Method for supporting simultaneous positioning configuration and reporting in next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) architecture

Abstract

Methods and network nodes for supporting simultaneous positioning configuration and reporting in a next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) architecture are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method in a core node comprises sending a positioning information request message to a plurality of radio base stations, the positioning information request message comprising an activation time for simultaneous uplink sounding reference signal (SRS) transmissions. The method also includes sending a measurement request message to the plurality of radio base stations, the measurement request message including a request for simultaneous SRS measurements from the plurality of radio base stations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to wireless communications, and more specifically, to a method for supporting simultaneous location configuration and reporting in a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) architecture. Background Technology

[0002] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has developed and is developing standards for fourth-generation (4G) (also known as Long Term Evolution (LTE)) and fifth-generation (5G) (also known as New Radio (NR)) wireless communication systems. Among other features, these systems provide broadband communication between network nodes (e.g., base stations (eNB, gNB)) and mobile user equipment (UE) or mobile radio equipment (WD), as well as communication between network nodes and between UEs. 3GPP is also developing standards for sixth-generation (6G) wireless communication networks.

[0003] Carrier phase-based positioning

[0004] Version 18 Work Project Objectives

[0005] Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) carrier phase positioning has been successfully used for centimeter-level accuracy positioning, but it is limited to outdoor applications. One objective of 3GPP Technical Release 18 (3GPP Rel-18) Work Item (WI) is to specify physical layer measurements and signaling to support NR carrier phase positioning. The following objectives are outlined in the 3GPP Release 18 Work Item description for extended and improved NR positioning:

[0006] • Specify physical layer measurements and signaling to support NR DL and UL carrier phase positioning [RAN1, RAN2, RAN3, RAN4] for UE-based, UE-assisted, and NG-RAN node-assisted positioning.

[0007] 1. Perform NR carrier phase measurements using existing downlink (DL) positioning reference signal (PRS) and uplink (UL) sounding reference signal (SRS);

[0008] 2. Specify measurements limited to a single carrier / positioning frequency layer (PFL); and

[0009] 3. Specify the corresponding new core requirements and identify and specify the impact on existing RAN4 specifications, including Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements (including PRS measurement periods / reports) and procedures [RAN4] without measurement gaps in connected and inactive modes.

[0010] Version 18 Work Project

[0011] RAN1#112bis-e

[0012] The NR UL reference signal carrier phase (RSCP) for the i-th path is defined as the phase of the channel response at the i-th path delay, derived from a resource element (RE) configured for measurement carrying a UL SRS signal for positioning purposes. The UL RSCP is associated with a specific RF frequency.

[0013] • Further research needed (FFS): Reference point for UL RSCP

[0014] •FFS: Whether / how to define measurement timing

[0015] • Note: For ease of definition, the i-th path is used. Whether this will only support the first path or support additional paths needs further discussion.

[0016] • Note: Support for Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) SRS for positioning is transparent to the User Equipment (UE).

[0017] RAN1#112bis-e

[0018] Support enables the Transmit / Receive Point (TRP) to report UL RSCP along with RTOA and / or gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurements to the Location Management Function (LMF).

[0019] Note 1: Reporting UL carrier phase measurements and gNB Rx-Tx time difference does not necessarily require reporting DL carrier phase measurements and UE Rx-Tx time difference.

[0020] Note 2: This does not exclude separate UL carrier phase measurement reports.

[0021] RAN 113

[0022] To enable the target UE and the Positioning Reference Unit (PRU) to simultaneously transmit UL SRS for positioning, the following enhancements are supported:

[0023] • Enables the LMF to request the UE's service gNB configuration to perform UL SRS resource transfer from the UE within the indicated time window.

[0024] • FFS: Details of the time window, such as the start time, duration, and period of the time window, either near the reference SRS configuration or using existing messages with the scheduling location time.

[0025] • Enables the LMF to request the UE's serving gNB and neighboring gNB to measure ULSRS resources from the UE within the indicated time window.

[0026] Note: This can be different indicated time windows.

[0027] In order for the LMF to request the UE's serving gNB and neighboring gNB to measure UL SRS resources from the UE within the indicated time window, each time window is defined with the following parameters:

[0028] • The start time of the time window is indicated by a combination of the subframe number relative to the Single System Frame Number (SFN) initialization time, the slot offset, and the symbol index.

[0029] • The duration of the time window, which is given by the number of consecutive time slots / symbols.

[0030] oFFS: Number of consecutive time slots / symbols

[0031] • (Optional) The period of the time window, which is defined similarly to the IE measurement periodicity in the "Measurement Request" section of 3GPP Technical Standard (TS) 38.455.

[0032] • FFS: The maximum number of windows.

[0033] Consider the following items. Note that PRU stands for "Location Reference Unit". In reality, PRU is a User Equipment (UE) with a known location.

[0034] As described above, the target UE and PRU simultaneously transmit UL SRS to correct for transmit / receive point (TRP) phase offset. Since the PRU is a UE with a known location, measurements of the UL SRS transmitted simultaneously from the target UE and PRU by the same TRP can be used to eliminate the phase offset introduced in the TRP.

[0035] To support carrier phase positioning, the positioning server (e.g., location management function (LMF)) needs to be able to request NG-RAN nodes to simultaneously perform uplink positioning measurements from two or more UEs (one of which can be a PRU), specifically ULRSCP (reference signal carrier phase). In this scenario, how to handle the signaling aspects between the positioning server and the NG-RAN node to support simultaneous positioning measurement reporting for carrier phase positioning (CPP) is an open problem to be solved. Additionally, in the case of a segmented network node architecture, the signaling details are also unknown, and this is another open problem to be addressed.

[0036] To support Carrier Phase Positioning (CPP), the positioning server (e.g., LMF) should be able to request NG-RAN nodes to simultaneously perform uplink positioning measurements from two or more UEs (one of which may be a Positioning Reference Unit (PRU)), specifically UL RSCP (Reference Signal Carrier Phase). In this scenario, how to handle the signaling aspects between the positioning server and the NG-RAN node to support simultaneous positioning measurement reporting for CPP is an open problem to be solved. Additionally, in the case of a segmented network node architecture, the signaling details are also unknown, and this is another open problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0037] Some embodiments advantageously provide methods and network nodes for supporting simultaneous location configuration and reporting in a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) architecture.

[0038] Some embodiments enable the Location Management Function (LMF) to request network nodes to configure multiple SRS configurations and activate their transmissions at the same time. The LMF also enables it to request simultaneous measurements for carrier phase positioning based on the indicated SRS configuration (which maps to the configured UL SRS transmitting UE).

[0039] This allows network nodes to provide feedback on whether they can report simultaneous measurements and include PRU measurement information in the network node measurement reports to the LMF.

[0040] Some embodiments may include one or both of a set of configuration steps and a set of measurement steps. In some embodiments, the configuration steps may include one or more of the following steps.

[0041] Configuration steps:

[0042] During UL SRS configuration, the LMF requests the serving NG-RAN node to configure several UEs simultaneously, one of which can be a PRU. This can be achieved using one or more of the following options:

[0043] 1. The LMF includes a flag indicating that SRS configuration is required simultaneously. The LMF can indicate this, for example, via a New Radio Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) message that includes multiple SRS configuration requests and a list of UE IDs;

[0044] 2. After successfully configuring multiple SRS configurations, the network node associates each successful configuration with an ID and notifies the LMF; and / or

[0045] 3. LMF then sends a new "Simultaneous Location Activation" message along with a list of SRS configuration IDs to be activated all at once.

[0046] Alternative locations:

[0047] 1. When requesting UL SRS configuration, during the "Location Information Request" message, the LMF provides the RAN node with the activation time for simultaneous UL SRS transmission activation;

[0048] 2. The RAN configuration activates the multiple UL SRS transmissions that it can successfully configure at the indicated timing or point in time, and notifies the LMF of the successful simultaneous SRS configuration and UL transmission of multiple UEs; and

[0049] • In the case of a segmented network node architecture with an F1 interface, the gNB-CU uses the same steps as above but queries the gNB-DU via an F1 location message to see if multiple UEs must be configured at the same time.

[0050] In some embodiments, the measurement step may include one or more of the following steps:

[0051] Measurement steps:

[0052] • During the measurement reporting step, LMF requests simultaneous measurement reports from network nodes via a new flag in the “NRPPa Measurement Request” message;

[0053] The LMF also includes the SRS configuration to be used for each measurement report, or the ID to which the SRS configuration should be mapped to the measurement report;

[0054] The multiple NG-RAN nodes (TRPs) that receive the request message from the LMF perform simultaneous measurements and (optionally) include these measurements in a bundled message containing a simultaneous measurement report to the LMF. Each measurement report from the TRP is associated with an SRS configuration used for the measurement report or with an ID associated with an SRS configuration used for the measurement report; and / or

[0055] • In the case of a segmented network node architecture with an F1 interface, for measurement reports, the gNB-DU bundles multiple measurements into a single F1 message that uses the same steps as described above but is sent to the gNB-CU via an F1 location message.

[0056] Some embodiments provide support for simultaneous measurement of the target UE and PRU. In some embodiments, indications are added during F1AP positioning measurements and NRPPa measurements. In some embodiments, the basic principle is that the LMF should be able to request multiple UL SRS configurations for multiple UEs with the same activation time from the network node. Once all the multiple UEs have been successfully configured to send UL SRS at the same activation time, the LMF should be able to request simultaneous measurement reports from the network node and receive a response (measurement report) for CPP from the network node.

[0057] Some embodiments may have one or more of the following advantages:

[0058] • Supports multi-UE SRS configuration for multiple UEs;

[0059] • Supports simultaneous measurement reporting; and / or

[0060] • Supports simultaneous reporting of CPP measurements for segmented network nodes. Attached Figure Description

[0061] A more complete understanding of this embodiment and its accompanying advantages and features will be more readily understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, by referring to the following detailed description, in which:

[0062] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example network architecture of a communication system based on the principles disclosed herein;

[0063] Figure 2 These are examples of user equipment and network nodes configured for enhanced initial access procedures to enable fast beam alignment;

[0064] Figure 3 The operational sequence for simultaneous location configuration and reporting in a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) architecture, based on the principles disclosed herein, is illustrated.

[0065] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of an example process in a network node for supporting simultaneous location configuration and reporting in a Next-Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture; and

[0066] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an example process in the core node for supporting simultaneous location configuration and reporting in a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture;

[0067] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of another example process in the core node for supporting simultaneous location configuration and reporting in a Next-Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture; and

[0068] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of another example process in a network node for supporting simultaneous location configuration and reporting in a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture. Detailed Implementation

[0069] Before describing the example embodiments in detail, note that the embodiments primarily concern combinations of apparatus components and processing steps related to methods for supporting simultaneous location configuration and reporting in a Next-Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture. Therefore, components are appropriately indicated in the drawings using conventional symbols, with only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments shown so as not to obscure this disclosure with details that would be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from the description herein. Throughout this specification, similar reference numerals denote similar elements.

[0070] Relational terms used herein (such as “first” and “second”, “top” and “bottom”, etc.) may be used only to distinguish one entity or element from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any physical or logical relationship or order between these entities or elements. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the concept described herein. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein are intended to also include the plural forms. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “having,” and / or “including” as used herein indicate the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0071] In the embodiments described herein, connection terms such as "communicating with" can be used to indicate electrical or data communication, which can be achieved, for example, through physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling, or optical signaling. Those skilled in the art will understand that multiple components can interoperate, and modifications and variations can be made to electrical and data communication.

[0072] In some embodiments described herein, although not necessarily directly indicated, the terms “coupled,” “connected,” etc. may be used herein to indicate a connection and may include wired and / or wireless connections.

[0073] As used herein, the term "network node" can refer to any type of network node included in a radio network, including base stations (BS), radio base stations, basic transceiver stations (BTS), base station controllers (BSC), radio network controllers (RNC), g node Bs (gNB), evolved Node Bs (eNB or eNodeB), node Bs, multi-standard radio (MSR) radio nodes (such as MSR BS), multi-cell / multicast coordination entities (MCE), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, relay nodes, donor node control relays, radio access points (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, remote radio units (RRU), remote radio heads (RRH), core network nodes (e.g., mobility management entities (MME), self-organizing network (SON) nodes, coordination nodes, location nodes, MDT nodes, etc.), external nodes (e.g., third-party nodes, nodes outside the current network), nodes in distributed antenna systems (DAS), spectrum access systems (SAS) nodes, element management systems (EMS), etc. Network nodes can also include test equipment. The term “radio node” as used in this article may also be used to refer to a wireless device (WD) (such as a wireless device (WD)) or a radio network node.

[0074] In some embodiments, the non-limiting terms wireless device (WD) or user equipment (UE) may be used interchangeably. A UE as used herein can be any type of wireless device capable of communicating with a network node or another UE via radio signals. A UE can also be a radio communication device, a target device, a device-to-device (D2D) UE, a machine-type UE or a UE capable of machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, a low-cost and / or low-complexity UE, a sensor equipped with a UE, a tablet computer, a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a laptop embedded device (LEE), a laptop mounted device (LME), a USB adapter or client terminal device (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, or a narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) device, etc.

[0075] Additionally, in some embodiments, the generic term "radio network node" is used. It can be any type of radio network node, including any of the following: base station, radio base station, basic transceiver station, base station controller, network controller, RNC, evolved Node B (eNB), Node B, gNB, multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), IAB node, relay node, access point, radio access point, remote radio unit (RRU), and remote radio headend (RRH).

[0076] Please note that although terms from a particular wireless system (e.g., 3GPP LTE and / or New Radio (NR)) may be used in this disclosure, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure to the aforementioned systems only. Other wireless systems (including, but not limited to, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMax), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)) may also benefit from utilizing the ideas covered in this disclosure.

[0077] It should also be noted that the functions performed by wireless devices or network nodes as described herein can be distributed across multiple wireless devices and / or network nodes. In other words, it is anticipated that the functions of the network nodes and wireless devices described herein are not limited to being performed by a single physical device, and can actually be distributed across several physical devices.

[0078] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be understood that the terms used herein should be interpreted in accordance with their meaning in the context of this specification and related art, and not in an ideal or overly formal sense, unless so explicitly defined herein.

[0079] Some embodiments provide methods for supporting simultaneous location configuration and reporting in a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) architecture.

[0080] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, in which similar elements are designated by similar reference numerals, Figure 1The diagram illustrates a communication system 10 according to an embodiment, such as a 3GPP-type cellular network that may support standards such as LTE and / or NR (5G), comprising an access network (e.g., a radio access network) 12 and a core network 14. The core network 14 may include location management functions 15. The access network 12 includes multiple network nodes 16a, 16b, 16c (collectively referred to as network nodes 16), such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs, or other types of radio access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 18a, 18b, 18c (collectively referred to as coverage area 18). Each network node 16a, 16b, 16c can be connected to the core network 14 via a wired or wireless connection 20. A first user equipment (UE) 22a located in coverage area 18a is configured to wirelessly connect to or be paged by the corresponding network node 16a. A second UE 22b in coverage area 18b can wirelessly connect to the corresponding network node 16b. Although multiple UEs 22a, 22b (collectively referred to as wireless devices 22) are shown in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to cases where a single UE is located in the coverage area or a single UE is connected to the corresponding network node 16. Note that although only two UEs 22 and three network nodes 16 are shown for convenience, the communication system may include more UEs 22 and network nodes 16.

[0081] Additionally, it is conceivable that UE 22 can communicate simultaneously with more than one network node 16 and more than one type of network node 16, and / or be configured to communicate individually with more than one network node 16 and more than one type of network node 16. For example, UE 22 can have dual connectivity with LTE-enabled network nodes 16 and the same or different NR-enabled network nodes 16. For example, UE 22 can communicate with an eNB for LTE / E-UTRAN and a gNB for NR / NG-RAN.

[0082] Network node 16 is configured to include configuration unit 24, which is configured to configure multiple SRS configurations based on requests from LMF 15 for probe reference signals (SRS) to be used for measurement reporting. Network node 16 can also be configured to perform the requested simultaneous SRS measurement. LMF 15 is configured to generate requests for SRS configurations to be used for measurement reporting.

[0083] The communication system 10 also includes a network node 16, which is disposed within the communication system 10 and includes hardware 26 enabling it to communicate with the UE 22. Hardware 26 may include a communication interface 28 for establishing and maintaining wired or wireless connections with different communication devices of the communication system 10, and a radio interface 30 for establishing and maintaining at least a wireless connection 32 with the UE 22 located in the coverage area 18 served by the network node 16. Radio interface 30 may be configured as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers. Communication interface 28 may be configured to facilitate connection to one or more local or remote computers. Connection to a local or remote computer may be direct or may be via the core network 14 of the communication system 10 and / or via one or more intermediate networks outside the communication system 10.

[0084] In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware 26 of network node 16 further includes processing circuitry 34. Processing circuitry 34 may include processor 36 and memory 38. Specifically, as a complement or alternative to the processor (e.g., central processing unit) and memory, processing circuitry 34 may include integrated circuits for processing and / or control, such as one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) and / or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) adapted to execute instructions. Processor 36 may be configured to access (e.g., write to or read from) memory 38, which may include any type of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0085] Therefore, network node 16 also has software 40 stored internally, such as in memory 38, or in external memory (e.g., a database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by network node 16 via an external connection. Software 40 can be executed by processing circuitry 34. Processing circuitry 34 can be configured to control any methods and / or processes described herein, and / or cause such methods and / or processes to be executed, for example, by network node 16. Processor 36 corresponds to one or more processors 36 for performing the functions of network node 16 described herein. Memory 72 is configured to store data, program software code, and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, software 40 may include instructions that, when executed by processor 36 and / or processing circuitry 34, cause processor 36 and / or processing circuitry 34 to perform the processes described herein with respect to network node 16. For example, processing circuitry 34 of network node 16 may include a configuration unit 24 configured to configure multiple SRS configurations based on a request from LMF 15 for probe reference signals (SRS) to be used for measurement reporting.

[0086] The communication system 10 also includes the previously mentioned UE 22. UE 22 may have hardware 42, which may include a radio interface 44 configured to establish and / or maintain a wireless connection 32 with a network node 16 serving the coverage area 18 where UE 22 is currently located. The radio interface 44 may be configured as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers.

[0087] The hardware 42 of UE 22 also includes processing circuitry 46. Processing circuitry 46 may include a processor 48 and memory 50. Specifically, as a complement or alternative to the processor (e.g., a central processing unit) and memory, processing circuitry 46 may include integrated circuits for processing and / or control, such as one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) and / or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) adapted to execute instructions. Processor 48 may be configured to access (e.g., write to or read from) memory 50, which may include any type of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0088] Therefore, UE 22 may also include software 52, which is stored, for example, in memory 50 at UE 22, or in external memory accessible by UE 22 (e.g., a database, storage array, network storage device, etc.). Software 52 may be executed by processing circuitry 46. Software 52 may include client application 54. Client application 54 is operable to provide services to human or non-human users via UE 22.

[0089] Processing circuitry 46 may be configured to control any methods and / or processes described herein, and / or to cause such methods and / or processes to be performed, for example, by UE 22. Processor 48 corresponds to one or more processors 48 for performing the functions of UE 22 described herein. UE 22 includes memory 50 configured to store data, program software code, and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, software 52 and / or client application 54 may include instructions that, when executed by processor 48 and / or processing circuitry 46, cause processor 48 and / or processing circuitry 46 to perform the processes described herein with respect to UE 22.

[0090] In some embodiments, the internal operation of network node 16 and UE 22 can be as follows: Figure 2 As shown, and independently, the surrounding network topology can be Figure 1 The network topology.

[0091] Figure 2 A core node 56, including the LMF 15, is also shown. The core node 56 includes a communication interface 58 and processing circuitry 60. The processing circuitry 60 includes a memory 62 and a processor 64. The processor 64 can be configured to perform the functions of the LMF 15 described herein. The core node 56 may have the communication interface 58, which is configured to establish and maintain a wireless connection with a network node 16 serving the coverage area 18. The communication interface 58 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers.

[0092] Instead of a processor (e.g., a central processing unit) and memory, processing circuitry 60 may include integrated circuits for processing and / or control, such as one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) and / or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) adapted to execute instructions. Processor 64 may be configured to access (e.g., write to or read from) memory 62, which may include any type of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0093] Therefore, the core node 56 may also include software stored, for example, in the core node 56's memory 62, or in external memory (e.g., a database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the core node 56. This software may be executed by processing circuitry 60.

[0094] Processing circuitry 60 may be configured to control any methods and / or processes described herein, and / or cause such methods and / or processes to be executed, for example, by core node 56. Processor 64 corresponds to one or more processors 64 for performing the functions of core node 56 described herein. Core node 56 includes memory 62 configured to store data, program software code, and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software may include instructions that, when executed by processor 64 and / or processing circuitry 60, cause processor 64 and / or processing circuitry 60 to perform the processes described herein with respect to core node 56.

[0095] although Figure 1 and Figure 2 Various “units” such as configuration unit 24 and LMF 15 are shown as residing within their respective processors, but it is conceivable that these units could be implemented such that a portion of the unit is stored in a corresponding memory within the processing circuitry. In other words, these units could be implemented within the processing circuitry in hardware or a combination of hardware and software.

[0096] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an operational sequence for supporting simultaneous location configuration and reporting in a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture. In step S10 of the operational sequence, LMF 15 sends a request for a simultaneous measurement indication or activation time (T1) to serving network node 16b. At step S12, serving network node 16b configures uplink transmissions with overlapping times. At steps S14 and S16, serving network node 16b sends activation instructions associated with activation time T1 to first WD 22a and second WD 22b, respectively. At steps S18 and S20, serving network node 16b and neighboring network node 16 perform simultaneous measurements. In step S22, these simultaneous measurements from network nodes 16a and 16b are reported.

[0097] Figure 4This is a flowchart of an example process in network node 16 for supporting simultaneous location configuration and reporting in a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture, where the network node acts as a radio base station communicating with location management function 15. One or more blocks described herein can be performed by one or more elements of network node 16, such as processing circuitry 34 (including configuration unit 24), processor 36, radio interface 30, and / or communication interface 28. Network node 16 (e.g., via processing circuitry 34 and / or processor 36 and / or radio interface 30 and / or communication interface 28) is configured to receive a request from LMF 15 for a probe reference signal (SRS) configuration to be used for measurement reporting (block S24). The process also includes configuring multiple SRS configurations in the SRS configuration (block S26). The process also includes sending an identifier of the multiple configured SRS configurations to LMF 15 (block S28).

[0098] In some embodiments, the method includes receiving an activation instruction for activating a plurality of the configured SRS configurations. In some embodiments, the activation instruction includes an activation time for simultaneous SRS uplink transmission. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving a measurement report configuration from an LMF 15 indicating the SRS configuration for each measurement report. In some embodiments, the method includes bundling measurements from a plurality of transmit / receive points (TRPs).

[0099] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of supporting simultaneous location configuration and reporting in a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture within the core node 56 of the Operational Location Management Function (LMF 15). One or more steps described herein can be performed by one or more elements of the core node 56, such as processing circuitry 60 (including the LMF 15), processor 64, and / or communication interface 58. The core node 56 (e.g., via processing circuitry 60 and / or processor 64 and / or communication interface 58) is configured to send a request to the radio base station for a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) configuration to be used for measurement reporting (box S30). The process also includes receiving an identifier (ID) for each SRS configuration configured by the radio base station (box S32). The process further includes sending an activation command for activating multiple configured SRS configurations (box S34).

[0100] In some embodiments, the activation instruction includes an activation time for simultaneous SRS uplink transmission. In some embodiments, the method includes sending a measurement report configuration to the LMF 15 indicating the SRS configuration of each of a plurality of measurement reports. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving measurement reports from a plurality of radio base stations. In some embodiments, the measurement reports are bundled by and received from a Transmit / Receive Point (TRP).

[0101] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of supporting simultaneous location configuration and reporting in a Next-Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture within the core node 56 of the operational location management function LMF 15. One or more steps described herein can be performed by one or more elements of the core node 56, such as processing circuitry 60 (including LMF 15), processor 64, and / or communication interface 58. The core node 56 (e.g., via processing circuitry 60 and / or processor 64 and / or communication interface 58) is configured to send location information request messages to multiple radio base stations, the location information request messages including activation times for simultaneous uplink sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission (box S36). The process includes sending measurement request messages to the multiple radio base stations, the measurement request messages including requests for simultaneous SRS measurements from the multiple radio base stations (box S38).

[0102] In some embodiments, the process includes receiving simultaneous SRS measurements in a bundled message. In some embodiments, the measurement request message is a New Radio Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) message. In some embodiments, the positioning information request message also includes a time window information SRS list indicating at least one of the start time, duration, and period of uplink SRS transmissions performed by user equipment (UE) 22. In some embodiments, the time window information SRS list indicates the maximum number of windows for uplink SRS transmissions. In some embodiments, the measurement request message includes a time window information measurement list indicating at least one of the start time, duration, and period of simultaneous SRS measurements. In some embodiments, the time window information measurement list indicates the maximum number of windows for SRS measurements. In some embodiments, the measurement request message includes a request for uplink reference signal carrier phase (RSCP) measurements. In some embodiments, the request for uplink RSCP measurements includes a request for one of uplink relative time of arrival (RTOA) and receive-transmit time difference measurements. In some embodiments, the method includes an indication of simultaneous SRS configuration and a list of user equipment (UE) 22 identifiers (IDs).

[0103] Figure 7This is a flowchart of an example process for configuring and reporting simultaneous location in a network node 16 to support a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture, where the network node acts as a radio base station communicating with location management function 15. One or more blocks described herein can be executed by one or more elements of network node 16, such as processing circuitry 34 (including configuration unit 24), processor 36, radio interface 30, and / or communication interface 28. Network node 16 (e.g., via processing circuitry 34 and / or processor 36 and / or radio interface 30 and / or communication interface 28) is configured to receive a location information request message including an activation time for simultaneous uplink sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission (block S40). The method includes receiving a measurement request message requesting simultaneous SRS measurements (block S42). The process also includes performing the requested simultaneous SRS measurement (block S44). The process further includes sending a measurement report based on the activation time, the measurement report including the requested simultaneous SRS measurement (block S46).

[0104] In some embodiments, the measurement report includes uplink reference signal carrier phase (RSCP) measurements. In some embodiments, the uplink RSCP measurement includes one of uplink relative time of arrival (RTOA) and receive-transmit time difference measurements. In some embodiments, the measurement request message is a New Radio Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) message. In some embodiments, the positioning information request message also includes a time window information SRS list indicating at least one of the start time, duration, and period of uplink SRS transmissions performed by user equipment (UE) 22. In some embodiments, the time window information SRS list indicates the maximum number of windows used for uplink SRS transmissions. In some embodiments, the measurement request message also includes a time window information measurement list indicating at least one of the start time, duration, and period of simultaneous SRS measurements. In some embodiments, the time window information measurement list indicates the maximum number of windows used for SRS measurements. In some embodiments, the method includes: receiving simultaneous SRS measurements from distributed cells of a network node via an F1 positioning message at the central cell of the network node.

[0105] The general processing flow of the arrangements of this disclosure has been described and examples of hardware and software arrangements for implementing the processes and functions of this disclosure have been provided. The following sections provide details and examples of arrangements for supporting methods for simultaneous location configuration and reporting in a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) architecture.

[0106] Throughout this specification, the term Carrier Phase Positioning (CPP) is used to refer to a positioning method based on carrier phase measurements. The following examples are not limiting, as they are applicable to both CPP-based positioning methods (i.e., standalone CPP) and methods that apply CPP outside of other methods (e.g., UL time-of-arrival methods, or round-trip time (RTT) methods) (i.e., non-standalone CPP). The measurement corresponding to the CPP method in UL is called the UL Received Signal Code Power (RSCP) measurement. In the case of standalone CPP, only the UL RSCP measurement may be reported. In the case of non-standalone CPP, the UL RSCP measurement, along with other measurements such as the UL Relative Time of Arrival (RTOA), may be reported.

[0107] NRPPa Implementation

[0108] In some embodiments, the location server (e.g., location management function (LMF) 15) signals a new message with a new indicator to an NG-RAN node (e.g., gNB, gNB-CU, or more generally referred to as "network node 16") to indicate the activation time at which multiple UEs can begin transmitting uplink (UL) probe reference signal (SRS) transmissions at the same time (i.e., after network node 16 signals the activation time to the multiple UEs, the UEs begin transmitting UL SRS).

[0109] In some embodiments, the positioning server signals a new message to network node 16, indicating the window start time and window duration, allowing multiple UEs to send UL SRS within the indicated time window. Note that a UE may send UL SRS after network node 16 signals the window to multiple UEs. In the case of periodic or semi-persistent UL SRS, the window may repeat at a certain period. In this case, the positioning server signals the period to network node 16 as additional information in the message.

[0110] In some embodiments, the signaling may be implemented via a new, non-UE-associated New Radio Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) message containing a list of SRS configurations and their IDs associated with different successful SRS configurations, wherein each SRS configuration is associated with UE 22, for example, via an ID. Without loss of generality, an example of such an NRPPa procedure is described below.

[0111]

[0112] The following is another example procedure that includes window start time, duration, and / or period.

[0113]

[0114] In some embodiments, instead of sending the activation time as part of the "Simultaneous Location Activation Request" message, the activation time can be newly introduced into the "Location Information Request" message (note that the existing "Location Information Request" message is defined in Clause 9.1.1.10 of 3GPP Technical Standard (TS) 38.455 v 17.4.0).

[0115] In some embodiments, a new window for the simultaneous SRS window start time, the duration of such a window, and / or the period of such a window may be introduced in the "Location Information Request" message.

[0116] In some embodiments, network node 16 indicates to LMF 15 that UL SRS transmission of multiple UEs has been successfully activated / triggered.

[0117] In some embodiments, LMF 15 sends a new flag in the NRPPa Measurement Request message to request a simultaneous measurement report. Without loss of generality, LMF 15 may indicate a request for a simultaneous measurement (e.g., simultaneous UL RSCP measurement) report as part of the Measurement Feature Request Indicator IE (note that the existing Measurement Feature Request Indicator message is defined in Clause 9.2.81 of 3GPP TS38.455 v17.4.0). An example is provided below by adding a new bit to this IE.

[0118] Measurement characteristic request indicator

[0119] This IE contains measurement characteristic information requested by LMF 15.

[0120]

[0121] In some embodiments, if the NRPPa request message from LMF 15 includes a request for a report to be used for simultaneous measurement of CPP, LMF 15 also indicates a list of SRS configurations to be used for the measurement report and their SRS configuration IDs.

[0122] In some embodiments, if a simultaneous measurement report is successfully performed with the requested configuration / configuration ID, the network node 16 includes the requested information in the NRPPa response message.

[0123] In some embodiments, if network node 16 cannot perform CPP measurement on SRS resources sent simultaneously by target UE 22 and PRU or multiple PRUs, network node 16 does not report the simultaneous measurement to LMF 15, but instead reports the measurement failure via a failure message with a new cause value: unable to report the requested information related to the CPP simultaneous measurement.

[0124] In some embodiments, network node 16 may send a measurement to LMF 15 in a reporting message. In this case, LMF 15 reconsiders the need for simultaneous measurement reporting.

[0125] In some embodiments, network node 16 (or gNB-CU) indicates to LMF 15 in an NRPPa message that the reported simultaneous measurement is for PRU.

[0126] In some embodiments, simultaneous measurements for CPP are included as new indicators in the Measurement Report IE in 3GPP TS 38.455.

[0127] Messages used to measure information transmission processes

[0128] Measurement Request

[0129] The message was sent by LMF 15 to request network node 16 to configure location measurements.

[0130] Direction: LMF 15 Network node 16.

[0131]

[0132]

[0133]

[0134]

[0135]

[0136]

[0137] TRP measurement results

[0138] This information element contains the measurement results.

[0139]

[0140]

[0141] In some embodiments, the CPP measurement reported via NRPPa includes UL RSCP information, and the reported CPP measurement is simultaneous with the target UE 22 measurement report. Optionally, the measurement report via NRPPa may additionally include departure angle (AoD) information, positioning reference unit (PRU) position, and phase error group information.

[0142] CPP measurement

[0143] This information element contains CPP information.

[0144] F1AP Example

[0145] In some embodiments, supplementary information is signaled via F1AP signaling to activate / trigger UL SRS transmissions of multiple UEs at the same activation time.

[0146] In some embodiments, the gNB-CU in the segmented NG-RAN architecture signals to the gNB-DU hosting the TRP to notify of new indicators for reporting simultaneous measurements for CPP.

[0147] In some embodiments, this indicator can be a new flag in the "F1AP Positioning Measurement Request" message. Without loss of generality, the gNB-CU can indicate a request for simultaneous measurement reporting as part of the Measurement Characteristics Request Indicator (IE). An example is provided below by adding a new bit to this IE.

[0148] Measurement characteristic request indicator

[0149] This IE contains measurement characteristic information requested by the gNB-CU.

[0150]

[0151] In some embodiments, if the F1AP request message from the gNB-CU includes a request for a report to be used for simultaneous measurement of CPP, the gNB-CU also indicates a list of SRS configurations to be used for the measurement report and their SRS configuration IDs.

[0152] In some embodiments, if a simultaneous measurement report is successfully generated with the requested configuration / configuration ID, the gNB-DU includes the requested information in the F1AP response message.

[0153] If the gNB-DU cannot report the simultaneous measurement to the gNB-CU, it can send a failure message with a new cause value to report the measurement failure: "Unable to report the requested information related to the simultaneous measurement of CPP".

[0154] In some embodiments, gNB-DU indicates to gNB-CU in an F1AP message that the reported simultaneous measurement is for PRU.

[0155] In some embodiments, simultaneous measurements for CPP are included as new indicators in the Measurement Report IE in 3GPP TS 38.473.

[0156] Positioning measurement results

[0157] The purpose of this information element is to provide measurement results.

[0158]

[0159]

[0160]

[0161] In some embodiments, the CPP measurement reported via F1AP includes UL RSCP information, and the reported CPP measurement is simultaneous with the target UE 22 measurement report. Optionally, the measurement report via F1AP may additionally include AoD information and Positioning Reference Unit (PRU) location. Phase error groups may also optionally be included in the F1AP IE.

[0162] XCPP Measurement

[0163] This information element contains CPP information.

[0164]

[0165] Some embodiments may include one or more of the following embodiments:

[0166] Example A1. A network node acting as a radio base station, the network node being configured to communicate with a core node of an Operational Location Management Function (LMF), the network node being configured (and / or including a radio interface and / or including processing circuitry configured to):

[0167] Receive a request from the LMF to configure the probe reference signal (SRS) to be used for measurement reporting;

[0168] Configure multiple SRS configurations based on this request; and

[0169] Send the identifiers (IDs) of the multiple configured SRS configurations to the LMF.

[0170] Example A2. The network node according to Example A1, wherein the network node, radio interface and / or processing circuitry are configured to receive activation instructions for activating a plurality of the plurality of configured SRS configurations.

[0171] Example A3. The network node according to Example A2, wherein the activation instruction includes an activation time for simultaneous SRS uplink transmission.

[0172] Example A4. A network node according to any one of Examples A1 to A3, wherein the network node, radio interface and / or processing circuitry are configured to receive from the LMF a measurement report configuration indicating the SRS configuration for each of the plurality of measurement reports.

[0173] Example A5. The network node according to Example A4, wherein the network node, radio interface and / or processing circuitry are configured to bundle measurements to be included in each measurement report.

[0174] Example B1. A method implemented in a network node acting as a radio base station, the radio base station communicating with a core node of an Operational Location Management (LMF) function, the method comprising:

[0175] Receive a request from the LMF to configure the probe reference signal (SRS) to be used for measurement reporting;

[0176] Configure multiple SRS configurations within this SRS configuration; and

[0177] Send the identifiers of the multiple configured SRS configurations to the LMF.

[0178] Example B2. The method according to Example B1 further includes receiving an activation instruction for activating a plurality of the plurality of configured SRS configurations.

[0179] Example B3. The method according to Example B2, wherein the activation instruction includes an activation time for simultaneous SRS uplink transmission.

[0180] Example B4. The method according to any one of Examples B1 to B3 further includes receiving a measurement report configuration from the LMF indicating the SRS configuration for each measurement report.

[0181] Example B5. The method according to Example B4 further includes bundling measurements from multiple transmit / receive points (TRPs).

[0182] Example C1. A core node for an Operational Location Management (LMF) function, the core node being configured to communicate with multiple radio base stations, the core node being configured (and / or including a radio interface and / or including processing circuitry configured to):

[0183] Send a request to the radio base station for configuring the sounding reference signal (SRS) to be used for measurement reporting;

[0184] Receive the identifier (ID) of each SRS configuration configured by the radio base station; and

[0185] Send activation commands to activate multiple configured SRS configurations.

[0186] Example C2. The core node according to Example C1, wherein the activation instruction includes an activation time for simultaneous SRS uplink transmission.

[0187] Example C3. The core node according to any one of Examples C1 and C2, wherein the core node, radio interface and / or processing circuitry are configured to send a measurement report configuration to the LMF indicating the SRS configuration for each of the multiple measurement reports.

[0188] Example C4. The core node according to any one of Examples C1 to C3, wherein the core node, radio interface and / or processing circuitry are configured to receive measurement reports from the plurality of radio base stations.

[0189] Example C5. The core node according to Example C4, wherein the measurement report is bundled with and received from the Transmit / Receive Point (TRP).

[0190] Example D1. A method in a core node that operates a location management function (LMF) and is configured to communicate with a plurality of radio base stations, the method comprising:

[0191] Send a request to the radio base station for configuring the sounding reference signal (SRS) to be used for measurement reporting;

[0192] Receive the identifier (ID) of each SRS configuration configured by the radio base station; and

[0193] Send activation commands to activate multiple configured SRS configurations.

[0194] Example D2. The method according to Example D1, wherein the activation instruction includes an activation time for simultaneous SRS uplink transmission.

[0195] Example D3. The method according to any one of Examples D1 and D2 further includes sending a measurement report configuration to the LMF that indicates the SRS configuration of each of the plurality of measurement reports.

[0196] Example D4. The method according to any one of Examples D1 to D3 further includes receiving measurement reports from the plurality of radio base stations.

[0197] Example D5. The method according to Example D4, wherein the measurement report is bundled with and received from the Transmit / Receive Point (TRP).

[0198] As those skilled in the art will recognize, the concepts described herein can be embodied as methods, data processing systems, computer program products, and / or computer storage media storing executable computer programs. Therefore, the concepts described herein can take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments, or embodiments combining hardware and software aspects, all of which are collectively referred to herein as “circuit” or “module.” Any processes, steps, actions, and / or functions described herein can be performed by and / or associated with a corresponding module, which can be implemented in software and / or firmware and / or hardware. Furthermore, this disclosure can take the form of a computer program product on a tangible computer-readable storage medium having computer program code embodied in that medium that is executable by a computer. Any suitable tangible computer-readable medium can be utilized, including hard disks, CD-ROMs, electrical storage devices, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

[0199] This document describes some embodiments with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, systems, and computer program products. It should be understood that each block in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a general-purpose computer (thus creating a special-purpose computer), a processor of a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing means for producing a machine, such that the instructions (executed via the computer's processor or other programmable data processing means) create implementations of the flowchart illustrations and / or blocks. Figure 1 The device that specifies the function / action in one or more boxes.

[0200] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or storage medium that directs a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce implementation flowcharts and / or blocks. Figure 1 The article of an instruction device for a function / action specified in one or more boxes.

[0201] Computer program instructions may also be loaded into a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operable steps to be executed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide for implementing flowcharts and / or blocks. Figure 1 The steps of the function / action specified in one or more boxes.

[0202] It should be understood that the functions and / or actions marked in the boxes may occur in a different order than those indicated in the operating instructions. For example, depending on the function / action involved, two boxes shown consecutively may actually be executed simultaneously, or the boxes may sometimes be executed in reverse order. Although some diagrams include arrows on the communication path to indicate the main direction of communication, it should be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the indicated arrow.

[0203] Computer program code used to perform the operations of the concepts described herein can be written in an object-oriented programming language such as Python, Java®, or C++. However, computer program code used to perform the operations of this disclosure can also be written in a conventional procedural programming language such as the "C" programming language. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer. In the latter case, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or it can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0204] In conjunction with the foregoing description and accompanying drawings, numerous different embodiments have been disclosed herein. It will be understood that a verbatim description and illustration of each combination and sub-combination of these embodiments would be excessively repetitive and obscure. Therefore, all embodiments may be combined in any manner and / or combination, and this specification, including the accompanying drawings, will be interpreted as a complete written description of all combinations and sub-combinations of the embodiments described herein, as well as the ways and processes of making and using them, and will support claims to any such combination or sub-combination.

[0205] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described herein are not limited to those specifically shown and described above. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated above, it should be noted that all figures are not drawn to scale. Various modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method in a core node (56) operating a location management function, LMF, (15), the core node (56) being configured to communicate with a plurality of radio base stations, the method comprising: sending (S36) a positioning information request message to the plurality of radio base stations, the positioning information request message comprising an activation time for simultaneous uplink sounding reference signal, SRS, transmissions; and sending (S38) a measurement request message to the plurality of radio base stations, the measurement request message comprising a request for simultaneous SRS measurements from the plurality of radio base stations.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving the simultaneous SRS measurements in a bundled message. The measurement request message is a New Radio Positioning Protocol A, “NRPPa”, message.

3. The method of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The positioning information request message further comprises a time window information SRS list indicating at least one of a start time, a duration, and a periodicity of uplink SRS transmissions by a user equipment, UE.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The time window information SRS list indicates a maximum number of windows for uplink SRS transmissions.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, 6. The method of any one of claims 1-5, the measurement request message comprising a time window information measurement list indicating at least one of a start time, a duration, and a periodicity of the simultaneous SRS measurements. The time window information measurement list indicates a maximum number of windows for SRS measurements.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The measurement request message comprises a request for uplink reference signal carrier phase, RSCP, measurements.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The request for uplink RSCP measurements comprises a request for one of uplink relative time of arrival, RTOA, and receive-transmit time difference measurements.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, sending an indication of simultaneous SRS configuration and a list of user equipment, UE, identities, IDs.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:

11. A core node (56) operating a location management function, LMF, (15), the core node (56) being configured to communicate with a plurality of radio base stations, the core node (56) being configured to: send a positioning information request message to the plurality of radio base stations, the positioning information request message comprising an activation time for simultaneous uplink sounding reference signal, SRS, transmissions; and send a measurement request message to the plurality of radio base stations, the measurement request message comprising a request for simultaneous SRS measurements from the plurality of radio base stations. The core node (56) is further configured to receive the simultaneous SRS measurements in a bundled message.

12. The core node (56) according to claim 11, wherein The measurement request message is a New Radio Positioning Protocol A, “NRPPa”, message.

13. The core node (56) according to any of claims 11 and 12, wherein, The positioning information request message further comprises a time window information SRS list indicating at least one of a start time, a duration, and a periodicity of uplink SRS transmissions by a user equipment, UE.

14. The core node (56) according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The time window information SRS list indicates a maximum number of windows for uplink SRS transmissions.

15. The core node (56) according to claim 14, wherein ​ 16. The core node (56) of any one of claims 11 to 15, the measurement request message further comprising a time window information measurement list indicating at least one of a start time, a duration, and a periodicity for the simultaneous SRS measurement.

17. The core node (56) according to claim 16, wherein the time window information measurement list indicates a maximum number of windows for SRS measurement.

18. The core node (56) according to any of claims 11 to 17, wherein, the measurement request message comprises a request for uplink reference signal carrier phase, RSCP, measurement.

19. The core node (56) according to claim 18, wherein the request for uplink RSCP measurement comprises a request for one of uplink relative time of arrival, RTOA, and receive-transmit time difference measurement.

20. The core node (56) according to any of claims 11 to 19, wherein, the core node (56) is further configured to transmit an indication of a simultaneous SRS configuration and a list of user equipment, UE, identities, IDs.

21. A method in a network node (16) acting as a radio base station, the network node (16) being configured to communicate with a core node (56) operating a location management function, LMF, (15), the method comprising: receiving (S40) a positioning information request message, the positioning information request message comprising an activation time for simultaneous uplink sounding reference signal, SRS, transmission; receiving (S42) a measurement request message requesting simultaneous SRS measurement; performing (S44) the requested simultaneous SRS measurement; and transmitting (S46) a measurement report comprising the requested simultaneous SRS measurement according to the activation time.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, the measurement report comprises uplink reference signal carrier phase, RSCP, measurement.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, the uplink RSCP measurement comprises one of uplink relative time of arrival, RTOA, and receive-transmit time difference measurement.

24. The method of any one of claims 21-23, wherein, the measurement request message is a New Radio Positioning Protocol A, “NRPPa”, message.

25. The method of any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein, the positioning information request message further comprises a time window information SRS list indicating at least one of a start time, a duration, and a periodicity for uplink SRS transmission by a user equipment, UE.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, the time window information SRS list indicates a maximum number of windows for uplink SRS transmission.

27. The method of any one of claims 21 to 26, the measurement request message further comprising a time window information measurement list indicating at least one of a start time, a duration, and a periodicity for the simultaneous SRS measurement.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein, the time window information measurement list indicates a maximum number of windows for SRS measurement.

29. The method of any of claims 21-28, further comprising: receiving, at a central unit of the network node (16), simultaneous SRS measurement via an Fl positioning message from a distributed unit of the network node (16).

30. A network node (16) acting as a radio base station, the network node (16) being configured to communicate with a core node (56) operating a location management function, LMF, (15), the network node (16) being configured to: receive a positioning information request message, the positioning information request message comprising an activation time for simultaneous uplink sounding reference signal, SRS, transmission; receive a measurement request message requesting simultaneous SRS measurement; performing the requested simultaneous SRS measurements; and transmitting a measurement report including the requested simultaneous SRS measurements according to the activation time.

31. The network node (16) of claim 30, wherein, The measurement report includes an uplink reference signal carrier phase, RSCP, measurement.

32. The network node (16) of Claim 31, wherein, The uplink RSCP measurement includes one of an uplink relative time of arrival, RTOA, and a receive-transmit time difference measurement.

33. The network node (16) of any of Claims 30-32, wherein, The measurement request message is a New Radio Positioning Protocol A, "NRPPa," message.

34. The network node (16) of any of Claims 30-33, wherein, The positioning information request message further includes a time window information SRS list indicating at least one of a start time, a duration, and a periodicity of uplink SRS transmissions by a user equipment, UE.

35. The network node (16) of Claim 34, wherein, The time window information SRS list indicates a maximum number of windows for uplink SRS transmissions.

36. The network node (16) of any of Claims 30-35, the measurement request message further including a time window information measurement list indicating at least one of a start time, a duration, and a periodicity of the simultaneous SRS measurements.

37. The network node (16) of Claim 36, wherein, The time window information measurement list indicates a maximum number of windows for SRS measurements.

38. The network node (16) of any of Claims 30-37, wherein, The network node (16) includes a central unit and a distributed unit, the central unit configured to receive the simultaneous SRS measurements from the distributed unit via an Fl positioning message.

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