Apparatus, method and computer program

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus, a method and a computer program for locating resource savings in bandwidth aggregation. There is provided an apparatus comprising means for obtaining an indication of a bandwidth extension to be applied to a positioning signal received at the apparatus from a transmitter; receiving a positioning signal, wherein the positioning signal comprises a plurality of symbols in n subcarriers; generating an extended positioning signal based on the received positioning signal and the indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied; and determining a time of arrival of the positioning signal based on the extended positioning signal.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to methods, apparatuses, systems and computer programs, and in particular, but not exclusively, to positioning resource saving in bandwidth aggregation. BACKGROUND

[0002] A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more communication devices or provides access to a network to communication devices. A mobile or wireless communication network is an example of a communication system. A communication device can be served by an application server.

[0003] Such communication networks operate in accordance with standards, such as those provided by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of standards are the so-called 4G (Fourth Generation), 5G (Fifth Generation) standards provided by 3GPP. SUMMARY

[0004] In a first aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising means for: obtaining an indication of a bandwidth extension to be applied to a positioning signal received at the apparatus from a transmitter; receiving the positioning signal, wherein the positioning signal comprises a plurality of symbols in n subcarriers; generating an extended positioning signal based on the received positioning signal and the indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied; and determining a time of arrival of the positioning signal based on the extended positioning signal.

[0005] The time of arrival of the symbols is substantially frequency independent.

[0006] Obtaining the indication of the extension to be applied can comprise receiving the indication from a network entity.

[0007] The apparatus can comprise means for: receiving a request for receiver processing capabilities from a network entity; and in response, providing an indication of the receiver processing capabilities to the network.

[0008] The bandwidth extension to be applied can be associated with positioning signals received from a given transmitter.

[0009] Generating the extended positioning signal can comprise adding L subcarriers to the n subcarriers of the received positioning signal.

[0010] The L subcarriers can comprise generated symbols. A pattern of symbols of the n subcarriers can be repeated in the generated symbols of the L subcarriers.

[0011] At least one of the L subcarriers can be empty.

[0012] The indication of the extension to be applied can comprise an indication of at least one of: an extension direction, a frequency gap between the L subcarriers and the received n subcarriers, an asymmetric offset, a number of sets of generated symbols included in the L subcarriers, or a deviation of a pattern of generated symbols in the L subcarriers from a given symbol pattern.

[0013] The apparatus can comprise a user equipment. The transmitter can comprise a base station, and the positioning signal can comprise a positioning reference signal.

[0014] The apparatus can comprise a base station. The transmitter can comprise a user equipment, and the positioning signal can comprise a sounding reference signal.

[0015] In a second aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for: determining a bandwidth of a positioning signal provided by a transmitter of the positioning signal, the positioning signal comprising a plurality of symbols in n subcarriers; determining, based on a metric, a bandwidth extension of the positioning signal to be applied at a receiver of the positioning signal; providing an indication of the bandwidth to the transmitter; and providing an indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied to the receiver.

[0016] The arrival time of the symbols at the receiver is substantially frequency independent.

[0017] The apparatus can comprise means for: providing a request to the receiver for a receiver processing capability; and receiving an indication of the receiver processing capability, wherein determining the extension of the positioning signal is further based on the receiver processing capability.

[0018] The bandwidth extension to be applied can be associated with the positioning signal received from the transmitter.

[0019] The extension of the positioning signal can comprise adding L subcarriers to the received n subcarriers of the received positioning signal.

[0020] The indication of the extension to be applied comprises an indication of at least one of: an extension direction, a frequency gap between the L subcarriers and the received n subcarriers, an asymmetric offset, a number of sets of generated symbols included in the L subcarriers, or a deviation of a pattern of generated symbols in the L subcarriers from a given symbol pattern.

[0021] The metric can comprise at least one of an accuracy metric or a resource saving metric.

[0022] The receiver can comprise a user equipment, the transmitter can comprise a base station, and the positioning signal can comprise a positioning reference signal.

[0023] The receiver can comprise a base station, the transmitter can comprise a user equipment, and the positioning signal can comprise a sounding reference signal.

[0024] In a third aspect, a method is provided that includes obtaining an indication of a bandwidth extension to be applied to a positioning signal received at an apparatus from a transmitter; receiving the positioning signal, wherein the positioning signal comprises a plurality of symbols in n subcarriers; generating an extended positioning signal based on the received positioning signal and the indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied; and determining a time of arrival of the positioning signal based on the extended positioning signal.

[0025] The time of arrival of the symbols is substantially frequency independent.

[0026] Obtaining the indication of the extension to be applied can include receiving the indication from a network entity.

[0027] The method can include receiving a request from a network entity for receiver processing capabilities; and in response, providing an indication of the receiver processing capabilities to the network.

[0028] The bandwidth extension to be applied can be associated with positioning signals received from a given transmitter.

[0029] Generating the extended positioning signal can include adding L subcarriers to the n subcarriers of the received positioning signal.

[0030] The L subcarriers can include generated symbols. A pattern of symbols of the n subcarriers can repeat in the generated symbols of the L subcarriers.

[0031] At least one of the L subcarriers can be empty.

[0032] The indication of the extension to be applied can include an indication of at least one of: a direction of extension, a frequency gap between the L subcarriers and the received n subcarriers, an asymmetry offset, a number of a set of generated symbols included in the L subcarriers, or a deviation of a generated symbol pattern in the L subcarriers from a given symbol pattern.

[0033] The method can be performed at a user equipment. The transmitter can include a base station and the positioning signal can include a positioning reference signal.

[0034] The method can be performed at a base station. The transmitter can include a user equipment and the positioning signal can include a sounding reference signal.

[0035] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided that includes determining a bandwidth of a positioning signal provided by a transmitter of the positioning signal, the positioning signal comprising a plurality of symbols in n subcarriers; determining a bandwidth extension of the positioning signal to be applied at a receiver of the positioning signal based on a metric; providing an indication of the bandwidth to the transmitter; and providing an indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied to the receiver.

[0036] The time of arrival of the symbol at the receiver is substantially frequency independent.

[0037] The method can comprise providing a request to the receiver for receiver processing capabilities; and receiving an indication of the receiver processing capabilities, wherein determining the extension of the positioning signal is further based on the receiver processing capabilities.

[0038] The bandwidth extension to be applied can be associated with the positioning signal received from the transmitter.

[0039] The extension of the positioning signal can comprise adding L subcarriers to the received n subcarriers of the received positioning signal.

[0040] The indication of the extension to be applied comprises an indication of at least one of: an extension direction, a frequency gap between the L subcarriers and the received subcarriers, an asymmetric offset, a number of sets of generated symbols comprised in the L subcarriers, or a deviation of a pattern of generated symbols in the L subcarriers from a given symbol pattern.

[0041] The metric can comprise at least one of an accuracy metric or a resource saving metric.

[0042] The receiver can comprise a user equipment, the transmitter can comprise a base station, and the positioning signal can comprise a positioning reference signal.

[0043] The receiver can comprise a base station, the transmitter can comprise a user equipment, and the positioning signal can comprise a sounding reference signal.

[0044] In a fifth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform a method according to the third or fourth aspect.

[0045] In a sixth aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus at least to perform a method according to the third or fourth aspect.

[0046] In a seventh aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus at least to perform a method according to the third or fourth aspect.

[0047] In the foregoing, a number of different embodiments have been described. It will be appreciated that further embodiments can be provided by a combination of any two or more of the above described embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0048] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0049] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an example 5GS communication system is shown;

[0050] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example mobile communications device is shown;

[0051] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an example control apparatus is shown;

[0052] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a time-domain based positioning scheme is shown;

[0053] Figure 5 An illustrative example of the time-domain pulse width of a signal as the signal bandwidth is increased is shown;

[0054] Figure 6 A plot of achievable accuracy versus bandwidth measured by standard deviation is shown;

[0055] Figure 7 A flow diagram of a method according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0056] Figure 8 A flow diagram of a method according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0057] Figure 9 A block diagram of a method according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0058] Figure 10 A block diagram of an extended signal according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0059] Figure 11 A signalling flow diagram according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0060] Figure 12 A block diagram of an extended signal according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0061] Figure 13 A signalling flow diagram according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0062] Figure 14 A signalling flow diagram according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0063] Figure 15 A signalling flow diagram according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0064] Figure 16 A signalling flow diagram according to an example embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Before the examples are explained in detail, reference is made to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 to explain certain general principles of wireless communications systems and mobile communications devices, to help understand the underlying technology of the described examples.

[0066] An example of a suitable communications system is the 5G or NR concept. The network architecture in NR can be similar to that of LTE-Advanced. The base stations of an NR system can be referred to as next generation NodeBs (gNBs). Changes to the network architecture can depend on the need to support various radio technologies and finer quality of service (QoS), and some on-demand requirements, e.g., for supporting QoS levels targeting quality of experience (QoE) for users. Network-aware services and applications, as well as services and application-aware networks, can also bring changes to the architecture. These involve information-centric networking (ICN) and user-centric content distribution network (UC-CDN) approaches. NR can use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas, many more base stations or nodes than LTE (the so-called small cell concept), including macro sites operating in co-operation with smaller stations and possibly also employing a variety of radio technologies to achieve better coverage and enhanced data rates.

[0067] Future networks can utilize network function virtualization (NFV), which is a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions into entities that can be operated and connected, or linked, together to provide services. A virtualized network function (VNF) can comprise one or more virtual machines using standard or generic type servers instead of customized hardware to run computer program codes. Deployments can be cloud-native network functions (CNFs), where a network function comprises one or more pods. Cloud computing or data storage can also be utilized. In radio communications, this can mean that node operations are carried out, at least partly, in a server, host or node that is operably coupled to a remote radio head. Node operations can also be distributed between a plurality of servers, nodes or hosts. It should also be understood that the distribution of labor between core network operations and base station operations can be different from that of the LTE or there can not even be a distinction.

[0068] Figure 1 A schematic representation of a 5G system (5GS) 100 is shown. The 5GS can comprise a user equipment (UE) 102 (which can also be referred to as a communication device or terminal), a 5G radio access network (5G RAN) 104, a 5G core network (5GCN) 106, one or more internal or external application functions (AFs) 108, and one or more data networks (DNs) 110.

[0069] An example 5G core network (CN) includes functional entities. The 5GCN 106 can include one or more access and mobility management functions (AMF) 112, one or more session management functions (SMF) 114, an authentication server function (AUSF) 116, a unified data management (UDM) 118, one or more user plane functions (UPF) 120, a unified data repository (UDR) 122, and / or a network exposure function (NEF) 124. The UPF is controlled by the SMF (session management function) that receives policies from the PCF (policy control function). The 5GCN can include a location management function (LMF) 126. The LMF is responsible for receiving measurements and assistance information from mobile devices or NG-RAN and computing the location of the UE.

[0070] The CN can be connected to the UE through fixed access via a radio access network (RAN) or via a non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF). The 5G RAN can include one or more gNodeB (gNB) distributed unit (DU) functions connected to one or more gNodeB (gNB) centralized unit (CU) functions. The RAN can include one or more access nodes.

[0071] A user plane function (UPF), referred to as a PDU session anchor (PSA), can be responsible for forwarding frames to and from a UE exchanging traffic with a DN back and forth between the DN and a tunnel established over 5G.

[0072] Reference will now be made to Figure 2 A possible mobile communication device will be described in more detail, Figure 2A schematic, partially sectioned view of a communication device 200 is shown. Such a communication device is often referred to as user equipment (UE) or terminal. An appropriate mobile communication device can be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples include a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or so-called smart phone, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a portable computer, a desktop computer, an image capture terminal device such as a digital camera, a gaming terminal device, a music storage and playback appliance, a wireless terminal device for in-vehicle use, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), a laptop-mounted equipment (LME), a smart device, a wireless customer-premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an industrial IoT device, a tag device, or any combination of these or the like. A mobile communication device can provide, for example, communication for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia, and so on. A user can thus be provided with access to a number of services via their communication device. Non-limiting examples of these services include two-way or multi-way calling, data communication or multimedia services, or simply

[0073] A mobile device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 201, at least one memory 202, and other possible components 203 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communication with access systems and other communication devices. The data processing, storage, and other relevant components can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and / or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 204. Operation of the mobile device can be controlled by user

[0074] The mobile device 200 can receive signals over the air or radio interface 207 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and can transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In Figure 2 The transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 206. The transceiver apparatus 206 can be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement can be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

[0075] Figure 3 An example of a control apparatus 300 for a communication system, e.g. to be coupled to and / or for controlling a station of an access system, such as a RAN node (e.g. a base station, eNB or gNB), a relay node or a core network node (such as an MME or a Serving Gateway (S-GW) or a Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW)), or a core network function (such as an AMF / SMF), or a server or host, is shown. The method can be implemented in a single control apparatus or across more than one control apparatus. The control apparatus can be integrated with or external to a node or module of a core network or RAN. In some embodiments, a base station comprises a separate control apparatus unit or module. In other embodiments, the control apparatus can be another network element such as a radio network controller or a spectrum controller. In some embodiments, each base station can have such a control apparatus as well as a control apparatus provided in a radio network controller. The control apparatus 300 can be arranged to provide control of communications in a service area of the system. The control apparatus 300 comprises at least one memory 301, at least one data processing unit 302, 303 and an input / output interface 304. Via the interface, the control apparatus can be coupled to a receiver and a transmitter of a base station. The receiver and / or transmitter can be implemented as a radio front-end or a remote radio head.

[0076] In a communication system, positioning is used to determine a position of a device in the communication system.

[0077] The position of a mobile object (car, robot, drone,...) can be crucial or even extremely important to know accurately for e.g. autonomous driving use cases, industrial use cases or for general network purposes.

[0078] Time domain positioning techniques include TDoA (Time Difference of Arrival) or ToA (Time of Arrival). TDoA and ToA are based on the principle of measuring the time of arrival of a signal at a device and using the time of departure of the signal from a transmitter to derive the time of flight. The time of flight is then used for a distance calculation, which can be used to determine the position of the device relative to the transmitter.

[0079] As an example, the signal to be measured can be a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) in downlink (DL) or a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) in uplink (UL).

[0080] Figure 4 An example general open area positioning scheme is depicted. The downlink direction is shown, but without loss of generality, the direction of the signaling can be reversed.

[0081] Figure 4The number of base stations shown in the middle is three, but any larger number of base stations (BSs) (or more generally, TRPs) can be used. Using notation from Figure 4 The distance calculation is done by the formula D i = c · (T 1,i -T 0,i ) (Equation 1) where i = A, B or C. The transmission time instant T 0,i is ideally the same for all BSs. The arrival time T 1,i naturally changes according to the distance to BS A, BS B or BS C. The coordinate triplets (X, Y, H) of each BS (= TRP) are known, i.e. the position of the BS. T 1,i -T 0,i (Equation 2)

[0082] The subtraction shown in Equation 2 is defined as the time of flight (ToF).

[0083] The ToF is per transmitter (in the example shown in Figure 4 , per BS). As shown in Equation 2, the time of flight is calculated from the system clock; the transmitter clock (value) is subtracted from the receiver clock.

[0084] For an accurate distance calculation, the arrival time of the signal should be measured as accurately as possible.

[0085] The arrival time measurement accuracy depends at least partly on the bandwidth of the signal to be measured. The larger the bandwidth, the better the accuracy of the positioning process.

[0086] As described below, the received reference signal content is known, so one example method for measuring the arrival time is the autocorrelation function, where a copy of the reference signal generated by the receiver is delayed so that the correlation obtains a maximum. The correlation peak in the time domain is the arrival time. The narrower the bandwidth, the more rounded (in the time domain) the peak is. This means that the sampling of the autocorrelation response can not find the (theoretically) correct peak, but there is an uncertainty in the measurement with the peak width. By increasing the bandwidth, the autocorrelation peak becomes narrower in the time domain, so the uncertainty of the measurement value decreases. The distribution of the position estimate is thus narrower, and the accuracy of the measurement of the arrival time is improved.

[0087] Figure 5 An illustrative example of the time domain pulse width of a signal with a narrower bandwidth on the left and a wider bandwidth on the right is shown. The peak of the narrower bandwidth is wider than the peak of the wider bandwidth.

[0088] In more detail, the standard deviation of the arrival time to establish the achievable accuracy of a time-based positioning method, the standard deviation is defined as where c is the speed of light, P is the received power, N o is the noise spectral density, T is the integration / measurement time. The parameter BW i denotes the bandwidth of the carrier frequency f i and the corresponding wavelength l i which is used for the positioning measurement.

[0089] One positioning use case is for a factory type of environment. Objects moving in the factory, e.g. devices such as robots, or any object that can be harmful if colliding with other objects, should know their position with good accuracy, e.g. at least tens of centimeters horizontally. There are multiple example techniques to reach this accuracy, including maximum usage of available bandwidth (the environment can include a dedicated network, so the local operator (factory workplace management) can prioritize the positioning use case), reuse of reference signals, oversampling of the signal in the reception phase or maximum usage of antennas for receiving the signal transmitted by the device. This can lead to high costs and a large number of RRHs and antennas. It can also increase the computational effort. Furthermore, the bandwidth is limited, e.g. by regulation. Therefore, the physics sets an upper limit to the achievable accuracy.

[0090] One example use case is factory tool drum positioning. A factory environment can be deployed with several TRPs (transmit receive points) or remote antennas, where the DUs are only in nearby locations.

[0091] The same problem can apply to other example positioning use cases, such as open area installation at a site, although the number of receiving antennas can be smaller than in a factory type environment. In a site installation as shown in Figure 4 , the basic positioning procedure can require at least three receiving (or transmitting) antennas, but the accuracy can be improved a little bit if the signal coverage is sufficient for more transceivers and the network load enables the usage of a larger number of transceivers.

[0092] The definition of the positioning reference signal (PRS) is in TS 38.211 section 7.4.1.7.2 and the mapping to the physical resources (also called comb pattern) is in section 7.4.1.7.3. The specification defines the creation of the bit sequence r m for the symbols as:

[0093] The pseudo-random sequence c is explained in the same specification. The uplink reference signals, i.e. the sounding reference signals, are given in section 6.4.1.4, respectively.

[0094] Figure 6with parameter values {λ i = 8.57 cm, P / N o = 15 dB.Hz} is shown. From it can be seen that the achievable accuracy of ToA is sensitive to the configured bandwidth of the reference signal. Figure 6

[0095] Equation 3 is one possible example of a definition of accuracy, and the expression can change for different system configurations (i.e., OFDM, etc.). However, the fundamental relationship between the parameters (e.g., σiToA∝1 / BWi) holds at different scales, and thus Figure 6 An overview and trends of achievable accuracy with reference signal bandwidth are provided.

[0096] However, the bandwidth of the signal is limited by the available spectrum in the operator’s network, which is a hard limit for any bandwidth aggregation technique. From a resource perspective, the bandwidth is also limited; how much an operator can afford to allocate its limited resources for positioning purposes can be considered a soft limit for bandwidth aggregation. That is, the bandwidth cannot be increased without compromising other factors, and in practice the operator has to trade-off between customer requests and available resources.

[0097] The limited BW for positioning signals limits the accuracy of UE positioning in time-domain methods. The accuracy of positioning improves proportionally with BW increase.

[0098] Work item extension and improved 3GPP standardization work in NR positioning [RP-232670] includes bandwidth aggregation. Based on this study, PRS / SRS bandwidth aggregation for intra-band contiguous carriers was concluded to be feasible for single-chain Tx / Rx architecture at both UE and gNB.

[0099] Figure 7 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0100] In 701, the method comprises obtaining an indication of a bandwidth extension to be applied to a positioning signal received at the apparatus from a transmitter.

[0101] In 702, the method comprises receiving a positioning signal, wherein the positioning signal comprises a plurality of symbols in n subcarriers.

[0102] In 703, the method comprises generating an extended positioning signal based on the received positioning signal and the indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied.

[0103] ​At 704, the method includes determining a time of arrival of the positioning signal based on the extended positioning signal.

[0104] The method can include providing the determined time of arrival of the positioning signal to a network entity. The network entity can include a transmitter or a network function (e.g., LMF).

[0105] Obtaining an indication of an extension to be applied can include receiving the indication from a network entity (e.g., a network function such as an LMF).

[0106] The method can be performed at a user equipment. In this case, the transmitter can include a base station, and the positioning signal can include a PRS.

[0107] The method can be performed at a base station, TRP, or remote antenna (or a DU of such a remote antenna). In this case, the transmitter can include a user equipment, and the positioning signal can include a SRS.

[0108] Figure 8 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0109] At 801, the method includes determining a bandwidth of a positioning signal provided by a transmitter of the positioning signal, the positioning signal comprising a plurality of symbols in n subcarriers.

[0110] At 802, the method includes determining a bandwidth extension of the positioning signal to be applied at a receiver of the positioning signal based on the metric.

[0111] At 803, the method includes providing an indication of the bandwidth to the transmitter.

[0112] At 804, the method includes providing an indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied to the receiver.

[0113] The method can be performed at a network entity, e.g., a network function such as but not limited to an LMF. The receiver can include a user equipment, the transmitter can include a base station, and the positioning signal can include a PRS. Alternatively or additionally, the receiver can include a base station, the transmitter can include a user equipment, and the positioning signal includes a SRS.

[0114] Referring to Figure 8 The described method can include providing a request to the receiver for an indication of a receiver processing capability (e.g., BB BW capability), and receiving an indication of a receiver BB processing capability. Determining the extension of the positioning signal can be further based on the receiver BB processing capability.

[0115] The metric can include at least one of an accuracy metric (e.g., an accuracy target) or a resource saving metric.

[0116] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The described method can provide a technique which can be referred to as Positioning Signal (e.g. PRS or SRS) Extension. The Positioning Signal Extension can provide a low-cost solution to increase bandwidth using standardized and / or established positioning techniques. The described method can be applied to any time-domain based positioning technique. The method can be release independent. The problem it solves is positioning accuracy; the wider the bandwidth, the higher the accuracy.

[0117] The assumption is that the time of flight (ToF) of a positioning signal (whether PRS or SRS) symbol in a positioning use case is frequency independent, i.e. the arrival time of a symbol of a positioning signal is essentially frequency independent. Thus, it is assumed that all symbols of a positioning signal received from a transmitter have one and the same ToF. This assumption is derived from a concept referred to herein as velocity flatness (VF).

[0118] The assumption of VF can be reasoned as follows. The over-the-air channel is theoretically frequency dependent, but more often, the frequency dependency of the channel is with respect to signal fading, which in the current case is not an issue for different frequency components (symbols) as long as the sensitivity of the receiver is good enough to capture the faded symbols. In order to change the ToF, the electromagnetic parameters ε r and / or μ r of the medium in the over-the-air channel should be frequency dependent over the used bandwidth. ε r and / or μ r define the velocity of electromagnetic propagation by the formula where c = the speed of light in vacuum. For air as the medium, the velocity remains constant with high accuracy. The error due to the VF assumption is negligible.

[0119] As a consequence of the assumption, it is assumed that all symbols of a positioning signal (whether PRS or SRS) received from a transmitter arrive at the receiver at the same time.

[0120] The LMF can be the controller of the extension procedure performed by the receiver. In an example embodiment, the LMF controls the participation of the BSs, as in Figure 4 In an example, the BSs can be the minimum of three BSs (or antennas, if remote antennas are used) in normal applications in the field. The LMF can have a different set of requirements per BS. The reason for changing the requirements can be channel conditions; one of the directions can have a more complex propagation environment, or the distance can be significantly different compared to the distance from the other BSs to the target device (UE) to be positioned.

[0121] The bandwidth to be applied can be associated with a positioning signal received from a transmitter. The required accuracy can depend on the use case. The LMF knows the uncertainty of each of its positioning methods and each of its resource usage. Thus, if a use case requires the usage of an extended method, the LMF knows the parameters. In one example use case, the operator defines the allocation to be used for positioning per load over time. Thus, the allocation can change depending on the network load. The operator releases resources from positioning to other use cases by applying the extension method described here.

[0122] The physical frequencies or spectrum of each operator is limited by regulations, thus the spectrum is a set of assets that the operator has in use and it is an improvement to the operator if it can serve the operation with less resources but keeping the quality the same or even better. Thus, it can be desirable to balance the positioning accuracy for different positioning use cases and available resources. Finally, the work is done by the LMF. Thus, the LMF can define a smaller amount of physical resources to be used (e.g., the metric can be a resource saving metric) available. This can be per BS.

[0123] Figure 9 A block diagram of signal arrival and ToA estimation in a receiver is shown. The dashed line includes the proposed technique (positioning signal extension in frequency domain) to improve the estimation of ToA.

[0124] The physical resources can be saved by transmitting less bandwidth while the ToA estimation accuracy is improved because the bandwidth can be increased by positioning signal extension as described below, e.g., with reference to Figure 10 and Figure 12

[0125] The standard measurement procedure can be performed using the increased bandwidth. This results in an improved time of arrival accuracy.

[0126] Generating the extended positioning signal can include adding L subcarriers to n subcarriers of the received positioning signal. The L subcarriers can include generated symbols. A pattern of symbols of the n subcarriers can be repeated in the generated symbols of the L subcarriers. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the L subcarriers is empty.

[0127] ​The positioning signal used is known by the receiver. The receiver can add extra symbols on top of the received signal (bandwidth extension) as it knows the symbol pattern and the symbol content. Adding extra symbols does not violate any symbol pattern creation. When the base station controls the parameters used to generate the pseudo-random sequence, it means that the base station knows the sequence transmitted. Therefore, no additional signaling between the base station and the UE is needed when the base station is receiving the generated symbols and applying the addition of the generated symbols on top of the received symbols. Similarly, when the UE is receiving the base station signal by definition, the parameters used (more precisely, the LMF controls the positioning occasions to each involved base station) are known to the UE and no additional signaling is needed.

[0128] Adding the generated symbols to the received symbol pattern increases the bandwidth of the signal. Figure 10 An example of extending the positioning signal is shown. Subcarriers n to n+11 are the n subcarriers physically received, and subcarriers n+12 to n+23 are the L subcarriers added. The symbols in subcarriers n to n+11 (as shown in the dashed shading) are the symbols physically received, and the symbols in n+12 to n+23 (as shown in the dashed shading) are the generated symbols added in the receiver. For simplicity, only a small portion of the addition is shown in this example, and only the single-sided option is used.

[0129] Figure 11 A signaling diagram of an example embodiment is shown.

[0130] In the following steps, RS is an abbreviation for reference signal, per BS means that the physical signals between each BS and the UE are defined individually, depending on the specific conditions in the art. A minimum of three BSs (or TRPs) can be used. The condition is that they are applied simultaneously (transmitted or received, depending on the positioning scheme). The DL direction is shown in the signaling diagram (e.g., PRS from BS to UE), but without loss of generality, the diagram can be reversed (i.e., SRS from UE to BS).

[0131] In step 1, there is the initialization of the positioning procedure by the LMF, where all involved BSs are activated.

[0132] In step 2, the LMF indicates to the BSs and the UE to transmit / receive and process PRS signals. The LMF can take into account the operator’s positioning use case guidelines and / or the current network load in step 2 before indicating to the BSs and the UE.

[0133] In step 3, the LMF infers that the VF, i.e., the ability to use the positioning signal extension, is available.

[0134] In step 4, the LMF requests the UE to report its BB BW capability to ensure that the positioning signal spreading is feasible. This is an example of a request to a receiver to provide an indication of the receiver processing capability (e.g., BB BW capability) and receiving an indication of the receiver processing capability.

[0135] In step 5, based on the positioning use case, the LMF defines how much physical spectrum (BW) to use per BS, including which comb pattern of PRS symbols to use, and based on the accuracy target and the UE indicated BB BW, the LMF defines how much RS spreading to apply per BS. The accuracy target is an example of a metric that the bandwidth spreading can be based on, where the metric is an accuracy metric. In this example embodiment, the bandwidth spreading of the positioning signal to apply at the receiver of the positioning signal is determined based on the metric and the receiver processing capability.

[0136] In step 6, the LMF indicates to each BS the BW of the PRS signal per BS, and to the UE the positioning signal spreading.

[0137] In step 7, each BS transmits PRS simultaneously, and applies a standard positioning procedure to receive a comb pattern of (M) PRS symbols in (N) resource elements (REs). The N REs are an example of n subcarriers received.

[0138] In theory, the transmissions of the BSs can occur at different times, which can not be practical due to clock and other real-world issues, and would require static conditions, i.e., no movement allowed within the measurement window.

[0139] In step 8, the generated symbols are added on top of the L REs or subcarriers in the frequency domain of the received N REs in the time domain pattern of the received symbols to generate the expanded positioning signal.

[0140] In step 9, an autocorrelation is performed with the expanded positioning signal, and a ToA per BS is calculated using the expanded positioning signal. The ToA is reported to the LMF.

[0141] In step 10, a location of the UE is calculated at the LMF based on the ToA determined at the UE from the expanded positioning signal.

[0142] The indication of the expansion to apply can include an indication of at least one of: an expansion direction, a frequency gap between the L subcarriers and the n subcarriers received, an asymmetric offset, a number of a set of generated symbols included in the L subcarriers, or a deviation of a pattern of generated symbols in the L subcarriers from a given symbol pattern. The indication of the expansion to apply can be associated with a given transmitter.

[0143] In case the indication of extension includes an indication of the direction of extension, the generated symbols can be added to the L subcarriers when reducing the subcarrier index, see Figure 12 the symbols in subcarriers n-1 to n-5 (as hashed shaded) in Likewise, both top and bottom placement exist. Hence, the additional symbols can be located anywhere in the frequency domain with respect to the received frequency band. Each BS is controlled individually by the LMF, e.g. for interference reasons. Without control, the extension can extend on bandwidth of other cells or other operators, which should be counted when defining the direction of extension (and the amount of added symbols).

[0144] Figure 13 A signaling flow according to an example embodiment is shown. The signaling flow includes the steps of Figure 11 but further includes the LMF sending an indication of the direction of extension.

[0145] The generated symbols can also be at a distance from the received symbols, i.e. there can be a frequency gap between the received n subcarriers and the set of generated symbols in the L subcarriers. If both top and bottom placement are used, the generated symbols can be placed asymmetrically (e.g. with an asymmetric offset). Any number of sets of symbols is supported if there are any constraints from any system components to split the extension partially.

[0146] Figure 14 A signaling flow according to an example embodiment is shown. The signaling flow includes the steps of Figure 11 but further includes the LMF sending an indication of the continuity of extension, e.g. an indication of the frequency gap between the L subcarriers and the received n subcarriers, an asymmetric offset and / or the number of sets of generated symbols included in the L subcarriers.

[0147] Since the generated symbols are known to the receiver, there is no obligation to use the symbol bit sequence defined by the standard (TS 38.211) for the extension part. It should be understood that this deviation from the standard pattern does not conflict with the compliance of the network, since this pattern invariance is a UE internal operation. For the autocorrelation or any other method to measure the delay, the receiver knows to use a non-standard copy of the received signal and the extension signal in case of pattern invariance. In this case, the received symbols can be copied where their symbol internal r(m) sequence is so. In other words, a symbol r(l) can be a copy of r(m) even if l≠m.

[0148] Figure 15 A signaling flow according to an example embodiment is shown. The signaling flow includes the steps of Figure 11 but further includes the LMF sending an indication of the pattern invariance of extension, e.g. a deviation of the pattern of generated symbols in the L subcarriers from a given symbol pattern.

[0149] The time domain pattern for the extension part can be any pattern, not necessarily a standard defined pattern (comb pattern). The standard format is the most cost effective, but there can be reasons to use another pattern format sometimes, e.g. the applied IFFT can be optimized with another pattern. The content of the symbols in the non-standard pattern can be defined by the system, where the system is the LMF, BS or UE. I.e. the indication of the extension can include the deviation of the generated symbol pattern in the L subcarriers from a given symbol pattern.

[0150] Figure 16 A signaling flow is shown according to an example embodiment. The signaling flow includes Figure 11 the steps of, but also includes the LMF sending an indication of an extended non-standard pattern.

[0151] The method can allow the generated symbols to be set to any resource element within the available operator band. A contiguous spectrum can provide the best accuracy. However, it should be noted that the technique is also applicable to any non-contiguous case of carrier aggregation or other BW aggregation techniques (e.g. techniques like SUL or NR-U). Furthermore, RedCap UEs with limited RF and BB bandwidth greatly benefit from this technique (with or without frequency hopping).

[0152] The method can be provided to networks with frequency bands of any size. The lower or upper limit of the operator’s band does not limit the total bandwidth applied. Therefore, narrow bandwidth FDD bands are also very suitable for the time domain positioning technique with the presented complement.

[0153] When considering PRS comb patterns from multiple base stations (or from TRPs in general case), the proposed PRS extension is also fine in this scenario, as when the UE receives the defined pattern from at least three base stations, it means that the patterns must be properly aligned in time and frequency domain to avoid overlapping patterns, the LMF is responsible for the pattern definition and synchronization of the base stations. The regularity of the extended pattern keeps the non-overlapping scenario and there is no interference issue due to the extension technique.

[0154] The method described here is backward compatible with previous versions and applicable to future 6G versions.

[0155] The VF assumption means that the difference in ToA between the case where the system has sent the full bandwidth in the physical signal and the case where the positioning signal extension is applied is negligible. The increase in BW size can increase the positioning accuracy while allowing resource (spectrum) or battery saving.

[0156] The bandwidth of the measurement signal can be increased without requiring HW changes to the transmitter or receiver. Thus, the methods are practically cost effective and the method can be considered transparent for the transmitter. Thus, it is feasible to upgrade the technology to existing base stations. Similarly, from the UE perspective, no new requirements are set as UE capabilities. Thus, the above mentioned operator problem is overcome.

[0157] In case of a large number of UEs, which can be any type of devices sending SRS symbols to be positioned, interference of the symbols can occur. For example, there can be energy leakage between the symbols, e.g. if their decoding (same symbol, same frequency) are too close to each other. In this case, the proposed technology helps to reduce the interference, as we can separate the devices in the frequency domain by restricting the physical transmission band of more devices to smaller segments and not overlapping anymore.

[0158] IoT devices typically have a battery time requirement, e.g. up to 10 years. Positioning of IoT devices is very sensitive to positioning energy consumption, as GPS (or generally GNSS) is power consuming. Whenever possible, it is beneficial to replace or complement GNSS positioning by network based positioning as provided herein. When the accuracy requirement is not high for IoT devices, the bandwidth can be significantly reduced, thus reducing the energy consumption.

[0159] An apparatus can comprise means for: obtaining an indication of a bandwidth extension to be applied to a positioning signal received at the apparatus from a transmitter; receiving the positioning signal, wherein the positioning signal comprises a plurality of symbols in n subcarriers; generating an extended positioning signal based on the received positioning signal and the indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied; and determining a time of arrival of the positioning signal based on the extended positioning signal.

[0160] The apparatus can comprise a receiver, such as the receiver described with reference to Figure 2 The described user equipment or base station (or the control apparatus for a base station described with reference to Figure 3 may be a receiver or be comprised in or chip set for performing at least some actions of / for the receiver.

[0161] An apparatus can comprise means for: determining a bandwidth of a positioning signal provided by a transmitter of the positioning signal, the positioning signal comprising a plurality of symbols in n subcarriers; determining a bandwidth extension of the positioning signal to be applied at a receiver of the positioning signal based on a metric; providing an indication of the bandwidth to the transmitter; and providing an indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied to the receiver.

[0162] The apparatus can comprise a network function, such as but not limited to a function for location management, e.g. LMF, which can be a network function or comprise at least some actions performed for / for the network function to perform the network function.

[0163] In an embodiment, an apparatus comprising a network function refers to a device / apparatus performing or configured to perform at least part of the functions of the network function, or to a device / apparatus comprising circuitry, e.g. a chipset, performing or configured to perform at least part of the functions of the network function.

[0164] It is to be understood that the apparatus can comprise or be coupled to other units or modules etc., such as a radio or radio head, used for or for transmitting and / or receiving. Although the apparatus has been described as one entity, different modules and memories can be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0165] It is noted that while some embodiments have been described with respect to a 5G network, similar principles can be applied with respect to other networks and communication systems, such as a 6G network or a 5G advanced network. Thus, while certain embodiments have been described above with reference to certain example architectures for wireless networks, technologies and standards, the embodiments can be applied to any other suitable form of communications system than those illustrated and described herein.

[0166] It is also noted herein that while example embodiments have been described above, a number of changes and modifications can be made to the disclosed solutions without departing from the scope of the application.

[0167] As used herein, “at least one of ” and “one or more of ” and the like, wherein the list of two or more elements is bound by “and” or “or” means at least one of, or at least one of each listed element but not necessarily including all of the elements in the list, or each listed element individually.

[0168] In general, the various embodiments can be implemented in hardware or special-purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the disclosure can be implemented in hardware, while other aspects can be implemented in firmware or software which can be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the disclosure is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the disclosure can be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein can be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controler or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0169] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" can refer to one or more or all of the following: (i) analog and / or digital hardware circuitry, and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processors) that work together to carry out various functions, and

[0170] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation that includes one or more processors and / or integrated circuits (or a portion thereof, such as a microprocessor or a portion of a microprocessor) and that operates with aid of software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to a particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0171] Embodiments of the disclosure can be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of the mobile device, such as in the processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or program, also called program product, including software routines, applets and / or macros, can be stored in any apparatus-readable data storage medium and they comprise program instructions that when executed by the data processor implement the described steps. The computer program product can comprise one or more computer-executable components that, when the program is run, are configured to carry out embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components can be at least one software code or a portion thereof.

[0172] Further in this regard, it should be noted that any boxes in the logical flow of the figures can represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuit, blocks and functions, or combinations of one or more of them. Software can be stored in physical media such as memory chips or memory blocks in a processor, magnetic or optical disks, and the like. The physical media is non-transitory media. The term "non-transitory" as used herein is to be interpreted not as an eternal limitation but as a limitation that does not pertain to the duration of the data storage but to the manner of storage, i.e. tangible, not a signal. The memory can also be a part of the processor, or be a separate device.

[0173] The memory can be of any type appropriate for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any appropriate data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processor can be of any type appropriate for the local technical environment, and can include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), FPGAs, gate level circuits and processors based on multi-core processor architectures, as non-limiting examples.

[0174] Embodiments of the disclosure can be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on semiconductor substrates.

[0175] The scope of protection sought to be afforded by the various embodiments of the present disclosure is set forth in the claims that follow. The embodiments and features that are not within the scope of the claims (if any) and features that are described in this specification, if any, as supplementary information, should be construed as examples only and should not be necessarily construed as limiting the disclosure.

[0176] The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples a full and informative description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. However, various modifications and adaptations

[0177] Furthermore, the various implementations of the present disclosure can be described in terms of the following clauses, which can be combined in any reasonable manner:

[0178] Clause 1. An apparatus comprising means for: obtaining an indication of a bandwidth extension to be applied to a positioning signal received at the apparatus from a transmitter; receiving the positioning signal, wherein the positioning signal comprises a plurality of symbols in n subcarriers; generating an extended positioning signal based on the received positioning signal and the indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied; and determining a time of arrival of the positioning signal based on the extended positioning signal.

[0179] Clause 2. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the time of arrival of the symbols is substantially frequency independent.

[0180] Clause 3. The apparatus of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein obtaining the indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied comprises receiving the indication from a network entity.

[0181] Clause 4. The apparatus of clause 3, comprising means for performing the following operations: receiving a request from the network entity for receiver processing capability; and in response, providing an indication of receiver processing capability to the network.

[0182] Clause 5. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the bandwidth extension to be applied is associated with a positioning signal received from a given transmitter.

[0183] Clause 6. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein generating the extended positioning signal comprises adding L subcarriers to the n subcarriers of the received positioning signal.

[0184] Clause 7. The apparatus of clause 6, wherein the L subcarriers comprise generated symbols, and a pattern of the symbols of the n subcarriers is repeated in the generated symbols of the L subcarriers.

[0185] Clause 8. The apparatus of clause 6 or clause 7, wherein at least one of the L subcarriers is empty.

[0186] Clause 9. The apparatus of any one of clauses 6 to 8, wherein the indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied comprises an indication of at least one of: an extension direction, a frequency gap between the L subcarriers and the n subcarriers received, an asymmetric offset, a number of a set of generated symbols included in the L subcarriers, or a deviation of a generated symbol pattern in the L subcarriers from a given symbol pattern.

[0187] Clause 10. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1 to 9, comprising a user equipment, wherein the transmitter comprises a base station, and the positioning signal comprises a positioning reference signal.

[0188] Clause 11. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1 to 9, comprising a base station, wherein the transmitter comprises a user equipment, and the positioning signal comprises a sounding reference signal.

[0189] Clause 12. An apparatus comprising means for performing the following operations: determining a bandwidth of a positioning signal provided by a transmitter of the positioning signal, the positioning signal comprising a plurality of symbols in n subcarriers; determining a bandwidth extension of the positioning signal to be applied at a receiver of the positioning signal based on a metric; providing an indication of the bandwidth to the transmitter; and providing an indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied to the receiver.

[0190] Clause 13. The apparatus of clause 12, wherein a time of arrival of the symbol at the receiver is substantially frequency-independent.

[0191] Clause 14. The apparatus of clause 12 or clause 13, comprising means for: providing a request to the receiver for receiver processing capability; and receiving an indication of receiver processing capability, wherein determining the bandwidth extension of the positioning signal is further based on the receiver processing capability.

[0192] Clause 15. The apparatus of any of clauses 12 to 14, wherein the bandwidth extension to be applied is associated with a positioning signal received from the transmitter.

[0193] Clause 16. The apparatus of any of clauses 12 to 15, wherein the bandwidth extension of the positioning signal comprises: adding L subcarriers to the n received subcarriers of the received positioning signal.

[0194] Clause 17. The apparatus of clause 16, wherein the indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied comprises an indication of at least one of: an extension direction, a frequency gap between the L subcarriers and the received subcarriers, an asymmetric offset, a number of a set of generated symbols included in the L subcarriers, or a deviation of a pattern of generated symbols in the L subcarriers from a given symbol pattern.

[0195] Clause 18. The apparatus of any of clauses 12 to 17, wherein the metric comprises at least one of an accuracy metric or a resource saving metric.

[0196] Clause 19. The apparatus of any of clauses 12 to 18, wherein the receiver comprises a user equipment, wherein the transmitter comprises a base station, and the positioning signal comprises a positioning reference signal.

[0197] Clause 20. The apparatus of any of clauses 12 to 18, wherein the receiver comprises a base station, wherein the transmitter comprises a user equipment, and the positioning signal comprises a sounding reference signal.

[0198] Clause 21. A method comprising: obtaining an indication of a bandwidth extension to be applied to a positioning signal received at the apparatus from a transmitter; receiving the positioning signal, wherein the positioning signal comprises a plurality of symbols in n subcarriers; generating an extended positioning signal based on the received positioning signal and the indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied; and determining a time of arrival of the positioning signal based on the extended positioning signal.

[0199] Clause 22. A method comprising: determining a bandwidth of a positioning signal provided by a transmitter of the positioning signal, the positioning signal comprising a plurality of symbols in n subcarriers; determining a bandwidth extension of the positioning signal to be applied at a receiver of the positioning signal based on a metric; providing an indication of the bandwidth to the transmitter; and providing an indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied to the receiver.

[0200] Clause 23. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: obtaining an indication of a bandwidth extension to be applied to a positioning signal received at the apparatus from a transmitter; receiving the positioning signal, wherein the positioning signal comprises a plurality of symbols in n subcarriers; generating an extended positioning signal based on the received positioning signal and the indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied; and determining a time of arrival of the positioning signal based on the extended positioning signal.

[0201] Clause 24. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: determining a bandwidth of a positioning signal provided by a transmitter of the positioning signal, the positioning signal comprising a plurality of symbols in n subcarriers; determining a bandwidth extension of the positioning signal to be applied at a receiver of the positioning signal based on a metric; providing an indication of the bandwidth to the transmitter; and providing an indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied to the receiver.

Claims

1. An apparatus for positioning resource saving in bandwidth aggregation, comprising means for performing the following: obtaining an indication of a bandwidth extension to be applied to a positioning signal received at the apparatus from a transmitter; receiving the positioning signal, wherein the positioning signal comprises a plurality of symbols in n subcarriers; generating an extended positioning signal based on the received positioning signal and the indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied; and determining a time of arrival of the positioning signal based on the extended positioning signal.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the time of arrival of the symbols is substantially frequency independent.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, comprising means for performing the following: receiving a request for receiver processing capabilities from a network entity; and in response, providing an indication of receiver processing capabilities to the network.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the bandwidth extension to be applied is associated with positioning signals received from a given transmitter.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein generating the expanded positioning signal comprises: adding L subcarriers to the n subcarriers of the received positioning signal.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the L subcarriers comprise generated symbols and a pattern of the symbols of the n subcarriers is repeated in the generated symbols of the L subcarriers.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied comprises an indication of at least one of: an extension direction, a frequency gap between the L subcarriers and the received n subcarriers, an asymmetric offset, a number of a set of generated symbols included in the L subcarriers, or a deviation of a generated symbol pattern in the L subcarriers from a given symbol pattern.

8. An apparatus for positioning resource saving in bandwidth aggregation, comprising means for performing the following: determining a bandwidth of a positioning signal provided by a transmitter of the positioning signal, the positioning signal comprising a plurality of symbols in n subcarriers; determining a bandwidth extension of the positioning signal to be applied at a receiver of the positioning signal based on a metric; providing an indication of the bandwidth to the transmitter; and providing an indication of the bandwidth extension to be applied to the receiver.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a time of arrival of the symbols at the receiver is substantially frequency independent.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 or claim 9, comprising means for performing the following: providing a request for receiver processing capabilities to the receiver; and receiving an indication of receiver processing capabilities, wherein determining the bandwidth extension of the positioning signal is further based on the receiver processing capabilities.

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