword) or different data streams. Different spatial layers may be associated with different antenna ports for channel measurement and reporting. MIMO technology includes single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) that transmits multiple spatial layers to the same receiving device and multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) that transmits multiple spatial layers to multiple devices.

[0094] Beamforming (which may also be referred to as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception) is a signal processing technique that can be used in a transmitting device or a receiving device (e.g., a base station 105 or a UE 115) to shape or steer an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam or a receive beam) along a spatial path between the transmitting device and the receiving device. Beamforming can be achieved by combining signals communicated via antenna elements of an antenna array so that signals propagating in a particular orientation relative to the antenna array experience constructive interference, while other signals experience destructive interference. Adjustments to signals communicated via antenna elements can include the transmitting device or the receiving device applying amplitude and phase offsets to signals carried via each of the antenna elements associated with the device. Adjustments associated with each of the antenna elements can be defined by a set of beamforming weights associated with a particular orientation (e.g., relative to the antenna array of the transmitting device or the receiving device, or relative to some other orientation).

[0095] In one example, the base station 105 may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays to perform beamforming operations for directional communication with the UE 115. For example, some signals (e.g., synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) may be sent multiple times by the base station 105 in different directions, which may include signals sent according to different beamforming weight sets associated with different transmission directions. The transmissions in different beam directions may be used to identify (e.g., by the base station 105 or a receiving device such as the UE 115) the beam direction for subsequent transmission or reception by the base station 105.

[0096] The base station 105 may transmit some signals, such as data signals associated with a particular receiving device, in a single beam direction (e.g., a direction associated with a receiving device such as the UE 115). In some examples, the beam direction associated with transmission along the single beam direction may be determined based on signals transmitted in different beam directions. For example, the UE 115 may receive one or more of the signals transmitted by the base station 105 in different directions, and the UE 115 may report to the base station 105 an indication of the signal received with the highest signal quality or another acceptable signal quality. Although these techniques are described with reference to signals transmitted by the base station 105 in one or more directions, the UE 115 may employ similar techniques to transmit signals multiple times in different directions (e.g., for identifying beam directions for subsequent transmission or reception by the UE 115) or to transmit signals in a single direction (e.g., for transmitting data to a receiving device).

[0097] A receiving device (e.g., a UE 115, which may be an example of a mmW receiving device) may try multiple receive beams when receiving various signals such as synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals from a base station 105. For example, a receiving device may try multiple receive directions by receiving via different antenna subarrays, processing received signals according to different antenna subarrays, receiving according to different receive beamforming weight sets applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of an antenna array, or processing received signals according to different receive beamforming weight sets applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of an antenna array, any of which may be referred to as "listening" according to different receive beams or receive directions. In some examples, a receiving device may receive along a single beam direction using a single receive beam (e.g., when receiving a data signal). A single receive beam may be aligned in a beam direction determined based on listening according to different receive beam directions (e.g., a beam direction determined to have the highest signal strength, the highest signal-to-noise ratio, or an otherwise acceptable signal quality based on listening according to multiple beam directions).

[0098] In some examples, the antennas of base station 105 or UE 115 can be located within one or more antenna arrays that support MIMO operations, or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays can be co-located in an antenna assembly such as an antenna tower. In some examples, the antennas or antenna arrays associated with base station 105 can be located in different geographical locations. Base station 105 can have an antenna array with rows and columns of multiple antenna ports, which base station 105 can use to support beamforming for communications with UE 115. Similarly, UE 115 can have one or more antenna arrays that can support various MIMO or beamforming operations.

[0099] In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 can be a packet-based network operating according to a layered protocol stack. In the user plane, the communication on the bearer or packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer can be IP-based. The radio link control (RLC) layer can perform packet segmentation and reorganization to communicate through logical channels. The media access control (MAC) layer can perform priority processing and multiplex logical channels into transport channels. The MAC layer can also use hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) to provide retransmission in the MAC layer to improve link efficiency. In the control plane, the radio resource control (RRC) protocol layer can provide the establishment, configuration and maintenance of the RRC connection between the UE 115 and the base station 105 or the core network 160 / 190 supporting the radio bearer for user plane data. In the physical layer, the transport channel can be mapped to the physical channel.

[0100] In some examples, UE 115 and base station 105 can support retransmission of data to increase the possibility of data being successfully received. HARQ feedback is a technique to increase the possibility of correctly receiving data through communication link 125. HARQ can include a combination of error detection (e.g., using cyclic redundancy check (CRC)), forward error correction (FEC) and retransmission (e.g., automatic repeat request (ARQ)). Under poor radio conditions (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio conditions), HARQ may improve throughput in the MAC layer. In some examples, a wireless device can support HARQ feedback for the same time slot, wherein the device can provide HARQ feedback in a specific time slot for data received in a previous symbol in the time slot. In other cases, the device can provide HARQ feedback in a subsequent time slot or according to some other time interval.

[0101] The time interval in LTE or NR can be expressed as a multiple of a basic time unit, which can be, for example, T s=1 / 30,720,000 seconds of sampling duration. The time intervals of the communication resources may be organized according to radio frames each having a duration of 10 milliseconds (ms), where the frame duration may be expressed as T f =307,200T s . A radio frame can be identified by a system frame number (SFN) ranging from 0 to 1023. Each frame can include 10 subframes numbered from 0 to 9, and each subframe can have a duration of 1 millisecond. The subframe can be further divided into 2 time slots, each time slot has a duration of 0.5ms, and each time slot can contain 6 or 7 modulation symbol periods (e.g., depending on the length of the cyclic prefix before each symbol period). In addition to the cyclic prefix, each symbol duration can contain 2048 sampling periods. In some examples, a subframe can be the minimum scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 and can be referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI). In other cases, the minimum scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 can be shorter than a subframe or can be dynamically selected (e.g., in a burst of a shortened TTI (sTTI) or in a selected component carrier using sTTI).

[0102] In some wireless communication systems, a time slot may be further divided into a plurality of mini-slots containing one or more symbols. In some instances, a symbol of a mini-slot or a mini-slot may be a minimum scheduling unit. For example, the duration of each symbol may vary depending on the subcarrier spacing or the operating frequency band. In addition, some wireless communication systems may implement time slot aggregation, in which a plurality of time slots or mini-slots are aggregated together and used for communication between UE 115 and base station 105.

[0103] The term "carrier" refers to a set of radio spectrum resources having a defined physical layer structure for supporting communications over the communication link 125. For example, a carrier of the communication link 125 may include a portion of a radio frequency spectrum that operates according to a physical layer channel for a given radio access technology. Each physical layer channel may carry user data, control information, or other signaling. A carrier may be associated with a predefined frequency channel (e.g., an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (EARFCN)) and may be located according to a channel grid for discovery by a UE 115. A carrier may be a downlink or uplink (e.g., in FDD mode) configured to carry downlink and uplink communications (e.g., in TDD mode). In some examples, a signal waveform transmitted over a carrier may be composed of multiple subcarriers (e.g., using a multi-carrier modulation (MCM) technique such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)).

[0104] The organization structure of the carrier can be different for different radio access technologies (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR). For example, communication through the carrier can be organized according to TTIs or time slots, and each TTI or time slot can include user data and control information or signaling to support decoding of the user data. The carrier can also contain dedicated acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals or system information, etc.) and control signaling to coordinate the operation of the carrier. In some examples (e.g., in a carrier aggregation configuration), the carrier may also have acquisition signaling or control signaling to coordinate the operation of other carriers.

[0105] Physical channels may be multiplexed on a carrier according to various techniques. Physical control channels and physical data channels may be multiplexed on a downlink carrier, for example, using a time division multiplexing (TDM) technique, a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) technique, or a hybrid TDM-FDM technique. In some examples, control information sent in a physical control channel may be distributed in a cascaded manner between different control regions (e.g., between a common control region or common search space and one or more UE-specific control regions or UE-specific search spaces).

[0106] A carrier can be associated with a particular bandwidth of a radio frequency spectrum, and in some examples, the carrier bandwidth can be referred to as the "system bandwidth" of the carrier or wireless communication system 100. For example, the carrier bandwidth can be one of a plurality of determined bandwidths of a carrier for a particular radio access technology (e.g., 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, or 80 MHz). In some examples, each served UE 115 can be configured to operate on part or all of the carrier bandwidth. In other examples, some UEs 115 can be configured to operate using a narrowband protocol type associated with a defined portion or range (e.g., a set of subcarriers or RBs) within a carrier (e.g., an "in-band" deployment of a narrowband protocol type).

[0107] In a system using MCM technology, a resource element may consist of a symbol duration (e.g., the duration of a modulation symbol) and a subcarrier, where the symbol duration is inversely proportional to the subcarrier spacing. The number of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme). Therefore, the more resource elements received by UE 115 and the higher the order of the modulation scheme, the higher the data rate of UE 115. In a MIMO system, wireless communication resources may refer to a combination of radio spectrum resources, time resources, and space resources (e.g., space layers), and the use of multiple space layers may further increase the data rate of communication with UE 115.

[0108] A device (e.g., base station 105 or UE 115) of wireless communication system 100 may have a hardware configuration that supports communication on a specific carrier bandwidth, or may be configured to support communication on one of a set of carrier bandwidths. In some examples, wireless communication system 100 may include base station 105 or UE 115 that supports simultaneous communication via carriers associated with more than one different carrier bandwidths.

[0109] The wireless communication system 100 may support communication with the UE 115 on multiple cells or carriers, a feature that may be referred to as carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation. Depending on the carrier aggregation configuration, the UE 115 may be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers. Carrier aggregation may be used with both FDD and TDD component carriers.

[0110] In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 can utilize an enhanced component carrier (eCC). An eCC can be characterized by one or more features including a wider carrier or frequency channel bandwidth, a shorter symbol duration, a shorter TTI duration, or a modified control channel configuration. In some examples, an eCC can be associated with a carrier aggregation configuration or a dual connectivity configuration (e.g., when multiple serving cells have suboptimal or non-ideal backhaul links). An eCC can also be configured for use in an unlicensed spectrum or a shared spectrum (e.g., when more than one operator is allowed to use the spectrum). An eCC characterized by a wide carrier bandwidth can contain one or more segments that can be utilized by a UE 115 that is unable to monitor the entire carrier bandwidth or is otherwise configured to use a limited carrier bandwidth (e.g., to save power).

[0111] In some examples, an eCC may utilize a different symbol duration than other component carriers, which may include using a shortened symbol duration compared to the symbol duration of other component carriers. A shorter symbol duration may be associated with an increased spacing between adjacent subcarriers. A device utilizing an eCC (such as a UE 115 or a base station 105) may transmit a wideband signal in a shortened symbol duration (e.g., 16.67 microseconds) (e.g., based on a frequency channel or carrier bandwidth of 20, 40, 60, 80 MHz, etc.). A TTI in an eCC may consist of one or more symbol periods. In some examples, the TTI duration (i.e., the number of symbol periods in a TTI) may be variable.

[0112] The wireless communication system 100 may be an NR system that may utilize any combination of licensed, shared, and unlicensed spectrum bands. The flexibility of eCC symbol duration and subcarrier spacing may allow the use of eCCs across multiple spectrums. In some examples, NR shared spectrum may improve spectrum utilization and spectrum efficiency, particularly through dynamic vertical sharing (e.g., across frequency domains) and horizontal sharing (e.g., across time domains) of resources.

[0113] As described herein, the wireless communication system 100 may be a NR system and support communication between one or more base stations 105 and supported UEs 115 using communication links 125. The UEs 115 may be dispersed throughout the wireless communication system 100, and each UE 115 may be fixed or mobile. The wireless communication system 100 may minimize "always-on transmission" and support forwarding capabilities, including transmitting reference signals based on needs at the base station 105 or UE 115. As part of the communication, each of the base station 105 and the UE 115 may support reference signal transmission for operations including channel estimation, beam management and scheduling, and wireless device positioning within one or more coverage areas 110.

[0114] For example, the base station 105 may transmit one or more downlink reference signals for NR communications, including a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) transmission. Each CSI-RS transmission may be configured for a specific UE 115 to estimate the channel and report channel quality information. The reported channel quality information may be used for scheduling or link adaptation at the base station 105, or as part of a mobility or beam management procedure for directional transmissions associated with enhanced channel resources.

[0115] The base station 105 can configure CSI-RS transmission on one or more CSI-RS resources of the channel. The CSI-RS resource can start at any OFDM symbol of the time slot and occupy one or more symbols depending on the configured number of ports. For example, the CSI-RS resource can span one symbol of the time slot and contain one port for transmission. One or more CSI-RS resources can span many CSI-RS resource sets configured according to the CSI-RS resource setting of the base station 105. The structure of one or more CSI-RS resources, CSI-RS resource sets, and CSI-RS resource settings within the CSI-RS transmission can be referred to as a multi-level resource setting. For example, the multi-level CSI-RS resource setting of the base station 105 can include up to 16 CSI-RS resource sets and each CSI-RS resource set can include up to 64 CSI-RS resources. In some examples, the base station 105 can support a configured number (e.g., 128) of different CSI-RS resources on one or more CSI-RS resource sets.

[0116] In some examples, base station 105 may provide an indication (such as a label "repeat = on") associated with CSI-RS transmissions for UE 115. The indication may define whether UE 115 may assume that CSI-RS resources included within a reference signal (e.g., non-zero power (NZP) CSI-RS transmissions) are associated with the same downlink spatial transmit filter and correspond to a single transmit beam at base station 105. The indication may be configured based on a higher layer signaling parameter (e.g., reportQuantity) associated with all report settings linked to a CSI-RS resource set. For example, base station 105 may configure the reportQuantity parameter to be a collective indication (e.g., "cri-RSRP", "none", etc.) indicating a single transmit beam.

[0117] Upon receipt, the UE 115 may identify a configured set indication associated with the received higher layer signaling parameters. In some examples (such as "cri-RSRP" reporting), the UE 115 may determine CSI parameters for one or more CSI-RS resources and report the measurements according to the improved reporting configuration. For example, the UE 115 may determine CSI parameters (e.g., RSRP values) for one or more channel resources. The UE 115 may then adjust the reporting according to the configured channel resource indicator (CRI) value, as an example, where the CRI value corresponds to an index of a resource entry associated with one or more CSI-RS resources in a corresponding CSI-RS resource set for channel measurement.

[0118] In some examples, the base station 105 may send one or more additional downlink reference signals for communication, including positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission. PRS transmission may be configured for a specific UE 115 to measure and report one or more reporting parameters (e.g., reporting quantity) associated with positioning and location information. The base station 105 may use the reported information as part of a UE assisted positioning technique. PRS transmission and reporting parameter feedback may support various positioning services (e.g., navigation systems, emergency communications). In some examples, the reporting parameters supplement one or more additional positioning systems (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) technology) supported by the UE 115.

[0119] The base station 105 can configure PRS transmission on one or more PRS resources of the channel. Depending on the configured number of ports, the PRS resource can span resource elements of multiple physical resource blocks (PRBs) within one or more OFDM symbols of a time slot. For example, a PRS resource can span a symbol of a time slot and contain a port for transmission. In any OFDM symbol, the PRS resource can occupy continuous PRBs. In some examples, PRS transmission can be mapped to continuous OFDM symbols of a time slot. In other examples, PRS transmission can be mapped to scattered OFDM symbols of a time slot. In addition, PRS transmission can support frequency hopping within the PRB of a channel.

[0120] The one or more PRS resources may span many PRS resource sets according to the PRS resource settings of the base station 105. The structure of one or more PRS resources, PRS resource sets, and PRS resource settings within a PRS transmission may be referred to as a multi-level resource setting. For example, the multi-level PRS resource setting of the base station 105 may include multiple PRS resource sets, and each PRS resource set may contain a group of PRS resources (such as a group of 4 PRS resources).

[0121] The UE 115 may receive a PRS transmission on one or more PRS resources in a time slot. The UE 115 may determine reporting parameters for at least some (if not each) PRS resources included in the transmission. The reporting parameters (which may include the number of reports) for each PRS resource may include time of arrival (TOA), reference signal time difference (RSTD), reference signal received power (RSRP), angle, PRS identification number, receive-transmit difference (UE Rx-Tx), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), or reference signal received quality (RSRQ).

[0122] The wireless communication system 100 may be or include a multi-carrier beamforming communication system, such as a mmW wireless communication system. Aspects of the wireless communication system 100 may include the base station 105 using PRS transmissions or the UE 115 using sounding reference signal (SRS) transmissions for UE position determination. For downlink-based UE position determination, a location server 164 / 196 (e.g., LMF 196 in an NR network or E-SMLC 164 in an LTE network) (sometimes referred to as a location server 164 / 196164 / 196) may be used to provide positioning assistance data (AD) to the UE 115. In UE-assisted positioning, the location server may receive a measurement report from the UE 115 indicating a location measurement for one or more base stations 105, and the location server 164 / 196 may use the location measurement (e.g., using OTDOA or other desired techniques) to determine a location estimate for the UE 115.

[0123] The location estimate of the node can be determined by the location server 164 / 196164 / 196 using measurements obtained from reference signals (e.g., PRS signals from one or more base stations, SRS signals from UEs, or both PRS signals and SRS signals). For example, downlink (DL)-based positioning methods include DL arrival time difference (DL-TDOA), DL departure angle (DLAoD), enhanced cell ID (ECID); uplink (UL)-based positioning methods may include UL arrival time difference (UL-TDOA), UL arrival angle (UL AoA), UL relative arrival time (UL-RTOA); and DL and UL-based positioning methods include round-trip time (RTT) with one or more neighboring base stations, such as multiple RTT.

[0124] In addition, the position of the UE 115 may be estimated using RAT-independent techniques. For example, the communication system 100 may also use information from a space vehicle (SV) (not shown) for a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, or BeiDou, or some other regional or area satellite positioning system (SPS), such as IRNSS, EGNOS, or WAAS. The position-related measurements obtained by the UE 115 may include measurements of signals received from the SV and / or may include measurements of signals received from a ground transmitter fixed at a known location (such as the base station 105). The UE 115 or a location server 164 / 196 to which the UE 115 may issue measurements may then obtain a position estimate for the UE 115 based on these position-related measurements using any of several positioning methods, such as, for example, GNSS, Assisted GNSS (A-GNSS), Advanced Forward Link Trilateration (AFLT), Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA), WLAN (also known as WiFi) positioning, or Enhanced Cell ID (ECID), or a combination thereof. In some of these techniques (e.g., A-GNSS, AFLT, and OTDOA), pseudoranges or timing differences relative to three or more ground-based transmitters (e.g., base station 105) fixed at known locations, or relative to four or more SVs with accurately known orbit data, or a combination thereof, may be measured at UE 115 based at least in part on pilots, positioning reference signals (PRS), or other positioning-related signals transmitted by transmitters or satellites and received at UE 115.

[0125] An "RF signal" includes an electromagnetic wave that transmits information through space between a transmitter and a receiver. As used herein, a transmitter may transmit a single "RF signal" or multiple "RF signals" to a receiver. However, due to the propagation characteristics of RF signals through multipath channels, a receiver may receive multiple "RF signals" corresponding to each transmitted RF signal. The same transmitted RF signal on different paths between a transmitter and a receiver may be referred to as a "multipath" RF signal.

[0126] The term "position estimate" is used herein to refer to an estimate of the location of an entity (e.g., a base station 105 or a UE 115), which may be geographic (e.g., may include latitude, longitude, and possibly altitude) or urban (e.g., may include a street address, a building name, or a precise point or area within or near a building or street address, such as a specific entrance to a building, a specific room or suite in a building, or a landmark such as a town square). A position estimate may also be referred to as a "position," "fix," "position fix," "position fix," "position estimate," "position estimate," or some other term. The means of obtaining a position estimate may generally be referred to as "positioning" or "position fix." A specific solution for obtaining a position estimate may be referred to as a "position solution." A specific method for obtaining a position estimate as part of a position solution may be referred to as a "position method" or "positioning method."

[0127] Figure 2 A simplified environment 200 and exemplary techniques for determining the location of a node (e.g., UE 115) are shown. UE 115 can communicate wirelessly with multiple base stations 105-1, 105-2, 105-3 (sometimes collectively referred to as base stations 105) using radio frequency (RF) signals and standardized protocols for modulation of the RF signals and exchange of information packets. By extracting different types of information from the exchanged signals and utilizing the layout of the network (i.e., network geometry), the location of UE 115 can be determined in a predefined reference coordinate system. Figure 2 As shown, the location (x, y) of UE 115 can be specified using a two-dimensional coordinate system; however, the aspects disclosed herein are not limited thereto and may also be adapted to determine location using a three-dimensional coordinate system if additional dimensions are required. Figure 2 Three base stations are shown in FIG. 1 , but various aspects may utilize additional base stations or other UEs.

[0128] In order to determine the location (x, y) of UE 115, UE 115 or location server 164 / 196 may need to know the network geometry. The network geometry may include the location of each of base stations 105 in a reference coordinate system ((xk, yk), where k=1, 2, 3). The network geometry may be stored by location server 164 / 196 and may be provided to UE 115 in any manner, such as, for example, providing such information in a beacon signal, providing the information using a dedicated server located outside an external network, providing the information using a uniform resource identifier, etc.

[0129] The distances (dk, where k=1, 2, 3) between the UE 115 and each of the base stations 105-k may be determined, for example, by the UE 115, the base station 105, or a combination thereof. As will be described in more detail below, there are many different methods for estimating these distances (dk) by exploiting different characteristics of the RF signals exchanged between the UE 115 and the base stations 105-1, 105-2, 105-3. As will be discussed below, such characteristics may include receive and transmit times (Rx-Tx), round trip times (RTT) of signals, and / or strengths (RSSI) of signals.

[0130] In other aspects, the distance (dk) can be determined or improved in part using other sources of information not associated with the base station 105. For example, other positioning systems (such as GPS) can be used to provide a rough estimate of dk. (It should be noted that in the expected operating environment (indoors, metropolitan areas, etc.), GPS may likely not have sufficient signal strength to provide a continuously accurate estimate of dk. However, GPS signals can be combined with other information to assist in the position determination process.) Other relative positioning devices may reside in the UE 115, which can be used as a basis for providing a rough estimate of relative position and / or direction (e.g., an onboard accelerometer).

[0131] Once each distance dk is determined, the location of UE 115 may be determined using various known geometric techniques such as, for example, trilateration. Figure 2 It can be seen that the location of UE 115 is ideally located at the common intersection of all circles 202, 204, and 206 drawn using dotted lines. Each circle is defined by a radius dk and a center (xk, yk), where k = 1, 2, 3. In practice, due to noise and other errors in the networking system, the intersection of these circles may not be at a single point.

[0132] Determining the distance between UE 115 and each base station 105 may involve using time information of RF signals. On the one hand, it is possible to perform Rx-Tx or RTT of the signal exchanged between UE 115 and any base station and convert it into a distance (dk). Rx-Tx technology determines the time between the signal transmission time and the signal reception time. RTT technology can measure the time between sending a signaling message and receiving a response. These methods can utilize calibration to remove any processing delays. In some environments, it can be assumed that the processing delays of UE 115 and base station 105 are the same. However, this assumption may not actually be true.

[0133] Figure 3 Shows something like Figure 2 A simplified environment 300 of FIG. 1 is provided, and another exemplary technique for determining the location of a node (eg, UE 115). Figure 3In the embodiment of the present invention, UE 115 measures the arrival time (TOA) of the reference signal from each of the base stations 105 relative to the internal time base of UE 115. Between each pair of base stations 105, UE 115 measures the reference signal time difference (RSTD), which is the relative time difference of the TOA between a pair of base stations (e.g., a reference base station 105 (e.g., base station 105-1) and a measured base station (e.g., base station 105-2)), which is determined as the minimum time difference between two subframe boundaries received from the two base stations. For example, RSTD can be measured as the difference between the TOA of the reference signal from the reference base station 105 and the TOA of the corresponding reference signal from the measured base station 105.

[0134] The determination of the UE 115 position may then be based on the following observations. As is well known, OTDOA position may be based on the following three quantities: time difference of arrival (TDOA), real time difference (RTD), and geometric time difference (GTD). TDOA may be the time interval observed by the UE 115 between receiving a DL reference signal (RS) from each of two different base stations 105 and may correspond to an RSTD measurement. If the RSTD from Figure 3 In the example, if the DL RS of base station 105-1 is received by UE 115 at time t1, and the corresponding DL RS from base station 105-2 is received by UE 115 at time t2, the TDOA value is (t2-t1) (or its inverse). RTD can represent the relative synchronization difference between two base stations in the network. If base station 105-1 sends a DL RS at time t3, and base station 105-2 sends a corresponding DL RS at time t4, the RTD between them is (t4-t3). If the base stations transmit at exactly the same time, the base stations are synchronized and the RTD is zero. GTD is the time difference between receiving the DL RS from each of two different base stations due to geometric reasons. If the propagation path length between base station 105-1 and UE 115 is d1, and the propagation path length between base station 105-2 and UE 115 is d2, then GTD is ((d2-d1) / c), where c is the speed of the radio wave. The relationship between these three quantities is:

[0135] TDOA = RTD + GTD (Equation 1)

[0136] GTD is a quantity that is useful for positioning purposes (e.g., using OTDOA) because it contains information about the location of UE 115. If only the TDOA value (e.g., measured RSTD) is known, the location of UE 115 cannot generally be calculated with an asynchronous network because the RTD value must also be known. However, if the RTD value is also available, the UE 115 (for UE-based OTDOA) or base station 105-1 or location server 164 / 196 (for UE-assisted OTDOA) can use TDOA (or RSTD) measurements for at least two pairs of base stations, and typically more pairs of base stations, to determine the location of UE 115. This is in Figure 3 As shown in . Figure 3 The determination of the GTD between base stations 105-1 and 105-2 can locate UE 115 at Figure 3 On the hyperbola 302 shown. Figure 3 A similar determination of the GTD between base stations 105-1 and 105-3 in FIG. 1 (via UE 115's measurement of RSTD or TDOA between base stations 105-1 and 105-3) can similarly position UE 115 at Figure 3 On the hyperbola 304 shown in . Figure 3 The intersection of the two hyperbolas at point 306 in can then locate UE 115 (although more hyperbolas are typically obtained from RSTD measurements for more pairs of base stations to eliminate uncertainty and reduce errors in the position of UE 115).

[0137] In a synchronous network, RTD is typically zero (or close to zero). In an asynchronous network, TDOA (RSTD) and RTT measurements may be used to determine RTD. If the RTT between UE 115 and each of base stations 105-1 and 105-2 is determined (e.g., as described later in conjunction with Figure 4 As described above), and UE 115 additionally measures the TDOA (e.g., RSTD) between the two base stations, the RTD may be determined as:

[0138] RTD=TDOA–GTD (Equation 2)

[0139] gives:

[0140] RTD=TDOA–(RTT2–RTT1) / 2 (Equation 3)

[0141] Here, RTT1 is the RTT between UE 115 and base station 105-1, and RTT2 is the RTT between UE 115 and base station 105-2.

[0142] UE 115 , base station 105 - 1 , or LMF 152 may determine timing information in the form of RTDs for pairs of base stations 105 based on measurements of RSTDs between pairs of base stations and measurements of RTT for each base station 105 using Equation 3.

[0143] Therefore, for the UE-based OTDOA positioning method, UE 115 needs to measure the RSTD of multiple pairs of base stations, and needs the position of each base station, which UE 115 can receive in the assistance data from the serving base station 105-1 or from the location server such as LMF 152 (or the assistance data broadcast by the base station 105-1). UE 115 may additionally need to determine the RTD of each pair of base stations, which can be determined as described above according to Equation 3 using RSTD and RTT measurements. UE 115 can receive the RTT of each base station 105 from the location server (e.g., LMF 152) or from the base station 105-1, or can calculate the RTT based on the Rx-Tx measurement of each base station provided by the network (e.g., provided by the base station 105-1).

[0144] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Two examples of positioning methods are shown. It should be understood that other known positioning methods (such as AoA or AoD) can be similarly used to determine the location of the node. In addition, it should be understood that although Figure 2 and Figure 3 The present invention is described in terms of a UE-based positioning method, but UE-assisted positioning may similarly be used, for example, where positioning measurements are provided to a location server (e.g., Figure 1 The location server 164 / 196 in the UE is used to estimate the location of the UE. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Determining the location of UE 115 is described, but similar methods may be used to determine the location of base station 105 if the location of base station 105 is unknown.

[0145] Figure 4 Shows something like Figure 2 A simplified environment 400 is provided for describing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and exemplary techniques for determining the location of a node such as a base station 105. Figure 4 Similar to Figure 2, but instead of determining the location of UE 115, the location of base station 105-4 is determined, which base station 105-4 can be, for example, an IAB node. Base station 105-4 can communicate wirelessly with multiple base stations 105-1, 105-3 and UE 115 using radio frequency (RF) signals and standardized protocols for modulation of RF signals and exchange of information packets. By extracting different types of information from the exchanged signals and taking advantage of the layout of the network (i.e., network geometry), base station 105-4 or a positioning engine (such as Figure 1 The location server 164 / 196 shown in FIG. 1 or the location engine within the UE 115 may determine the location of the base station 105-4 in a predefined reference coordinate system. Figure 4 As shown in , base station 105-4 may specify its position (x, y) using a two-dimensional coordinate system; however, the aspects disclosed herein are not limited thereto and may also be adapted to determine position using a three-dimensional coordinate system where additional dimensions are required. Figure 4 1 and 105-3 and one UE 115 in the embodiment of the present invention for communication, but various aspects may utilize more or fewer base stations or additional or fewer UEs.

[0146] Similar to Figure 2 , base station 105-4 may determine its position (x, y) using the known position (x1, y1) of base station 105-1, the known position (x3, y3) of base station 105-3, and the known position (x0, y0) of UE 115. Base station 105-4 may determine distances d4, d5, and d6 to base stations 105-1 and 105-3, and UE 115, respectively. These distances may be determined by utilizing different characteristics (such as Rx-Tx, RTT, RSSI, etc.) of RF signals exchanged between base station 105-4 and other nodes (e.g., base stations 105-1, 105-3, and UE 115).

[0147] Once each distance is determined, base station 105-4, location server 164 / 196, or UE 115 may solve for the position (x, y) of base station 105-4 using various known geometric techniques such as, for example, trilateration. Figure 4 It can be seen that the location of base station 105-4 is ideally located at the common intersection of all circles 402, 404, and 406 drawn using dotted lines. Each circle 402, 404, and 406 is defined by a radius of distances d4, d5, and d6 and centers (x1, y1), (x3, y3), and (x0, y0), respectively. In practice, due to noise and other errors in the networking system, the intersection of these circles may not be at a single point.

[0148] For example, the location (x0, y0) of UE 115 may be determined before the location of base station 105-4 is determined, e.g., as Figure 2 or Figure 3 In another embodiment, the location (x0, y0) of UE 115 and the location of base station 105-4 may be determined within the same positioning session, for example, using additional information from base station 105-2 at location (x2, y2).

[0149] Determining the distance between base station 105-4 and other nodes (e.g., base stations 105-1, 105-3 and UE 115) can involve utilizing the time information of the RF signal. On the one hand, it is possible to perform Rx-Tx or RTT determination of the signal exchanged between UE 115 and any base station and convert it into distance. Rx-Tx technology determines the time between the signal transmission time and the signal reception time. RTT technology can measure the time between sending a signaling message and receiving a response. These methods can utilize calibration to remove any processing delays. In some environments, it can be assumed that the processing delays of UE 115 and base station 105 are the same. However, this assumption may not actually be true.

[0150] Similarly, you can use Figure 3 The position of base station 105-4 may be determined using the techniques shown in or other known positioning techniques, such as angle-based methods (e.g., AoA, AoD), or hybrid angle-based and time-based methods (RTT, TDOA).

[0151] Figure 5 An example of an IAB architecture 500 in standalone mode is shown, illustrating the functionality and interfaces of the IAB. For example, the IAB is generally described in 3GPP Technical Report (TR) 38.874. The IAB may use known functionality and interfaces defined for access, such as mobile termination (MT), gNB-distributed unit (gNB-DU), and gNB-central unit (gNB-CU), and the corresponding interface NR Uu (between MT and gNB), and F1, NG, X2, and N4 are used for the baseline of the IAB architecture.

[0152] Figure 5An IAB donor 510, multiple IAB nodes 520, and multiple UEs 530 are shown. The IAB donor 510 can be viewed as a single logical node that includes a set of functions such as a distributed unit (DU) 512, a central unit (CU)-control plane (CU-CP) 514, a CU-user plane (CU-UP) 516, and other possible functions 518. The IAB donor 510 can be split according to these functions, which can all be co-located or non-co-located. The IAB donor 510 interfaces with a core network (CN) 502, which can be a 5GC 190 or an EPC 160. The DU 512 interfaces with the CU-CP 514, CU-CP 516, or other functions 518 via a wired IP link.

[0153] Each IAB node 520 includes an MT 522 and a DU 524. The IAB node 520 does not interface directly with the CN 502, but rather interfaces with an IAB donor 510, a parent IAB node 520, a child IAB node 520, or a UE 530. The MT functionality in the IAB node 520 is similar to the MT component found in the UE. The MT 522 in the IAB node terminates the radio interface layer of the backhaul Uu interface (e.g., wireless backhaul link) toward a single DU 512 in the IAB donor 510 or a single DU 524 of the parent IAB node 520, for example, as shown by the child IAB node 520-1 interfacing with the parent IAB node 520-2. DU 524 terminates the radio interface layer (eg, wireless access link) with UE 530, or the radio interface layer (eg, wireless backhaul link) with MT 522 of child IAB node 520, for example, as shown by parent IAB node 520-2 interfacing with child IAB node 520-1.

[0154] The IAB node may operate independently or non-independently. For example, the UE may be connected to the IAB node and select a different operation mode than the IAB node, or be connected to a different type of core network than the IAB node.

[0155] Fig. 6A The operation of the IAB 620 in a standalone operation with a Next Generation Core (NGC) 602, such as the 5GC 190, is illustrated by way of example. The IAB donor gNB 610 is connected to the NGC 602 via an NG interface, and the DU function of the IAB donor gNB 610 is connected to the MT function of the IAB node 620 via a wireless backhaul link NR Uu. The DU function of the IAB node 620 is connected to the UE 630 via a wireless access link NR Uu.

[0156] Figure 6BBy way of example, UE 630 is shown in non-standalone operation with an evolved packet core (EPC) 604 (such as EPC 160), while IAB node 620 operates in standalone mode with NGC 602 (such as 5GC 190). As shown, eNB 640 communicates with EPC 604 via an S1 interface and communicates with UE 630 via an LTE Uu interface. eNB 640 and IAB donor gNB 610 may communicate via an X2 interface.

[0157] Figure 6C The operation of UE 630 and IAB node 620 in non-standalone operation with EPC 604 (e.g., EPC 160) is shown by way of example. As shown, the IAB donor gNB communicates with EPC 604 via an S1-U interface and communicates with eNB 640 via an X2 interface. The IAB node 620 can communicate with the eNB 640 and the IAB donor gNB 610.

[0158] If the location of the IAB node is known, the IAB node can be used to locate the UE. However, there may be various types of IAB nodes, which may differ with respect to known locations or mobility. For example, some IAB nodes may be fixed, such as completely stationary, and may have a known location, similar to a conventional non-IAB base station.

[0159] Other IAB nodes may be fixed, e.g., completely stationary, but may have an unknown location. For example, an IAB node may be mounted to an object such as a lamp post, but may not have a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver attached. The location of such an IAB node may be determined "offline," e.g., using an external GNSS receiver and programmed into the IAB node, or its location may be determined using a positioning method.

[0160] Some IAB nodes may be mobile and may also need to be located, for example, using a GNSS receiver or other positioning method. The location of such an IAB node may be temporarily known, but may vary depending on the mobility of the IAB node. For example, an IAB node may have "limited mobility", such as a home router that moves but not often. The location of such an IAB node may need to be updated from time to time, for example, when the IAB moves. Another example of limited mobility may be an IAB node installed on an elevator, where the IAB moves frequently, but the range of motion is limited. In addition, the IAB node may be "fully mobile", such as an IAB node installed on a vehicle (such as a taxi or a high-speed train). Such an IAB node may need to update its location frequently.

[0161] During a positioning session, from the UE's perspective, IAB operations may be transparent to positioning operations. For example, a DU in an IAB node appears the same to the UE as a non-IAB gNB. Positioning protocols (e.g., LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP)) are between the UE and a location server (e.g., LMF) and are transparent to IAB operations. For UE-based positioning, assistance data may include the location of the IAB-DU node in the same manner as for non-IAB base stations.

[0162] From the perspective of the DU in the IAB node, the positioning protocol (e.g., New Radio Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa)) with the location server is extended to the DU. The positioning protocol (e.g., NRPPa) that terminates at the CU from the perspective of the location server can be effectively extended to each DU. For example, the CU can relay packets to or from the appropriate DU in a containerized form over the F1-AP interface or via a new F1-AP message that copies all information fields in the NRPPa packet.

[0163] Thus, positioning of the UE may be independent of IAB operations.However, as discussed above, an IAB node (whether it is completely stationary or mobile) may need to be located in order to be utilized in UE positioning.

[0164] As mentioned above Figure 5 As discussed in , currently, the MT 522 in the IAB node 520 can be used to communicate with a single DU unit in, for example, the IAB donor 510 or the parent IAB node. However, one reference point is not sufficient for positioning. For example, typical positioning procedures (such as trilateration or other techniques) require multiple (e.g., three or more) reference points.

[0165] Therefore, in one embodiment, the MT function of the IAB node can be used to perform positioning by participating in one or more positioning sessions and sending or receiving reference signals to or from multiple other base stations. For example, the reference signal can be at least one of a DL PRS, a UL PRS, an SRS, a synchronization signal block (SSB) signal, a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), or a combination thereof. The other base stations can be non-IAB base stations or other IAB-DUs. For example, ancestors, descendants, or other nodes of the same IAB donor DU or CU, or nodes of different IAB donor DUs or CUs can be used.

[0166] For example, in an embodiment with multiple parent IAB-DUs, the transmission or reception of reference signals for positioning can be performed using parent IAB-DUs (i.e., DUs from other IAB nodes or DUs from one or more IAB donors). A single or separate capability can be reported for the maximum number of possible parent IAB-DUs and the maximum number of IAB-DUs with which positioning measurements can be performed as part of a positioning session. If the parent IAB-DU has a known location, the location of the IAB node can be determined using a known positioning procedure. On the other hand, if the location of one or more of the parent IAB-DUs is unknown, the location of the parent IAB-DU can be determined together with the location of the IAB node. For example, an iterative method can be used to determine the location of the parent IAB-DU before the location of the IAB node, and then the location of the IAB node can be determined using the now known location of the parent IAB-DU. In a joint method, the location of the parent IAB-DU and the location of the IAB node can be solved simultaneously.

[0167] In another embodiment, the DU function in the IAB node can be used to determine the location of the IAB node as an alternative or supplement to the use of the MT function. For example, the DU in the IAB node can communicate with multiple other nodes with known locations (e.g., more accurately known than the DU function of the IAB node). For example, the nodes that can be used can be one or more UEs, or the MT function of other downstream IAB nodes. The DU function of the IAB node can perform location measurements with other nodes, such as one or more of TDOA, RTT, AoA, AoD, and signal strength positioning measurements, and then the location of the DU function can be determined. The location measurement can be, for example, part of a positioning session of those nodes (i.e., the location of other nodes is being determined), or as a separate measurement triggered by an RRC / MAC-CE / DCI command. For example, a positioning session of other nodes can be initiated to obtain positioning measurements of the IAB node. It should be noted that the positioning session of one of the other nodes can be a session between the node and a location server (such as an LMF or eSMLC). In the above method, no such session needs to exist between the IAB node itself and the LMF, however, in order to use positioning sessions at other nodes to obtain useful measurements about the IAB node, the IAB node must participate or participate in those positioning sessions, for example by sending PRSs that those other nodes will measure or by receiving PRSs that those other nodes will send. To facilitate these operations, a base station to positioning node session (such as LPPa between LTE eNB and eSMLC, or NR-PPa between NR gNB and LMF) can be initiated between the IAB node and the LMF to configure the IAB node to be compatible with other nodes whose positioning sessions are used to extract measurements involving the IAB node.

[0168] For example, when the MT and DU of the IAB node are not co-located, it may be advantageous to use the DU function in the IAB node instead of the MT function for positioning. For example, one MT function may provide services for multiple non-co-located DUs. Since the DU of the IAB node is used for UE positioning, i.e., the DU of the IAB node serves as a base station for the UE, and the MT to DU position offset may be unknown, determining the location of the DU function of the IAB node instead of the MT function may be more useful for future UE positioning determination.

[0169] Even if the MT and DU of an IAB node are co-located, using both MT and DU measurements may improve performance and potentially avoid or reduce the need for PRS monitoring from or transmissions to additional nodes beyond the nodes with which the IAB node already communicates for data traffic.

[0170] In addition, in another embodiment, the IAB node may provide a mobility indication to, for example, other nodes (e.g., a location server, a base station (e.g., other IAB nodes or an IAB donor)) or to a UE. For example, the IAB node may indicate one or more of the mobility type, or the location or uncertainty type, or the current location or uncertainty, or a combination thereof. For example, the IAB node may indicate whether it is completely stationary, occasionally moving, or completely mobile, etc. The indication may be provided to the CU, for example, via F1-AP, to a location server such as LMF via NR-PPa, or to the UE via RRC / MAC-CE / DCI. Such indications provided by the IAB node may be used by the location server when preparing assistance data for the UE. For example, if the IAB node is mobile, such as occasionally moving or completely mobile, the location server may exclude the IAB node from the positioning assistance data. In addition, in the UE-assisted positioning procedure, the location server may exclude any positioning measurements associated with the IAB node indicated as mobile from the position determination. The UE may choose not to perform positioning measurements with the IAB nodes that have been indicated as mobile unless they are explicitly commanded to be measured. Furthermore, in the UE-based positioning procedure, the UE may exclude from the position determination any positioning measurements related to IAB nodes indicated as mobile.

[0171] Figure 7An IAB architecture 700 for determining the location of an IAB node 720-1 is shown. As shown, in one embodiment, the MT function of the IAB node 720-1 can participate in a positioning session with multiple other base stations (shown as an IAB DU in an IAB donor 710-1 and an IAB DU in a parent IAB node 720-2 and a location server, such as in or attached to a core network (CN) 702) via a wireless backhaul link. In some embodiments, as shown by the dashed arrow, the MT function of the IAB node 720-1 can participate in a positioning session with a second IAB donor 710-2. The IAB node 720-1 may be limited to participating in a positioning session with one IAB DU at a time, in which case the positioning sessions with the DU of the IAB donor 710-1 and the DU of the IAB node 720-2 and / or the IAB donor 710-2 may be separated in time. In addition, the MT functionality of the IAB node 720-1 may participate in a positioning session with a non-IAB node (such as a gNB or eNB), e.g. Figure 6B and 6C As shown. The positioning session with the IAB DU may include sending and / or receiving reference signals, such as at least one of DL PRS, UL PRS, SRS, SSB, CSI-RSI, or a combination thereof. For example, the positioning measurements performed by the IAB node 720-1 may include one or more of Rx-Tx, TDOA, RTT, AoA, AoD, signal strength, etc. If the MT function of the IAB node 720-1 is limited to participating with one IAB DU at a time, the positioning measurements performed by the IAB node 720-1 may, for example, include one or more of RTT, AoA, AoD, signal strength, etc. Since TDOA measurements involve timing differences from two separate nodes, TDOA may not be suitable for this situation.

[0172] Additionally or alternatively, the location of the IAB node 720-1 can be determined using the DU function of the IAB node 720-1. For example, as shown in the figure, the DU function of the IAB node 720-1 can participate in a positioning session with the MT function of the child IAB node 720-3 via a wireless backhaul link, and can participate in a positioning session with UE 740-1 and 740-2 via a wireless access link. If the DU function and the MT function of the IAB node 720-1 are not co-located, it may be useful to use the DU function in the IAB node 720-1 without the MT function. The positioning session used with the DU function of the IAB node 720-1 may include sending and / or receiving reference signals, such as at least one or a combination of DL PRS, UL PRS, SRS, SSB, CSI-RS. Positioning measurements may include one or more of Rx-Tx, TDOA, RTT, AoA, AoD, signal strength, etc.

[0173] Figure 8 A simplified exemplary procedure 800 for determining the location of an IAB node 820-1 is shown. As shown, at a first stage 801, the MT function of the IAB node 820-1 and the location server 164 / 196 may participate in a positioning session, for example, through an IAB donor 810, as indicated by arrow 802. The MT function of the IAB node 820-1 may participate in one or more positioning sessions with multiple other base stations. For example, the MT function of the IAB node 820-1 may participate in positioning sessions with multiple IAB DUs or non-IAB base stations (not shown). As shown, in the positioning session 802, positioning measurements are performed using a reference signal between the MT function of the IAB node 820-1 and the DU function of the IAB node 820-2, as indicated by arrow 803. In the same positioning session or additional positioning sessions, additional positioning measurements are performed with the IAB-DU. For example, Figure 8 As shown, in the second stage 804, the MT function of the IAB node 820-1 and the location server 164 / 196 can participate in a new positioning session, for example, through the IAB donor 810, as shown by arrow 805. Positioning measurements are performed using reference signals between the MT function of the IAB node 820-1 and the DU function of the IAB donor 810, as shown by arrows 806 and 807. If necessary, the IAB node 820-1 can participate in a positioning session with multiple IAB DUs or non-IAB base stations (not shown) (including a separate IAB donor). The reference signal can be, for example, a DL, UL, or DL ​​and UL reference signal, and can be a PRS, SRS, SSB, CSI-RSI, or a combination thereof. The positioning measurement can include one or more of Rx-Tx, TDOA, RTT, AoA, AoD, signal strength, etc. The positioning measurement can be provided by the IAB node 820-1 to the location server 164 / 196. In some implementations, the IAB node 820 - 2 and / or the IAB donor 810 may provide the positioning measurements to the location server 164 / 196 The location server 164 / 196 may receive the positioning measurements and determine the location of the IAB node 820 - 1 at block 809 .

[0174] Fig. 9Another simplified exemplary procedure 900 for determining the location of an IAB node 920-1 is shown. As shown, at a first stage 901, the MT function of the IAB node 920-1 and the location server 164 / 196 may participate in a positioning session as indicated by arrow 902, which may be forwarded by the IAB donor 910. The DU function of the IAB node 920-1 may participate in one or more positioning sessions with multiple other nodes, including base stations (e.g., child IAB node 920-2) and UEs 930-1 and 930-2. As shown, in the positioning session 902, positioning measurements are performed using reference signals between the DU function of the IAB node 920-1 and the MT function of the IAB node 920-2, as indicated by arrow 903. Additional positioning measurements are performed on the same (e.g., at different times) or different nodes in the same positioning session or additional positioning sessions. For example, Fig. 9 As shown, in the second stage 904, the MT function of the IAB node 920-1 and the location server 164 / 196 can participate in a new positioning session, for example, through the IAB donor 910, as shown by arrow 905. Positioning measurements are performed using the reference signals between the DU function of the IAB node 920-1 and the UEs 930-1 and 930-2, as shown by arrows 906 and 908. The reference signal can be, for example, a DL, UL, or DL ​​and UL reference signal, and can be a PRS, SRS, SSB, CSI-RSI, or a combination thereof. The positioning measurement can include one or more of Rx-Tx, TDOA, RTT, AoA, AoD, signal strength, etc. The positioning measurement can be provided by the IAB node 920-1 to the location server 164 / 196. In some embodiments, the IAB node 920-2 and / or the UE 930-1 and / or 930-2 can provide the positioning measurement to the location server 164 / 196. The location server 164 / 196 may receive the positioning measurements and determine the location of the IAB node 920 - 1 at block 909 .

[0175] Fig.10Another simplified exemplary procedure 1000 for determining the location of an IAB node 1020-1 is shown. As shown, the MT function of the IAB node 1020-1 and the location server 164 / 196 can participate in a positioning session, for example, through the IAB donor 1010, as shown by arrow 1002. The MT function of the IAB node 1020-1 can participate in a positioning session with the DU function of the IAB donor 1010, as shown by arrow 1004, and the DU function of the IAB node 1020-1 can participate in a positioning session with the MT function of the child IAB node 1020-2 and with the UE 1030. The reference signal can be, for example, a DL, UL, or DL ​​and UL reference signal, and can be a PRS, SRS, SSB, CSI-RSI, or a combination thereof. The positioning measurement can include one or more of Rx-Tx, TDOA, RTT, AoA, AoD, signal strength, etc. The positioning measurement can be provided by the IAB node 1020-1 to the location server 164 / 196. In some implementations, the IAB donor 1010, the IAB node 1020-2, and / or the UE 115 may provide the positioning measurements to the location server 164 / 196. The location server 164 / 196 may receive the positioning measurements and determine, at block 1009, the location of the IAB node 1020-1.

[0176] Fig.11 A procedure 1100 is shown that includes messages that may be used to determine a location of a UE using a mobility indication to an IAB node 1120 .

[0177] At stage 1, the location server 164 / 196 may, for example, via an intermediate network entity (such as an AMF (not shown) and an IAB donor, which may be one of the base stations 1102-1, 1102-2, or 1102-3 requesting the capabilities of the IAB node 1020), issue a request capability message to the IAB node 1020 to be located. The request capability message may indicate the type of capability required. For example, the query may be for the positioning capability of the IAB node 1020 to send or receive reference signals to or from one or more parent IAB-DUs, non-IAB nodes, or other IAB nodes.

[0178] At stage 2, the IAB node 1020 returns a Provide Capability message to the location server 164 / 196, which includes the positioning capabilities of the IAB node 1020, such as the ability to send or receive reference signals to or from one or more parent IAB-DUs, non-IAB nodes, or other IAB nodes. The IAB node 1020 may also provide a mobility indication, such as whether the IAB node 1020 is completely stationary, occasionally mobile, or completely mobile, etc.

[0179] At stage 3, the location server 164 / 196 may generate positioning assistance data (AD). The assistance data may include assistance data for the IAB node 1120 and base stations 1102-1, 1102-2, and 1102-3, which may include IAB nodes, including parent or child IAB nodes or IAB donors or non-IAB nodes. For example, the assistance data may include the locations of the base stations 1102-1, 1102-2, and 1102-3, which the UE 1130 may use, for example, in a UE-based positioning procedure. The assistance data may also include, for example, a mobility indication of any one of the IAB node 1020 and base stations 1102-1, 1102-2, and 1102-3, if known.

[0180] At stage 4 , the location server 164 / 196 provides assistance data to the UE 115 .

[0181] At stage 5, the location server 164 / 196 issues a request location information message to the UE 115 to request the desired location information, such as positioning measurements. The message may include, for example, the type of positioning measurement, the expected accuracy, the response time, etc. In addition, the message may include a command for performing positioning measurements with the IAB node 1020, which may indicate whether the positioning measurement is mandatory. The command may indicate that the UE 1130 is to initiate a positioning session to determine the location of the UE and is to obtain positioning measurements of the IAB node 1020 or that the positioning session is for the IAB node 1020. Depending on the reported ability of the IAB node 1120 to send or receive reference signals to or from one or more parent IAB-DUs, non-IAB nodes, or other IAB nodes, the location server 164 / 196 may issue additional request location information messages to the IAB node 1120 or other UEs and base stations used to determine the location of the IAB node 1020.

[0182] At stage 6a, UE 1130 performs the requested positioning measurements using reference signal transmissions from base stations 1102-1, 1102-2, and 1102-3 and IAB node 1120. For example, the positioning measurements may be one or more of TOA, RSTD, or Rx-Tx, AoA, AoD, signal strength, etc. It should be understood that UE 1130 may further perform positioning measurements with additional nodes (e.g., other UEs and base stations, some of which may have known locations and some of which may have unknown locations). For example, if IAB node 1120 is indicated as mobile in the assistance data received at stage 5, UE 1130 may use the mobility of IAB node 1120 in performing positioning measurements, for example, by excluding positioning measurements with IAB node 1120.

[0183] At stage 6b, base stations 1102-1, 1102-2, and 1102-3 and IAB node 1120 perform the requested positioning measurements using the reference signal transmission from UE 1130. For example, the positioning measurements may be one or more of TOA, RSTD, or Rx-Tx, AoA, AoD, signal strength, etc. It should be appreciated that base stations 1102-1, 1102-2, and 1102-3 and IAB node 1120 may further perform positioning measurements with additional nodes (e.g., with additional UEs) and between base stations or with other base stations (some of which may have known locations and some of which may have unknown locations).

[0184] It should be understood that one or both of stages 6a and 6b may be performed. For example, for RTT positioning measurements, both stages 6a and 6b will be performed.

[0185] At stage 7, base stations 1102-1, 1102-2, and 1102-3 and / or IAB node 1120 may provide the location information obtained at stage 6b to location server 164 / 196. For example, the location information may be a desired positioning measurement. As indicated by the dashed arrows in stage 7, base stations 1102-1, 1102-2, and 1102-3 and IAB node 1120 may provide the location information obtained at stage 6b to UE 1130 instead of location server 164 / 196, for example, in a UE-based positioning procedure.

[0186] At optional stage 8, e.g., for a UE-based positioning procedure, the UE 1130 may determine the location of the IAB node 1020, e.g., using the positioning measurements from stage 6a and the assistance data received at stage 4 and the location information received from the base station at stage 7 (if performed). The UE 1130 may additionally determine the location of the UE 1130 together with the location of the IAB node 1020, e.g., in an iterative approach or in a joint approach. For example, if the IAB node 1120 is indicated as mobile in the assistance data received at stage 5, the UE 1130 may use the mobility of the IAB node 1120 in determining the location of the UE 1130, e.g., by excluding positioning measurements with the IAB node 1120.

[0187] At stage 9, UE 1130 provides location information to location server 164 / 196. For example, the location information may be positioning measurements obtained at stage 6a or the location of IAB node 1020 and / or UE 1130 determined at stage 8, or both.

[0188] At stage 10, the location server 164 / 196 may determine or confirm the location of the IAB node 1020, for example, using the location information received at one or both of stages 7 and 9. The location server 164 / 196 may determine the location of the UE 1130 together with the location of the IAB node 1020, for example, in an iterative approach or in a joint approach. For example, if the IAB node 1120 is indicated as mobile in stage 2, the location server may use the mobility of the IAB node 1120 in determining the location of the UE, for example, by excluding positioning measurements with the IAB node 1120.

[0189] Fig.12 A process flow 1200 is shown illustrating a method performed by an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node having an unknown location in a wireless network for locating an IAB node. The IAB node may be such as Figures 5 to 11 The IAB node includes a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function. Process flow 1200 may begin at block 1202, where the IAB node sends or receives a message for one or more positioning sessions to determine the location of the IAB node, such as Figure 8 Stages 802 and 805 and Fig.10 Stage 1002 and Fig.11 At block 1204, the IAB node sends or receives reference signals for positioning to or from multiple nodes in the wireless network in one or more positioning sessions, such as Figure 8 Stages 803, 806 and 807 and Fig.10 Stages 1004, 1006 and 1008 and Fig.11 This is shown in stages 6a and 6b.

[0190] In some embodiments, the reference signal is sent or received by the MT function, and the plurality of nodes include a plurality of base stations, e.g. Figure 8 Stages 803, 806 and 807 and Fig.10 In some embodiments, the IAB node may also send or receive reference signals for positioning using the DU function to or from multiple nodes in the wireless network, wherein the multiple nodes include a user equipment (UE) or an MT function of a downstream IAB node, such as Fig.10 As shown in stages 1006 and 1008.

[0191] In some embodiments, the plurality of nodes may be non-IAB nodes or other IAB nodes. For example, the plurality of nodes may be ancestors, descendants or other nodes of the same donor IAB DU or donor IAB central unit (CU), or nodes of different donor IAB DUs or different donor IAB CUs.

[0192] In some embodiments, the plurality of nodes may be a plurality of parent IAB-DUs. The IAB node may participate in a plurality of positioning sessions, wherein the MT function sends or receives a reference signal for positioning to or from a parent IAB-DU in each positioning session, for example, as a reference signal Figure 7 and Figure 8 The positioning measurement may be, for example, one or more of the receive and transmit time (Rx-Tx), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength with each parent IAB-DU.

[0193] In one embodiment, the IAB node may participate in a positioning session, wherein the MT function sends or receives reference signals for positioning to or from multiple parent IAB-DUs in a positioning session, such as reference signals. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The positioning measurement may be, for example, one or more of receive and transmit time (Rx-Tx), time difference of arrival (TDOA), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength positioning measurements with multiple parent IAB-DUs.

[0194] In one embodiment, the reference signal used for positioning can be at least one of a downlink positioning reference signal (PRS), an uplink PRS, a sounding reference signal (SRS), a synchronization signal block (SSB) signal, and a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), or a combination thereof.

[0195] In one embodiment, the reference signal is sent or received by a DU function of an IAB node, and the plurality of nodes include a user equipment (UE) or an MT function of a downstream IAB node, such as Fig.10 As shown in stages 1006 and 1008.

[0196] In one embodiment, the messages sent or received in one or more positioning sessions include messages indicating the ability to send or receive reference signals to or from one or more parent IAB-DUs, non-IAB nodes, or other IAB nodes, such as Fig.11 as shown in Stage 2.

[0197] In one embodiment, the IAB node may additionally perform positioning measurements based on reference signals received from one or more nodes in the wireless network, and the messages sent in one or more positioning sessions may include location information based on the positioning measurements to the location server for locating the IAB node, such as regarding Figure 8 Stages 803, 806, 807 and 809 and Fig.10 As discussed in stages 1004 and 1009.

[0198] Fig.13A A process flow 1300 is shown illustrating a method performed by an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node having an unknown location in a wireless network for locating an IAB node. The IAB node may be such as Figures 5 to 11 The IAB node includes a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function. Process flow 1300 may begin at block 1302, where the IAB node sends or receives a message for one or more positioning sessions to determine the location of the IAB node, such as Figure 8 Stages 802 and 805 and Fig.10 At block 1304, the MT function of the IAB node sends or receives reference signals for positioning the IAB node to or from multiple base stations in one or more positioning sessions, such as Figure 8 Stages 803, 806 and 807 and Fig.10 As shown in stage 1004.

[0199] In some embodiments, the multiple base stations may be non-IAB nodes or other IAB nodes. For example, the multiple base stations may be ancestors, descendants or other nodes of the same donor IAB DU or donor IAB central unit (CU), or nodes of different donor IAB DUs or different donor IAB CUs.

[0200] In some embodiments, the multiple base stations may be multiple parent IAB-DUs. The IAB node may participate in multiple positioning sessions, wherein the MT function sends or receives reference signals for positioning to or from a parent IAB-DU in each positioning session, such as reference signals. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The positioning measurement may be, for example, one or more of the receive and transmit time (Rx-Tx), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength with each parent IAB-DU.

[0201] In one embodiment, the IAB node may participate in a positioning session, wherein the MT function sends or receives reference signals for positioning to or from multiple parent IAB-DUs in a positioning session, such as reference signals. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The positioning measurement may be, for example, one or more of receive and transmit time (Rx-Tx), time difference of arrival (TDOA), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength positioning measurements with multiple parent IAB-DUs.

[0202] In one embodiment, the positioning reference signal can be at least one of a downlink positioning reference signal (PRS), an uplink PRS, a sounding reference signal (SRS), a synchronization signal block (SSB) signal, and a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), or a combination thereof.

[0203] In one embodiment, the MT function of the IAB node may additionally utilize the DU function of the IAB node to send or receive reference signals for positioning to or from multiple nodes in the wireless network, wherein the multiple nodes include a user equipment (UE) or the MT function of a downstream IAB node, such as Fig.10 As shown in stages 1006 and 1008.

[0204] In one embodiment, an IAB node may indicate the ability to send or receive reference signals to or from one or more parent IAB-DUs, non-IAB nodes, or other IAB nodes, e.g. Fig.11 as shown in Stage 2.

[0205] In one embodiment, the IAB node may additionally perform positioning measurements based on the reference signals received from one or more nodes, and may send location information based on the positioning measurements to a location server for determining the location of the IAB node, for example, as described with respect to Figure 8 Stages 803, 806, 807 and 809 and Fig.10 As discussed in stages 1004 and 1009.

[0206] Fig. 13B A process flow 1350 is shown illustrating a method performed by an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node having an unknown location in a wireless network for locating an IAB node. The IAB node may be such as Figures 5 to 11 The IAB node includes a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function. Process flow 1350 may begin at block 1352, where the IAB node sends or receives a message for one or more positioning sessions to determine the location of the IAB node, such as Fig. 9 Stages 902 and 905 and Fig.10At block 1354, the IAB node utilizes the DU functionality to send or receive reference signals for positioning to or from multiple nodes in the wireless network in one or more positioning sessions, wherein the multiple nodes include a user equipment (UE) or an MT functionality of a downstream IAB node, such as Fig. 9 Stages 906 and 908 and Fig.10 As shown in stages 1006 and 1008.

[0207] In one embodiment, the IAB node performs one or more of receive and transmit time (Rx-Tx), time difference of arrival (TDOA), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength positioning measurements with multiple nodes.

[0208] In one embodiment, the MT functionality and the DU functionality of the IAB node are not co-located, and other nodes in the wireless network use the DU functionality to deduce their location.

[0209] Fig.14 A process flow 1400 is shown illustrating a method performed by a location server (such as location server 164 / 196) for locating an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node with an unknown location in a wireless network. An IAB node may be such as Figures 5 to 11 The IAB node includes a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function. Process flow 1400 may begin at block 1402, where a location server receives location information from the IAB node, the location information including positioning measurements based on reference signals received by the IAB node from multiple nodes in the wireless network for positioning, such as in Fig. 9 Stage 809 Fig. 9 Stage 909 and Fig.10 At block 1404, the location server uses the received positioning information to determine the location of the IAB node, e.g., Fig. 9 Stage 809 Fig. 9 Stage 909 and Fig.10 As discussed in Stage 1009.

[0210] In one embodiment, the reference signal is received by an MT function in an IAB node, and the plurality of nodes are base stations including one or more of a parent IAB-DU, a non-IAB node, or other IAB nodes, such as Figure 8 Stages 803, 806 and 807 and Fig.10 As shown in stage 1004.

[0211] In one embodiment, the reference signal is received by a DU function in an IAB node, and the plurality of nodes include a user equipment (UE) or an MT function of a downstream IAB node, such as Fig. 9 Stages 906 and 908 and Fig.10 As shown in stages 1006 and 1008.

[0212] Fig.15 A process flow 1500 is shown that illustrates a method performed by a location server, such as location server 164 / 196, for locating a user equipment (UE) (e.g., UE 1130). Process flow 1500 may begin at block 1502, where the location server receives, from an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node, a mobility indication for the IAB node, such as Fig.11 At block 1504, the location server uses the mobility indication to the IAB node to locate the UE, e.g., Fig.11 discussed in stages 3, 4 and 10 of this document.

[0213] In one embodiment, the mobility indication may include completely moving, completely stationary, or occasionally moving.

[0214] In one embodiment, when the mobility indication to the IAB node indicates that the IAB node is mobile, the mobility indication to the IAB node for positioning the UE is used by excluding the IAB node from generating positioning assistance data for the UE, for example, as in Fig.11 as discussed in Phase 3.

[0215] In one embodiment, the mobility indication to the IAB node for positioning the UE is used by receiving positioning measurements generated using the IAB node and excluding positioning measurements generated using the IAB node for positioning the UE when the mobility indication to the IAB node indicates that the IAB node is mobile, for example, as Fig.11 Stages 9 and 10 are discussed above.

[0216] Fig.16 A process flow 1600 is shown illustrating a method performed by a user equipment (UE) (e.g., UE 1130) for positioning a UE. The process flow 1600 may begin at block 1602, where the UE receives positioning assistance data from a location server, which includes a mobility indication for an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node, such as Fig.11 At block 1604, the UE performs positioning measurements based on multiple base stations, wherein the mobility indication to the IAB node is used during the positioning measurement, such as Fig.11 as discussed in Stage 6a of .

[0217] In one embodiment, when the mobility indication to the IAB node indicates that the IAB node is mobile, performing positioning measurements according to the plurality of base stations may include excluding the use of the IAB node to generate positioning measurements, e.g., as in Fig.11 as discussed in Stage 6a of this document.

[0218] Fig.17 A schematic diagram of a hardware implementation of an IAB node 1700 is shown, which may be a gNB and is configured with a configuration similar to that described in, for example, Figure 5 to 1 3. The IAB node 1700 may include an external interface, which may include a communication module 1710a for MT functions (sometimes referred to herein as MT communication module 1710a) and a communication module 1710b for DU functions (sometimes referred to herein as DU communication module 1710b) (these communication modules are sometimes collectively referred to as communication modules 1710), and a network interface 1720. The IAB node 1700 may include more than two communication modules 1710. The communication module 1710 is electrically coupled to one or more antennas 1716a, b for wireless communication with non-IAB devices and IAB devices (such as an IAB DU in an IAB donor, or other IAB nodes, or an IAB MT in a child IAB node), such as Figure 5 to 1 3. The communication modules 1710a and 1710b may include respective transmitters 1712a and 1712b for sending signals (e.g., downlink messages and signals, which may be arranged in frames and may include positioning reference signals and / or assistance data, the amount of which may be controlled / changed as described herein) and optionally (e.g., for nodes configured to receive and process uplink communications) respective receivers 1714a and 1714b. In embodiments where the implemented node includes both a transmitter and a receiver, the communication module 1710 including the transmitter and the receiver may be referred to as a transceiver 1710. The IAB node 1700 may also include a network interface 1720 to communicate (e.g., send and receive queries and responses) with other network nodes (such as an IAB donor, other IAB nodes, and UEs). For example, each network element may be configured to communicate (e.g., via wireless backhaul communications) with an IAB donor or an IAB node or other suitable device of the network to facilitate communication with one or more core network nodes. Additionally and / or alternatively, communications with other network nodes may also be performed using the communication modules 1710a,b and / or corresponding antennas 1716a,b.

[0219] In some embodiments, the IAB node 1700 may include at least one processor 1730 (also referred to as a controller) and a memory 1740 to manage communications with other nodes (e.g., sending and receiving messages), generate communication signals (including generating communication frames, signals and / or messages with adjustable amounts of resources, which are allocated for location-related information, such as PRS transmissions and auxiliary data transmissions), and provide other related functionality, including functionality for implementing the various processes and methods described herein. One or more processors 1730 and memory 1740 may be coupled to bus 1706. One or more processors 1730 and other components of the IAB node 1700 may be similarly coupled to bus 1706, a separate bus, or may be directly connected together or coupled using a combination of the foregoing. The memory 1740 may contain executable code or software instructions that, when executed by one or more processors 1730, cause the one or more processors 1730 to function as a special-purpose computer programmed to perform the procedures and techniques disclosed herein (e.g., such as process flows 1200, 1300, and 1350).

[0220] like Fig.17 As shown, the memory 1740 includes one or more components or modules that, when implemented by one or more processors 1730, implement the methods described herein. Although the components or modules are shown as software in the memory 1740 that can be executed by one or more processors 1730, it should be understood that the components or modules can be dedicated hardware in or outside the processor.

[0221] As shown, the memory 1740 may include an MT functional module 1742 that configures one or more processors 1730 to perform MT functions as discussed herein, for example, via the MT communication module 1710a. The memory 1740 may also include a DU functional module 1744 that configures one or more processors 1730 to perform DU functions as discussed herein, for example, via the DU communication module 1710b. The MT function and the DU function (e.g., in particular, the MT communication module 1710a and the DU communication module 1710b) may be different.

[0222] The memory 1740 may include a positioning session module 1746 that configures the one or more processors 1730 to participate in one or more positioning sessions via the MT communication module 1710a and / or the DU communication module 1710b to determine the location of the IAB node 1700 .

[0223] The memory 1740 may include a reference signal module 1748, which configures one or more processors 1730 to send or receive reference signals for positioning via the communication module 1710. For example, the reference signal module 1748 may configure one or more processors 1730 to send or receive reference signals to multiple base stations via the MT communication module 1710a. For example, the multiple base stations may be non-IAB nodes or other IAB nodes. For example, the base station may be a descendant or other node of the same donor IAB DU or donor IAB central unit (CU), or a node of different donor IAB DUs or different donor IAB CUs. In one embodiment, the base station may be, for example, a plurality of parent IAB-DUs in an IAB node or an IAB donor. Additionally or alternatively, the reference signal module 1748 may configure one or more processors 1730 to send or receive reference signals to multiple nodes (e.g., UE or downstream IAB node) via the DU communication module 1710b. For example, the reference signal may be a DL PRS, a UL PRS, an SRS, an SSB, a CSI-RS, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0224] The memory 1740 may include a positioning measurement module 1750 that configures the one or more processors 1730 to perform positioning measurements using the reference signal sent or received. If there is only a single node (e.g., a single parent IAB-DU) in each positioning session (and multiple positioning sessions are used), the positioning measurements may include, for example, Rx-Tx, RTT, AoA, AoD, and signal strength. If multiple nodes are included in the positioning session, the positioning measurements may include, for example, Rx-Tx, TDOA, RTT, AoA, AoD, and signal strength.

[0225] The memory 1740 may include a capability module 1752 that configures the one or more processors 1730 to prepare and send a capability message to the location server via the MT communication module 1710a indicating the ability of the IAB node to send or receive reference signals to or from one or more parent IAB-DUs, non-IAB nodes, or other IAB nodes.

[0226] The memory 1740 may also include a mobility module 1754 that configures the one or more processors 1730 to prepare and send a message to the location server via the MT communication module 1710a indicating the mobility of the IAB node, for example, whether the IAB node is completely stationary, occasionally moving, or completely mobile.

[0227] The memory 1740 may also include a location information module 1756 to send location information, such as positioning measurements for determining the location of the IAB node, to a location server via the MT communication module 1710a.

[0228] Depending on the application, the methods described herein can be implemented in various ways. For example, the methods can be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. For hardware implementations, one or more processors can be implemented in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or combinations thereof.

[0229] For implementations involving firmware and / or software, the methods can be implemented with modules (e.g., programs, functions, etc.) that perform the individual functions described herein. Any machine-readable medium that tangibly embodies instructions can be used to implement the methods described herein. For example, software code can be stored in a memory and executed by one or more processor units, so that the processor units act as special-purpose computers programmed to perform the algorithms disclosed herein. The memory can be implemented within the processor unit or outside the processor unit. As used herein, the term "memory" refers to any type of long-term, short-term, volatile, non-volatile, or other memory, and is not limited to any particular type of memory or a particular amount of memory, or the type of medium on which the memory is stored.

[0230] When implemented in firmware and / or software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Examples include computer-readable media encoded with a data structure and computer-readable media encoded with a computer program. Computer-readable media include physical computer storage media. The storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, semiconductor storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired program code in the form of an instruction or data structure and can be accessed by a computer; as used herein, disks and optical disks include compact disks (CDs), laser optical disks, optical optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray disks, wherein disks typically reproduce data magnetically, and optical disks reproduce data optically with the aid of lasers. The above combinations should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0231] In addition to being stored on a computer-readable storage medium, instructions and / or data may also be provided as a signal on a transmission medium included in the communication device. For example, the communication device may include a transceiver having a signal indicating instructions and data. Instructions and data are stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as memory 1740, and are configured to cause one or more processors to act as a special-purpose computer operation programmed to perform the procedures and techniques disclosed herein. That is, the communication device includes a transmission medium having a signal indicating information for performing the disclosed functions. At a first time, the transmission medium included in the communication device may include a first portion of information to perform the disclosed functions, and at a second time, the transmission medium included in the communication device may include a second portion of information to perform the disclosed functions.

[0232] In one embodiment, an IAB node (e.g., IAB node 1700) with an unknown location in a wireless network includes a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function, such as one or more processors 1730 with dedicated hardware (such as MT function module 1742 and DU function module 1744, respectively) for implementing executable code or software instructions in memory 1740. The IAB node may include a component for issuing or receiving messages for one or more positioning sessions to determine the location of the IAB node, which may be, for example, an external interface (including a communication module 1710 and a network interface 1720) and one or more processors 1730 with dedicated hardware (such as a positioning session module 1746) for implementing executable code or software instructions in memory 1740. The components for sending or receiving reference signals for positioning to or from multiple nodes in a wireless network in one or more positioning sessions can be, for example, external interfaces (including communication module 1710 and network interface 1720) and one or more processors 1730 having dedicated hardware (such as reference signal module 1748) for implementing executable code or software instructions in memory 1740.

[0233] In one embodiment, the reference signal is sent or received using the MT function, and the plurality of nodes may include a plurality of base stations. The IAB node may also include a component for sending or receiving a reference signal for positioning to or from a plurality of nodes in the wireless network using the DU function, wherein the plurality of nodes include a user equipment (UE) or the MT function of a downstream IAB node, which may be, for example, an external interface (including a communication module 1710) and one or more processors 1730 having dedicated hardware (such as a reference signal module 1748) for implementing executable code or software instructions in a memory 1740.

[0234] In one embodiment, the IAB node may also include a component for performing one or more of receive and transmit time (Rx-Tx), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength positioning measurements with each parent IAB-DU, which may be, for example, an external interface (including a communication module 1710) and one or more processors 1730 having dedicated hardware (such as a positioning measurement module 1750) for implementing executable code or software instructions in a memory 1740.

[0235] In one embodiment, the IAB node may also include a component for performing one or more of time difference of arrival (TDOA), receive and transmit time (Rx-Tx), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength positioning measurements with multiple parent IAB-DUs, which may be, for example, an external interface (including a communication module 1710) and one or more processors 1730 having dedicated hardware (such as a positioning measurement module 1750) for implementing executable code or software instructions in the memory 1740.

[0236] In one embodiment, an IAB node (e.g., IAB node 1700) having an unknown location in a wireless network includes a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function, such as one or more processors 1730 with dedicated hardware for implementing executable code or software instructions in a memory 1740, such as an MT function module 1742 and a DU function module 1744, respectively. The IAB node may include a component for participating in one or more positioning sessions to determine the location of the IAB node, which may be, for example, an external interface (including a communication module 1710 and a network interface 1720) and one or more processors 1730 with dedicated hardware for implementing executable code or software instructions in the memory 1740, such as a positioning session module 1746. The component for using the MT function to send or receive reference signals for positioning to or from multiple base stations may be, for example, an external interface (including a communication module 1710 and a network interface 1720) and one or more processors 1730 with dedicated hardware for implementing executable code or software instructions in the memory 1740, such as a reference signal module 1748.

[0237] In one embodiment, the IAB node may also include a component for performing one or more of receive and transmit time (Rx-Tx), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength positioning measurements with each parent IAB-DU, which may be, for example, an external interface (including a communication module 1710) and one or more processors 1730 having dedicated hardware (such as a positioning measurement module 1750) for implementing executable code or software instructions in a memory 1740.

[0238] In one embodiment, the IAB node may also include a component for performing one or more of time difference of arrival (TDOA), receive and transmit time (Rx-Tx), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength positioning measurements with multiple parent IAB-DUs, which may be, for example, an external interface (including a communication module 1710) and one or more processors 1730 having dedicated hardware (such as a positioning measurement module 1750) for implementing executable code or software instructions in the memory 1740.

[0239] In one embodiment, the IAB node may also include a component for performing positioning measurements based on reference signals sent or received to or from multiple nodes, which may be, for example, one or more processors 1730 having dedicated hardware (such as a positioning measurement module 1750) for implementing executable code or software instructions in the memory 1740.

[0240] In one embodiment, an IAB node (e.g., IAB node 1700) having an unknown location in a wireless network includes a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function, such as one or more processors 1730 with dedicated hardware for implementing executable code or software instructions in a memory 1740, such as an MT function module 1742 and a DU function module 1744, respectively. The IAB node may include a component for sending or receiving messages for one or more positioning sessions to determine the location of the IAB node, which may be, for example, an external interface (including a communication module 1710 and a network interface 1720) and one or more processors 1730 with dedicated hardware for implementing executable code or software instructions in the memory 1740, such as a positioning session module 1746. The component for sending or receiving reference signals for positioning to or from multiple base stations using the MT function may be, for example, an external interface (including a communication module 1710 and a network interface 1720) and one or more processors 1730 with dedicated hardware for implementing executable code or software instructions in the memory 1740, such as a reference signal module 1748.

[0241] In one embodiment, the IAB node may also include a component for performing one or more of receive and transmit time (Rx-Tx), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength positioning measurements with each parent IAB-DU, which may be, for example, an external interface (including a communication module 1710) and one or more processors 1730 having dedicated hardware (such as a positioning measurement module 1750) for implementing executable code or software instructions in a memory 1740.

[0242] In one embodiment, the IAB node may also include a component for performing one or more of time difference of arrival (TDOA), receive and transmit time (Rx-Tx), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength positioning measurements with multiple parent IAB-DUs, which may be, for example, an external interface (including a communication module 1710) and one or more processors 1730 having dedicated hardware (such as a positioning measurement module 1750) for implementing executable code or software instructions in the memory 1740.

[0243] In one embodiment, the IAB node may also include a component for including utilizing the DU function to send or receive reference signals for positioning to or from multiple nodes in the wireless network, wherein the multiple nodes include a user equipment (UE) or an MT function of a downstream IAB node, which may be, for example, an external interface (including a communication module 1710) and one or more processors 1730 having dedicated hardware (such as a reference signal module 1748) for implementing executable code or software instructions in the memory 1740.

[0244] In one embodiment, the IAB node may also include a component for performing positioning measurements based on reference signals sent or received to or from multiple base stations, which may be, for example, one or more processors 1730 having dedicated hardware (such as a positioning measurement module 1750) for implementing executable code or software instructions in the memory 1740.

[0245] In one embodiment, an IAB node (e.g., IAB node 1700) with an unknown location in a wireless network includes a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function, such as one or more processors 1730 with dedicated hardware (such as MT function module 1742 and DU function module 1744, respectively) for implementing executable code or software instructions in memory 1740. The IAB node may include a component for issuing or receiving messages for one or more positioning sessions to determine the location of the IAB node, which may be, for example, an external interface (including a communication module 1710 and a network interface 1720) and one or more processors 1730 with dedicated hardware (such as a positioning session module 1746) for implementing executable code or software instructions in memory 1740. A component for using the DU function to send or receive reference signals for positioning to or from multiple nodes in a wireless network, wherein the multiple nodes include a user equipment (UE) or an MT function of a downstream IAB node, which component can be, for example, an external interface (including a communication module 1710 and a network interface 1720) and one or more processors 1730 having dedicated hardware (such as a reference signal module 1748) for implementing executable code or software instructions in a memory 1740.

[0246] In one embodiment, the IAB node may also include a component for performing one or more of receive and transmit time (Rx-Tx), round-trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength positioning measurements with the node, which may be, for example, an external interface (including a communication module 1710) and one or more processors 1730 having dedicated hardware (such as a positioning measurement module 1750) for implementing executable code or software instructions in a memory 1740.

[0247] Fig.18 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware implementation of a location server 1800, such as Figure 1 and Figures 8 to 111800, which may be a location management function (LMF) in an NR network or a secure user plane location (SUPL) location platform (SLP) or an enhanced serving mobile location center (eSMLC) in LTE. The location server 1800 includes, for example, hardware components such as an external interface 1802, which may be, for example, a wired or wireless interface capable of connecting to an IAB node through an IAB donor and, for example, connecting to a base station 105 and a UE 115 via an intermediate network entity. The location server 1800 includes one or more processors 1804 and a memory 1810, which may be coupled to a bus 1806. The memory 1810 may contain executable code or software instructions that, when executed by one or more processors 1804, cause the one or more processors 1804 to operate as a special-purpose computer that is programmed to perform the disclosed procedures and techniques.

[0248] like Fig.18 As shown, the memory 1810 includes one or more components or modules that, when implemented by one or more processors 1804, implement the methods described herein. Although the components or modules are shown as software in the memory 1810 that can be executed by one or more processors 1804, it should be understood that the components or modules can be dedicated hardware in or outside the processor 1804.

[0249] As shown, memory 1810 may include a positioning session module 1812 that configures one or more processors 1804 to participate in a positioning session via external interface 1802, for example, via an IAB donor or UE participating in a positioning session with an IAB node to determine a location of the IAB node or UE.

[0250] The location information module 1814 configures one or more processors to receive location information from an IAB node via an external interface 1802, for example, via an IAB donor, a base station, and / or one or more UEs 115. For example, the location information may be a positioning measurement of a reference signal for positioning received from multiple nodes in a wireless network by an MT function and / or a DU function of an IAB node. The positioning measurement results may include downlink or uplink measurements between a UE and a base station, sidelink measurements between UEs, and measurements between base stations. The positioning measurement results may be, for example, one or more of a time difference of arrival (TDOA), a round trip time (RTT), an angle of arrival (AoA), an angle of departure (AoD), and a signal strength. The location information may additionally or alternatively include, for example, an estimated location determined by a UE in a UE-based positioning procedure.

[0251] The memory 1810 may include a location determination module 1816 that configures the one or more processors 1804 to determine a location estimate of the IAB node using the received location information. A location estimate of the UE may also be determined. The location estimate may be determined by excluding UE positioning measurements generated by the mobile IAB node.

[0252] The memory 1810 may also include a capability module 1818 that configures the one or more processors 1804 to send and receive capability information of the IAB node via the external interface 1802. For example, the capability information may indicate the capability of the IAB node to send or receive reference signals to or from one or more parent IAB-DUs, non-IAB nodes, or other IAB nodes.

[0253] The memory 1810 may also include a mobility module 1820 that may configure the one or more processors 1804 to receive a mobility indication of the IAB node from the IAB node via the external interface 1802, for example, whether the IAB node is fully mobile, fully stationary, or occasionally mobile. The mobility indication may be used for positioning of the UE, for example, by generating positioning assistance data for the UE that excludes the mobile IAB node or by excluding UE positioning measurements generated by the mobile IAB node (e.g., received in the location information) from the position determination.

[0254] The memory 1810 may include an assistance data module 1822 that configures the one or more processors 1804 to generate assistance data and forward the assistance data to the UE. The assistance data may include, for example, the location of a base station including an IAB node and an IAB donor. The assistance data may provide an indication of the mobility of the IAB node, for example, which is received via the mobility module 1820. The assistance data may exclude an IAB node indicating that it is mobile (e.g., fully mobile or fully mobile or occasionally mobile).

[0255] Depending on the application, the methods described herein can be implemented in various ways. For example, the methods can be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. For hardware implementations, one or more processors can be implemented in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or combinations thereof.

[0256] For embodiments involving firmware and / or software, the method can be implemented with modules (e.g., programs, functions, etc.) that perform the individual functions described herein. Any machine-readable medium that tangibly embodies instructions can be used to implement the methods described herein. For example, software codes can be stored in a memory (e.g., memory 1810) and executed by one or more processor units (e.g., processor 1804), so that the processor unit acts as a special-purpose computer operation programmed to perform the techniques and programs disclosed herein. The memory can be implemented within the processor unit or outside the processor unit. As used herein, the term "memory" refers to any type of long-term, short-term, volatile, non-volatile or other memory, and is not limited to any specific type of memory or a specific number of memories, or the type of medium on which the memory is stored.

[0257] When implemented in firmware and / or software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Examples include computer-readable media encoded with a data structure and computer-readable media encoded with a computer program. Computer-readable media include physical computer storage media. The storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, semiconductor storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired program code in the form of an instruction or data structure and can be accessed by a computer; as used herein, disks and optical disks include compact disks (CDs), laser optical disks, optical optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray disks, wherein disks typically reproduce data magnetically, and optical disks reproduce data optically with the aid of lasers. The above combinations should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0258] In addition to being stored on a computer-readable storage medium, instructions and / or data may also be provided as a signal on a transmission medium included in the communication device. For example, the communication device may include a transceiver having a signal indicating instructions and data. Instructions and data are stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as memory 1810, and are configured to cause one or more processors (e.g., processor 1804) to act as a special-purpose computer operation programmed to perform the techniques and programs disclosed herein. That is, the communication device includes a transmission medium having a signal indicating information for performing the disclosed functions. At a first time, the transmission medium included in the communication device may include a first portion of information to perform the disclosed functions, and at a second time, the transmission medium included in the communication device may include a second portion of information to perform the disclosed functions.

[0259] In one embodiment, a location server (such as location server 1800) may be configured to perform positioning for an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node with an unknown location in a wireless network, the IAB node including a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function. The location server may include a component for receiving location information from the IAB node, the location information including positioning measurements based on reference signals received by the IAB node from multiple nodes in the wireless network for positioning, the component may be, for example, an external interface 1802 and one or more processors 1804 having dedicated hardware (such as a location information module 1814) for implementing executable code or software instructions in memory 1810. The component for determining the location of the IAB node using the received location information may be, for example, one or more processors 1804 having dedicated hardware (such as a location determination module 1816) for implementing executable code or software instructions in memory 1810.

[0260] In one embodiment, a location server (such as location server 1800) may be configured to perform positioning for an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node with an unknown location in a wireless network, the IAB node including a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function. The location server may include a component for receiving a mobility indication of the integrated access backhaul (IAB) node from the IAB node, which may be, for example, an external interface 1802 and one or more processors 1804 having dedicated hardware (such as a mobility module 1820) for implementing executable code or software instructions in memory 1810. The component for positioning the UE using the mobility indication of the IAB node may be, for example, one or more processors 1804 having dedicated hardware (such as a location determination module 1816 or an assistance data module 1822) for implementing executable code or software instructions in memory 1810.

[0261] In one embodiment, the location server may also include a component for excluding the IAB node from generating positioning assistance data for the UE when the mobility indication to the IAB node indicates that the IAB node is mobile, which may be, for example, one or more processors 1804 having dedicated hardware (such as an assistance data module 1822) for implementing the executable code or software instructions in the memory 1810.

[0262] In one embodiment, the location server may also include means for receiving positioning measurements generated using the IAB node, which may be, for example, an external interface 1802 and one or more processors 1804 having dedicated hardware (such as a location information module 1814) for implementing executable code or software instructions in the memory 1810. The means for excluding positioning measurements generated using the IAB node for positioning the UE when the mobility indication to the IAB node indicates that the IAB node is mobile may be, for example, one or more processors 1804 having dedicated hardware (such as a location determination module 1816) for implementing executable code or software instructions in the memory 1810.

[0263] Fig.19 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware implementation of a UE 1900 (such as UE 115). The UE 1900 may include a wireless transceiver 1902 to wirelessly communicate with a base station (e.g., an IAB node). The UE 1900 may also include additional transceivers, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver 1906 and an SPS receiver 1908 for receiving and measuring signals from an SPS SV. The UE 1900 may also include one or more sensors 1910, such as a camera, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an electronic compass, a magnetometer, a barometer, etc. The UE 1900 may also include a user interface 1912, which may include, for example, a display, a keypad or other input device, such as a virtual keypad on a display, through which a user may interact with the UE 1900. The UE 1900 also includes one or more processors 1904 and a memory 1920, which may be coupled to a bus 1916. The one or more processors 1904 and other components of the UE 1900 may be similarly coupled to the bus 1916, a separate bus, or may be directly connected together or coupled using a combination of the foregoing. The memory 1920 may contain executable code or software instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors 1904, cause the one or more processors to operate as a special-purpose computer that is programmed to perform the disclosed algorithm.

[0264] like Fig.19 As shown, the memory 1920 may include one or more components or modules that can be implemented by the one or more processors 1904 to perform the methods described herein. Although the components or modules are shown as software in the memory 1920 that can be executed by the one or more processors 1904, it should be understood that the components or modules can be dedicated hardware in or outside the one or more processors 1904.

[0265] As shown, the memory 1920 may include a positioning session module 1922 that configures the one or more processors 1904 to participate in a positioning session via the wireless transceiver 1902 to, for example, determine the location of the UE 1900 .

[0266] The memory 1920 may include an assistance data module 1924 that configures the one or more processors 1904 to receive assistance data from a location server (e.g., location server 164 / 196). The assistance data may include, for example, the location of a base station including an IAB node and / or an IAB donor. The assistance data may provide an indication of the mobility of the IAB node. The assistance data may exclude an IAB node indicating that it is mobile (e.g., fully mobile or fully mobile or occasionally mobile).

[0267] The memory 1920 may include a positioning measurement module 1926 that configures the one or more processors 1904 to perform positioning measurements with multiple base stations, wherein the mobility indication of the IAB node received in the auxiliary data may be used during the positioning measurement. For example, the positioning measurement module 1926 may configure the one or more processors 1904 to receive a downlink signal from a base station via the wireless transceiver 1902 and / or perform positioning measurements, or send an uplink reference signal to a base station for performing positioning measurements. The positioning measurement may include, for example, one or more of a time difference of arrival (TDOA), a round trip time (RTT), an angle of arrival (AoA), an angle of departure (AoD), and a signal strength.

[0268] The memory 1920 may include a location determination module 1928 that configures the one or more processors 1904 to determine a location estimate of the UE using location measurements and information from assistance data, for example, in a UE-based positioning procedure. The location determination may use a mobility indication to the IAB node, for example, by excluding positioning measurements generated by the mobile IAB node from the location determination.

[0269] The memory 1920 may include a location information module 1930 that configures the one or more processors 1904 to send the location information of the UE to the location server via the wireless transceiver 1902. For example, the location information may be a location measurement result obtained using the location measurement module 1926 and / or a location estimate obtained using the location determination module 1928.

[0270] Depending on the application, the methods described herein may be implemented in various ways. For example, the methods may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. For hardware implementations, one or more processors 1904 may be implemented in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof.

[0271] For implementations of UE 1900 involving firmware and / or software, the methods can be implemented with modules (e.g., programs, functions, etc.) that perform the individual functions described herein. Any machine-readable medium that tangibly embodies instructions can be used to implement the methods described herein. For example, software codes can be stored in a memory (e.g., memory 1920) and executed by one or more processors 1904, so that one or more processors 1904 act as a special-purpose computer operation programmed to perform the technology disclosed herein. The memory can be implemented within one or more processors 1904 or outside one or more processors 1904. As used herein, the term "memory" refers to any type of long-term, short-term, volatile, non-volatile, or other memory, and is not limited to any particular type of memory or a particular amount of memory, or the type of medium on which the memory is stored.

[0272] When implemented in firmware and / or software, the functions performed by UE 1900 may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, such as memory 1920. Examples of storage media include computer-readable media encoded with data structures and computer-readable media encoded with computer programs. Computer-readable media include physical computer storage media. Storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, semiconductor storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program codes in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer; as used herein, disks and optical disks include compact disks (CDs), laser optical disks, optical optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray disks, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while optical disks reproduce data optically with the aid of lasers. The above combinations should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0273] In addition to being stored on a computer-readable storage medium, instructions and / or data for UE 1900 may also be provided as a signal on a transmission medium included in the communication device. For example, a communication device including part or all of UE 1900 may include a transceiver having a signal indicating instructions and data. Instructions and data are stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as memory 1920, and are configured to cause one or more processors 1904 to act as a dedicated computer programed to perform the technology disclosed herein. That is, the communication device includes a transmission medium having a signal indicating information for performing the disclosed function. At a first time, the transmission medium included in the communication device may include a first portion of information to perform the disclosed function, and at a second time, the transmission medium included in the communication device may include a second portion of information to perform the disclosed function.

[0274] In one embodiment, a UE (such as UE 1900, which is configured to perform positioning for the UE) may include a component for receiving positioning assistance data from a location server, the positioning assistance data including a mobility indication for an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node, the component may be, for example, a wireless transceiver 1902 and one or more processors 1904 having dedicated hardware (such as an assistance data module 1924) for implementing executable code or software instructions in memory 1920. A component for performing positioning measurements according to a plurality of base stations, wherein the mobility indication for the IAB node is used during the positioning measurements, the component may be, for example, one or more processors 1904 having dedicated hardware (such as a position determination module 1928) for implementing executable code or software instructions in memory 1920.

[0275] In one embodiment, the UE may also include a component for excluding the use of the IAB node to generate positioning measurements when the mobility indication to the IAB node indicates that the IAB node is mobile, which may be, for example, one or more processors 1904 having dedicated hardware (such as a location determination module 1928) for implementing the executable code or software instructions in the memory 1920.

[0276] Fig. 20A simplified exemplary procedure 2000 for determining the location of a base station 105-4 is shown. As shown, in a first stage 2010, a location server 101 and a UE 115-1 may participate in a positioning session, as indicated by arrow 2012. In the positioning session, positioning measurements between the UE 115-1 and base stations 105-1, 105-2, 105-3, and base station 105-4 are obtained using reference signals 2014. Reference signals 2014 are shown as DL reference signals, but UL or DL ​​and UL reference signals may be used. In addition, the location measurements may be, for example, TDOA, AoA, AoD, RTT, or signal strength, etc. As shown, although the location of the base station 105-4 is unknown, the UE 115-1 obtains positioning measurements with the base station 105-4. For example, in some embodiments, the UE 115-1 may receive a command message, for example, from the location server 101 or the base station 105-4 to perform positioning measurements with the base station 105-4. Location server 101 may receive positioning measurements, for example, from UE 115 - 1 and determine the location of UE 115 - 1 at block 2016 .

[0277] In the second stage 2020, the location server 101 and the UE 115-2 may participate in a positioning session, as indicated by arrow 2022. In the positioning session, positioning measurements between the UE 115-2 and the base stations 105-1, 105-2, 105-3, and the base station 105-4 are obtained using reference signals 2024. The reference signals 2024 are shown as DL reference signals, but UL or DL ​​and UL reference signals may be used. In addition, the location measurements may be, for example, TDOA, AoA, AoD, RTT, or signal strength, etc. As shown, although the location of the base station 105-4 is unknown, the UE 115-2 obtains positioning measurements with the base station 105-4. For example, in some embodiments, the UE 115-2 may receive a command message, for example from the location server 101 or the base station 105-4, to perform positioning measurements with the base station 105-4. Location server 101 may receive positioning measurements, for example, from UE 115 - 2 , and determine the location of UE 115 - 2 at block 2026 .

[0278] In the third stage 2030, the location of the base station 105-4 may be determined. The location server 101 and the base station 105-4 may participate in a positioning session, as indicated by arrow 2032. In some embodiments, the location server 101 may participate in a positioning session with another node (e.g., UE-2) to determine the location of the base station 105-4, as indicated by dashed arrow 2033. For example, the UE 115-2 may receive a command message, for example, from the location server 101 or the base station 105-4 to perform positioning measurements with the base station 105-4. In the positioning session, positioning measurements between the base station 105-4 and the UEs 115-1, 115-2, and UE 115-2 are obtained using reference signals 2034. The reference signals 2034 are shown as DL reference signals, but UL or DL ​​and UL reference signals may be used. In addition, the location measurements may be, for example, TDOA, AoA, AoD, RTT, or signal strength, etc. In some implementations, the positioning measurements between the base station 105-4 and the UE 115-1 from the first stage 2010 and between the base station 105-4 and the UE 115-2 from the second stage 2020 may be used, thereby eliminating the need for new positioning measurements with the UEs 115-1 and 115-2 in the third stage 2030. With the known locations of the UEs 115-1 and 115-2 and the base station 105-1 and the positioning measurements with the UEs 115-1 and 115-2 and the base station 105-1, at block 2036, the location server 101 may determine the location of the base station 105-4. In the UE-based positioning procedure, at block 2037, the UE 115-2 may determine the location of the base station 105-4 based on the known locations of the UEs 115-1 and 115-2 and the base station 105-1 and the positioning measurements with the UEs 115-1 and 115-2 and the base station 105-1.

[0279] Fig.21 Another simplified exemplary procedure 2100 for determining the location of base station 105-4 is shown. As shown, in a first stage 2110, location server 101 and UE 115-1 may participate in a positioning session, as indicated by arrow 2112. In the positioning session, positioning measurements between UE 115-1 and base stations 105-1 and 105-2 and base station 105-4 are obtained using reference signals 2114. Reference signals 2114 are shown as DL reference signals, but UL or DL ​​and UL reference signals may be used. In addition, the location measurements may be, for example, TDOA, AoA, AoD, RTT, or signal strength, etc. In some embodiments, UE 115-1 may receive a command message, for example from location server 101 or base station 105-4, to perform positioning measurements with base station 105-4. The location of UE 115-1 may not be determined in positioning session 2110.

[0280] In the second stage 2120, the location server 101 and the UE 115-2 may participate in a positioning session, as indicated by arrow 2122. In the positioning session, positioning measurements between the UE 115-2 and the base stations 105-2, 105-3, and the base station 105-4 are obtained using reference signals 2124. The reference signals 2124 are shown as DL reference signals, but UL or DL ​​and UL reference signals may be used. In addition, the location measurements may be, for example, TDOA, AoA, AoD, RTT, or signal strength, etc. In some embodiments, the UE 115-2 may receive a command message, for example from the location server 101 or the base station 105-4, to perform positioning measurements with the base station 105-4. The location of the UE 115-2 may not be determined in the positioning session 2120.

[0281] In the third stage 2130, location server 101 and UE 115-3 may participate in a positioning session, as indicated by arrow 2132. In the positioning session, positioning measurements between UE 115-3 and UEs 115-1 and 115-2 are obtained using sidelink reference signal 2124. The position of UE 115-3 may not be determined in the positioning session 2130.

[0282] In the three positioning sessions shown in stages 2110, 2120, and 2130, location server 101 has eight positioning measurements and there are four unknown positions, for example, for base station 105-4 and UEs 115-1, 115-2, and 115-3. Assuming only the xy plane (2 coordinates per position), there are 4*2=8 unknowns. There are 8 unknowns and 8 equations that can be solved by location server 101. Therefore, at block 2140, location server 101 can jointly determine the position of base station 105-4 and UEs 115-1, 115-2, and 115-3.

[0283] As shown, the positioning session at stage 2130 does not include positioning measurements with base station 105-4, but may still be used to determine the position of base station 105-4. If desired, a similar procedure may be used to determine the positions of multiple base stations instead of multiple UEs.

[0284] Fig. 22 A procedure 2200 is shown that includes messages that may be used to determine the location of a base station, such as base station 105-4.

[0285] At stage 1, the location server 101 issues a request capability message to the base station 105-4 to be located, for example, via an intermediate network entity such as an AMF (not shown), to request the capabilities of the base station 105-4. The request capability message may indicate the type of capability required. For example, the query may be for the positioning capabilities of the base station 105-4, for example, whether the base station has full UE functionality (e.g., capable of conducting LPP sessions) or limited functionality (e.g., capable of measuring channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) or PRS from UEs or other base stations).

[0286] At stage 2, base station 105-4 returns an Provide Capabilities message including the positioning capabilities of base station 105-4 to location server 101. Base station 105-4 may also provide a mobility indication, such as whether base station 105-4 is completely stationary, occasionally moving, or completely mobile.

[0287] At stage 3, the location server 101 may generate positioning assistance data (AD). The assistance data may include assistance data for base station 105-5 and other base stations 105-1, 105-2, and 105-3. For example, the assistance data may include the locations of base stations 105-1, 105-2, and 105-3, which UE 115 may use, for example, in a UE-based positioning procedure. The assistance data may also include, for example, a mobility indication for base station 105-4 and any one of base stations 105-1, 105-2, and 105-3 (if known). The assistance data may additionally include assistance data for performing positioning measurements with another UE (not shown) (e.g., a side link). The assistance data for another UE may not include the identity of the UE, such as a UE-ID, and may not include a measurement timestamp for the UE, or the measurement timestamp may be quantized, such as current, most recent, or old.

[0288] At stage 4 , the location server 101 provides assistance data to the UE 115 .

[0289] At stage 5, the location server 101 sends a request location information message to the UE 115 to request the desired location information, such as positioning measurements. The message may include, for example, the type of positioning measurement, the expected accuracy, the response time, etc. In addition, the message may include a command for performing positioning measurements with the base station 105-4, which may indicate whether the positioning measurement is mandatory. The command may indicate that the UE 115 is to initiate a positioning session to determine the location of the UE and is to obtain positioning measurements of the base station 105-4 or that the positioning session is for the base station 105-4. It should be understood that if the base station 105-4 indicates in the provide capabilities message in stage 2 that the base station 105-4 has full UE functionality, such as being able to conduct an LPP session, the location server 101 may send a request location information message to the base station 105-4 instead of the UE 115. The location server 101 may send additional request location information messages to other UEs and base stations for determining the location of the base station 105-4.

[0290] At stage 6a, UE 115 performs the requested positioning measurements using reference signal transmissions from base stations 105-1, 105-2, 105-3, and 105-4. For example, the positioning measurements may be one or more of TOA, RSTD, or Rx-Tx, AoA, AoD, signal strength, etc. It should be appreciated that UE 115 may further perform positioning measurements with additional nodes (e.g., other UEs and base stations, some of which may have known locations and some of which may have unknown locations).

[0291] At stage 6b, base stations 105-1, 105-2, 105-3, and 105-4 perform the requested positioning measurements using the reference signal transmission from UE 115. For example, the positioning measurements may be one or more of TOA, RSTD, or Rx-Tx, AoA, AoD, signal strength, etc. It should be appreciated that base stations 105-1, 105-2, 105-3, and 105-4 may further perform positioning measurements with additional nodes (e.g., with additional UEs) and between base stations or with other base stations (some of which may have known locations and some of which may have unknown locations).

[0292] It should be understood that one or both of stages 6a and 6b may be performed. For example, for RTT positioning measurements, both stages 6a and 6b will be performed.

[0293] At stage 7, base stations 105-1, 105-2, 105-3, and 105-4 may provide the location information obtained at stage 6b to location server 101. For example, the location information may be a desired positioning measurement. As indicated by the dashed arrows in stage 7, base stations 105-1, 105-2, 105-3, and 105-4 may provide the location information obtained at stage 6b to UE 115 instead of location server 101, for example, in a UE-based positioning procedure.

[0294] At optional stage 8, e.g., for a UE-based positioning procedure, UE 115 may determine the location of base station 105-4, e.g., using the location measurements from stage 6a and the assistance data received at stage 4, and the location information received from the base station at stage 7 (if performed). UE 115 may additionally determine the location of UE 115 together with the location of base station 105-4, e.g., in an iterative approach or in a joint approach.

[0295] At stage 9, UE 115 provides location information to location server 101. For example, the location information may be the positioning measurements obtained at stage 6a or the location of base station 105-4 and / or UE 115 determined at stage 8, or both.

[0296] At stage 10, location server 101 may determine or confirm the location of base station 105-4, for example using the location information received at one or both of stages 7 and 9. Base station 101 may determine the location of UE 115 together with the location of base station 105-4, for example in an iterative approach or in a joint approach.

[0297] Fig.23 A process flow 2300 is shown illustrating a method performed by a location server (such as location server 101) in a wireless network for locating a base station with an unknown location.

[0298] Process flow 2300 may begin at block 2302, where a location server participates in a plurality of positioning sessions to estimate the location of one or more user equipment (UE), where a base station participates in at least one of the plurality of positioning sessions and at least one of the plurality of positioning sessions includes one or more other base stations having known locations, such as Fig. 20 The stages of 2010, 2020 and 2030, Fig.21 2110, 2120 and 2130 and in Fig. 22 For example, the location server may participate in a positioning session by issuing or receiving messages for the positioning session. At 2304, the location server receives location measurements associated with a base station and one or more UEs in each of a plurality of positioning sessions, such as Fig. 20The stages of 2010, 2020 and 2030, Fig.21 2110, 2120 and 2130 and in Fig. 22 At block 2306, the location server determines an estimated location of the base station using location measurements associated with the base station and one or more UEs, such as Fig. 20 Stage 2036 Fig.21 Stage 2140 and Fig. 22 The stage 10 is shown.

[0299] In some embodiments, the plurality of positioning sessions include a plurality of nodes with unknown locations in the wireless network, each node being one of a UE or a base station, and the location server may determine an estimated location of each of the plurality of nodes, for example, Fig. 20 Phases 2016, 2026 and 2036 and Fig.21 Stage 2140 and Fig. 22 The stage 10 is shown.

[0300] In some embodiments, an estimated position of at least one of the plurality of nodes is determined before determining the estimated position of the base station, and wherein determining the estimated position of the base station further uses the estimated position of at least one of the plurality of nodes, e.g. Fig. 20 Phases 2016, 2026 and 2036 and Fig. 22 The stage 10 is shown.

[0301] In some embodiments, a location server may determine an estimated location of at least one of a plurality of nodes by repeatedly identifying a subset of location measurements involving nodes having known locations and determining an estimated location of each node using the identified subset of location measurements, wherein each node having an estimated location is included in the subset of location measurements for use in determining estimated locations of other nodes, e.g. Fig. 20 The location server may determine an uncertainty value for each estimated location based on the uncertainty in the location measurements, wherein identifying the subset of location measurements includes minimizing an overall uncertainty value for each subset of location measurements.

[0302] In some embodiments, the estimated location of each of the plurality of nodes and the estimated location of the base station are determined simultaneously. Fig.21 Stage 2140 and Fig. 22 The stage 10 is shown.

[0303] In some embodiments, an estimated position of each of the plurality of nodes and an estimated position of the base station are determined using paired position measurements between nodes, the paired position measurements comprising downlink or uplink measurements between a UE and a base station, sidelink measurements between UEs, and measurements between base stations, e.g. Fig. 20 Phases 2016, 2026 and 2036 and Fig.21 Stage 2140 and Fig. 22 The measurements between base stations include measurements made by the base station or measurements made by a separate UE function co-located with the base station.

[0304] In some embodiments, one or more of time difference of arrival (TDOA), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength are used to determine an estimated location of a node among the multiple nodes and an estimated location of a base station.

[0305] Fig.24 A process flow 2400 is shown illustrating a method performed by a network entity for locating a node having an unknown location in a wireless network. At block 2402, the network entity issues a command to a user equipment (UE) instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with a node, wherein the node includes one of a base station or another UE, such as a base station. Fig. 20 The stages of 2010, 2020 and 2030, Fig.21 Phases 2110, 2120 and 2130 and Fig. 22 discussed in Phase 5 of .

[0306] In some implementations, the network entity may be one of a location server, a node with unknown location, a base station, or another UE.

[0307] In some implementations, the command instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements is mandatory, for example, Fig. 22 discussed in Phase 5 of .

[0308] In some implementations, the command instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements specifies the type of positioning measurements, for example, Fig. 22 As discussed in Stage 5 of . For example, the types of positioning measurements include one or more of time difference of arrival (TDOA), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength.

[0309] In some embodiments, the command instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements includes a command to initiate a positioning session for the UE including a node with an unknown location, such as Fig. 22 discussed in Phase 5 of .

[0310] Fig.25A process flow 2500 is shown illustrating a method performed by a user equipment (UE) for locating a node having an unknown location in a wireless network. At block 2502, the UE receives a command from a network entity in the wireless network, the command instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with a node, wherein the node includes one of a base station or another UE, such as Fig. 20 The stages of 2010, 2020 and 2030, Fig.21 Phases 2110, 2120 and 2130 and Fig. 22 At block 2504, the UE performs location measurements with the node, e.g., Fig. 20 The stages of 2010, 2020 and 2030, Fig.21 Phases 2110, 2120 and 2130 and Fig. 22 as discussed in Stages 6a and 6b.

[0311] In some implementations, the network entity may be one of a location server, a node with unknown location, a base station, or another UE.

[0312] In some implementations, the command instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements is mandatory, for example, Fig. 22 discussed in Phase 5 of .

[0313] In some implementations, the command instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements specifies the type of positioning measurements, for example, Fig. 22 For example, the types of positioning measurements include one or more of downlink time difference of arrival (TDOA), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), and angle of departure (AoD).

[0314] In some embodiments, the UE may perform location measurements with a node by sending or receiving a reference signal to or from the node, e.g. Fig. 20 The stages of 2010, 2020 and 2030, Fig.21 Phases 2110, 2120 and 2130 and Fig. 22 as discussed in Stages 6a and 6b.

[0315] In some embodiments, the command instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements includes a command to initiate a positioning session for the UE including a node with an unknown location, such as Fig. 22 discussed in Phase 5 of .

[0316] In some implementations, the UE may send location measurements to a location server, e.g. Fig. 20 The stages of 2010, 2020 and 2030, Fig.21 Phases 2110, 2120 and 2130 and Fig. 22 discussed in Phase 9 of

[0317] In some embodiments, the UE may receive assistance data for performing positioning measurements with a node, e.g. Fig. 22 In some embodiments, the node may be another UE, and the UE-ID is not included in the assistance data, e.g. Fig. 22 In addition, the assistance data may not include the measurement timestamp of the other UE, or the measurement timestamp may be quantized, for example, Fig. 22 as discussed in Phase 3.

[0318] Fig.26 A process flow 2600 is shown for locating a base station having an unknown location in a wireless network. At block 2602, the base station receives a request for the ability to perform a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station, e.g., Fig. 22 At block 2604, the base station responds to the request, the response indicating the ability to perform a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station, such as Fig. 22 as discussed in Phase 2.

[0319] In some embodiments, the request for capability is for capability to perform user equipment (UE) functions including positioning procedures, and wherein the response to the request indicates capability to enter a UE-to-positioning server protocol session or a capability of limited UE functions including performing positioning procedures, performing positioning protocols, or both, such as Fig. 22 as discussed in Phase 2.

[0320] In some embodiments, the base station may indicate to the UE function the capability to enter into a UE-to-positioning server protocol session, and the UE function may engage in a positioning session with multiple network entities having known locations to determine the location of the base station, e.g. Fig. 22 as discussed in Stage 5 of

[0321] In some embodiments, the base station may indicate the capability of the UE function to enter a UE to positioning server protocol session, and the base station may further enter a positioning session using the UE to positioning server protocol and concurrently enter a positioning session using the base station to positioning server protocol.

[0322] In some embodiments, the base station may indicate the ability of the restricted UE function to include performing a positioning procedure, performing a positioning protocol, or both, and the UE may perform positioning measurements with one or more network entities with known locations to determine the location of the base station, e.g. Fig. 20The stages of 2010, 2020 and 2030, Fig.21 Phases 2110, 2120 and 2130 and Fig. 22 as discussed in Stages 6a and 6b.

[0323] In some embodiments, a request for capabilities is received from a UE, another base station, or a location server, e.g. Fig. 22 as discussed in Phase 1.

[0324] In some embodiments, the base station and / or its attached UE functions may issue a message providing a mobility indication to the base station, such as Fig. 22 The mobility indication to the base station includes completely mobile, completely stationary or occasionally moving.

[0325] Fig. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware implementation of a location server 2700, such as Figure 1 and 20 22, which may be a location management function (LMF) in an NR network or a secure user plane location (SUPL) location platform (SLP) or an enhanced serving mobile location center (eSMLC) in LTE. The location server 2700 includes, for example, hardware components such as an external interface 2702, which may be, for example, a wired or wireless interface capable of connecting to a base station 105 and a UE 115 via an intermediate network entity. The location server 2700 includes one or more processors 2704 and a memory 2710, which may be coupled to a bus 2706. The memory 2710 may contain executable code or software instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors 2704, cause the one or more processors 2704 to operate as a special-purpose computer that is programmed to perform the disclosed procedures and techniques.

[0326] like Fig. 27 As shown, the memory 2710 includes one or more components or modules that, when implemented by one or more processors 2704, implement the methods described herein. Although the components or modules are shown as software in the memory 2710 that can be executed by one or more processors 2704, it should be understood that the components or modules can be dedicated hardware in or outside the processor 2704.

[0327] As shown, the memory 2710 may include a positioning session unit 2712 that configures the one or more processors 2704 to participate in a positioning session via the external interface 2702, for example, to participate in a positioning session with one or more UEs to determine the location of a base station with an unknown location and one or more UEs. For example, if the base station is capable of entering a UE-to-positioning server protocol session, such as LPP, the positioning session unit 2712 may configure the one or more processors 2704 to participate in a positioning session directly with the base station.

[0328] The location information unit 2714 configures one or more processors to receive location information from one or more UEs 115 and / or base stations 105 via the external interface 2702. The location information may be, for example, a positioning measurement result. The positioning measurement result may include a downlink or uplink measurement between a UE and a base station, a sidelink measurement between UEs, and a measurement between base stations. The positioning measurement result may be, for example, one or more of a time difference of arrival (TDOA), a round trip time (RTT), an angle of arrival (AoA), an angle of departure (AoD), and a signal strength. The location information may additionally or alternatively include, for example, an estimated location determined by the UE in a UE-based positioning procedure.

[0329] Memory 2710 may include a location determination unit 2716 that configures the one or more processors 2704 to determine a location estimate for a base station using the received location information. The received location information may also be used to determine a location estimate for one or more UEs and additional base stations.

[0330] The position determination unit 2716 may include an iteration unit 2718, which configures one or more processors 2704 to determine a position estimate using an iterative method. For example, the estimated position of one or more nodes (e.g., UE or other base stations) can be determined before the estimation of the base station position and used to estimate the base station position. The one or more processors 2704 can, for example, repeatedly identify a subset of position measurements involving nodes with known positions and use the identified subset of position measurements to determine the estimated positions of each node, wherein each node with an estimated position is included in the subset of position measurements for determining the estimated positions of other nodes. The position determination unit 2716 may include an uncertainty unit 2720, which configures one or more processors 2704 to determine an uncertainty value for each estimated position based on the uncertainty in the position measurement. The one or more processors 2704 can use uncertainty values ​​when identifying a subset of position measurements to minimize the overall uncertainty value of each subset of position measurements.

[0331] The position determination unit 2716 may include a unit 2722 that configures the one or more processors 2704 to determine a position estimate using a joint method. The one or more processors 2704 may estimate the position of each of a plurality of nodes (e.g., such as one or more UEs and one or more other base stations) and simultaneously estimate the position of a base station with an unknown position.

[0332] The memory 2710 may also include a positioning command unit 2724, which configures the one or more processors 2704 to generate and send a command message to the UE via the external interface 2702, the command message instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with a node with an unknown position (e.g., a base station or one of another UEs). For example, the command message may indicate that the positioning measurement is mandatory. The command message may, for example, indicate the type of positioning measurement to be performed, such as one or more of time difference of arrival (TDOA), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength. The command message may indicate that the UE is about to initiate a positioning session for the UE and is about to include positioning measurements for the node.

[0333] The memory 2710 may also include a capability request unit 2726 that configures the one or more processors 2704 to generate and issue a request to the base station via the external interface 2702 for a capability to perform a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station. For example, the request for the capability may be for the capability to enter a UE-to-positioning server protocol procedure or to perform a positioning procedure, to perform positioning and / or protocols, or both.

[0334] The memory 2710 may also include a capability response unit 2728, which configures one or more processors 2704 to receive a capability response from a base station via the external interface 2702, the capability response indicating the ability to perform a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station, for example, the ability to enter a UE to positioning server protocol procedure or execute a positioning procedure, perform positioning and / or protocol.

[0335] The memory 2710 may also include a mobility unit 2730 that may configure the one or more processors 2704 to receive, from a base station via the external interface 2702, an indication of the mobility of the base station, for example, whether the base station is fully mobile, fully stationary, or occasionally moving.

[0336] The memory 2710 may include an auxiliary data unit 2732, which configures one or more processors 2704 to generate auxiliary data and forward the auxiliary data to the UE. The auxiliary data may include, for example, the location of the base station, the previously estimated location of the UE, and information for performing positioning measurements with a base station with an unknown location. The auxiliary data may provide an indication of the mobility of the base station, for example, it is received via the mobility unit 2730. The auxiliary data may exclude base stations indicating that it is mobile (e.g., completely mobile or completely mobile or occasionally mobile). If the node to be measured is another UE, the auxiliary data may exclude the identification of other UEs, for example, excluding UE-ID. In addition, the auxiliary data may exclude the measurement timestamp of another UE, or the measurement timestamp may be quantized, for example, indicated by a general descriptor such as "current", "recent" or "old".

[0337] Depending on the application, the methods described herein can be implemented in various ways. For example, the methods can be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. For hardware implementations, one or more processors can be implemented in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or combinations thereof.

[0338] For embodiments involving firmware and / or software, the method can be implemented with modules (e.g., programs, functions, etc.) that perform the individual functions described herein. Any machine-readable medium that tangibly embodies instructions can be used to implement the methods described herein. For example, software codes can be stored in a memory (e.g., memory 2710) and executed by one or more processor units (e.g., processor 2704), so that the processor unit acts as a special-purpose computer operation programmed to perform the techniques and programs disclosed herein. The memory can be implemented within the processor unit or outside the processor unit. As used herein, the term "memory" refers to any type of long-term, short-term, volatile, non-volatile or other memory, and is not limited to any specific type of memory or a specific number of memories, or the type of medium on which the memory is stored.

[0339] When implemented in firmware and / or software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Examples include computer-readable media encoded with a data structure and computer-readable media encoded with a computer program. Computer-readable media include physical computer storage media. The storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, semiconductor storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired program code in the form of an instruction or data structure and can be accessed by a computer; as used herein, disks and optical disks include compact disks (CDs), laser optical disks, optical optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray disks, wherein disks typically reproduce data magnetically, and optical disks reproduce data optically with the aid of lasers. The above combinations should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0340] In addition to being stored on a computer-readable storage medium, instructions and / or data may also be provided as a signal on a transmission medium included in the communication device. For example, the communication device may include a transceiver having a signal indicating instructions and data. Instructions and data are stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as memory 2710, and are configured to cause one or more processors (e.g., processor 2704) to act as a special-purpose computer operation programmed to perform the techniques and programs disclosed herein. That is, the communication device includes a transmission medium having a signal indicating information for performing the disclosed functions. At a first time, the transmission medium included in the communication device may include a first portion of information to perform the disclosed functions, and at a second time, the transmission medium included in the communication device may include a second portion of information to perform the disclosed functions.

[0341] A location server, such as location server 2700, may include means for participating in multiple positioning sessions to estimate the location of one or more user equipments (UEs), wherein a base station participates in at least one of the multiple positioning sessions, and at least one of the multiple positioning sessions includes one or more other base stations with known locations, which may be, for example, an external interface 2702 and one or more processors 2704 with dedicated hardware for implementing executable code or software instructions in memory 2710, such as a positioning session module 2712. Means for receiving location measurements associated with a base station and one or more UEs in each of the multiple positioning sessions may be, for example, an external interface 2702 and one or more processors 2704 with dedicated hardware for implementing executable code or software instructions in memory 2710, such as a location information module 2714. Means for determining an estimated location of a base station using location measurements associated with the base station and one or more UEs may be, for example, one or more processors 2704 with dedicated hardware for implementing executable code or software instructions in memory 2710, such as a location determination module 2716.

[0342] A location server (such as location server 2700) may include a component for issuing a command to a user equipment (UE) instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with a node, where the node includes a base station or one of another UEs, and the component may be, for example, an external interface 2702 and one or more processors 2704 having dedicated hardware (such as a positioning command module 2724) for implementing executable code or software instructions in a memory 2710.

[0343] Fig.282800 (such as UE 115) is a diagram showing an example of a hardware implementation of a UE 2800. The UE 2800 may include a wireless transceiver 2802 to communicate wirelessly with a base station (e.g., base station 105). The UE 2800 may also include additional transceivers, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver 2806 and an SPS receiver 2808 for receiving and measuring signals from an SPS SV. The UE 2800 may also include one or more sensors 2810, such as a camera, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an electronic compass, a magnetometer, a barometer, etc. The UE 2800 may also include a user interface 2812, which may include, for example, a display, a keypad or other input device, such as a virtual keypad on a display, through which a user may interact with the UE 2800. The UE 2800 also includes one or more processors 2804 and a memory 2820, which may be coupled to a bus 2816. The one or more processors 2804 and other components of the UE 2800 may be similarly coupled to the bus 2816, a separate bus, or may be directly connected together or coupled using a combination of the foregoing. The memory 2820 may contain executable code or software instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors 2804, cause the one or more processors to act as a special-purpose computer programmed to perform the disclosed algorithm.

[0344] like Fig.28 As shown, the memory 2820 may include one or more components or modules that can be implemented by the one or more processors 2804 to perform the methods described herein. Although the components or modules are shown as software in the memory 2820 that can be executed by the one or more processors 2804, it should be understood that the components or modules can be dedicated hardware in or outside the one or more processors 2804.

[0345] As shown, the memory 2820 may include a positioning command issuing unit 2822, which configures one or more processors 2804 to generate and issue a command message to another UE via the wireless transceiver 2802, the command message instructing the other UE to perform positioning measurements with a node with an unknown position (e.g., a base station or one of the other UEs). For example, the command message may indicate that the positioning measurement is mandatory. The command message may, for example, indicate the type of positioning measurement to be performed, such as one or more of time difference of arrival (TDOA), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength. The command message may indicate that the UE is about to initiate a positioning session for the UE and is about to include positioning measurements for the node.

[0346] The memory 2820 may also include a positioning command receiving unit 2824, which configures the one or more processors 2804 to receive a command message from a network entity via the wireless transceiver 2802 and process the command message, the command message instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with a node with an unknown location (e.g., one of a base station or another UE). The network entity may be, for example, a location server, a base station, another UE, and may be a node with an unknown location. For example, the command message may indicate that the positioning measurement is mandatory. The command message may, for example, indicate the type of positioning measurement to be performed, such as one or more of time difference of arrival (TDOA), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength. The command message may indicate that the UE is about to initiate a positioning session for the UE and is about to include positioning measurements for the node.

[0347] The memory 2820 may include a positioning session unit 2826 that configures the one or more processors 2804 to participate in a positioning session via the wireless transceiver 2802 to, for example, determine the location of a node with an unknown location. The positioning session unit 2826 may configure the one or more processors 2804 to participate in a positioning session to determine the location of the UE together with the node with an unknown location.

[0348] The memory 2820 may include an auxiliary data unit 2828, which configures one or more processors 2804 to receive auxiliary data from a location server (e.g., location server 101). The auxiliary data may include, for example, the location of a base station, a previously estimated location of a UE, information for performing positioning measurements with a node with an unknown location. The auxiliary data may provide an indication of the mobility of the base station. The auxiliary data may exclude base stations indicating that they are mobile (e.g., completely mobile or completely mobile or occasionally mobile). If the node to be measured is another UE, the auxiliary data may exclude the identification of other UEs, such as excluding UE-ID. In addition, the auxiliary data may exclude the measurement timestamp of another UE, or the measurement timestamp may be quantized, for example, indicated by a general descriptor such as "current", "recent" or "old".

[0349] The memory 2820 may include a positioning measurement unit 2830 that configures the one or more processors 2804 to perform positioning measurements with nodes with unknown locations and other nodes such as base stations or UEs. For example, the positioning measurement unit 2830 may configure the one or more processors 2804 to receive a downlink or sidelink reference signal from a node with an unknown location via the wireless transceiver 2802 and perform positioning measurements, or send an uplink or sidelink reference signal to a node for performing positioning measurements. Positioning measurements may include, for example, one or more of time difference of arrival (TDOA), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength.

[0350] The memory 2820 may include a location determination unit 2832 that configures the one or more processors 2804 to determine a location estimate for the node using location measurements and information from assistance data, such as in a UE-based positioning procedure, and any additional location information received, such as from a node with an unknown location or other UEs or base stations. The location estimate may be for a node, as well as for a UE, and for other UEs and base stations.

[0351] The position determination unit 2832 may include an iteration unit 2834, which configures one or more processors 2804 to determine a position estimate using an iterative method. For example, the estimated position of one or more nodes (e.g., UE or other base station) can be determined before the estimation of the node position and used to estimate the node position. The one or more processors 2804 can, for example, repeatedly identify a subset of position measurements involving nodes with known positions and use the identified subset of position measurements to determine the estimated positions of each node, wherein each node with an estimated position is included in the subset of position measurements for determining the estimated positions of other nodes. The position determination unit 2832 may include an uncertainty unit 2836, which configures one or more processors 2804 to determine an uncertainty value for each estimated position based on the uncertainty in the position measurement. The one or more processors 2804 can use uncertainty values ​​when identifying a subset of position measurements to minimize the overall uncertainty value of each subset of position measurements.

[0352] The position determination unit 2832 may include a unit 2838 that configures the one or more processors 2804 to determine a position estimate using a joint method. The one or more processors 2804 may estimate the position of each of a plurality of nodes (e.g., such as one or more UEs and one or more other base stations) and simultaneously estimate the position of a base station with an unknown position.

[0353] The location information unit 2840 configures the one or more processors 2804 to send location information of the node and the UE or any other node to the location server via the wireless transceiver 2802. For example, the location information can be a location measurement result obtained using the positioning measurement unit 2830 and / or a location estimate obtained using the location determination unit 2832.

[0354] Depending on the application, the methods described herein can be implemented in various ways. For example, the methods can be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. For hardware implementations, one or more processors 2804 can be implemented in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or combinations thereof.

[0355] For implementations of UE 2800 involving firmware and / or software, the method can be implemented with modules (e.g., programs, functions, etc.) that perform the individual functions described herein. Any machine-readable medium that tangibly embodies instructions can be used to implement the methods described herein. For example, software codes can be stored in a memory (e.g., memory 2820) and executed by one or more processors 2804, so that one or more processors 2804 act as a special-purpose computer operation programmed to perform the technology disclosed herein. The memory can be implemented within one or more processors 2804 or outside one or more processors 2804. As used herein, the term "memory" refers to any type of long-term, short-term, volatile, non-volatile, or other memory, and is not limited to any particular type of memory or a particular amount of memory, or the type of medium on which the memory is stored.

[0356] When implemented in firmware and / or software, the functions performed by the UE 2800 may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, such as memory 2820. Examples of storage media include computer-readable media encoded with data structures and computer-readable media encoded with computer programs. Computer-readable media include physical computer storage media. The storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, semiconductor storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program codes in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer; as used herein, disks and optical disks include compact disks (CDs), laser optical disks, optical optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray disks, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while optical disks reproduce data optically with the aid of lasers. The above combinations should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0357] In addition to being stored on a computer-readable storage medium, instructions and / or data for UE 2800 may also be provided as a signal on a transmission medium included in the communication device. For example, a communication device including part or all of UE 2800 may include a transceiver having a signal indicating instructions and data. Instructions and data are stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as a memory 2820, and are configured to cause one or more processors 2804 to act as a dedicated computer operation programmed to perform the technology disclosed herein. That is, the communication device includes a transmission medium having a signal indicating information for performing the disclosed function. At a first time, the transmission medium included in the communication device may include a first portion of information to perform the disclosed function, and at a second time, the transmission medium included in the communication device may include a second portion of information to perform the disclosed function.

[0358] A user equipment (UE) such as UE 2800 may include a component for receiving a command from a network entity in a wireless network, the command instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with a node, wherein the node includes one of a base station or another UE, and the component may be, for example, an external interface (wireless transceiver) 2802 and one or more processors 2804 having dedicated hardware for implementing executable code or software instructions in memory 2810, such as a positioning command receiving module 2824. The component for performing position measurements with a node may be, for example, an external interface (wireless transceiver) 2802 and one or more processors 2804 having dedicated hardware for implementing executable code or software instructions in memory 2810, such as a positioning measurement module 2830.

[0359] A user equipment (UE) such as UE 2800 may include a component for issuing a command to the user equipment (UE) to instruct the UE to perform positioning measurements with a node, wherein the node includes a base station or one of another UEs, and the component may be, for example, an external interface (wireless transceiver) 2802 and one or more processors 2804 having dedicated hardware (such as a positioning command issuing module 2822) for implementing executable code or software instructions in a memory 2810.

[0360] Fig.29 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of a base station 2900, such as base station 105. The base station 2900 includes, for example, hardware components such as an external interface 2902, which may be a wired and / or wireless interface capable of connecting to a positioning server such as positioning server 101 and capable of wirelessly connecting to a UE 115. The base station 2900 includes one or more processors 2904 and a memory 2910, which may be coupled to a bus 2906. The memory 2910 may contain executable code or software instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors 2904, cause the one or more processors 2904 to function as a special-purpose computer programmed to perform the disclosed procedures and techniques.

[0361] like Fig.29 As shown, the memory 2910 includes one or more components or modules that, when implemented by one or more processors 2904, implement the methods described herein. Although the components or modules are shown as software in the memory 2910 that can be executed by one or more processors 2904, it should be understood that the components or modules can be dedicated hardware in or outside the processor.

[0362] As shown, the memory 2910 may include a positioning command unit 2912, which configures one or more processors 2904 to generate and send a command message to the UE via the external interface 2902, the command message instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with a node with an unknown position (e.g., a base station or one of another UE). For example, the command message may indicate that the positioning measurement is mandatory. The command message may, for example, indicate the type of positioning measurement to be performed, such as one or more of time difference of arrival (TDOA), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength. The command message may indicate that the UE is about to initiate a positioning session for the UE and is about to include positioning measurements for the node.

[0363] The memory 2910 may also include a capability request unit 2914 that configures the one or more processors 2904 to receive a request for a capability to perform a positioning procedure to determine a base station location from a location server via the external interface 2902. For example, the request for the capability may be for the capability to enter a UE-to-location server protocol procedure or to perform a positioning procedure, to perform positioning and / or protocols, or both.

[0364] The memory 2910 may also include a capability response unit 2916, which configures one or more processors 2904 to issue a capability response to the location server via the external interface 2902, wherein the capability response indicates the ability to execute a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station, for example, the ability to enter a UE to positioning server protocol procedure or execute a positioning procedure, execute positioning and / or protocol.

[0365] The memory 2910 may also include a mobility unit 2918 or the like, which may configure the one or more processors 2904 to issue a mobility indication of the base station to the location server via the external interface 2902, for example, whether the base station is completely mobile, completely stationary, or occasionally moving.

[0366] The memory 2910 may also include a positioning session unit 2920, which configures the one or more processors 2904 to participate in a positioning session via the external interface 2902, for example, with one or more UEs, one or more other base stations, a location server, or a combination thereof. For example, a base station may participate in a positioning session with multiple network entities with known locations to determine the location of the base station. The base station may enter a positioning session using a UE to positioning server protocol such as LPP, and may concurrently enter a positioning session using a base station to positioning server protocol such as NRPPa. The base station may perform positioning measurements with one or more network entities with known locations to determine the location of the base station. The positioning measurements may include, for example, one or more of time difference of arrival (TDOA), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength.

[0367] The memory 2910 may also include a location information unit 2922 that configures the one or more processors 2904 to send location information to a location server or a UE via the external interface 2902. For example, the location information may be a positioning measurement result determined during a positioning session.

[0368] Depending on the application, the methods described herein can be implemented in various ways. For example, the methods can be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. For hardware implementations, one or more processors can be implemented in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or combinations thereof.

[0369] For implementations involving firmware and / or software, the methods can be implemented with modules (e.g., programs, functions, etc.) that perform the individual functions described herein. Any machine-readable medium that tangibly embodies instructions can be used to implement the methods described herein. For example, software code can be stored in a memory and executed by one or more processor units, so that the processor units act as special-purpose computers programmed to perform the algorithms disclosed herein. The memory can be implemented within the processor unit or outside the processor unit. As used herein, the term "memory" refers to any type of long-term, short-term, volatile, non-volatile, or other memory, and is not limited to any particular type of memory or a particular amount of memory, or the type of medium on which the memory is stored.

[0370] When implemented in firmware and / or software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Examples include computer-readable media encoded with a data structure and computer-readable media encoded with a computer program. Computer-readable media include physical computer storage media. The storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, semiconductor storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired program code in the form of an instruction or data structure and can be accessed by a computer; as used herein, disks and optical disks include compact disks (CDs), laser optical disks, optical optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray disks, wherein disks typically reproduce data magnetically, and optical disks reproduce data optically with the aid of lasers. The above combinations should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0371] In addition to being stored on a computer-readable storage medium, instructions and / or data may also be provided as a signal on a transmission medium included in the communication device. For example, the communication device may include a transceiver having a signal indicating instructions and data. Instructions and data are stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as memory 2910, and are configured to cause one or more processors to act as a special-purpose computer operation programmed to perform the procedures and techniques disclosed herein. That is, the communication device includes a transmission medium having a signal indicating information for performing the disclosed functions. At a first time, the transmission medium included in the communication device may include a first portion of information to perform the disclosed functions, and at a second time, the transmission medium included in the communication device may include a second portion of information to perform the disclosed functions.

[0372] A base station, such as base station 2900, may include means for receiving a request for the ability to perform a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station, which means may be, for example, an external interface 2902 and one or more processors 2904 having dedicated hardware for implementing executable code or software instructions in memory 2910, such as a capability request module 2914. Means for responding to the request, the response indicating the ability to perform a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station, which means may be, for example, an external interface 2902 and one or more processors 2904 having dedicated hardware for implementing executable code or software instructions in memory 2910, such as a capability response module 2916.

[0373] A base station (such as base station 2900) may include a component for issuing a command to a user equipment (UE) to instruct the UE to perform positioning measurements with a node, where the node includes one of the base station or another UE. The component may be, for example, an external interface 2902 and one or more processors 2904 having dedicated hardware (such as a positioning command module 2912) for implementing executable code or software instructions in a memory 2910.

[0374] Throughout the specification, references to "one example," "example," "some examples," or "exemplary embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that feature and / or example may be included in at least one feature and / or example of the claimed subject matter. Thus, the phrases "in one example," "example," "in some examples," or "in some embodiments," or other similar phrases appearing throughout the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same feature, example, and / or limitation. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more examples and / or features.

[0375] Some parts of the detailed description included herein are presented according to the algorithm or symbolic representation of the operation of the binary digital signal stored in the memory of a specific device or a special computing device or platform. In the context of this particular specification, once the term specific device, etc. is programmed to perform a specific operation according to the instruction from the program software, it includes a general-purpose computer. Algorithmic description or symbolic representation is an example of the technology used by ordinary technicians in signal processing or related fields to convey the essence of their work to other technicians in the field. Algorithms are here and generally considered to be a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar signal processing that lead to desired results. In this context, operations or processing involve physical manipulation of physical quantities. Generally, although not necessarily, such quantities can take the form of electrical or magnetic signals that can be stored, transmitted, combined, compared or otherwise manipulated. It has been proven that sometimes in principle, for general reasons, such signals are referred to as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, characters, items, numbers, numerical values, etc. It is convenient. However, it should be understood that all these or similar terms will be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels. Unless otherwise specifically stated, it will be apparent from the discussion herein that it should be understood that throughout the specification, discussions utilizing terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," etc. refer to actions or processes of a specific apparatus such as a special purpose computer, a special purpose computing apparatus, or a similar special purpose electronic computing device. Thus, in the context of this specification, a special purpose computer or a similar special purpose electronic computing device is capable of manipulating or transforming signals, which are typically represented as physical electrical or magnetic quantities in a memory, register, or other information storage device, a transmitting device, or a display device of a special purpose computer or a similar special purpose electronic computing device.

[0376] In the foregoing detailed description, numerous specific details have been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, methods and devices known to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the claimed subject matter.

[0377] The terms "and," "or," and "and / or," as used herein, may include a variety of meanings that are also contemplated to depend, at least in part, on the context in which such terms are used. Generally, "or," when used with an associative list such as A, B, or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C (used herein in an inclusive sense) as well as A, B, or C (used herein in an exclusive sense). Additionally, the term "one or more," as used herein, may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in the singular, or may be used to describe a plurality or some other combination of features, structures, or characteristics. It should be noted, however, that this is merely an illustrative example, and claimed subject matter is not limited to this example.

[0378] Although what is presently considered to be exemplary features has been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various other modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted, without departing from the claimed subject matter. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation to the teachings of the claimed subject matter without departing from the central concept described herein.

[0379] In one embodiment (1), a method for locating an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node with an unknown location in a wireless network, performed by a location server, wherein the IAB node includes a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function, the method comprising: receiving location information from the IAB node, the location information including positioning measurements based on reference signals for positioning received by the IAB node from multiple nodes in the wireless network; and determining the location of the IAB node using the received location information.

[0380] The above method (1) may have some implementations (2), wherein the reference signal is received by the MT function in the IAB node, and the multiple nodes are base stations including one or more parent IAB-DUs, non-IAB nodes or other IAB nodes.

[0381] The above method (1) may have some implementation modes (3), wherein the reference signal is received by the DU function in the IAB node, and the multiple nodes include a user equipment (UE) or an MT function of a downstream IAB node.

[0382] In one embodiment (4), a location server is configured to perform positioning for an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node with an unknown location in a wireless network, wherein the IAB node includes a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function, and the location server includes: an external interface, the external interface is configured to communicate with other nodes in the wireless network; at least one memory; and at least one processor, the at least one processor is coupled to the external interface and the at least one memory, the at least one processor is configured to: receive location information from the IAB node, the location information including positioning measurements based on reference signals for positioning received by the IAB node from multiple nodes in the wireless network; and determine the location of the IAB node using the received location information.

[0383] The above-mentioned location server (4) may have some implementation modes (5), wherein the reference signal is received by the MT function in the IAB node, and the multiple nodes are base stations including one or more parent IAB-DUs, non-IAB nodes or other IAB nodes.

[0384] The above-mentioned location server (4) may have some implementation modes (6), wherein the reference signal is received by the DU function in the IAB node, and the plurality of nodes include a user equipment (UE) or an MT function of a downstream IAB node.

[0385] In one embodiment (7), a location server is configured to perform positioning for an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node with an unknown location in a wireless network, wherein the IAB node includes a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function, the location server including: a component for receiving location information from the IAB node, the location information including positioning measurements based on a reference signal for positioning received by the IAB node from multiple nodes in the wireless network; and a component for determining the location of the IAB node using the received location information.

[0386] The above-mentioned location server (7) may have some implementation modes (8), wherein the reference signal is received by the MT function in the IAB node, and the multiple nodes are base stations including one or more parent IAB-DUs, non-IAB nodes or other IAB nodes.

[0387] The above-mentioned location server (7) may have some implementation modes (9), wherein the reference signal is received by the DU function in the IAB node, and the plurality of nodes include a user equipment (UE) or an MT function of a downstream IAB node.

[0388] In one embodiment (10), a non-transitory storage medium includes program code stored thereon, the program code being operable to configure at least one processor in a location server to perform positioning of an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node having an unknown location in a wireless network, wherein the IAB node includes a mobile termination (MT) function and a distributed unit (DU) function, the non-transitory storage medium including: program code for receiving location information from the IAB node, the location information including positioning measurements based on a reference signal for positioning received by the IAB node from multiple nodes in the wireless network; and program code for determining the location of the IAB node using the received location information.

[0389] The above-mentioned non-transitory storage medium (10) may have some embodiments (11), wherein the reference signal is received by the MT function in the IAB node, and the multiple nodes are base stations including one or more parent IAB-DUs, non-IAB nodes or other IAB nodes.

[0390] The above-mentioned non-transitory storage medium (10) may have some embodiments (12), wherein the reference signal is received by the DU function in the IAB node, and the multiple nodes include a user equipment (UE) or an MT function of a downstream IAB node.

[0391] In one embodiment (13), a method for locating a user equipment (UE) performed by a location server comprises: receiving a mobility indication for an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node from the IAB node; and locating the UE using the mobility indication for the IAB node.

[0392] The above method (13) may have some implementations (14), wherein the mobility indication includes completely moving, completely still, or occasionally moving.

[0393] The above method (13) may have some implementations (15), wherein using the mobility indication of the IAB node to locate the UE includes generating positioning assistance data for the UE to exclude the IAB node when the mobility indication of the IAB node indicates that the IAB node is mobile.

[0394] The above method (13) may have some implementations (16), wherein using the mobility indication to the IAB node to locate the UE includes: receiving positioning measurements generated using the IAB node; and excluding the positioning measurements generated by the IAB node for locating the UE when the mobility indication to the IAB node indicates that the IAB node is mobile.

[0395] In one embodiment (17), a location server configured to perform positioning for a user equipment (UE), the location server comprising: an external interface configured to communicate with other nodes in a wireless network; at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the external interface and the at least one memory, the at least one processor being configured to: receive a mobility indication of an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node from the IAB node; and use the mobility indication of the IAB node to locate the UE.

[0396] There may be some embodiments (18) of the location server (17) above, wherein the mobility indication includes completely moving, completely stationary or occasionally moving.

[0397] The above-mentioned location server (17) may have some embodiments (19), wherein the at least one processor is configured to: generate positioning assistance data for the UE by excluding the IAB node when the mobility indication of the IAB node indicates that the IAB node is mobile, and use the mobility indication of the IAB node to locate the UE.

[0398] The above-mentioned location server (17) may have some embodiments (20), wherein the at least one processor is configured to use the mobility indication of the IAB node to locate the UE by being configured to perform the following operations: receiving positioning measurements generated using the IAB node; and excluding the positioning measurements generated by the IAB node for locating the UE when the mobility indication of the IAB node indicates that the IAB node is mobile.

[0399] In one embodiment (21), a location server configured to perform positioning for a user equipment (UE) comprises: a component for receiving a mobility indication of an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node from the IAB node; and a component for positioning the UE using the mobility indication of the IAB node.

[0400] The above-mentioned location server (21) may have some embodiments (22), wherein the mobility indication includes completely moving, completely stationary or occasionally moving.

[0401] The above-mentioned location server (21) may have some embodiments (23), wherein the component for using the mobility indication to the IAB node to locate the UE includes a component for excluding the IAB node to generate positioning assistance data for the UE when the mobility indication to the IAB node indicates that the IAB node is mobile.

[0402] The above-mentioned location server (21) may have some embodiments (24), wherein the component for locating the UE using the mobility indication to the IAB node includes: a component for receiving positioning measurements generated using the IAB node; and a component for excluding the positioning measurements generated by the IAB node for locating the UE when the mobility indication to the IAB node indicates that the IAB node is mobile.

[0403] In one embodiment (25), a non-transitory storage medium includes program code stored thereon, the program code being operable to configure at least one processor in a location server to perform positioning of a user equipment (UE), the non-transitory storage medium including: program code for receiving a mobility indication of an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node from the IAB node; and program code for positioning the UE using the mobility indication of the IAB node.

[0404] The above-mentioned non-transitory storage medium (25) may have some embodiments (26), wherein the mobility indication includes completely moving, completely still, or occasionally moving.

[0405] The above-mentioned non-transitory storage medium (25) may have some embodiments (27), wherein the program code for using the mobility indication to the IAB node to locate the UE includes a program code for excluding the IAB node to generate positioning assistance data for the UE when the mobility indication to the IAB node indicates that the IAB node is mobile.

[0406] The above-mentioned non-transitory storage medium (25) may have some embodiments (28), wherein the program code for using the mobility indication to the IAB node to locate the UE includes: a program code for receiving positioning measurements generated using the IAB node; and a program code for excluding the positioning measurements generated by the IAB node for locating the UE when the mobility indication to the IAB node indicates that the IAB node is mobile.

[0407] In one embodiment (29), a method for locating a user equipment (UE) is performed by the UE, the method comprising: receiving positioning assistance data from a location server, the positioning assistance data comprising a mobility indication for an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node; and performing positioning measurements based on multiple base stations, wherein the mobility indication for the IAB node is used during the positioning measurements.

[0408] The above method (29) may have some embodiments (30), wherein performing positioning measurements from the plurality of base stations includes excluding using the IAB node to generate positioning measurements when the mobility indication to the IAB node indicates that the IAB node is mobile.

[0409] In one embodiment (31), a user equipment (UE) is configured to perform positioning on the UE, the UE comprising: a wireless transceiver, the wireless transceiver being configured to communicate with a base station in a wireless network; at least one memory; and at least one processor, coupled to the wireless transceiver and the at least one memory, the at least one processor being configured to: receive positioning assistance data from a location server, the positioning assistance data comprising a mobility indication for an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node; and perform positioning measurements based on multiple base stations, wherein the mobility indication for the IAB node is used during the positioning measurements.

[0410] The above-mentioned UE (31) may have some embodiments (32), wherein the at least one processor is configured to: perform positioning measurements from the multiple base stations by being configured to exclude the use of the IAB node to generate positioning measurements when the mobility indication to the IAB node indicates that the IAB node is mobile.

[0411] In one embodiment (33), a user equipment (UE) is configured to perform positioning of the UE, the UE comprising: a component for receiving positioning assistance data from a location server, the positioning assistance data comprising a mobility indication of an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node; and a component for performing positioning measurements based on multiple base stations, wherein the mobility indication of the IAB node is used during the positioning measurements.

[0412] The above-mentioned UE (33) may have some embodiments (34), wherein the component for performing positioning measurements from the plurality of base stations excludes using the IAB node to generate positioning measurements when the mobility indication to the IAB node indicates that the IAB node is mobile.

[0413] In one embodiment (35), a non-transitory storage medium includes program code stored thereon, the program code being operable to configure at least one processor in a user equipment (UE) to perform positioning of the UE, the non-transitory storage medium comprising: program code for receiving positioning assistance data from a location server, the positioning assistance data comprising a mobility indication for an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node; and program code for performing positioning measurements based on multiple base stations, wherein the mobility indication for the IAB node is used during the positioning measurements.

[0414] The above-mentioned non-transitory storage medium (35) may have some embodiments (36), wherein the program code for performing positioning measurements from the plurality of base stations excludes using the IAB node to generate positioning measurements when the mobility indication to the IAB node indicates that the IAB node is mobile.

[0415] In one embodiment (37), a method for locating a base station with an unknown location, performed by a location server in a wireless network, includes: participating in multiple positioning sessions to estimate the locations of one or more user equipment (UE), wherein the base station participates in at least one of the multiple positioning sessions, and at least one of the multiple positioning sessions includes one or more other base stations with known locations; receiving location measurements associated with the base station and the one or more UEs in each of the multiple positioning sessions; and determining the estimated location of the base station using the location measurements associated with the base station and the one or more UEs.

[0416] The above method (37) may have some embodiments (38), wherein the multiple positioning sessions include multiple nodes with unknown locations in the wireless network, each node is a UE or a base station, and the method also includes determining an estimated location of each of the multiple nodes.

[0417] The above method (38) may have some embodiments (39), wherein the estimated position of at least one of the multiple nodes is determined before determining the estimated position of the base station, and wherein determining the estimated position of the base station further uses the estimated position of at least one of the multiple nodes.

[0418] The above method (38) may have some embodiments (40), wherein determining the estimated position of at least one of the multiple nodes includes: repeatedly identifying a subset of position measurements involving nodes with known positions and using the identified subset of position measurements to determine the estimated positions of each node, wherein each node with an estimated position is included in the subset of position measurements for determining the estimated positions of other nodes.

[0419] The above method (40) may have some implementations (41) that also include determining an uncertainty value for each estimated position based on the uncertainty in the position measurements, wherein identifying the subset of position measurements includes minimizing the overall uncertainty value for each subset of position measurements.

[0420] The above method (38) may have some implementations (42) in which the estimated position of each node in the plurality of nodes and the estimated position of the base station are determined simultaneously.

[0421] The above method (38) may have some implementations (43), in which paired position measurements between nodes are used to determine the estimated position of each of the multiple nodes and the estimated position of the base station, and the paired position measurements include downlink or uplink measurements between UEs and base stations, sidelink measurements between UEs, and measurements between base stations.

[0422] The above method (43) may have some implementations (44), wherein the measurements between base stations include measurements performed by a base station or measurements performed by a separate UE function co-located with the base station.

[0423] The above method (38) may have some embodiments (45) in which one or more of arrival time difference (TDOA), round-trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD) and signal strength are used to determine the estimated position of the node among the multiple nodes and the estimated position of the base station.

[0424] In one embodiment (46), a location server configured to locate a base station with an unknown location in a wireless network includes: an external interface configured to communicate with other nodes in the wireless network; at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the external interface and the at least one memory, the at least one processor being configured to: participate in multiple positioning sessions to estimate the locations of one or more user equipment (UEs), wherein the base station participates in at least one of the multiple positioning sessions, and at least one of the multiple positioning sessions includes one or more other base stations with known locations; receive location measurements associated with the base station and the one or more UEs in each of the multiple positioning sessions; and determine the estimated location of the base station using the location measurements associated with the base station and the one or more UEs.

[0425] The above-mentioned location server (46) may have some embodiments (47), wherein the multiple positioning sessions include multiple nodes with unknown locations in the wireless network, each node is one of a UE or a base station, and the method also includes determining an estimated location of each of the multiple nodes.

[0426] The above-mentioned location server (47) may have some embodiments (48), wherein the estimated position of at least one of the multiple nodes is determined before determining the estimated position of the base station, and wherein determining the estimated position of the base station further uses the estimated position of at least one of the multiple nodes.

[0427] The above-mentioned location server (47) may have some embodiments (49), wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine the estimated location of at least one node among the multiple nodes by being configured to perform the following operations: repeatedly identifying a subset of location measurements involving nodes with known locations and using the identified subset of location measurements to determine the estimated location of each node, wherein each node with an estimated location is included in the subset of location measurements for determining the estimated location of other nodes.

[0428] The above-mentioned location server (49) may have some embodiments (50) in which the at least one processor is also configured to determine an uncertainty value for each estimated location based on the uncertainty in the location measurement, wherein identifying the subset of location measurements includes minimizing the overall uncertainty value for each subset of location measurements.

[0429] The above-mentioned location server (47) may have some embodiments (51) in which the estimated position of each node in the plurality of nodes and the estimated position of the base station are determined simultaneously.

[0430] The above-mentioned location server (47) may have some embodiments (52), in which paired position measurements between nodes are used to determine the estimated position of each of the multiple nodes and the estimated position of the base station, and the paired position measurements include downlink or uplink measurements between UEs and base stations, sidelink measurements between UEs, and measurements between base stations.

[0431] The above-mentioned location server (52) may have some embodiments (53), wherein the measurements between base stations include measurements performed by the base stations or measurements performed by a separate UE function co-located with the base stations.

[0432] The above-mentioned location server (47) may have some embodiments (54) in which one or more of arrival time difference (TDOA), round-trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD) and signal strength are used to determine the estimated position of the node among the multiple nodes and the estimated position of the base station.

[0433] In one embodiment (55), a location server configured for locating a base station with an unknown location in a wireless network includes: a component for participating in multiple positioning sessions to estimate the location of one or more user equipment (UE), wherein the base station participates in at least one of the multiple positioning sessions, and at least one of the multiple positioning sessions includes one or more other base stations with known locations; a component for receiving location measurements associated with the base station and the one or more UEs in each of the multiple positioning sessions; and a component for determining an estimated location of the base station using the location measurements associated with the base station and the one or more UEs.

[0434] In one embodiment (56), a non-transitory storage medium includes program code stored thereon, the program code being operable to configure at least one processor in a location server to perform positioning for a base station having an unknown location in a wireless network, the non-transitory storage medium comprising: program code for participating in multiple positioning sessions to estimate the location of one or more user equipment (UE), wherein the base station participates in at least one of the multiple positioning sessions, and at least one of the multiple positioning sessions includes one or more other base stations having known locations; program code for receiving location measurements associated with the base station and the one or more UEs in each of the multiple positioning sessions; and program code for determining an estimated location of the base station using location measurements associated with the base station and the one or more UEs.

[0435] In one embodiment (57), a method performed by a network entity for locating a node with an unknown position in a wireless network includes: issuing a command to a user equipment (UE) instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with the node, wherein the node includes one of a base station or another UE.

[0436] There may be some implementations (58) of the above method (57), wherein the network entity comprises one of a location server, a node with unknown location, a base station or another UE.

[0437] The above method (57) may have some implementation modes (59), wherein the command instructing the UE to perform the positioning measurement is mandatory.

[0438] The above method (57) may have some implementations (60), wherein the command instructing the UE to perform the positioning measurement specifies the type of positioning measurement.

[0439] The above method (60) may have some embodiments (61), wherein the type of positioning measurement includes one or more of arrival time difference (TDOA), round-trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD) and signal strength.

[0440] The above method (57) may have some implementations (62), wherein the command instructing the UE to perform the positioning measurement includes a command for initiating a positioning session for the UE including a node with an unknown location.

[0441] In one embodiment (63), a network entity configured to locate a node with an unknown location in a wireless network includes: an external interface configured to communicate with other nodes in the wireless network; at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the external interface and the at least one memory, the at least one processor being configured to: issue a command to a user equipment (UE) instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with the node, wherein the node includes one of a base station or another UE.

[0442] There may be some embodiments (64) of the above-mentioned network entity (63), wherein the network entity comprises one of a location server, a node with unknown location, a base station or another UE.

[0443] The above-mentioned network entity (63) may have some embodiments (65), wherein the command instructing the UE to perform the positioning measurement is mandatory.

[0444] The above-mentioned network entity (63) may have some implementation modes (66), wherein the command instructing the UE to perform the positioning measurement specifies the type of positioning measurement.

[0445] The above-mentioned network entity (66) may have some embodiments (67), wherein the type of positioning measurement includes one or more of arrival time difference (TDOA), round-trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD) and signal strength.

[0446] The above-mentioned network entity (63) may have some embodiments (68), wherein the command instructing the UE to perform the positioning measurement includes a command for initiating a positioning session for the UE including a node with an unknown position.

[0447] In one embodiment (69), a network entity configured to locate a node with an unknown location in a wireless network includes: a component for issuing a command to a user equipment (UE) instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with the node, wherein the node includes one of a base station or another UE.

[0448] In one embodiment (70), a non-transitory storage medium includes program code stored thereon, the program code being operable to configure at least one processor in a network entity, the network entity being configured to locate a node having an unknown location in a wireless network, the non-transitory storage medium including: program code for issuing a command to a user equipment (UE) instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with the node, wherein the node comprises one of a base station or another UE.

[0449] In one embodiment (71), a method performed by a user equipment (UE) for locating a node with an unknown location in a wireless network includes: receiving a command from a network entity in the wireless network, the command instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with the node, wherein the node includes a base station or one of another UE; and performing position measurements with the node.

[0450] There may be some implementations (72) of the above method (71), wherein the network entity comprises one of a location server, a node with unknown location, a base station or another UE.

[0451] The above method (71) may have some implementation modes (73), wherein the command instructing the UE to perform the positioning measurement is mandatory.

[0452] The above method (71) may have some implementations (74), wherein the command instructing the UE to perform the positioning measurement specifies the type of positioning measurement.

[0453] The above method (74) may have some embodiments (75) in which the type of positioning measurement includes one or more of downlink arrival time difference (TDOA), round-trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA) and angle of departure (AoD).

[0454] The above method (71) may have some implementations (76), wherein performing the position measurement with the node includes sending or receiving a reference signal to or from the node.

[0455] The above method (71) may have some implementations (77), wherein the command instructing the UE to perform the positioning measurement includes a command for initiating a positioning session for the UE including a node with an unknown location.

[0456] There may be some implementations (78) of the above method (71) which further include sending the location measurement to a location server.

[0457] The above method (71) may have some implementations (79) and also include receiving assistance data for performing the positioning measurement with the node.

[0458] There may be some implementations (80) of the above method (79), wherein the node is the other UE, and wherein the UE-ID is not included in the assistance data.

[0459] The above method (79) may have some implementations (81), wherein the node is another UE, and wherein the assistance data does not include a measurement timestamp of the other UE or the measurement timestamp is quantized.

[0460] In one embodiment (82), a user equipment (UE) configured to locate a node with an unknown location in a wireless network includes: an external interface configured to communicate with other nodes in the wireless network; at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the external interface and the at least one memory, the at least one processor being configured to: receive a command from a network entity in the wireless network, the command instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with the node, wherein the node includes one of a base station or another UE; and perform location measurements with the node.

[0461] There may be some embodiments (83) of the above UE (82), wherein the network entity includes one of a location server, a node with an unknown location, a base station or another UE.

[0462] The above-mentioned UE (82) may have some embodiments (84), wherein the command instructing the UE to perform the positioning measurement is mandatory.

[0463] The above-mentioned UE (82) may have some implementation methods (85), wherein the command instructing the UE to perform the positioning measurement specifies the type of positioning measurement.

[0464] The above-mentioned UE (85) may have some embodiments (86), wherein the type of positioning measurement includes one or more of downlink arrival time difference (TDOA), round-trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA) and angle of departure (AoD).

[0465] The above-mentioned UE (82) may have some embodiments (87), wherein the at least one processor is configured to: perform position measurement with the node by being configured to send or receive a reference signal to or from the node.

[0466] The above-mentioned UE (82) may have some embodiments (88), wherein the command instructing the UE to perform the positioning measurement includes a command for initiating a positioning session for the UE including a node with an unknown location.

[0467] There may be some embodiments (89) of the UE (82) above, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to send the location measurement to a location server.

[0468] The above-mentioned UE (82) may have some embodiments (90), wherein the at least one processor is further configured to receive assistance data for performing the positioning measurement with the node.

[0469] The above-mentioned UE (90) may have some embodiments (91), wherein the node is the other UE, and wherein the UE-ID is not included in the assistance data.

[0470] The above-mentioned UE (90) may have some embodiments (92), wherein the node is another UE, and wherein the assistance data does not include a measurement timestamp of the other UE or the measurement timestamp is quantized.

[0471] In one embodiment (93), a user equipment (UE) configured to locate a node with an unknown location in a wireless network includes: a component for receiving a command from a network entity in the wireless network, the command instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with the node, wherein the node includes one of a base station or another UE; and a component for performing position measurements with the node.

[0472] In one embodiment (94), a non-transitory storage medium includes program code stored thereon, the program code being operable to configure at least one processor in a user equipment (UE), the UE being configured to locate a node having an unknown location in a wireless network, the non-transitory storage medium including: program code for receiving a command from a network entity in the wireless network, the command instructing the UE to perform positioning measurements with the node, wherein the node comprises one of a base station or another UE; and program code for performing location measurements with the node.

[0473] In one embodiment (95), a method for locating a base station having an unknown location in a wireless network comprises: receiving a request for the ability to perform a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station; and responding to the request, the response indicating the ability to perform a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station.

[0474] The above method (95) may have some implementations (96), wherein the request for the capability is about the ability to enter into a UE-to-positioning server protocol session, and wherein the response to the request indicates the ability to enter into a UE-to-positioning server protocol session or the ability of a restricted UE function, wherein the restricted UE function includes executing a positioning procedure, executing a positioning protocol, or both.

[0475] The above method (96) may have some implementations (97), wherein in response to the request indicating the ability to enter a UE-to-positioning server protocol session, the method further includes: participating in a positioning session with multiple network entities with known locations to determine the location of the base station.

[0476] The above method (96) may have some implementations (98), wherein in response to the request indicating the ability to enter a UE-to-positioning server protocol session, the method further includes: entering a positioning session using the UE-to-positioning server protocol; and concurrently entering a positioning session using a base station-to-positioning server protocol.

[0477] The above method (96) may have some implementations (99), wherein the response to the request indicates the capability of a restricted UE function, the restricted UE function includes executing a positioning procedure, executing a positioning protocol, or both, and the method further includes: performing positioning measurements with one or more network entities with known locations to determine the location of the base station.

[0478] There may be some implementations (100) of the above method (95) wherein the request for the capability is received from a UE, another base station or a location server.

[0479] There may be some implementations (101) of the above method (95), which also includes sending a message providing a mobility indication to the base station.

[0480] The above method (101) may have some implementations (102), wherein the mobility indication to the base station includes completely moving, completely stationary or occasionally moving.

[0481] In one embodiment (103), a base station with an unknown location in a wireless network, the base station being configured to locate the base station, comprises: an external interface configured to communicate with other nodes in the wireless network; at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the external interface and the at least one memory, the at least one processor being configured to: receive a request for the ability to execute a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station; and respond to the request, the response indicating the ability to execute a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station.

[0482] The above-mentioned base station (103) may have some embodiments (104), wherein the request for the capability is about the ability to enter the UE to positioning server protocol session, and wherein the response to the request indicates the ability to enter the UE to positioning server protocol session or the ability of limited UE functions, wherein the limited UE functions include executing positioning procedures, executing positioning protocols, or both.

[0483] The above-mentioned base station (104) may have some embodiments (105), wherein in response to the request indicating the ability to enter a UE-to-positioning server protocol session, the at least one processor is also configured to: participate in a positioning session with multiple network entities with known locations to determine the location of the base station.

[0484] The above-mentioned base station (104) may have some embodiments (106), wherein in response to the request indicating the ability to enter a UE-to-positioning server protocol session, the at least one processor is further configured to: enter a positioning session using the UE-to-positioning server protocol; and concurrently enter a positioning session using a base station-to-positioning server protocol.

[0485] The above-mentioned base station (104) may have some embodiments (107), wherein in response to the request indicating the capability of a restricted UE function, the restricted UE function includes executing a positioning procedure, executing a positioning protocol, or both, and the at least one processor is also configured to: perform positioning measurements with one or more network entities with known locations to determine the location of the base station.

[0486] There may be some embodiments (108) of the base station (103) described above, wherein the request for the capability is received from a UE, another base station or a location server.

[0487] There may be some embodiments (109) of the above-mentioned base station (103), wherein the at least one processor is further configured to issue a message providing a mobility indication to the base station.

[0488] The above-mentioned base station (109) may have some embodiments (110), wherein the mobility indication of the base station includes completely moving, completely stationary or occasionally moving.

[0489] In one embodiment (111), a base station having an unknown location in a wireless network, the base station being configured to locate the base station, comprises: a component for receiving a request for the ability to perform a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station; and a component for responding to the request, the response indicating the ability to perform a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station.

[0490] In one embodiment (112), a non-transitory storage medium includes program code stored thereon, the program code being operable to configure at least one processor in a base station, the at least one processor being configured to locate a base station having an unknown location in a wireless network, the non-transitory storage medium including: program code for receiving a request for the ability to perform a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station; and program code for responding to the request, the response indicating the ability to perform a positioning procedure to determine the location of the base station.

[0491] Therefore, it is intended that the claimed subject matter not be limited to the particular examples disclosed, but that such claimed subject matter may also include all aspects falling within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for locating an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node, wherein: The IAB node includes a mobile terminal MT function and a distributed unit DU function, and the method includes: For one or more positioning sessions, sending or receiving messages between an MT function of an IAB node and a location server to determine the location of the IAB node; and A reference signal for locating the IAB node is sent or received in the one or more positioning sessions to or from the MT function of the IAB node and the DU function of another node of a plurality of nodes in the wireless network, wherein the another node of the plurality of nodes is a parent IAB node of the IAB node, wherein positioning measurement uses the reference signal, and the plurality of nodes include a plurality of base stations in the wireless network.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The multiple nodes include a user equipment UE or an MT function of a downstream IAB node.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of nodes include non-IAB nodes or other IAB nodes.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of nodes include ancestors, descendants, or other nodes of the same donor IAB DU or donor IAB central unit CU, or nodes of different donor IAB DUs or different donor IAB CUs.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of nodes include a plurality of parent IAB-DUs.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The IAB node participates in a plurality of positioning sessions, and wherein the MT function sends or receives a reference signal for positioning to or from a parent IAB-DU in each positioning session.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising performing one or more of receive and transmit time Rx-Tx, round trip time RTT, angle of arrival AoA, angle of departure AoD, and signal strength positioning measurements with each parent IAB-DU.

8. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The IAB node participates in one positioning session, and wherein the MT function sends or receives reference signals for positioning to or from the plurality of parent IAB-DUs in the one positioning session.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising performing one or more of time difference of arrival (TDOA), receive and transmit time (Rx-Tx), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and signal strength positioning measurements with the plurality of parent IAB-DUs.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The reference signal used for positioning includes at least one of a downlink positioning reference signal PRS, an uplink PRS, a sounding reference signal SRS, a synchronization signal block SSB signal, and a channel state information reference signal CSI-RS, or a combination thereof.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The reference signal is sent or received using the DU function, and the plurality of nodes include a user equipment UE or an MT function of a downstream IAB node.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The messages sent or received in the one or more positioning sessions include messages indicating the capability of sending or receiving reference signals to or from one or more parent IAB-DUs, non-IAB nodes or other IAB nodes.

13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: performing positioning measurements based on the reference signals received from one or more nodes in the wireless network; as well as The messages sent in the one or more positioning sessions include location information to the location server for locating the IAB node based on the positioning measurement.

14. An integrated access backhaul (IAB) node in a wireless network, configured to perform positioning on the IAB node, wherein: The IAB node includes a mobile terminal MT function and a distributed unit DU function, and the IAB node includes: an external interface configured to communicate with other nodes in the wireless network; at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the external interface and the at least one memory, the at least one processor being configured to: For one or more positioning sessions, sending or receiving messages between an MT function of an IAB node and a location server to determine the location of the IAB node; and A reference signal for locating the IAB node is sent or received in the one or more positioning sessions to or from the MT function of the IAB node and the DU function of another node of the multiple nodes in the wireless network, wherein the another node of the multiple nodes is a parent IAB node of the IAB node, wherein positioning measurement uses the reference signal, and the multiple nodes include multiple base stations in the wireless network.

15. The IAB node according to claim 14, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to utilize the DU function to send or receive reference signals for positioning to or from a plurality of nodes in the wireless network, wherein the plurality of nodes include a user equipment UE or an MT function of a downstream IAB node.

16. The IAB node according to claim 14, wherein: The plurality of nodes include non-IAB nodes or other IAB nodes.

17. The IAB node according to claim 16, wherein: The plurality of nodes include ancestors, descendants, or other nodes of the same donor IAB DU or donor IAB central unit CU, or nodes of different donor IAB DUs or different donor IAB CUs.

18. The IAB node according to claim 16, wherein: The plurality of nodes include a plurality of parent IAB-DUs.

19. The IAB node according to claim 18, wherein: The IAB node participates in a plurality of positioning sessions, and wherein the MT function sends or receives a reference signal for positioning to or from a parent IAB-DU in each positioning session.

20. The IAB node according to claim 19, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to perform one or more of receive and transmit time Rx-Tx, round trip time RTT, angle of arrival AoA, angle of departure AoD, and signal strength positioning measurements with each parent IAB-DU.

21. The IAB node according to claim 18, wherein: The IAB node participates in one positioning session, and wherein the MT function sends or receives reference signals for positioning to or from the plurality of parent IAB-DUs in the one positioning session.

22. The IAB node according to claim 21, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to perform one or more of time difference of arrival TDOA, receive and transmit time Rx-Tx, round trip time RTT, angle of arrival AoA, angle of departure AoD, and signal strength positioning measurements with the plurality of parent IAB-DUs.

23. The IAB node according to claim 14, wherein: The reference signal used for positioning includes at least one of a downlink positioning reference signal PRS, an uplink PRS, a sounding reference signal SRS, a synchronization signal block SSB signal, and a channel state information reference signal CSI-RS, or a combination thereof.

24. The IAB node according to claim 14, wherein: In order to send or receive the reference signal, the at least one processor is configured to send or receive the reference signal using the DU function, and the plurality of nodes include a user equipment UE or an MT function of a downstream IAB node.

25. The IAB node according to claim 14, wherein: The messages sent or received in the one or more positioning sessions include messages indicating the capability of sending or receiving reference signals to or from one or more parent IAB-DUs, non-IAB nodes or other IAB nodes.

26. The IAB node according to claim 14, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to: performing positioning measurements based on reference signals received from one or more nodes in the wireless network; and The messages sent in the one or more positioning sessions include location information to the location server for locating the IAB node based on the positioning measurement.

27. An integrated access backhaul (IAB) node in a wireless network, configured to perform positioning on the IAB node, wherein: The IAB node includes a mobile terminal MT function and a distributed unit DU function, and the IAB node includes: means for sending or receiving messages between the MT function of the IAB node and the location server to determine the location of the IAB node for one or more positioning sessions; and A component for sending or receiving a reference signal for locating the IAB node to or from the MT function of the IAB node and the DU function of another node of a plurality of nodes in the wireless network in the one or more positioning sessions, wherein the another node of the plurality of nodes is a parent IAB node of the IAB node, wherein positioning measurement uses the reference signal, and the plurality of nodes include a plurality of base stations in the wireless network.

28. A non-transitory storage medium comprising program code stored thereon, the program code being operable to configure at least one processor in an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node in a wireless network to perform positioning of the IAB node, wherein: The IAB node includes a mobile terminal MT function and a distributed unit DU function, and the non-transitory storage medium includes: Program code for sending or receiving messages between an MT function of an IAB node and a location server to determine a location of the IAB node for one or more positioning sessions; and Program code for sending or receiving a reference signal for locating the IAB node to or from the MT function of the IAB node and the DU function of another node of a plurality of nodes in the wireless network in the one or more positioning sessions, wherein the another node of the plurality of nodes is a parent IAB node of the IAB node, wherein positioning measurements use the reference signal, and the plurality of nodes include a plurality of base stations in the wireless network.

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