Method for dynamic configuration of reference signals

Abstract

A method for positioning reference signal configuration, comprising: receiving one or more first PRSs in a first positioning reference signal configuration from a network node; performing one or more first measurements on the first PRS to determine one or more first characteristics of the one or more first PRSs; transmitting a second PRS configuration determined based on the one or more first characteristics to the network node; receiving a third PRS configuration from the network node, where the third PRS configuration comprises one or more third PRSs having at least one different signal characteristic compared to the one or more first characteristics of the first PRS; and performing one or more second measurements on one or more third PRSs. The method effectively provides a dynamic configuration of the PRS based on feedback from the UE and the location node, a beamforming configuration, or any requirements for the physical layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Certain embodiments relate to the field of signaling configuration; and more particularly, to methods and apparatuses for dynamic configuration of reference signals. Background Art

[0002] In LTE, positioning has been a major topic in standardization since 3GPP Release 9. The main purpose is to meet the regulatory requirements for positioning emergency calls. In Figure 1 , positioning in New Radio (NR) is proposed to be supported by the architecture disclosed in the NG-RAN Release 15 Location Services (LCS) protocol. In Figure 1 , the gNB and ng-eNB may not always both be present. When both the gNB and ng-eNB are present, the NG-C interface exists only for one of them. The LMF is the location node in NR. There is also an interaction between the location node and the gNodeB via the NRPPa protocol. The interaction between the gNodeB and the device is supported via the Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol.

[0003] In the traditional LTE standard, the following technologies are supported, such as Enhanced Cell ID, Assisted Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA), and Uplink TDOA (UTDOA).

[0004] Regarding Enhanced Cell ID, essentially, the cell ID information is used to associate the device to the serving area of the serving cell, and then additional information is used to determine a more fine-grained location.

[0005] Regarding Assisted GNSS, the GNSS information retrieved by the device is supported by the assistance information provided from the Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center (E-SMLC) to the device.

[0006] Regarding OTDOA, the device estimates the time difference of reference signals from different base stations and sends it to the E-SMLC for multi-lateration.

[0007] Regarding UTDOA, the requesting device is requested to transmit a specific waveform detected by multiple location measurement units (e.g., eNB) at known locations. These measurements are forwarded to the E-SMLC for multi-lateration.

[0008] According to the agreed-upon NR positioning research project for Release 16, the 3GPP NR radio technology is uniquely positioned to provide added value in terms of enhanced positioning capabilities. Operations in low and high frequency bands (i.e., below and above 6 GHz) and the utilization of large-scale antenna arrays provide additional degrees of freedom that substantially improve positioning accuracy. The possibility of using wide signal bandwidths in the low frequency band and especially in the high frequency band brings new performance bounds for the user location for well-known positioning techniques such as OTDOA and UTDOA, cell ID, or E-cell ID, etc., which use timing measurements to locate the UE. The latest advancements in large-scale antenna systems (such as large-scale MIMO) provide additional degrees of freedom to achieve more accurate user location by leveraging the spatial and angular domains of the propagation channel in combination with time measurements.

[0009] Since the 3GPP Release 9 positioning reference signal (PRS) has been introduced for antenna port 6, the Release 8 cell-specific reference signal is not sufficient for positioning. The simple reason is that the required high detection probability cannot be guaranteed. When the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) is at least -6 dB, neighboring cells with their synchronization signals (e.g., primary synchronization signal and secondary synchronization signal) and reference signals are considered detectable. Simulations during standardization have shown the second-best detected neighboring cells, which means that this can only guarantee 70% of all cases of the third-best detected neighboring cells. This is not sufficient and an interference-free environment has been assumed, which cannot be ensured in real-world scenarios. However, the PRS still has some similarities with the cell-specific reference signal as defined in 3GPP Release 8. It is a pseudo-random quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) sequence that is mapped in a diagonal pattern with frequency and time shifts to command avoidance of conflicts with the cell-specific reference signal and overlap with control channels (such as PDCCH).

[0010] There are currently certain challenges. For example, in LTE, the PRS configuration is static and cannot be adjusted specific to a certain environmental need. Within a cell, the PRS configuration cannot be user-specific and cannot be beam-specific. Moving forward to NR, it may be desirable to satisfy different radio propagation characteristics and UE mobility as inputs to effectively provide the PRS configuration. Summary of the Invention

[0011] To address the foregoing problems using existing solutions, methods, user equipment (UE), and network nodes for providing dynamic configuration of reference signals are disclosed. This disclosure implements a solution for configuring positioning reference signals (PRS) by sending information elements including characteristics of the PRS between the UE and the network node to adapt to UE mobility, beamforming configuration, and other physical aspects. Additionally, the network node determines an updated configuration based on the characteristics of the PRS. By performing measurements on the received characteristics of the PRS, the methods disclosed herein can provide a customized PRS configuration for each UE and thus improve resource utilization.

[0012] Several embodiments are elaborated in this disclosure. According to one embodiment of the method for PRS configuration, the method includes: receiving one or more first PRSs in a first PRS configuration from a network node. The method further includes performing one or more first measurements on the one or more first PRSs to determine one or more first characteristics of the one or more first PRSs. The method additionally includes sending a second PRS configuration to the network node, the second PRS configuration including one or more second PRSs determined based on the one or more first characteristics of the one or more first PRSs. The method further includes receiving a third PRS configuration from the network node. The third PRS configuration includes one or more third PRSs having at least one different signal characteristic compared to the one or more first characteristics of the first PRSs. The method further includes performing one or more second measurements on the one or more third PRSs.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first measurement and the second measurement respectively include estimation of one or more arrival times of the first PRS and the third PRS.

[0014] In one embodiment, the third PRS configuration is received via broadcast, multicast, or dedicated signaling or via on-demand system information broadcast.

[0015] In one embodiment, the method further includes determining one or more third characteristics of the one or more third PRSs based on the second PRS configuration.

[0016] In one embodiment, the method further includes: sending a request message to the network node. The request message includes a request for additional PRSs configured for one or more subframes in transmission. The method further includes receiving the additional PRSs determined based on the third PRS configuration from the network node. In one embodiment, the additional PRSs are allocated bandwidth to avoid overlap with another PRS.

[0017] In one embodiment, the network node is a base station or a location node.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the method for PRS configuration, the method includes sending to a UE one or more first PRS configurations including one or more first PRSs. The method further includes receiving from the UE a second PRS configuration, the second PRS configuration including one or more second PRSs determined based on the one or more first PRSs of the first PRS configuration. The method additionally includes performing a set of measurements on the one or more second PRSs of the second PRS configuration. The method further includes sending to the UE a third PRS configuration. The third PRS configuration includes at least one PRS having different signal characteristics compared to the one or more first PRSs of the first PRS configuration.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method further includes: receiving one or more cross-correlation factors for the one or more second PRSs; and prioritizing one or more measurements from the set of measurements related to one or more cross-correlation factors higher than a threshold. In another embodiment, the method further includes discarding one or more measurements from the set of measurements related to one or more cross-correlation factors lower than the threshold.

[0020] In one embodiment, the method further includes identifying a cell having one or more cross-correlation factors higher than a threshold, and allocating bandwidth to the identified cell.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method further includes allocating bandwidth for the third PRS configuration. In one embodiment, the bandwidth is allocated to minimize overlap from interfering with adjacent cells. In another embodiment, the bandwidth is allocated to avoid overlap with another PRS in time and frequency.

[0022] In one embodiment, the second PRS configuration is received via broadcast, multicast, or dedicated signaling or via on-demand system information broadcast.

[0023] In one embodiment, the network node is a base station or a location node.

[0024] According to an embodiment of a UE for PRS configuration, the UE includes at least one processing circuit and at least one storage device storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processing circuit, cause the UE to receive one or more first PRSs in a first PRS configuration from a network node. The UE further performs one or more first measurements on the one or more first PRSs to determine one or more first characteristics of the one or more first PRSs. The UE additionally sends a second PRS configuration to the network node, the second PRS configuration including one or more second PRSs determined based on the one or more first characteristics of the one or more first PRSs. The UE further receives a third PRS configuration from the network node. The third PRS configuration includes one or more third PRSs having at least one different signal characteristic compared to the one or more first characteristics of the first PRSs. The UE further performs one or more second measurements on the one or more third PRSs.

[0025] According to an embodiment of a network node for PRS configuration, the network node includes: at least one processing circuit; and at least one storage device storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processing circuit, cause the network node to send a first PRS configuration including one or more first PRSs to a UE. The network node further receives a second PRS configuration from the UE, the second PRS configuration including one or more second PRSs determined based on the one or more first PRSs of the first PRS configuration. The network node additionally performs a set of measurements on the one or more second PRSs of the second PRS configuration. The network node further sends a third PRS configuration to the UE. The third PRS configuration includes at least one PRS having a different signal characteristic compared to the one or more first PRSs of the first PRS configuration.

[0026] Certain aspects of the present disclosure and its embodiments can provide solutions to these or other challenges. Various embodiments are presented herein that solve one or more of the problems disclosed herein.

[0027] Certain embodiments can provide one or more of the following technical advantages. The methods disclosed in the present disclosure can provide an effective solution for customizing PRS configurations for each UE based on the environment near the UE and the movement of the UE, such that location nodes or base stations avoid assigning bandwidth that interferes with adjacent cells or overlaps with another PRS. Thus, certain embodiments can effectively utilize resources in the network and then further improve the performance of the network.

[0028] Various other features and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Some embodiments may not have the stated advantages, or may have some or all of the stated advantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0030] Figure 1 A block diagram showing an example architecture for positioning in New Radio; Figure 2 A flowchart showing an example method for positioning reference signal configuration performed at a location node and a radio node according to certain embodiments; Figure 3 A flowchart showing an example method for positioning reference signal configuration performed at a network node according to certain embodiments; Figure 4 A flowchart showing an example method for positioning reference signal configuration performed at a network node according to certain embodiments; Figure 5 An example bandwidth allocation according to certain embodiments is shown; Figure 6 An example process for determining dynamic PRS configuration according to certain embodiments is shown; Figure 7 An example PRS allocation according to certain embodiments is shown; Figure 8 An example PRS pattern according to certain embodiments is shown; Figure 9 A diagram showing an example architecture for dynamic PRS configuration according to certain embodiments; Figure 10 An example wireless network according to certain embodiments is shown; Figure 11 An example user equipment according to certain embodiments is shown; Figure 12 An example virtualized environment according to certain embodiments is shown; Figure 13 A diagram showing an example telecommunication network connected to a host computer via an intermediate network according to certain embodiments; Figure 14 An example of a host computer communicating with a user equipment via a base station through a partial wireless connection according to certain embodiments is shown; Figure 15 An example method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment according to certain embodiments is shown; Figure 16 Illustrates another example method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment according to certain embodiments; Figure 17 Illustrates yet another example method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment according to certain embodiments; Figure 18 Illustrates yet another example method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment according to certain embodiments; Figure 19 Illustrates a flowchart of an example method performed by a UE according to certain embodiments; Figure 20 Illustrates a flowchart of an example method performed by a network node according to certain embodiments; Figure 21 Illustrates a flowchart of an example method performed by a radio network node according to certain embodiments; Figure 22 Illustrates a flowchart of an example method performed by a location network node according to certain embodiments; Figure 23 Illustrates an example UE and an example network node according to certain embodiments; Figure 24 Illustrates a flowchart of an example method performed at a user equipment according to certain embodiments; Figure 25 Illustrates a flowchart of an example method performed at a network node according to certain embodiments; Figure 26 Illustrates a block diagram of an example user equipment and an example network node according to certain embodiments; and Figure 27 Illustrates a block diagram of an example network node according to certain embodiments. Detailed Description

[0031] The positioning reference signal (PRS) in traditional LTE standardization is not sufficient to provide accurate positioning. Due to the high requirements for detecting interference and the insufficient resources for adjacent cells, a user equipment (UE) is often provided with a PRS configuration including PRS, which may conflict with other reference signals or be interfered by adjacent cells. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a dynamic PRS configuration for the UE by updating the feedback to the location node. In addition, the location node may request the PRS configuration from the radio node serving the target UE and possibly from adjacent radio nodes, so that the radio node can allocate an appropriate bandwidth for the PRS of the target UE to avoid interference from adjacent cells.

[0032] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure focus on physical reference signals for positioning, similar to those defined for PRS in LTE. Thus, the present disclosure is applicable to other existing NR physical reference signals such as channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), timing reference signal (TRS), TPRS, NR reference signal defined for positioning purposes (NR PRS), etc. The NR PRS configuration similar to LTE will impair multiple consecutive subframes for PRS transmission, PRS occasion, muting mode, PRS hopping, bandwidth, and / or cell ID parameters as specified in TS 36.355. Additionally, in the context of NR, certain embodiments of the present disclosure are extended to include PRS and beam information in terms of PRS resource sets.

[0033] In the present disclosure, Es can be used to refer to the received energy per resource unit (e.g., power normalized to the subcarrier spacing) during the useful part of the symbol (i.e., excluding the cyclic prefix) at the UE antenna connector. In the present disclosure, Iot can be used to refer to the received power spectral density of the total noise and interference for a certain resource unit as measured at the UE antenna connector (e.g., integrated over the RE and normalized to the subcarrier spacing).

[0034] Some embodiments of the embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, other embodiments are included within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein, and the disclosed subject matter should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0035] Figure 2 An example method for positioning reference signal configuration according to certain embodiments is shown. The method can be performed at a location node and / or a radio node. Steps 200 - 230 can be performed at the location node, and steps 240 - 260 can be performed at the radio node. In step 200, the location node configures a first PRS configuration for the first time and provides a first PRS to the UE based on the first PRS configuration.

[0036] In step 210, in certain scenarios, the location node receives feedback on the PRS quality from the UE or the radio node. The location node creates a list of OTDOA neighboring cells based on the received feedback on the PRS quality. The location node varies the density of the PRS based on the received feedback. For example, if cell 1 has better PRS quality than cell 2, the location node will provide more PRS on cell 1. In some embodiments, the PRS transmission on cell 2 can be stopped. In some embodiments, certain cells may impair several beams for transmitting PRS, and thus, the location node can determine which beams are to be used for PRS transmission based on the impaired beams.

[0037] In step 220, when estimating the position of the UE, the positioning node assigns different weights to the reference signal time difference (RSTD) measurement based on the received feedback on the PRS quality and based on the PRS transmission density in the cell.

[0038] In step 230, the positioning node provides a second PRS configuration to the radio node, where the second PRS configuration is recommended by the UE or based on one or more characteristics of one or more UEs. In some embodiments, the positioning node may provide one or more beam lists. For example, a first beam list is for PRS transmission and a second beam list is not for PRS transmission. If the quality obtained from transmission from a certain beam is lower than a certain threshold, the positioning node may recommend that the radio node turn off the PRS transmission in that beam. The positioning node may provide the second PRS configuration on a periodic basis or when there are more than a certain threshold (UE activity or preferred / suggested (one or more) bandwidth parts) changes.

[0039] In step 240, the radio node adaptively determines a third PRS configuration based on the information available in the radio node. If the second PRS configuration is received, the third PRS configuration may be the same as or based on the second PRS configuration.

[0040] In step 250, in certain scenarios, the radio node provides the third PRS configuration to the UE, or to the positioning node or to another radio node. In some embodiments, the third PRS configuration may be common or UE-specific.

[0041] In step 260, in certain embodiments, the radio node transmits additional PRS to the UE based on the third PRS configuration.

[0042] Figure 3 Another example method for positioning reference signal configuration according to certain embodiments is shown. This method may be performed at the positioning node and / or the radio node. If this method is performed at the positioning node, the radio node may provide relevant information to the positioning node. In step 300, the network node aims to design a low-interference or interference-free PRS allocation, allocating the PRS bandwidth during deployment to minimize or avoid overlap with the PRS bandwidth of adjacent cells.

[0043] In step 310, the network node dynamically adjusts the PRS bandwidth for UE movement. For example, dynamically adjusting the PRS bandwidth based on UE movement is to transmit PRS on a larger bandwidth for faster measurement by fast-moving UEs or to cancel Doppler caused by UE movement.

[0044] In step 320, the network node receives a request from the location node to assign PRS to a specific UE or to assign PRS to all UEs in common.

[0045] In step 330, the network node receives in common from adjacent radio nodes the PRS configuration for a specific UE or for all UEs.

[0046] In step 340, the network node provides the PRS configuration using dedicated signaling LTE positioning protocol (LPP), broadcast, or using downlink control information (DCI) PDCCH. In some embodiments, broadcast can be used to transmit to any UE within the coverage.

[0047] Figure 4 Another example method for positioning reference signal configuration according to certain embodiments is shown. The method can be executed at the UE. In step 400, the UE receives PRS from a location node or a radio node. In some embodiments, the received PRS is configured based on the first PRS configuration disclosed in step 200 of Figure 2 the present disclosure.

[0048] In step 410, the UE determines one or more characteristics of the received PRS and provides the determined characteristics of the PRS or a recommendation of the PRS to a network node (e.g., a radio node or a location node). The UE provides a second PRS configuration to the network node, where the second PRS configuration is determined based on the characteristics before performing measurements (e.g., the measurements in the assistance data request), periodically, or when there is a significant change in the characteristics.

[0049] In step 420, the UE obtains a third PRS configuration from the network node via dedicated, multicast, or broadcast signaling. For example, the transmission of the PRS configuration can be via dedicated signaling of the LPP-like protocol, in the on-demand system broadcast for adjacent cells, and / or from the DCIPDCCH for the serving cell. If the second PRS configuration is provided, the third PRS configuration can be the same or can be based on the second PRS configuration.

[0050] In step 430, the UE performs measurements on the received PRS based on the third PRS configuration.

[0051] In step 440, the UE sends measurements to the network node in certain scenarios.

[0052] Figures 2-4Certain embodiments are disclosed that include a method for PRS configuration performed by a wireless device. In a high-level description, the method includes receiving a first PRS. The method further includes providing feedback to a network node regarding the quality of the PRS. The method further includes receiving a message that includes a PRS configuration. The PRS configuration specifies one or more additional PRSs having characteristics different from the first PRS, where the characteristics of the one or more additional PRSs are based on the feedback provided to the network node. The method additionally includes receiving the one or more additional PRSs based on the PRS configuration.

[0053] In some embodiments, the PRS configuration is received via dedicated, multicast, on-demand broadcast, or broadcast signaling. For example, the PRS configuration can be received via RRC, LPP, or DCI.

[0054] In some embodiments, the method further includes performing one or more measurements on the first PRS. In some embodiments, the method further includes performing one or more measurements on the one or more additional PRSs.

[0055] In some embodiments, the method further includes providing feedback regarding the PRS and information about the environment in which the wireless device (e.g., UE) is located.

[0056] In some embodiments, the method further includes sending a request message that requests PRS configured for a plurality of subframes or positioning occasions.

[0057] In some embodiments, the method further includes estimating the one or more arrival times of the one or more PRSs.

[0058] As another example embodiment, a method for PRS configuration performed by a network node, the method includes providing a first PRS configuration for a UE. The method further includes receiving feedback from the UE regarding the PRS. The method further includes providing an updated PRS configuration based on the feedback, where the updated PRS configuration is different from the first PRS configuration.

[0059] In some embodiments, the network node is a base station or a location node.

[0060] In some embodiments, the method further includes providing the PRS.

[0061] In some embodiments, the method further includes allocating a bandwidth for the PRS, where the allocated bandwidth is to minimize overlap with the PRS bandwidth from adjacent cells. In another embodiment, the bandwidth is allocated for the PRS to avoid overlap with other PRSs in time and frequency.

[0062] In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a request for assigning a PRS configuration to a specific UE.

[0063] In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting a PRS configuration via one of on-demand broadcast, broadcast, multicast, or dedicated signaling.

[0064] In some embodiments, the method further includes arranging measurements in the feedback based on the received cross-correlation factor.

[0065] In some embodiments, measurements associated with higher cross-correlation factors are prioritized for better positioning accuracy.

[0066] In some embodiments, the method further includes arranging the measurements in descending order. The descending order can be the order of the values of the cross-correlation factor.

[0067] In some embodiments, the method further includes discarding measurements made using PRS from cells that result in a cross-correlation factor worse than a threshold.

[0068] In some embodiments, the method further includes identifying cells with better cross-correlation factors and then allocating more PRS resources to the identified cells.

[0069] In some embodiments, the cells with better cross-correlation factors are those above a threshold.

[0070] In some embodiments, the cells with better cross-correlation factors are the top "X" percent of cells, where "X" is a value between 0% and 100%.

[0071] In some embodiments, the method further includes determining whether to use a static or dynamic PRS configuration. In some embodiments, the determination is based on the number of UEs in the cell.

[0072] In some embodiments, the method further includes creating or classifying a list of OTDOA neighbor cells or beams based on feedback received from the UE regarding PRS quality.

[0073] In some embodiments, the method further includes determining which beams are to be used for PRS transmission and which beams are to be stopped from continuing to be used for PRS transmission.

[0074] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a dynamic PRS configuration, which can have the potential to be customized for different scenario settings. As another example, when the UE is moving, the dynamic PRS configuration is more adaptive. As another example, better resource utilization is provided compared to static PRS assignments. For example, certain embodiments assign a large amount of PRS to a particular UE (s) per positioning occasion without overly wasting downlink resources.

[0075] Regarding the measurements performed on the PRS, the UE reports back to the location node the quantized PRS signal cross-correlation factor together with the RSTD measurements. The location node then arranges the RSTD measurements based on the received cross-correlation factor and uses the RSTD measurements associated with higher cross-correlation factors for better positioning accuracy. Based on the RSTD measurements associated with higher cross-correlation factors, the location node prioritizes the RSTD measurements associated with the highest cross-correlation factor (principally using the PRS estimate from the serving cell), and then arranges the remaining measurements in descending order. A threshold can be set such that during the positioning of the UE, the RSTD measurements made using the PRS from the cell that results in the worst cross-correlation factor are discarded. On the other hand, when a cell with a better cross-correlation factor is identified, more PRS resources (e.g., denser PRS or wider bandwidth PRS) will be allocated, and new RSTD measurements will thus be made using the newly configured PRS.

[0076] In addition, the UE can also report back to the location node information about its current environment. Depending on the environment in which the UE is located, it can request that the (one or more) PRS be configured for multiple subframes or occasions. If the UE is in an environment rich in multipaths (e.g., inside a building), then the UE can request from the location node that the PRS of the UE be configured for transmission in multiple consecutive subframes or occasions. For example, depending on the scenario, if the location node is providing the PRS and the location node can be a core network node that is not transmitting any radio signals, alternatively the location node can instruct the radio network node to transmit the PRS and can suggest the PRS configuration to be used. The UE can then be able to estimate multiple TOAs depending on the number of subframes or occasions for which the PRS is configured for it, and benefit by selecting the minimum value of the TOA for the RSTD measurement. In some embodiments, the minimum value of the TOA can be close to the line-of-sight (LOS) TOA. Therefore, when configuring the adaptive PRS, the number of subframes or occasions required depending on the location of the UE is also considered. In this method, when the UE is in an open environment, fewer consecutive frames or occasions will be used for PRS transmission, and when the UE is in an indoor environment or an environment rich in multipaths, more consecutive frames or occasions should be used for PRS transmission. Thus, dynamic allocation / utilization of resources is achieved.

[0077] Figure 5Shows non - overlapping PRS bandwidth allocation in an interfering cell according to some embodiments. Regarding how to implement dynamic PRS configuration (e.g., as fast as per location occasion), for PRS bandwidth allocation, interference mitigation of PRS signals in LTE is achieved by means of silencing (e.g., time - based blanking of location occasions). When a strong cell PRS signal is silenced, weak neighboring PRSs can be detected. However, this results in resource waste and requires tight monitoring and control of the configuration to achieve silencing and interference - free. A simplified way of using the available broadbandwidth in NR is needed. Figure 5 Shows a scheme to avoid interference, which can have non - overlapping bandwidths for PRS. Thus, PRS occasions never occur at the same time or frequency, and thus there is no interference.

[0078] The amount of PRS and / or bandwidth will be adjusted based on different occasions. For example, for a high - speed UE, a larger bandwidth will be allocated for faster measurements. The bandwidth will also be adaptive to counteract Doppler due to UE movement. Similarly, the PRS configuration can be adaptively performed based on the QoS of the UE regarding the required position accuracy and latency. The bandwidth not used for PRS can be used by the radio node for other transmissions (e.g., data transmission), or can be left blank, which can be decided by, for example, the transmitting radio network node and / or other network nodes (e.g., O&M, SON, location node, etc.) that coordinate the PRS allocation in the transmitting radio node.

[0079] Regarding the density of PRS, it can also be observed that when PRS is sparse (e.g., having fewer PRS resource elements per resource block or having reuse at higher frequencies), more cells can transmit on overlapping PRS bandwidths without causing interference. To compensate for the fewer REs, a larger bandwidth may be required. The advantage of overlapping bandwidth but sparse PRS is that the UE will be able to receive PRSs from different cells without retuning to different frequencies and without measurement gaps.

[0080] Figure 6 Shows a sequence of procedures between a location node, a radio node, and a UE according to some embodiments. The UE indicates its behavior and channel characteristics when requesting assistance data. This can be done when the UE requests OTDOA AD in a common request assistance data (AD) message (as shown in Table 1), or it can be part of the common request AD message.

[0081] Indications of UE behavior, where the behavior includes: superseding previous reports, indication of stationary state, rate and speed, acceleration, beam reporting, UE parameter set (e.g., currently used or preferred or supported subcarrier spacing or CP), non-PRS signal (e.g., SSB or CSI-RS) strength or quality characterizing the cell and / or beam signals, implicit or explicit indication of the N (N = 1, 2, …) best beams of the cell, and PRS strength or PRS quality measurement (e.g., PRS received power, PRS SINR, PRS Es / Iot, etc.).

[0082] Indications of channel characteristics include: indication of being in an indoor / semi-indoor or outdoor environment, beam measurement, SINR, reference signal received power (RSRP) of a set of PRS-based cells, and CQI, etc.

[0083] For Figure 2 in step 230, the UE characteristics can be: UE environment type, UE speed, UE parameter set (e.g., currently used or preferred or supported subcarrier spacing or CP), non-PRS signal (e.g., SSB or CSI-RS) strength or quality characterizing the cell and / or beam signals, implicit or explicit indication of the N (N = 1, 2, …) best beams of the cell, and / or PRS strength or PRS quality measurement (e.g., PRS received power, PRS SINR, PRS Es / Iot, etc.).

[0084] For Figure 2 in step 240, the available information in the radio node can be: PRS sequence, PRS parameter set, PRS density, PRS bandwidth, number of PRS occasions, number of PRS subframes, number of beams to be used by the cell to transmit PRS to the UE, beam-specific time-frequency resources for PRS, CP of the PRS subframe, and / or PRS center frequency within the active or preferred / recommended (one or more) bandwidth parts of the UE.

[0085] The IE OTDOA-RequestAssistanceData is used by the target device to request assistance data from the location node.

[0086] Table 1. IEs of OTDOA-RequestAssistanceData The location node notifies the radio node to allocate PRS. In some embodiments, the radio node can assign PRS based on feedback received from the UE. The location node also sends an assignment request to other adjacent radio nodes. The other radio nodes send their PRS configurations to the serving radio node, as Figure 9as further shown in. The serving radio node may send the PRS configuration by broadcast (e.g., on-demand broadcast) or via PDCCH, as Figure 9 further shown in.

[0087] Figure 7 shows an example allocation of PRS with respect to the bandwidths of two different UEs according to some embodiments. The dynamic allocation of PRS may be assigned via DCI. In some embodiments, bandwidth part 1 (BWP1) may be assigned to UE 1, and bandwidth part 2 (BWP2) may be assigned to UE2, where BWP1 and BWP2 do not overlap.

[0088] Figure 8 shows an example PRS pattern in a single physical resource block (PRB) according to some embodiments. The PRB is dedicated to Figure 7 UE 1 disclosed in. In some embodiments, the PRS resource elements may be continuous or non - continuous. In some embodiments, the PRS resource elements may have a diagonal or non - diagonal pattern. Potentially, all reference elements may be used for PRS.

[0089] Figure 9 shows an example transmission PRS from a radio node according to some embodiments. The positioning node may receive a request for assistance data from the target device. The positioning node may send a request for the PRS configuration to radio nodes (e.g., the serving radio node and neighboring radio nodes). In some embodiments, the positioning node may trigger a request for re - configuration of the PRS of the radio node. In some embodiments, a neighboring radio node may trigger a request for re - configuration of the PRS of the serving radio node, which is independent of the request sent from the positioning node. The radio node may provide dynamic and static configurations of the PRS (e.g., PRS configurations for serving and neighboring cells). When the target device is in the serving cell, the target device receives the dynamic PRS configuration from DCI (PDCCH). The neighboring radio node will send the PRS configuration to the serving radio node, which can then be sent by the serving radio node to the target device via PDCCH. In some embodiments, the radio node may receive a new request for a new PRS configuration from a location server (e.g., the positioning node). In addition, the serving and neighbor radio nodes will communicate with each other via the X2 / Xn interface regarding whether to increase / decrease the PRS allocation.

[0090] Alternatively, static configuration may also be performed for all common non - serving UEs. The target device may obtain the configuration information on - demand from the system information broadcast by the serving radio node.

[0091] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may also provide a combination of a static configuration portion of the PRS mode and a dynamic configuration portion of the PRS mode. Together, these two will include the PRS mode transmitted from a radio node (e.g., serving radio node).

[0092] Regarding the determination of PRS configuration, especially dynamic or static PRS configuration and dense or sparse PRS in the PRS configuration, the location node depends on the number of UEs in the cell and UE capabilities and can decide whether to use a dynamic or static configuration. If the UEs are restricted, when more UEs are involved in positioning, using dedicated and similar PRSs will be more suitable, and then an on-demand broadcast solution can be adopted. Depending on the feedback provided by the UEs regarding the PRS quality, the network node can decide whether to provide a dense or sparse PRS configuration. If the PRS quality in a certain cell is better, the location node can decide to provide a denser PRS configuration in the better-ranked cells and a sparser PRS configuration in the worse-ranked cells to save resources. Therefore, better utilization of resources can be achieved.

[0093] Examples of determining a new PRS configuration may include: 1. When the quality characteristic of the cell is lower than the first threshold of N1 (N1 = 1, 2,...) in the UEs or Y1% of the UEs (where N1 and Y1 can be predefined or configured), increasing the PRS configuration in the cell (e.g., increasing one or more of bandwidth, density, number of PRS resource elements within a subframe and / or resource block, number of PRS subframes per positioning occasion, etc.) or reducing PRS frequency reuse; and 2. When the quality characteristic of the cell is higher than the second threshold of N2 (N2 = 1, 2,...) in the UEs or Y2% of the UEs (where N2 and Y2 can be predefined or configured), reducing the PRS configuration in the cell (e.g., reducing one or more of bandwidth, density, number of PRS resource elements within a subframe and / or resource block, number of PRS subframes per positioning occasion, etc.) or increasing PRS frequency reuse.

[0094] In the above example, if the second PRS configuration is proposed by the UE, then it is straightforward that N1 and N2 will be 1 and Y1 and Y2 will not be applicable in this particular embodiment.

[0095] In addition, the location node can also create or classify a list of neighboring cells for its OTDOA based on the feedback received from the UEs regarding the PRS quality. For example, the list can include cells with feedback indicating their good or acceptable quality or quality above a threshold. The classification can also be performed in the order determined by the feedback, e.g., decreasing or increasing quality.

[0096] Similarly, the location node can weight different RSTD measurements based on the perceived PRS quality and based on the PRS transmission density when calculating the UE location. The weights will provide a better estimate of the UE location.

[0097] Figure 10 is an example wireless network according to some embodiments. Although the subject matter described herein may be implemented in any suitable type of system using any suitable components, the embodiments disclosed herein are described with respect to a wireless network (such as Figure 10 the example wireless network illustrated in). For simplicity, Figure 10 the wireless network only depicts network 1006, network nodes 1060 and 1060b, and wireless devices (WDs) 1010, 1010b, and 1010c. In practice, a wireless network may further include any additional elements suitable for supporting communication between wireless devices or between a wireless device and another communication device (such as a landline telephone, a service provider, or any other network node or terminal device). In the illustrated components, network node 1060 and wireless device (WD) 1010 are depicted in additional detail. In some embodiments, network node 1060 may be a base station, such as an eNB. In the present disclosure, the term eNB may be used to refer to both an eNB and an ng-eNB, unless there is a specific need to distinguish between the two. In certain embodiments, network node 1060 may be Figure 23 and 27 the network nodes further illustrated in. In certain embodiments, network node 1060 may be a source network node. In certain embodiments, network node 1060 may be a target network node. In certain embodiments, wireless device 1010 may be Figure 23 and 26 the user equipment further illustrated in. A wireless network may provide communication and other types of services to one or more wireless devices to facilitate access and / or use of the services provided by or via the wireless network.

[0098] A wireless network may include the following and / or be connected to the following via an interface: any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular, and / or radio network or other similar type of system. In some embodiments, the wireless network may be configured to operate according to a specific standard or other type of predefined rules or procedures. Thus, specific embodiments of the wireless network may implement communication standards such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and / or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G standards; Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) standards such as the IEEE 802.11 standard; and / or any other suitable wireless communication standards such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave, and / or ZigBee standards.

[0099] Network 1006 may include one or more backhaul networks, core networks, IP networks, Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN), packet data networks, optical networks, Wide Area Networks (WAN), Local Area Networks (LAN), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), wired networks, wireless networks, Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN), and other networks that enable communication between devices.

[0100] Network node 1060 and WD 1010 include various components described in more detail below. These components work together to provide network node and / or wireless device functionality, such as providing a wireless connection in a wireless network. In different embodiments, a wireless network may include any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, base stations, controllers, wireless devices, relay stations, and / or any other components or systems that can facilitate or participate in the communication of data and / or signals, whether via wired or wireless connections.

[0101] As used herein, a network node refers to a device that is capable of, configured to, arranged to, and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with a wireless device and / or with other network nodes or devices in a wireless network to enable and / or provide wireless access to the wireless device and / or to perform other functions (e.g., management) in the wireless network. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., radio access points), base stations (BSs) (e.g., radio base stations, Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), and NR Node B (gNB)). Base stations can be classified based on the amount of coverage they provide (or, in other words, their transmit power levels), and can then also be referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, or macro base stations. A base station can be a relay node or a relay donor node that controls a relay station. A network node can also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station, such as a centralized digital unit and / or a remote radio unit (RRU), sometimes referred to as a remote radio head (RRH). Such a remote radio unit may or may not be integrated with an antenna into an antenna-integrated radio device. Parts of a distributed radio base station can also be referred to as nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS). Further examples of network nodes include multi-standard radio (MSR) devices (e.g., MSR BS), network controllers (e.g., radio network controller (RNC) or base station controller (BSC)), base transceiver stations (BTS), transmission points, transmission nodes, multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), core network nodes (e.g., MSC, MME), O&M nodes, OSS nodes, SON nodes, positioning nodes (e.g., E-SMLC), and / or MDT. As another example, a network node can be a virtual network node, as described in more detail below. However, more generally, a network node can represent any suitable device (or group of devices) that is capable of, configured to, arranged to, and / or operable to enable and / or provide access of a wireless device to a wireless network or to provide some service to a wireless device that has already accessed the wireless network.

[0102] In Figure 10 it, network node 1060 includes processing circuitry 1070, device-readable medium 1080, interface 1090, auxiliary device 1088, power source 1086, power circuitry 1087, and antenna 1062. Although in Figure 10The network node 1060 illustrated in the example wireless network can represent a device that includes the illustrated combination of hardware components, but other embodiments can include network nodes with different combinations of components. It is to be understood that a network node includes any suitable combination of hardware and / or software required to perform the tasks, features, functions, and methods disclosed herein. Additionally, although the components of network node 1060 are depicted as single multiple boxes located within a larger box or nested within multiple boxes, in reality, a network node can include multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component (e.g., the device-readable medium 1080 can include multiple individual hard disk drives as well as multiple RAM modules).

[0103] Similarly, network node 1060 can be composed of multiple physically separate components (e.g., NodeB components and RNC components or BTS components and BSC components, etc.), and these components can each have their own respective components. In some scenarios where network node 1060 includes multiple individual components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of the individual components can be shared among several network nodes. For example, a single RNC can control multiple NodeBs. In such a scenario, each unique NodeB and RNC pair can be considered a single separate network node in some instances. In some embodiments, network node 1060 can be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some components can be replicated (e.g., separate device-readable media 1080 for different RATs), and some components can be reused (e.g., the RATs can share the same antenna 1062). Network node 1060 can also include multiple sets of various illustrated components for different wireless technologies (such as, for example, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, or Bluetooth wireless technologies) to be integrated into network node 1060. These wireless technologies can be integrated into the same or different chips or chip sets and other components within network node 1060.

[0104] The processing circuit 1070 is configured to perform any determination, calculation, or similar operation (e.g., certain obtaining operations) described herein as being provided by the network node. These operations performed by the processing circuit 1070 can include, for example, processing the information obtained by the processing circuit 1070 by converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or the converted information with information stored in the network node, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or the converted information, and making a determination as a result of such processing.

[0105] The processing circuitry 1070 may include one or more combinations of a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or a combination of hardware, software, and / or coded logic operable to provide the functionality of the network node 1060 either alone or in conjunction with other components of the network node 1060 (such as the device-readable medium 1080). For example, the processing circuitry 1070 may execute instructions stored in the device-readable medium 1080 or in a memory within the processing circuitry 1070. Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features, functions, or benefits discussed herein. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1070 may include a system-on-chip (SOC).

[0106] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1070 may include one or more of a radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuit 1072 and a baseband processing circuit 1074. In some embodiments, the radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuit 1072 and the baseband processing circuit 1074 may be on separate chips (or chip sets), boards, or units (such as a radio unit and a digital unit). In alternative embodiments, some or all of the RF transceiver circuit 1072 and the baseband processing circuit 1074 may be on the same chip or chip set, board, or unit.

[0107] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein as being provided by a network node, a base station, an eNB, or other such network device may be performed by the processing circuitry 1070 executing instructions stored in a memory within the processing circuitry 1070 or on the device-readable medium 1080. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuitry 1070 in a hardwired manner, without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable medium. In any of those embodiments, whether or not instructions stored on a device-readable storage medium are executed, the processing circuitry 1070 can be configured to perform the described functionality. In a particular embodiment, the processing circuitry 1070 of the network node 1060 may execute the methods further shown in Figures 20-22 and 25. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuitry 1070 alone or to other components of the network node 1060, but are generally enjoyed by the network node 1060 as a whole and / or by the end user and the wireless network.

[0108] The apparatus-readable medium 1080 may include any form of volatile or non-volatile computer-readable memory, including but not limited to permanent storage devices, solid-state memory, remotely installed memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media (e.g., hard disks), removable storage media (e.g., flash drives, compact discs (CDs) or digital video discs (DVDs)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory apparatus-readable and / or computer-executable memory device that stores information, data, and / or instructions that may be used by the processing circuitry 1070. The apparatus-readable medium 1080 may store any suitable instructions, data, or information, including computer programs, software, applications including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, etc., and / or other instructions that may be executed by the processing circuitry 1070 and utilized by the network node 1060. The apparatus-readable medium 1080 may be used to store any calculations performed by the processing circuitry 1070 and / or any data received via the interface 1090. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1070 and the apparatus-readable medium 1080 may be considered integrated.

[0109] The interface 1090 is for wired or wireless communication of signaling and / or data between the network node 1060, the network 1006, and / or the WD 1010. As shown, the interface 1090 includes one or more ports / terminals 1094 to send data to and receive data from the network 1006, for example, via a wired connection. The interface 1090 also includes a radio front-end circuit 1092, which may be coupled to the antenna 1062 or in some embodiments a part of the antenna 1062. The radio front-end circuit 1092 includes a filter 1098 and an amplifier 1096. The radio front-end circuit 1092 may be connected to the antenna 1062 and the processing circuitry 1070. The radio front-end circuit may be configured to condition the signals passed between the antenna 1062 and the processing circuitry 1070. The radio front-end circuit 1092 may receive digital data that is to be transmitted via a wireless connection to other network nodes or WDs. The radio front-end circuit 1092 may convert the digital data into a radio signal with appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of the filter 1098 and / or the amplifier 1096. The radio signal may then be transmitted via the antenna 1062. Similarly, when receiving data, the antenna 1062 may collect the radio signal, which may then be converted into digital data by the radio front-end circuit 1092. The digital data may be passed to the processing circuitry 1070. In other embodiments, the interface may include different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0110] In some alternative embodiments, network node 1060 may not include a separate radio front-end circuit 1092. Instead, processing circuit 1070 may include a radio front-end circuit and may be connected to antenna 1062 without a separate radio front-end circuit 1092. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of RF transceiver circuit 1072 may be considered part of interface 1090. In yet some other embodiments, interface 1090 may include one or more ports or terminals 1094, radio front-end circuit 1092, and RF transceiver circuit 1072, as part of a radio unit (not shown), and interface 1090 may communicate with baseband processing circuit 1074, which is part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0111] Antenna 1062 may include one or more antennas or antenna arrays configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals. Antenna 1062 may be coupled to radio front-end circuit 1090 and may be any type of antenna capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data and / or signals. In some embodiments, antenna 1062 may include one or more omnidirectional, sector, or panel antennas operable to transmit / receive radio signals, for example, between 2 GHz and 66 GHz. Omnidirectional antennas may be used to transmit / receive radio signals in any direction, sector antennas may be used to transmit / receive radio signals from devices within a specific area, and panel antennas may be line-of-sight antennas for transmitting / receiving radio signals in a relatively straight line. In some instances, using more than one antenna may be referred to as MIMO. In certain embodiments, antenna 1062 may be separate from network node 1060 and may be connectable to network node 1060 via an interface or port.

[0112] Antenna 1062, interface 1090, and / or processing circuit 1070 may be configured to perform any receiving operations and / or certain obtaining operations described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data, and / or signals may be received from a wireless device, another network node, and / or any other network device. Similarly, antenna 1062, interface 1090, and / or processing circuit 1070 may be configured to perform any transmitting operations described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data, and / or signals may be transmitted to a wireless device, another network node, and / or any other network device.

[0113] Power circuit 1087 may include or be coupled to power management circuitry and is configured to power components of network node 1060 to perform the functionality described herein. Power circuit 1087 may receive power from power source 1086. Power source 1086 and / or power circuit 1087 may be configured to supply power to the various components of network node 1060 in a form suitable for the respective components (e.g., at the voltage and current levels required for each respective component). Power source 1086 may either be included within power circuit 1087 and / or network node 1060 or be external to power circuit 1087 and / or network node 1060. For example, network node 1060 may be connectable via an input circuit or interface (such as a cable) to an external power source (e.g., an electrical outlet), which supplies power to power circuit 1087. As another example, power source 1086 may include a power source in the form of a battery or battery pack, which is connected to or integrated within power circuit 1087. The battery may provide backup power in the event of a failure of the external power source. Other types of power sources may also be used, such as photovoltaic devices.

[0114] Alternative embodiments of network node 1060 may include Figure 10 additional components other than those shown therein, which may be responsible for providing certain aspects of the functionality of the network node, including any functionality described herein and / or any functionality necessary to support the subject matter described herein. For example, network node 1060 may include user interface devices to allow information to be input into network node 1060 and to allow information to be output from network node 1060. This may allow a user to perform diagnostic, maintenance, repair, and other management functions of network node 1060.

[0115] As used herein, a wireless device (WD) refers to a device that is capable of, configured to, arranged to, and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with a network node and / or another wireless device. Unless otherwise specified, the term WD may be used interchangeably with user equipment (UE) herein. In certain embodiments, wireless device 1010 may be Figure 23 and 26The user equipment further depicted in []. Wireless communication may involve transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and / or other types of signals suitable for transmitting information through the air. In some embodiments, the WD may be configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For example, the WD may be designed to transmit information to the network according to a predetermined schedule when triggered by an internal or external event or in response to a request from the network. Examples of the WD include, but are not limited to, smart phones, mobile phones, cellular phones, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, desktop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless cameras, game consoles or devices, music storage devices, playback devices, wearable terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, tablets, laptop computers, devices embedded with laptop computers (LEEs), devices equipped with laptop computers (LMEs), smart devices, wireless customer premise equipment (CPEs), in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, etc. The WD may support device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example, by implementing 3GPP standards for sidelink communication, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and may be referred to as a D2D communication device in this case. As yet another specific example, in the Internet of Things (IoT) scenario, the WD may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurement and transmits the results of such monitoring and / or measurement to another WD and / or network node. In this case, the WD may be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, which may be referred to as an MTC device in the 3GPP context. As a specific example, the WD may be a UE that implements the 3GPP Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) standard. Specific examples of such machines or devices are sensors, metering devices such as power meters, industrial machinery, or household or personal appliances (e.g., refrigerators, TVs, etc.), personal wearable devices (e.g., watches, fitness trackers, etc.). In other scenarios, the WD may represent a vehicle or other device that is capable of monitoring and / or reporting its operating state or other functions associated with its operation. The WD as described above may represent a wirelessly connected endpoint, in which case the device may be referred to as a wireless terminal. Additionally, the WD as described above may be mobile, in which case it may also be referred to as a mobile device or mobile terminal.

[0116] As shown, the wireless device 1010 includes an antenna 1011, an interface 1014, a processing circuit 1020, a device-readable medium 1030, a user interface device 1032, an auxiliary device 1034, a power supply 1036, and a power supply circuit 1037. The WD 1010 may include multiple sets of one or more of the illustrated components for different wireless technologies supported by the WD 1010, such as, for example, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, WiMAX, or Bluetooth wireless technologies, to name just a few. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chips or chip sets as other components within the WD 1010.

[0117] The antenna 1011 may include one or more antennas or antenna arrays, which are configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals and are connected to the interface 1014. In some alternative embodiments, the antenna 1011 may be separate from the WD 1010 and connectable to the WD 1010 through an interface or port. The antenna 1011, the interface 1014, and / or the processing circuit 1020 may be configured to perform any of the receiving or transmitting operations described herein as being performed by the WD. Any information, data, and / or signals may be received from network nodes and / or another WD. In some embodiments, the radio front-end circuit and / or the antenna 1011 may be considered an interface.

[0118] As shown, interface 1014 includes radio front-end circuitry 1012 and antenna 1011. The radio front-end circuitry 1012 includes one or more filters 1018 and amplifiers 1016. The radio front-end circuitry 1014 is connected to antenna 1011 and processing circuitry 1020 and is configured to condition signals communicated between antenna 1011 and processing circuitry 1020. The radio front-end circuitry 1012 may be coupled to or be part of antenna 1011. In some embodiments, WD 1010 may not include a separate radio front-end circuitry 1012; rather, the processing circuitry 1020 may include the radio front-end circuitry and may be connected to antenna 1011. Similarly, in some embodiments, some or all of the RF transceiver circuitry 1022 may be considered part of interface 1014. The radio front-end circuitry 1012 may receive digital data that will be transmitted via a wireless connection to other network nodes or WDs. The radio front-end circuitry 1012 may use a combination of filters 1018 and / or amplifiers 1016 to convert the digital data into a radio signal having appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters. The radio signal may then be transmitted via antenna 1011. Similarly, when receiving data, antenna 1011 may collect the radio signal, which may then be converted into digital data by the radio front-end circuitry 1012. The digital data may be passed to processing circuitry 1020. In other embodiments, the interface may include different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0119] The processing circuitry 1020 may include one or more combinations of a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or a combination of hardware, software, and / or coded logic operable to provide WD1010 functionality either alone or in conjunction with other WD 1010 components (such as device-readable medium 1030). Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features or benefits discussed herein. For example, the processing circuitry 1020 may execute instructions stored in the device-readable medium 1030 or in a memory within the processing circuitry 1020 to provide the functionality disclosed herein. In a particular embodiment, the processing circuitry 1020 of WD101 provides functionality. In a particular embodiment, the processing circuitry 1020 of wireless device 1010 may execute instructions to perform measurements of certain cells in network 1006, which is further shown below. In a particular embodiment, the processing circuitry 1020 of wireless device 1010 may execute Figure 19 and 24 the methods further shown in.

[0120] As shown, processing circuitry 1020 includes one or more of RF transceiver circuitry 1022, baseband processing circuitry 1024, and application processing circuitry 1026. In other embodiments, the processing circuitry may include different components and / or different combinations of components. In certain embodiments, the processing circuitry 1020 of the WD 1010 may include a SOC. In some embodiments, the RF transceiver circuitry 1022, baseband processing circuitry 1024, and application processing circuitry 1026 may be on separate chips or chip sets. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the baseband processing circuitry 1024 and the application processing circuitry 1026 may be combined into one chip or chip set, and the RF transceiver circuitry 1022 may be on a separate chip or chip set. In yet other alternative embodiments, some or all of the RF transceiver circuitry 1022 and the baseband processing circuitry 1024 may be on the same chip or chip set, and the application processing circuitry 1026 may be on a separate chip or chip set. In yet some other alternative embodiments, some or all of the RF transceiver circuitry 1022, baseband processing circuitry 1024, and application processing circuitry 1026 may be combined in the same chip or chip set. In some embodiments, the RF transceiver circuitry 1022 may be part of the interface 1014. The RF transceiver circuitry 1022 may condition RF signals for the processing circuitry 1020.

[0121] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein as being performed by the WD may be provided by processing circuitry 1020 executing instructions stored on a device-readable medium 1030, which in certain embodiments may be a computer-readable storage medium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuitry 1020, for example, in a hardwired manner, without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable storage medium. In any of those particular embodiments, whether or not instructions stored on a device-readable storage medium are executed, the processing circuitry 1020 can be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuitry 1020 alone or other components of the WD 1010, but are generally enjoyed by the WD 1010 as a whole and / or by the end user and the wireless network.

[0122] The processing circuitry 1020 may be configured to perform any determination, calculation, or similar operation (e.g., certain obtaining operations) described herein as being performed by the WD. Such operations performed by the processing circuitry 1020 may include, for example, processing information obtained by the processing circuitry 1020 by converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or the converted information with information stored by the WD 1010, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or the converted information, and making a determination as a result of such processing.

[0123] The apparatus-readable medium 1030 may be operable to store a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, etc., and / or other instructions executable by the processing circuitry 1020. The apparatus-readable medium 1030 may include a computer memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM)), a mass storage medium (e.g., a hard disk), a removable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc (CD) or a digital video disc (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory apparatus-readable and / or computer-executable memory device storing information, data, and / or instructions that may be used by the processing circuitry 1020. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1020 and the apparatus-readable medium 1030 may be considered integrated.

[0124] The user interface device 1032 may provide components that allow a human user to interact with the WD 1010. Such interaction may take many forms, such as visual, auditory, tactile, etc. The user interface device 1032 may be operable to generate an output to the user and allow the user to provide an input to the WD 1010. The type of interaction may vary depending on the type of user interface device 1032 installed in the WD 1010. For example, if the WD 1010 is a smart phone, the interaction may be via a touch screen; if the WD 1010 is a smart meter, the interaction may be through a screen providing usage (e.g., gallons used) or a speaker providing an audible alert (e.g., if smoke is detected). The user interface device 1032 may include input interfaces, devices, and circuits, as well as output interfaces, devices, and circuits. The user interface device 1032 is configured to allow information to be input into the WD 1010 and is connected to the processing circuitry 1020 to allow the processing circuitry 1020 to process the input information. The user interface device 1032 may include, for example, a microphone, a proximity or other sensor, a keypad / button, a touch display, one or more cameras, a USB port, or other input circuitry. The user interface device 1032 is also configured to allow information to be output from the WD 1010 and allow the processing circuitry 1020 to output information from the WD 1010. The user interface device 1032 may include, for example, a speaker, a display, a vibration circuit, a USB port, a headphone jack, or other output circuitry. Using one or more input and output interfaces, devices, and circuits of the user interface device 1032, the WD 1010 may communicate with an end user and / or a wireless network and allow them to benefit from the functionality described herein.

[0125] The auxiliary device 1034 is operable to provide more specific functionality that may not typically be performed by the WD. This can include dedicated sensors for making measurements for various purposes, interfaces for additional types of communication such as wired communication. The inclusion and type of components of the auxiliary device 1034 can vary depending on the embodiment and / or scenario.

[0126] In some embodiments, the power source 1036 can take the form of a battery or battery pack. Other types of power sources can also be used, such as an external power source (e.g., an electrical outlet), a photovoltaic device, or a fuel cell. The WD 1010 can also include a power circuit 1037 for delivering power from the power source 1036 to the various parts of the WD 1010 that require power from the power source 1036 to perform any functionality described or indicated herein. In certain embodiments, the power circuit 1037 can include a power management circuit. The power circuit 1037 can additionally or alternatively be operable to receive power from an external power source; in such a case, the WD 1010 can be connectable to an external power source (e.g., an electrical outlet) via an interface or input circuit such as a power cable. In certain embodiments, the power circuit 1037 can also be operable to deliver power from the external power source to the power source 1036. This can be used, for example, to charge the power source 1036. The power circuit 1037 can perform any formatting, conversion, or other modification of the power from the power source 1036 to make the power suitable for the corresponding components of the WD 1010 being powered.

[0127] Figure 11 An embodiment of a UE in accordance with various aspects described herein is illustrated. As used herein, a user equipment or UE may not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human user who owns and / or operates the associated device. Instead, a UE can represent a device that is intended to be sold to or operated by a human user, but the device may not, or initially may not, be associated with a particular human user (such as a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, a UE can represent a device that is not intended to be sold to or operated by an end user but can be associated with or operate for the benefit of a user (such as a smart power meter). The UE 400 can be any UE identified by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including an NB-IoT UE, an MTC UE, and / or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE. As Figure 11 shown, the UE 1100 is an example of a WD that is configured to communicate in accordance with one or more communication standards released by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) (e.g., the GSM, UMTS, LTE, and / or 5G standards of 3GPP). In certain embodiments, the user equipment 1100 can be Figure 23 and 26The user equipment further depicted in. As previously mentioned, the terms WD and UE may be used interchangeably. Thus, although Figure 11 is a UE, the components discussed herein are equally applicable to WD, and vice versa.

[0128] In Figure 11 , the UE 1100 includes a processing circuit 1101, which is operatively coupled to an input / output interface 1105, a radio frequency (RF) interface 1109, a network connection interface 1111, a memory 1115 including a random access memory (RAM) 1117, a read-only memory (ROM) 1119, and a storage medium 1121, etc., a communication subsystem 1131, a power supply 1133, and / or any other components or any combination thereof. The storage medium 1121 includes an operating system 1123, application programs 1125, and data 1127. In other embodiments, the storage medium 1121 may include other similar types of information. Some UEs may utilize Figure 11 all of the components shown in, or only a subset of the components. The degree of integration between components may vary from one UE to another. In addition, some UEs may include multiple instances of components, such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0129] In Figure 11 , the processing circuit 1101 may be configured to process computer instructions and data. The processing circuit 1101 may be configured to implement any sequential state machine operable to execute machine instructions stored in the memory as a machine-readable computer program, such as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., in discrete logic, FPGA, ASIC, etc.); programmable logic together with appropriate firmware; one or more stored programs, a general-purpose processor, such as a microprocessor or a digital signal processor (DSP) together with appropriate software; or any combination of the above. For example, the processing circuit 1101 may include two central processing units (CPUs). Data may be information in a form suitable for use by a computer. In one embodiment, the processing circuit 1101 may execute Figure 19 and 24 the methods further shown in.

[0130] In the depicted embodiment, the input / output interface 1105 can be configured to provide a communication interface to an input device, an output device, or an input and output device. The UE 1100 can be configured to use the output device via the input / output interface 1105. The output device can use the same type of interface port as the input device. For example, a USB port can be used to provide input to and output from the UE 1100. The output device can be a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, a printer, an actuator, a transmitter, a smart card, another output device, or any combination thereof. The UE 1100 can be configured to use the input device via the input / output interface 1105 to allow a user to capture information into the UE 1100. The input device can include a touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a web camera, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, a direction pad, a track pad, a roller, a smart card, etc. The presence-sensitive display can include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor to sense input from a user. The sensor can be, for example, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an inclinometer, a force sensor, a magnetometer, a light sensor, a proximity sensor, another similar sensor, or any combination thereof. For example, the input device can be an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a digital camera, a microphone, and a light sensor.

[0131] In Figure 11 it, the RF interface 1109 can be configured to provide a communication interface to RF components such as a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna. The network connection interface 1111 can be configured to provide a communication interface with the network 1143a. The network 1143a can encompass a wired and / or wireless network, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a computer network, a wireless network, a telecommunications network, another similar network, or any combination thereof. For example, the network 1143a can include a Wi-Fi network. The network connection interface 1111 can be configured to include a receiver and a transmitter interface for communicating with one or more other devices via a communication network according to one or more communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet, TCP / IP, SONET, ATM, etc.). The network connection interface 1111 can implement receiver and transmitter functionality suitable for a communication network link (e.g., optical, electrical, etc.). The transmitter and receiver functions can share circuit components, software, or firmware, or alternatively can be implemented separately.

[0132] The RAM 1117 can be configured to be connected to the processing circuit 1101 via an interface through the bus 1102 to provide storage or caching of data or computer instructions during the execution of software programs such as an operating system, application programs, and device drivers. The ROM 1119 can be configured to provide computer instructions or data to the processing circuit 1101. For example, the ROM 1119 can be configured to store invariant low-level system code or data for basic system functions such as basic input and output (I / O), startup, or receiving keystrokes from a keyboard, which are stored in non-volatile memory. The storage medium 1121 can be configured to include a memory such as RAM, ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disk, optical disk, floppy disk, hard disk, removable cartridge disk, or flash drive. In one example, the storage medium 1121 can be configured to include an operating system 1123, application programs 1125 such as a web browser application, gadget or widget engines, or another application, and data files 1127. The storage medium 1121 can store any one of various operating systems or combinations of operating systems for use by the UE 1100.

[0133] The storage medium 1121 can be configured to include multiple physical drive units such as redundant array of independent disks (RAID), floppy disk drive, flash memory, USB flash drive, external hard disk drive, thumb drive, pen drive, key drive, high definition digital versatile disc (HD-DVD) optical disc drive, internal hard disk drive, Blu-ray disc drive, holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical disc drive, external mini dual in-line memory module (DIMM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), external micro DIMM SDRAM, smart card memory such as a subscriber identity module or removable user identity (SIM / RUIM) module, other memory, or any combination thereof. The storage medium 1121 can allow the UE 1100 to access computer-executable instructions, application programs, etc. stored on a transient or non-transient memory medium to offload data or upload data. An article of manufacture such as an article using a communication system can be tangibly embodied in the storage medium 1121, and the storage medium 1121 can include a device-readable medium.

[0134] In Figure 11In [the figure], the processing circuit 1101 can be configured to communicate with the network 1143b using the communication subsystem 1131. The network 1143a and the network 1143b can be the same network or multiple networks or different networks or multiple networks. The communication subsystem 1131 can be configured to include one or more transceivers for communicating with the network 1143b. For example, the communication subsystem 1131 can be configured to include one or more transceivers for communicating with one or more remote transceivers of another device capable of wireless communication (e.g., another WD, UE, or base station of a radio access network (RAN)) according to one or more communication protocols (such as IEEE 802.5, CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, LTE, UTRAN, WiMax, etc.). Each transceiver can include a transmitter 1133 and / or a receiver 1135 to respectively implement transmitter or receiver functionality suitable for the RAN link (e.g., frequency allocation, etc.). In addition, the transmitter 1133 and the receiver 1135 of each transceiver can share circuit components, software, or firmware, or alternatively can be implemented separately.

[0135] In the illustrated embodiment, the communication functions of the communication subsystem 1131 can include data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short-range communication such as Bluetooth, near-field communication, location-based communication such as determining a location using the Global Positioning System (GPS), another similar communication function, or any combination thereof. For example, the communication subsystem 1131 can include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth communication, and GPS communication. The network 1143b can cover wired and / or wireless networks, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a computer network, a wireless network, a telecommunications network, another similar network, or any combination thereof. For example, the network 1143b can be a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, and / or a near-field network. The power supply 1113 can be configured to provide alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) power to the components of the UE 1100.

[0136] The features, benefits, and / or functions described herein can be implemented in one of the components of UE 1100 or can be divided among multiple components of UE 1100. Additionally, the features, benefits, and / or functions described herein can be implemented using any combination of hardware, software, or firmware. In one example, the communication subsystem 1131 can be configured to include any of the components described herein. Additionally, the processing circuitry 1101 can be configured to communicate with any one of such components via the bus 1102. In another example, any such component can be represented by program instructions stored in the memory, which when executed by the processing circuitry 1101, perform the corresponding functions described herein. In another example, the functionality of any such component can be divided between the processing circuitry 1101 and the communication subsystem 1131. In another example, the non-computationally intensive functions of any such component can be implemented in software or firmware, and the computationally intensive functions can be implemented in hardware.

[0137] Figure 12 Shows an example virtualization environment according to certain embodiments. Figure 12 Is a schematic block diagram of a virtualization environment 1200 in which the functionality implemented by some embodiments can be virtualized. In this context, virtualization means creating a virtual version of a device or apparatus, which can include a virtualized hardware platform, storage devices, and networking resources. As used herein, virtualization can be applied to a node (e.g., a virtualized base station or a virtualized radio access node) or an apparatus (e.g., a UE, a wireless device, or any other type of communication device) or its components, and involves the implementation in which at least a portion of the functionality is implemented as one or more virtual components (e.g., via one or more applications, components, functions, virtual machines, or containers executed on one or more physical processing nodes in one or more networks).

[0138] In some embodiments, some or all of the functions described herein can be implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines, which are implemented in one or more virtual environments 1200 hosted by one or more hardware nodes 1230. Additionally, in embodiments in which the virtual node is not a radio access node or does not require radio connectivity (e.g., a core network node), then the network node can be fully virtualized.

[0139] The functionality may be implemented by one or more applications 1220, which may alternatively be referred to as software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc., and which are operable to implement some of the features, functionality, and / or benefits of some of the embodiments disclosed herein. The applications 1220 run in a virtualized environment 1200 that provides hardware 1230 including a processing circuit 1260 and a memory 1290. The memory 1290 contains instructions 1295 executable by the processing circuit 1260, whereby the applications 1220 are operable to provide one or more of the features, benefits, and / or functionality disclosed herein.

[0140] The virtualized environment 1200 includes general or specialized network hardware devices 1230, which include a collection of one or more processors or processing circuits 1260, which may be commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any other type of processing circuit including digital or analog hardware components or specialized processors. Each hardware device may include a memory 1290-1, which may be a non-permanent memory for temporarily storing instructions 1295 or software to be executed by the processing circuit 1260. Each hardware device may include one or more network interface controllers (NICs) 1270, also referred to as network interface cards, which include a physical network interface 1280. Each hardware device may also include a non-transitory, permanent machine-readable storage medium 1290-2, in which software 1295 and / or instructions executable by the processing circuit 1260 are stored. The software 1295 may include any type of software, including software for instantiating one or more virtualization layers 1250 (also referred to as managers), software for executing virtual machines 1240, and software that allows it to perform the functions, features, and / or benefits described with respect to some of the embodiments described herein.

[0141] The virtual machine 1240 includes virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interfaces, and virtual storage devices, and may be run by a corresponding virtualization layer 1250 or manager. Different embodiments of instances of the virtual appliance 1220 may be implemented on one or more of the virtual machines 1240 and may be implemented in different ways.

[0142] During operation, the processing circuit 1260 executes software 1295 to instantiate a manager or virtualization layer 1250, which may sometimes be referred to as a virtual machine monitor (VMM). The virtualization layer 1250 may present a virtual operating platform to the virtual machines 1240 that appears like networking hardware.

[0143] As Figure 12As shown, the hardware 1230 can be an independent network node with general or special components. The hardware 1230 can include an antenna 12225, and some functions can be implemented via virtualization. Alternatively, the hardware 1230 can be part of a larger hardware cluster (e.g., such as in a data center or customer premise equipment (CPE)), where many hardware nodes work together and are managed via management and orchestration (MANO) 12100, which, among other things, supervises the lifecycle management of the application 1220.

[0144] Hardware virtualization is referred to as network function virtualization (NFV) in some contexts. NFV can be used to integrate many network device types onto industry-standard high-volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage devices that can be located in data centers and customer premise equipment.

[0145] In the context of NFV, a virtual machine 1240 can be a software implementation of a physical machine running programs as if they were executing on a physical, non-virtualized machine. Each of the virtual machines 1240 and that part of the hardware 1230 that executes the virtual machine, if it is hardware dedicated to the virtual machine and / or shared by the virtual machine with other virtual machines 1240, forms a separate virtual network element (VNE).

[0146] Still in the context of NFV, a virtual network function (VNF) is responsible for handling specific network functions running in one or more virtual machines 1240 over the hardware networking infrastructure 1230 and corresponds to Figure 12 the application 1220 in

[0147] In some embodiments, one or more radio units 12200, each including one or more transmitters 12220 and one or more receivers 12210, can be coupled to one or more antennas 12225. The radio units 12200 can communicate directly with the hardware node 1230 via one or more appropriate network interfaces and can be used in combination with virtual components to provide radio capabilities to virtual nodes, such as radio access nodes or base stations.

[0148] In some embodiments, some signaling can be implemented using a control system 12230, which can alternatively be used for communication between the hardware node 1230 and the radio units 12200.

[0149] Figure 13 Shows an example telecommunications network connected to a host computer via an intermediate network. Refer to Figure 13, according to an embodiment, a communication system includes a telecommunications network 1310, such as a 3GPP-type cellular network, which includes an access network 1311, such as a radio access network, and a core network 1314. The access network 1311 includes a plurality of base stations 1312a, 1312b, 1312c, such as NB, eNB, gNB, or other types of wireless access points, and each base station defines a corresponding coverage area 1313a, 1313b, 1313c. Each base station 1312a, 1312b, 1312c can be connected to the core network 1314 through a wired or wireless connection 1315. A first UE 1391 located in the coverage area 1313c is configured to be wirelessly connected to the corresponding base station 1312c or to be paged by the base station 1312c. A second UE 1392 in the coverage area 1313a is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding base station 1312a. Although a plurality of UEs 1391, 1392 are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to cases where the only UE is in the coverage area or where the only UE is connecting to the corresponding base station 1312. In some embodiments, the plurality of UEs 1391, 1392 can be user equipment as described with respect to Figure 23 and 26 description.

[0150] The telecommunications network 1310 itself is connected to a host computer 1330, which can be embodied in the hardware and / or software of a stand-alone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server, or as processing resources in a server farm. The host computer 1330 can be under the ownership or control of a service provider, or can be operated by or on behalf of a service provider. The connections 1321 and 1322 between the telecommunications network 1310 and the host computer 1330 can extend directly from the core network 1314 to the host computer 1330, or can pass through an optional intermediate network 1320. The intermediate network 1320 can be one or a combination of more than one of a public, private, or managed network; the intermediate network 1320 (if any) can be a backbone network or the Internet; in particular, the intermediate network 1320 can include two or more subnets (not shown).

[0151] Figure 13The communication system as a whole enables connectivity between the connected UEs 1391, 1392 and the host computer 1330. This connectivity can be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 1350. The host computer 1330 and the connected UEs 1391, 1392 are configured to use the access network 1311, the core network 1314, any intermediate network 1320, and possibly additional infrastructure (not shown) as intermediate devices to transfer data and / or signaling via the OTT connection 1350. The OTT connection 1350 can be transparent in the sense that the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection 1350 passes are not aware of the routing of the uplink and downlink communications. For example, the base station 1312 may not be informed or need not be informed about the past routing of incoming downlink communications that have data originating from the host computer 1330 to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to the connected UE 1391. Similarly, the base station 1312 need not know the future routing of outgoing uplink communications originating from the UE 1391 to the host computer 1330.

[0152] Figure 14 FIG. shows an example host computer communicating with a user equipment via a base station over a partial wireless connection. Now, reference will be made to Figure 14 Example implementations of the UEs, base stations, and host computers discussed in the previous paragraphs according to embodiments will be described. In the communication system 1400, the host computer 1410 includes hardware 1415, which includes a communication interface 1416 configured to establish and maintain a wired or wireless connection with different communication devices of the communication system 1400. The host computer 1410 also includes a processing circuit 1418, which may have storage and / or processing capabilities. In particular, the processing circuit 1418 may include one or more programmable processors suitable for executing instructions, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or a combination thereof (not shown). The host computer 1410 also includes software 1411, which is stored in or accessible by the host computer 1410 and executable by the processing circuit 1418. The software 1411 includes a host application 1412. The host application 1412 may be operable to provide services to a remote user (e.g., a UE 1430 connected via an OTT connection 1450 terminating at the UE 1430 and the host computer 1410). When providing services to the remote user, the host application 1412 may provide user data transmitted using the OTT connection 1450.

[0153] The communication system 1400 further includes a base station 1420 that provides and includes hardware 1425 in a telecommunication system to enable communication with the host computer 1410 and with the UE 1430. In some embodiments, the UE 1430 may be a user equipment as described with respect to Figure 23 and 26 . The hardware 1425 may include a communication interface 1426 for wired or wireless connections that establish and maintain interfaces to different communication means of the communication system 1400, and a radio interface 1427 that establishes and maintains a wireless connection 1470 at least with the UE 1430 located in a coverage area ( Figure 14 not shown) served by the base station 1420. The communication interface 1426 may be configured to facilitate the connection 1460 to the host computer 1410. The connection 1460 may be direct, or it may pass through the core network of the telecommunication system ( Figure 14 not shown) and / or through one or more intermediate networks external to the telecommunication system. In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware 1425 of the base station 1420 further includes a processing circuit 1428 that may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or combinations thereof (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The base station 1420 further has software 1421 stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

[0154] The communication system 1400 further includes the aforementioned UE 1430. In some embodiments, the UE 1430 may be a user equipment as described with respect to Figure 23 and 26The described user equipment. Its hardware 1435 may include a radio interface 1437 configured to establish and maintain a wireless connection 1470 with a base station in the coverage area where the serving UE 1430 is currently located. The hardware 1435 of the UE 1430 further includes processing circuitry 1438, which may include one or more programmable processors suitable for executing instructions, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or combinations thereof (not shown). The UE 1430 also includes software 1431, which is stored in or accessible by the UE 1430 and executable by the processing circuitry 1438. The software 1431 includes a client application 1432. The client application 1432 may be operable to provide a service to a human or non-human user via the UE 1430 with the support of the host computer 1410. In the host computer 1410, a running host application 1412 may communicate with the running client application 1432 via an OTT connection 1450 terminating at the UE 1430 and the host computer 1410. When providing a service to the user, the client application 1432 may receive request data from the host application 1412 and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection 1450 may transmit both the request data and the user data. The client application 1432 may interact with the user to generate the user data it provides.

[0155] Note that Figure 14 the host computer 1410, base station 1420, and UE 1430 shown in Figure 13 may be similar or identical to one of the host computer 1330, base stations 1312a, 1312b, 1312c, and Figure 14 one of the UEs 1391, 1392 shown in Figure 13 That is, the internal workings of these entities may be as

[0156] shown in Figure 14 and, independently, the surrounding network topology may be

[0157] The wireless connection 1470 between the UE 1430 and the base station 1420 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of the OTT services provided to the UE 1430 using the OTT connection 1450, where the wireless connection 1470 forms the final segment. More precisely, the teachings of these embodiments can improve the handling of redundant data in the transmission buffer and thus provide benefits such as improved radio resource usage efficiency (e.g., not transmitting redundant data) and reduced latency in receiving new data (e.g., by removing redundant data in the buffer, new data can be transmitted faster).

[0158] For the purpose of monitoring data rate, latency, and other factors improved by one or more embodiments, a measurement process can be provided. There can also be optional network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 1450 between the host computer 1410 and the UE 1430 in response to changes in the measurement results. The measurement process and / or network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 1450 can be implemented in the software 1411 and hardware 1415 of the host computer 1410 or in the software 1431 and hardware 1435 of the UE 1430 or both. In an embodiment, sensors (not shown) can be deployed in or associated with the communication devices through which the OTT connection 1450 passes; the sensors can participate in the measurement process by providing values of the monitored quantities illustrated above or other physical quantities from which the software 1411, 1431 can calculate or estimate the monitored quantities. The reconfiguration of the OTT connection 1450 can include message format, retransmission settings, preferred routing, etc.; the reconfiguration does not need to affect the base station 1420, and it may be unknown or imperceptible to the base station 1420. Such processes and functionality can be known and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, the measurement can involve proprietary UE signaling to facilitate measurement by the host computer 1410 of throughput, propagation time, latency, etc. The measurement can be implemented because the software 1411 and 1431 use the OTT connection 1450 to transmit messages, especially empty messages or "dummy" messages while it monitors propagation time, errors, etc.

[0159] Figure 15 Illustrates an example method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment according to some embodiments. More specifically, Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station (which can be the network node referred to in Figure 23 and 27 described) and a UE (which can be the reference Figure 23 and 26(described user equipment). To simplify the present disclosure, only the Figure 15 accompanying drawing references will be included in this section. At step 1510, the host computer provides user data. At sub-step 1511 (which may be optional) of step 1510, the host computer provides user data by executing a host application. At step 1520, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the UE. At step 1530 (which may be optional), according to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure, the base station transmits the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the host computer to the UE. At step 1540 (which may also be optional), the UE executes a client application associated with the host application executed by the host computer.

[0160] Figure 16 FIG. shows an example method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment according to some embodiments. More specifically, Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station (which may be the network node referred to in Figure 23 and 27 described) and a UE (which may be the user equipment referred to in Figure 23 and 26 described). To simplify the present disclosure, only the Figure 16 accompanying drawing references will be included in this section. At step 1610 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional sub-step (not shown), the host computer provides user data by executing a host application. At step 1620, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the UE. According to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure, the transmission may be relayed via the base station. At step 1630 (which may be optional), the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission.

[0161] Figure 17 FIG. shows another further example method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment according to some embodiments. More specifically, Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station (which may be the network node referred to in Figure 23 and 27 described) and a UE (which may be the user equipment referred to in Figure 23 and 26 described). To simplify the present disclosure, only the Figure 17Attached drawing references. At step 1710 (which may be optional), the UE receives input data provided by the host computer. Additionally or alternatively, at step 1720, the UE provides user data. At sub-step 1721 of step 1720 (which may be optional), the UE provides user data by executing a client application. At sub-step 1711 of step 1710 (which may be optional), the UE executes the client application that provides user data in response to the received input data provided by the host computer. When providing user data, the executed client application may further consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner in which user data has been provided, at sub-step 1730 (which may be optional), the UE initiates the transmission of the user data to the host computer. At step 1740 of this method, the host computer receives the user data transmitted from the UE according to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure.

[0162] Figure 18 Shows another example method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment according to some embodiments. More specifically, Figure 18 Is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE. In one embodiment, the base station may be the network node referred to Figure 23 And 27 Described. In one embodiment, the UE may be the user equipment referred to Figure 23 And 26 Described. To simplify this disclosure, only attached drawing references to Figure 18 Will be included in this section. At step 1810 (which may be optional), according to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the base station receives user data from the UE. At step 1820 (which may be optional), the base station initiates the transmission of the received user data to the host computer. At step 1830 (which may be optional), the host computer receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the base station.

[0163] Figure 19 Shows an example method executed at the UE according to a particular embodiment. The flowchart shows some steps of the method from the perspective of the UE or the wireless device. The method starts at step 1902, where the UE receives a first PRS transmitted by a first radio node.

[0164] At step 1904, the UE performs one or more measurements on the first PRS transmitted by the first radio node. The measurements may determine the quality of the received PRS (e.g., signal strength, noise, etc.). In some embodiments, the measurements may include an estimate of the one or more arrival times of one or more PRSs. In some embodiments, the first radio node may be a location node or a base station.

[0165] In step 1906, the UE provides feedback on the measured quality of the PRS to the first radio node. In some embodiments, information about the environment in which the UE is located may be provided along with the feedback.

[0166] In step 1908, the UE receives a message including the PRS configuration. The message with the PRS configuration may be received via dedicated, multicast, on-demand broadcast, or broadcast signaling, or system information. The PRS configuration may specify one or more additional PRSs to be transmitted by the first radio node. These additional PRSs may have different signal characteristics from the first PRS received in step 1902. In some embodiments, the characteristics of the one or more additional PRSs are based on the feedback provided to the network node in step 1906.

[0167] In step 1910, the UE receives the additional PRS or additional PRSs based on the PRS configuration received in step 1908. From here, the method may repeat steps 1904 - 1908 using only the additional PRS. In some embodiments, the additional PRS may be received in response to a request message for the PRS that the UE has sent. In some embodiments, the request may further request PRSs configured for multiple subframes or occasions.

[0168] Although not shown, in some embodiments, the method may further include providing user data and forwarding the user data to a host computer via a transmission to the base station.

[0169] Figure 20 An example method performed at a network node according to a particular embodiment is shown. The flowchart shows some steps of the method from the perspective of a network node (e.g., a radio node such as an eNB or a core network node such as a location node). The method begins at step 2002, where the network node receives a request to assign a PRS configuration to a particular UE. In some embodiments, this step may occur after a first PRS configuration has been provided to the UE. The request may be received directly from the UE, or it may be received from a radio node that received it from the UE.

[0170] In step 2004, the network node determines whether to use a static or dynamic PRS configuration. In some embodiments, the network node may determine to use a combination of dynamic and static PRS configurations. Depending on the embodiment, the determination may be made with respect to factors such as, for example, the total number of UEs in the cell, the number of UEs served by the cell and configured to use the cell's PRS, or the number of UEs served by this or adjacent cells and configured to use the PRS of this cell.

[0171] In step 2006, the network node allocates bandwidth for the PRS. Bandwidth can be allocated to minimize the overlap with the PRS bandwidth from interfering neighboring cells. In some embodiments, bandwidth can be allocated to avoid overlap with other PRSs in time and frequency.

[0172] In step 2008, the network node provides the UE with a PRS configuration. The PRS configuration can be provided to a radio node to then be transmitted to the UE, or if the network node is a radio node, the PRS configuration can be provided directly to the UE. The updated PRS configuration can be different from the first PRS configuration.

[0173] Figure 21 An example method performed at a radio network node according to a particular embodiment is shown. The flowchart shows some steps of the method from the perspective of a radio network node (e.g., eNB). The method can include Figure 20 any of the steps. The method begins at step 2102, where the network node transmits one or more PRSs.

[0174] In step 2104, the network node provides a first PRS configuration. In some embodiments, steps 2104 and 2102 can be reversed. The PRS configuration can be provided via a wireless connection to the UE. The PRS configuration can be provided via one of on-demand broadcast, broadcast, multicast, or dedicated signaling or system information.

[0175] In step 2106, the network node receives feedback on the quality of the PRS from the UE. The feedback can include various measurements of the quality of the PRS. The network node can arrange the measurements of the feedback based on the received cross-correlation factor. In some embodiments, the network node can determine that measurements associated with a higher cross-correlation factor are prioritized for better positioning accuracy. In some embodiments, the network node can arrange the measurements in descending order. In some scenarios, the network node can discard one or more measurements. This can be done using the PRS from cells that result in a cross-correlation factor worse than a threshold. In some embodiments, the feedback can include OTDOA. The network node can create or classify an OTDOA neighboring cell list based on the feedback received from the UE regarding the PRS quality.

[0176] In step 2108, the network node receives a request to update the PRS configuration for one or more UEs.

[0177] In step 2110, the network node obtains a dynamically adjusted PRS configuration. The adjusted PRS configuration can be obtained from a location node. In some embodiments, the PRS configuration can be received via a message received from the location node. In some embodiments, the PRS configuration can be obtained through determination / calculation performed by the network node. In some embodiments, the network node can identify cells with better cross-correlation factors and allocate more PRS resources to the identified cells. In some embodiments, the cells with better cross-correlation factors can be those cells whose cross-correlation factors are higher than a threshold, or it can be those cells whose cross-correlation factors are in the top "X" percentage (where "X" is a value between 0% and 100% (e.g., top 25%)). In some embodiments, the network node can also allocate bandwidth for the PRS, for example, in step 2006.

[0178] In some embodiments, before step 2110, the network node can first determine whether to use a static or dynamic PRS configuration or a combination of a static part and a dynamic part. This determination can be based on factors such as the total number of UEs in the cell, the number of UEs served by the cell and configured to use the PRS of the cell, or the number of UEs served by this or adjacent cells and configured to use the PRS of this cell.

[0179] In step 2112, the network node provides the adjusted PRS to the UE. Before providing the adjusted PRS, the network node can first provide an updated PRS configuration for the UE based on feedback. The updated PRS configuration is different from the first PRS configuration and provides details of the adjusted PRS provided in step 2112.

[0180] ​ An example method performed at a location network node according to a particular embodiment is shown. The flowchart shows some steps of the method from the perspective of the location network node. The method can include ​ any of the steps. The method starts at step 2202, where the network node provides a first PRS configuration. The first PRS configuration can be provided from the location network node to a radio network node and then transmitted from the radio network node to the UE.

[0181] In step 2204, the network node receives UE feedback regarding the PRS from the radio network node. That is, the radio network node may receive the UE feedback and then forward or convey the feedback to the location network node. The network node may arrange the measurements in the feedback based on the received cross-correlation factors. Measurements associated with higher cross-correlation factors may be prioritized for better positioning accuracy. In some embodiments, the measurements may be arranged in descending order. In some embodiments, the network node may discard measurements made using the PRS from cells that result in a cross-correlation factor worse than a threshold.

[0182] In step 2206, the network node receives a request to update the PRS configuration. The request may be for a specific UE or multiple UEs (e.g., all or some of the UEs in a specific cell). The request may have originated from one or more UEs or from the radio network node.

[0183] In step 2208, the network node dynamically adjusts the PRS configuration. This adjusted or updated PRS configuration may be determined based on the feedback from the UE. The updated PRS configuration is different from the first PRS configuration. In some embodiments, the network node may also allocate bandwidth for the PRS, for example, in step 2006. In some embodiments, the network node may identify cells with better cross-correlation factors and allocate more PRS resources to the identified cells. In some embodiments, the cells with better cross-correlation factors are those above a threshold. In some embodiments, the cells with better cross-correlation factors are the top "X" percentage of cells, where "X" is a value between 0% and 100% (e.g., 25%).

[0184] In some embodiments, the network node may determine whether to use a static or dynamic PRS configuration or a combination of both a static part and a dynamic part. The determination may be based on factors such as the total number of UEs in the cell, the number of UEs served by the cell and configured to use the cell's PRS, or the number of UEs served by this or adjacent cells and configured to use this cell's PRS.

[0185] In step 2210, the network node provides the adjusted PRS configuration to the radio network node.

[0186] Although not shown in ​ any of these methods may further include obtaining user data and forwarding the user data to a host computer or UE.

[0187] ​ An example virtualized device in a network according to some embodiments is shown. The network includes that may be in a wireless network (e.g., ​UE 2300 and network node 2330 used in the wireless network shown in [description]. UE 2300 and network node 2330 can be operable to perform the example methods described with reference to the above flowcharts and may perform any other processes or methods disclosed herein. At least some operations of the method may be performed by one or more other entities.

[0188] UE 2300 and network node 2330 may include their own separate processing circuitry (which may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers), as well as other digital hardware (which may include a digital signal processor (DSP), dedicated digital logic, etc.). The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in a memory, which may include one or several types of memories, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. In several embodiments, the program code stored in the memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunication and / or data communication protocols and instructions for executing one or more of the techniques described herein. In some implementations, the processing circuitry may be used to cause the various illustrated units and any other suitable units to perform corresponding functions according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0189] As ​ shown in [description], UE 2300 includes a receiver unit 2302, a feedback unit 2304, a PRS configuration unit 2306, a measurement unit 2308, a transmission unit 2310, and an estimation unit 2312.

[0190] The receiver unit 2302 is configured to receive additional PRSs and a first PRS transmitted by a first radio node (e.g., network node 2330). The receiver unit 2302 is also configured to receive a message including a PRS configuration. The PRS configuration specifies one or more additional PRSs to be transmitted by the first radio node. The received PRS configuration may specify PRSs having characteristics different from the first PRS, where the characteristics of one or more additional PRSs are based on feedback provided to the network node. The PRS configuration may be received via dedicated, multicast, on-demand broadcast, or broadcast signaling, or system information.

[0191] The feedback unit 2304 is configured to provide feedback to the network node regarding the quality of the PRS. The feedback unit 2304 may further be configured to include feedback information regarding the environment in which UE 2300 is located.

[0192] The PRS configuration unit 2306 is configured to configure UE 2300 to receive PRSs.

[0193] The measurement unit 2308 is configured to perform one or more measurements indicating the quality of the received PRS.

[0194] The transmission unit 2310 is configured to send a request message that requests PRS configured for multiple subframes or occasions. The transmission unit 2310 is also configured to transmit feedback.

[0195] The estimation unit 2312 is configured to estimate one or more arrival times of one or more PRSs.

[0196] As ​ As shown, the network node 2330 includes a PRS configuration unit 2332, a receiver unit 2334, an allocation unit 2336, a transmitter unit 2338, a measurement arrangement unit 2340, a measurement discard unit 2342, and a cell identity unit 2344. The network node 2330 can be a radio network node, a location network node, or a combination of both. Although shown in a single box, these units can be divided among multiple boxes. For example, the network node 2330 can be a radio base station with all the units, or it can be a radio base station with some of the units while the location node has the other units.

[0197] The PRS configuration unit 2332 is configured to provide a first PRS configuration for a UE (e.g., UE 2300). The PRS configuration unit 2332 is also configured to provide an updated PRS configuration based on feedback received from the UE. The updated PRS configuration is different from the first PRS configuration. In some embodiments, the PRS configuration unit 2332 is configured to determine whether to use a static or dynamic PRS configuration or a combination of both a static part and a dynamic part. This can be determined based on factors such as the total number of UEs in the cell, the number of UEs served by the cell and configured to use the cell's PRS, or the number of UEs served by this or neighboring cells and configured to use this cell's PRS.

[0198] The receiver unit 2334 is configured to receive feedback from the UE regarding the PRS. In some embodiments, the receiver unit 2334 can also be configured to receive a request for assigning a PRS configuration to a specific UE.

[0199] The allocation unit 2336 is configured to allocate bandwidth for the PRS, where the allocated bandwidth minimizes overlap with the PRS bandwidth from interfering neighboring cells. In some embodiments, the allocated bandwidth can include avoiding overlap with other PRSs in time and frequency.

[0200] The transmitter unit 2338 is configured to provide the PRS to the UE. It can also be configured to transmit the PRS configuration. For example, it can use one of on-demand broadcast, broadcast, multicast, or dedicated signaling or system information to transmit the PRS to the UE.

[0201] The measurement arrangement unit 2340 is configured to arrange the measurements in the feedback based on the received cross - correlation factors. In some embodiments, it may prioritize the measurements associated with higher cross - correlation factors for better positioning accuracy. In some embodiments, the measurements may be arranged in descending order.

[0202] The measurement discard unit 2342 is configured to discard the measurements from the cells that result in a cross - correlation factor worse than a threshold.

[0203] The cell identification unit 2344 is configured to identify the cells with better cross - correlation factors and allocate more PRS resources to the identified cells. In some embodiments, the cells with better cross - correlation factors are those above a threshold. In some embodiments, the cells with better cross - correlation factors are the top “X” percentage of the cells, where “X” is a value between 0% and 100%. In some embodiments, the cell identification unit 2344 may create or classify a list of OTDOA neighbor cells based on the feedback received from the UE regarding the PRS quality.

[0204] The term unit may have a conventional meaning in the field of electronics, electrical devices, and / or electronic devices and may include, for example, electrical and / or electronic circuits, devices, modules, processors, memories, logic solid - state and / or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions for performing corresponding tasks, processes, calculations, output, and / or display functions, etc., such as those described herein.

[0205] ​ A flowchart of an example method according to certain embodiments is shown. Method 1500 may be performed by a UE or a wireless device. The UE may be ​ the wireless device depicted in ​ or the user equipment shown in ​ Method 2400 begins at step 2410, where a first PRS in a first PRS configuration is received from a first network node. In some embodiments, the first network node may be

[0206] the network node shown in

[0207] In step 2430, method 2400 sends a second PRS configuration determined based on one or more first characteristics of a first PRS to a second network node. In some embodiments, the second PRS configuration may include one or more second PRSs determined based on the first characteristics of the first PRS. In some embodiments, the second network node may be a base station or a location node. In some embodiments, the second network node is a base station and the first network node is a location node.

[0208] In step 2440, method 2400 further receives a third PRS configuration from the second network node, the third PRS configuration including one or more third PRSs having at least one different signal characteristic compared to one or more first characteristics of the first PRS. In some embodiments, the third PRS configuration may be received via broadcast, multicast, or dedicated signaling or via on-demand system information broadcast.

[0209] In step 2450, method 2400 further performs one or more second measurements on one or more third PRSs. In some embodiments, the second measurement may include an estimation of the arrival time of the third PRS. In some embodiments, method 2400 may determine one or more third characteristics of one or more third PRSs based on the second PRS configuration.

[0210] In some embodiments, method 2400 further sends a request message to the first or second network node. The request message may include a request for additional PRSs configured for one or more subframes in transmission. Method 2400 further receives additional PRSs determined based on the third PRS configuration from the first or second network node. In some embodiments, the additional PRSs may be allocated bandwidth to avoid overlap with another PRS.

[0211] ​ A flowchart of another example method according to certain embodiments is shown. The method may be performed by a network node. The network node may be ​ the network node 1060 depicted in. Method 2500 begins at step 2510, where a first PRS configuration including one or more first PRSs is sent to a UE. In some embodiments, the network node may be a base station or a location node.

[0212] In step 2520, method 2500 receives a second PRS configuration from the UE including one or more second PRSs determined based on one or more first PRSs. In some embodiments, method 2500 receives the second PRS configuration via broadcast, multicast, or dedicated signaling or via on-demand system information broadcast.

[0213] In step 2530, method 2500 performs a set of measurements on one or more second PRSs in the second PRS configuration. In some embodiments, method 2500 may further receive one or more cross-correlation factors in one or more of the second PRSs, and prioritize one or more measurements from the set of measurements that are related to one or more cross-correlation factors above a threshold. In some embodiments, method 2500 may discard one or more measurements from the set of measurements that are related to one or more cross-correlation factors below a threshold.

[0214] In some embodiments, method 2500 may allocate bandwidth for a third PRS configuration. The bandwidth may be allocated to minimize overlap from interfering neighboring cells. In another embodiment, the bandwidth may be allocated to avoid overlap with another PRS in time and frequency.

[0215] In some embodiments, method 2500 may identify cells having one or more cross-correlation factors above a threshold, and allocate bandwidth to the identified cells.

[0216] ​ is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary user equipment 2600 according to certain embodiments. The user equipment 2600 may be used in a wireless network (such as ​ the wireless network 1006 shown in). In certain embodiments, the user equipment 2600 may be implemented in ​ the wireless device 1010 shown in. In certain embodiments, the user equipment 2600 may be ​ the UE 1100 shown in. The user equipment 2600 is operable to perform the example methods described with reference to ​ and 25 and possibly perform any other processes or methods disclosed herein. It is also understood that ​ and 25 the methods in need not be performed solely by the user equipment 2600. At least some operations of the method may be performed by one or more other entities. <s

[0217] The user equipment 2600 may include processing circuitry, which may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers and other digital hardware, and the other digital hardware may include a digital signal processor (DSP), dedicated digital logic, etc. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry of the user equipment 2600 may be ​ the processing circuitry 1020 shown in. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry of the user equipment 2600 may be ​ the processor 1101 shown in. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute instructions stored in ​The program code in the memory 1115 shown, the memory 1115 may include one or several types of memories, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. In several embodiments, the program code stored in the memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunication and / or data communication protocols and instructions for executing one or more of the techniques described herein. In some implementations, the processing circuit may be used to cause the receiving unit 2610, the execution unit 2620, the transmitting unit 2630, and any other suitable units of the user equipment 2600 to perform corresponding functions according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, such as a transmitter, a processor, and a receiver.

[0218] As ​ shown, the user equipment 2600 includes a receiving unit 2610, an execution unit 2620, and a transmitting unit 2630. The receiving unit 2610 may be configured to receive a first PRS in a first PRS configuration from a first network node. In some embodiments, the first network node may be ​ the network node shown. In some embodiments, the first network node may be a base station or a location node.

[0219] The execution unit 2620 may be configured to perform one or more first measurements on one or more first PRSs to determine one or more first characteristics of the first PRS. In some embodiments, the first measurement may include an estimate of the arrival time of the first PRS.

[0220] The transmitting unit 2630 may be configured to transmit a second PRS configuration determined based on one or more first characteristics of the first PRS to a second network node. In some embodiments, the second PRS configuration may include one or more second PRSs determined based on the first characteristics of the first PRS. In some embodiments, the second network node may be a base station or a location node. In some embodiments, the second network node is a base station and the first network node is a location node.

[0221] The receiving unit 2610 may be further configured to receive a third PRS configuration including one or more third PRSs from the second network node, the one or more third PRSs having at least one different signal characteristic compared to one or more first characteristics of the first PRS. In some embodiments, the receiving unit 2610 may receive the third PRS configuration via broadcast, multicast, or dedicated signaling or via on-demand system information broadcast.

[0222] The execution unit 2620 may be further configured to perform one or more second measurements on one or more third PRSs. In some embodiments, the second measurement may include an estimate of the arrival time of the third PRS. In some embodiments, the execution unit 2620 may determine one or more third characteristics of the one or more third PRSs based on the second PRS configuration.

[0223] In some embodiments, the sending unit 2630 may be further configured to send a request message to a first or second network node. The request message may include a request for additional PRSs configured for one or more of the transmitted subframes. The receiving unit 2610 may be further configured to receive the additional PRSs determined based on the third PRS configuration from the first or second network node. In some embodiments, the additional PRSs may be allocated bandwidth to avoid overlap with another PRS.

[0224] ​ is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary network node 2700 in a wireless network according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the wireless network may be ​ the wireless network 1006 shown in. The network node may be ​ the network node 1060 shown in. The network node 2700 is operable to perform the example methods referenced ​ and 25 and possibly perform any other processes or methods disclosed herein. It is also understood that ​ and 25 the methods in need not be performed only by the network node 2700. At least some of the operations of the method may be performed by one or more other entities.

[0225] The network node 2700 may include processing circuitry that may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware that may include a digital signal processor (DSP), dedicated digital logic, and the like. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry of the network node 2700 may be ​The processing circuitry 1070 shown in [description]. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in a memory, which may include one or several types of memories, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. In several embodiments, the program code stored in the memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunication and / or data communication protocols and instructions for executing one or more of the techniques described herein. In some implementations, the processing circuitry may be used to cause the transmitting unit 2710, the receiving unit 2720, the execution unit 2730, and any other suitable units of the network node 2700 to perform corresponding functions according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, such as a processor, a receiver, and a transmitter.

[0226] As ​ shown in [description], the network node 2700 includes a transmitting unit 2710, a receiving unit 2720, and an execution unit 2730. The transmitting unit 2710 may be configured to send a first PRS configuration including one or more first PRSs to a UE. In some embodiments, the network node 2700 may be a base station or a location node.

[0227] The receiving unit 2720 may be configured to receive from the UE a second PRS configuration including one or more second PRSs, where the one or more second PRSs are determined based on one or more first PRSs. In some embodiments, the receiving unit 2720 may receive the second PRS configuration via broadcast, multicast, or dedicated signaling or via on-demand system information broadcast.

[0228] The execution unit 2730 may be configured to perform a set of measurements on one or more second PRSs in the second PRS configuration. In some embodiments, the receiving unit 2720 may receive one or more cross-correlation factors of one or more second PRSs, and the execution unit 2730 may prioritize one or more measurements from the set of measurements related to one or more cross-correlation factors higher than a threshold and discard one or more measurements from the set of measurements related to one or more cross-correlation factors lower than the threshold.

[0229] In some embodiments, the execution unit 2730 may be further configured to allocate bandwidth for a third PRS configuration. The bandwidth may be allocated to minimize overlap from interfering with adjacent cells. In another embodiment, the bandwidth may be allocated to avoid overlap with another PRS in time and frequency.

[0230] In some embodiments, the execution unit 2730 may be further configured to identify cells having one or more cross-correlation factors higher than a threshold and allocate bandwidth to the identified cells.

[0231] Any suitable steps, methods, features, functions, or benefits disclosed herein may be performed by one or more functional units or modules of one or more virtual devices. Each virtual device may include a plurality of such functional units. These functional units may be implemented via processing circuitry, which may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, and the digital hardware may include a digital signal processor (DSP), dedicated digital logic, etc. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in a memory, which may include one or several types of memories, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. The program code stored in the memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunication and / or data communication protocols, as well as instructions for executing one or more techniques described herein. In some implementations, the processing circuitry may be used to cause the corresponding functional units to perform corresponding functions according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0232] The term unit may have a conventional meaning in the field of electronics, electrical devices, and / or electronic devices, and may include, for example, electrical and / or electronic circuits, devices, modules, processors, receivers, transmitters, memories, logic solid-state and / or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions for performing corresponding tasks, processes, calculations, outputs, and / or display functions, etc., such as those described herein.

[0233] Advantages of the features herein according to various embodiments are that a network node may continuously perform measurements on the most updated PRS received from a UE, such that the network node may provide dynamic configuration for each UE in an adjacent cell to avoid interference. Particular embodiments of the present disclosure enable a location node to coordinate with a base station to effectively provide a user-specific, beam-specific PRS configuration for each UE. Particular embodiments of the present application provide a PRS configuration for a UE based on signal characteristics and UE mobility to improve network performance and save energy for devices in the network.

[0234] Although the processes in the figures may show a particular order of operations performed by certain embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that such order is exemplary (e.g., alternative embodiments may perform operations in a different order, combine certain operations, overlap certain operations, etc.).

[0235] Although the present invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments and may be practiced with modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Therefore, this description is to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A method for positioning reference signal configuration, comprising: Receiving a first positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration from a network node, the first PRS configuration being associated with one or more first PRSs; Receiving at least one first PRS among the one or more first PRSs; Performing at least a first measurement on the at least one first PRS; Sending a second PRS configuration to the network node, the second PRS configuration containing information about one or more second PRSs; Receiving a third PRS configuration associated with one or more third PRSs from the network node, the third PRS configuration being based on the second PRS configuration; Receiving at least one third PRS among the one or more third PRSs; and Performing at least a second measurement on the one or more third PRSs.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Performing the first measurement and the second measurement includes: estimating one or more arrival times for at least one first PRS among the first PRSs and at least one third PRS among the third PRSs.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The third PRS configuration is received via broadcast, multicast, or dedicated signaling or via on-demand system information broadcast.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Determining one or more characteristics of the at least one first PRS and one or more characteristics of the at least one third PRS.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Sending a request message to the network node, wherein the request message includes a request for additional PRSs, the additional PRSs being configured for one or more subframes in transmission; and Receiving the additional PRSs determined based on the third PRS configuration from the network node.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein The additional PRSs are allocated bandwidth to avoid overlapping with another PRS.

7. A user equipment for positioning reference signal configuration, comprising: A wireless interface configured to: Receive a first positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration from a network node, the first PRS configuration being associated with one or more first PRSs; And Receive at least one first PRS among the one or more first PRSs; and A processing circuit configured to perform at least a first measurement on the at least one first PRS; Wherein the wireless interface is further configured to: Send a second PRS configuration to the network node, the second PRS configuration containing one or more second PRSs; Receive a third PRS configuration associated with one or more third PRSs from the network node, the third PRS configuration being based on the second PRS configuration; and Receive at least one third PRS among the one or more third PRSs; Wherein the processing circuit is further configured to perform at least a second measurement on the at least one third PRS.

8. The user equipment according to claim 7, wherein, The processing circuit configured to perform the first measurement and the second measurement is further configured to: estimate one or more arrival times for the one or more first PRSs and the one or more third PRSs.

9. The user equipment according to claim 7, wherein, The third PRS configuration is received via broadcast, multicast, or dedicated signaling or via on-demand system information broadcast.

10. The user equipment according to claim 7, wherein, The processing circuit is further configured to: determine one or more characteristics of the at least one first PRS and one or more characteristics of the at least one third PRS.

11. The user equipment according to claim 7, wherein, The radio interface is further configured to: send a request message to the network node, wherein the request message includes a request for additional PRS configured for one or more subframes in transmission; and receive the additional PRS determined based on the third PRS configuration from the network node.

12. The user equipment according to claim 11, wherein, The additional PRS is allocated a bandwidth to avoid overlapping with another PRS.

13. A method for positioning reference signal configuration, comprising: sending a first positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration to a user equipment (UE), the first PRS configuration including configuration information for one or more first PRSs; receiving a second PRS configuration from the UE, the second PRS configuration including configuration information for one or more second PRSs; determining a third PRS configuration based on the second PRS configuration, the third PRS configuration including configuration information for one or more third PRSs; and sending the third PRS configuration to the UE.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, Determining the third PRS configuration includes: receiving one or more cross-correlation factors of the one or more second PRSs; prioritizing one or more measurements from the set of measurements related to one or more cross-correlation factors higher than a threshold; and discarding one or more measurements from the set of measurements related to one or more cross-correlation factors lower than the threshold.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein, Determining the third PRS configuration further includes: allocating a bandwidth for at least one PRS configured in the third PRS configuration.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The bandwidth is allocated to minimize overlap from interfering neighboring cells.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The bandwidth is allocated to avoid overlapping with another PRS in time and frequency.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The third PRS configuration is sent via broadcast, multicast or dedicated signaling or via on-demand system information broadcast.

19. The method according to claim 13, wherein, Determining the third PRS configuration further includes: identifying cells having one or more cross-correlation factors higher than a threshold; and allocating bandwidth to the identified cells.

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