Enabling a ran node as a positioning client

Abstract

An apparatus comprising means for sending, with a radio access network node, a location service request for a user equipment; wherein the location service request for the user equipment is initiated with the radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment comprises a sounding reference signal configuration; and means for receiving, with the radio access network node, a response to the location service request comprising a location of the user equipment; wherein the response to the location service request comprising the location of the user equipment is based on the sounding reference signal configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] These example and non-limiting example embodiments generally relate to communication, and more specifically, to efficient procedures for enabling RAN nodes as location clients. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, positioning systems are implemented in communication networks (such as wireless communication networks). Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes: means for transmitting a location service request for a user equipment using a radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment is initiated using the radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment includes a probe reference signal configuration; and means for receiving a response to the location service request using the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment; wherein the response to the location service request including the location of the user equipment is based on a probe reference signal configuration.

[0004] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes: means for transmitting an update of a probe reference signal configuration to a database using a radio access network node; means for transmitting a location service request for a user equipment using the radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment is initiated using the radio access network node; and means for receiving a response to the location service request using the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment; wherein the response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is based on the probe reference signal configuration.

[0005] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes: means for receiving a location service request for a user equipment from a radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment includes a probe reference signal configuration; and means for sending a response to the location service request to the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment; wherein the response to the location service request including the location of the user equipment is based on the probe reference signal configuration.

[0006] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes: means for receiving a location service request for a user equipment from a radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment is received from the radio access network node without a probe reference signal configuration; means for selecting a location management function; means for sending a request to the location management function to determine the location of the user equipment without a probe reference signal configuration; wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment is sent to the location management function without a probe reference signal configuration because the location management function is configured to retrieve the probe reference signal configuration from a database; means for receiving the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration from the location management function; and means for sending a response to the location service request to the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment received from the location management function.

[0007] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes: means for receiving a request to determine the location of a user equipment; wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment includes a probe reference signal configuration; means for determining the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration; and means for sending a response to the request to determine the location of the user equipment, the response including the location of the user equipment.

[0008] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes: means for receiving a request to determine the location of a user equipment; wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment is received without a probe reference signal configuration; means for retrieving a probe reference signal configuration from a database; means for determining the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration retrieved from the database; and means for sending a response to the request to determine the location of the user equipment, the response including the location of the user equipment.

[0009] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes: components for storing a probe reference signal configuration of a user equipment (UE) using a database; components for receiving updates to the probe reference signal configuration of the UE from a radio access network node; components for storing the updates to the probe reference signal configuration using a database; components for receiving a request from a location management function to access the updated probe reference signal configuration for the UE; and components for providing the location management function with access to the updated probe reference signal configuration.

[0010] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes: components for receiving a probe reference signal configuration from a radio access network node; wherein the probe reference signal configuration received from the radio access network node is configured to determine the location of the apparatus based on a location service request initiated by the radio access network node, including the probe reference signal configuration; and components for transmitting a periodic probe reference signal or an aperiodic probe reference signal to the radio access network node based on the probe reference signal configuration; wherein the probe reference signal transmitted to the radio access network node is configured to perform positioning measurements based on a location service request initiated by the radio access network node, including the probe reference signal configuration. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The foregoing aspects and other features are explained in the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a possible, non-limiting system that can be implemented using example embodiments.

[0013] Figure 2 This shows the UE location initiated by the RAN node.

[0014] Figure 3 The RAN node-initiated UE location is shown, where the SRS configuration is sent to the database.

[0015] Figure 4 It is an example device configured to implement the examples described herein.

[0016] Figure 5 A representation of an example of a non-volatile storage medium used to store instructions that implement the examples described herein is shown.

[0017] Figure 6 This is an example method based on the examples described in this article.

[0018] Figure 7 This is an example method based on the examples described in this article.

[0019] Figure 8 This is an example method based on the examples described in this article.

[0020] Figure 9 This is an example method based on the examples described in this article.

[0021] Figure 10 This is an example method based on the examples described in this article.

[0022] Figure 11 This is an example method based on the examples described in this article.

[0023] Figure 12 This is an example method based on the examples described in this article.

[0024] Figure 13 This is an example method based on the examples described in this article. Detailed Implementation

[0025] See Figure 1 The figure shows a block diagram of a possible, non-limiting example that can be implemented. It illustrates a user equipment (UE) 110, a radio access network (RAN) node 170, and (multiple) network elements 190. Figure 1 In the example, User Equipment (UE) 110 wirelessly communicates with Wireless Network 100. The UE is a wireless device that can access Wireless Network 100. UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected via one or more buses 127. Each of the one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver Rx 132 and a transmitter Tx 133. The one or more buses 127 can be address, data, or control buses and can include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics, or other optical communication devices, etc. The one or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. The one or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. UE 110 includes a module 140, which includes one or both of portions 140-1 and / or 140-2, and can be implemented in various ways. Module 140 can be implemented in hardware as module 140-1, for example, as part of one or more processors 120. Module 140-1 can also be implemented as an integrated circuit or via other hardware, such as a programmable gate array. In another example, module 140 can be implemented as module 140-2, which is implemented as computer program code 123 and executed by one or more processors 120. For example, one or more memories 125 and computer program code 123 can be configured to combine with one or more processors 120 to cause user equipment 110 to perform one or more operations described herein. UE 110 communicates with RAN node 170 via wireless link 111.

[0026] In this example, RAN node 170 is a base station that provides access to wireless network 100 for wireless devices (e.g., UE 110). RAN node 170 can be, for example, a base station for 5G (also known as New Radio (NR)). In 5G, RAN node 170 can be an NG-RAN node, defined as a gNB or ng-eNB. A gNB is a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol terminals to the UE and is connected to the 5GC (e.g., multiple network elements 190) via an NG interface (e.g., connection 131). An ng-eNB is a node that provides E-UTRA user plane and control plane protocol terminals to the UE and is connected to the 5GC via an NG interface (e.g., connection 131). An NG-RAN node can include multiple gNBs, and can also include a central unit (CU) (gNB-CU) 196 and multiple distributed units (DUs) (gNB-DU), where DU 195 is shown. Note that DU 195 can include or be coupled to and control a radio unit (RU). gNB-CU 196 is a logical node that hosts the Radio Resource Control (RRC), SDAP, and PDCP protocols of a gNB, or controls the RRC and PDCP protocols of an en-gNB that controls the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. gNB-CU 196 terminates its connection to the F1 interface of gNB-DU 195. The F1 interface is shown as reference numeral 198, although reference numeral 198 also indicates a link between remote elements and centralized elements of RAN node 170, such as between gNB-CU 196 and gNB-DU 195. gNB-DU 195 is a logical node hosting the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers of a gNB or en-gNB, the operation of which is partially controlled by gNB-CU 196. One gNB-CU 196 supports one or more cells. A cell can be supported by one gNB-DU 195, or a cell can be supported / shared by multiple DUs under RAN sharing. gNB-DU 195 terminates its connection to the F1 interface 198 of gNB-CU 196. Note that DU 195 is considered to include transceiver 160, for example as part of an RU, but in some examples, transceiver 160 may be part of a separate RU, for example, under the control of DU 195 and connected to DU 195. RAN node 170 may also be an eNB (evolved NodeB) base station for LTE (Long Term Evolution), or any other suitable base station or node.

[0027] RAN node 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces (N / WI / F) 161, and one or more transceivers 160 interconnected via one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver Rx 162 and a transmitter Tx 163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. CU 196 may include one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, and network interfaces 161. Note that DU 195 may also contain its own one or more memories and one or more processors, and / or other hardware, but these are not shown.

[0028] RAN node 170 includes module 150, which comprises one or both of portions 150-1 and / or 150-2, and can be implemented in various ways. Module 150 can be implemented in hardware as module 150-1, for example, as part of one or more processors 152. Module 150-1 can also be implemented as an integrated circuit or via other hardware, such as a programmable gate array. In another example, module 150 can be implemented as module 150-2, which is implemented as computer program code 153 and executed by one or more processors 152. For example, one or more memories 155 and computer program code 153 can be configured to combine with one or more processors 152 such that RAN node 170 performs one or more operations described herein. Note that the functionality of module 150 can be distributed, for example, distributed between DU 195 and CU 196, or implemented only in DU 195.

[0029] One or more network interfaces 161 communicate over a network, for example, via links 176 and 131. Two or more gNBs 170 may communicate using, for example, link 176. Link 176 may be wired or wireless or both, and may implement, for example, an Xn interface for 5G, an X2 interface for LTE, or other suitable interfaces for other standards.

[0030] One or more buses 157 may be address, data, or control buses and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optic or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, etc. For example, one or more transceivers 160 may be implemented as a Remote Radio Header (RRH) 195 for LTE or a Distributed Unit (DU) 195 for a gNB implementation of 5G, wherein other elements of the RAN node 170 may be physically located in a different location from the RRH / DU 195, and one or more buses 157 may be partially implemented as, for example, fiber optic cables or other suitable network connections to connect other elements of the RAN node 170 (e.g., Central Unit (CU), gNB-CU 196) to the RRH / DU 195. Reference numeral 198 also indicates those suitable network links(s).

[0031] A RAN node / gNB may include one or more TRPs, and the methods described in this paper can be applied to these TRPs. Figure 1 The diagram shows RAN node 170 including TRP 51 and TRP 52, in addition to the TRP represented by transceiver 160. Similar to transceiver 160, each of TRP 51 and TRP 52 may include a transmitter and a receiver. RAN node 170 may host or include... Figure 1 Other TRPs not shown in the table.

[0032] In NR, relay nodes are called Integrated Access and Backhaul nodes. The mobile termination portion of an IAB node facilitates backhaul (parent link) connections. In other words, the mobile termination portion includes the functions that carry UE functionality. The distributed unit portion of an IAB node facilitates so-called access link (sub-link) connections (i.e., for access link UEs, and for backhaul to other IAB nodes in the case of multi-hop IABs). In other words, the distributed unit portion is responsible for certain base station functions. IAB scenarios can follow a so-called decoupled architecture, where the central unit hosts higher-layer protocols for the UE and terminates at the control plane and user plane interfaces of the 5G core network.

[0033] Note that the description in this article indicates that a "cell" performs functions, but it should be clear that the equipment forming the cell can perform these functions. A cell constitutes part of a base station. That is, each base station can have multiple cells. For example, a single carrier frequency and associated bandwidth may have three cells, each covering one-third of a 360-degree area, making the coverage area of ​​a single base station approximately elliptical or circular. Furthermore, each cell can correspond to a single carrier, and a base station can use multiple carriers. Therefore, if each carrier has three 120-degree cells and there are two carriers, then the base station has a total of six cells.

[0034] Wireless network 100 may include network elements or element 190, which may include core network functions and provide connectivity to another network (e.g., a telephone network and / or a data communication network (e.g., the Internet)) via link or link 181. Such core network functions for 5G may include location management functions (multiple LMFs) and / or multiple access and mobility management functions (multiple AMFs) and / or user plane functions (multiple UPFs) and / or multiple session management functions (multiple SMFs). Such core network functions for LTE may include MME (Mobility Management Entity) / SGW (Serving Gateway) functions. Such core network functions may include SON (Self-Organizing / Optimizing Network) functions. These are merely examples of functions that network element 190 may support; note that both 5G and LTE functions may be supported. RAN node 170 is connected to network element 190 via link 131. Link 131 may be implemented as, for example, an NG interface for 5G, or an S1 interface for LTE, or other suitable interfaces of other standards. Network element 190 includes one or more processors 175, one or more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces (multiple N / WI / F) 180 interconnected via one or more buses 185. The one or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. The computer program code 173 may include SON and / or MRO functions 172.

[0035] Wireless network 100 can implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functions into a single software-based management entity or virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is classified as external (combining many networks or network parts into virtual units) or internal (providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system). Note that the virtualized entity created by network virtualization is still implemented to some extent using hardware (such as processors 152 or 175 and memories 155 and 171), and this virtualized entity also produces technical effects.

[0036] Computer-readable storage devices 125, 155, and 171 can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based storage devices, flash memory, magnetic storage devices and systems, optical storage devices and systems, non-transitory memory, transient memory, fixed memory, and removable memory. Computer-readable storage devices 125, 155, and 171 can be components for performing storage functions. Processors 120, 152, and 175 can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can include one or more general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures, as non-limiting examples. Processors 120, 152, and 175 can be components for performing functions, such as controlling UE 110, RAN node 170, network element(s) 190, and other functions described herein.

[0037] Typically, various example embodiments of user equipment 110 may include, but are not limited to: cellular phones (e.g., smartphones), tablet computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) with wireless communication capabilities, portable computers with wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices (e.g., digital cameras) with wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices with wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback devices with wireless communication capabilities, internet devices including those that allow wireless internet access and browsing, tablet computers with wireless communication capabilities, head-mounted displays (e.g., those implementing virtual / augmented / mixed reality), and portable units or terminals combining these functions. UE 110 may also be a vehicle (e.g., an automobile), or a UE installed in a vehicle, a UAV (e.g., a drone), or a UE installed in a UAV. User equipment 110 may be a terminal device, such as a mobile phone, mobile device, sensor device, etc., which may or may not be used by a user.

[0038] UE 110, RAN node 170, and / or (multiple) network elements 190 (and associated memory, computer program code, and modules) can be configured to implement (e.g., in part) the methods described herein. Therefore, computer program code 123, module 140-1, module 140-2, and UE 110's... Figure 1 Other components / features shown can implement the user equipment-related aspects of the examples described herein. Similarly, computer program code 153, module 150-1, module 150-2, and RAN node 170... Figure 1 Other components / features shown herein can implement the gNB / TRP-related aspects of the examples described herein. Computer program code 173 and network element(s) 190 Figure 1Other elements / features shown in the document can be configured to implement the network element-related aspects of the examples described herein.

[0039] Therefore, a suitable but non-limiting technical background for practicing the exemplary embodiments has been introduced, and the exemplary embodiments are now described in more detail.

[0040] Radio location has been part of many generations of specifications. Location requests originate from external clients (LCS clients) connected to the core network (CN) via GMLC or NEF and are forwarded to the radio access network (RAN) nodes via the CN. This paper describes an approach where, in some examples, location service requests for user equipment are not initiated using a location service client, and are not initiated using the core network.

[0041] 3GPP TS 38.305 “NG-RAN; Stage 2 functional specification of User Equipment (UE) positioning in NG-RAN”: This technical specification defines the DL and UL positioning procedures. The DL positioning method relies on the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS), while the UL positioning method relies on the Detection Reference Signal (SRS).

[0042] It is worth noting that SRS is not only used for positioning purposes. An important use of SRS is the estimation of UL radio channels (hereinafter referred to as SRS for communication). This is necessary for many L1 / 2 tasks, such as scheduling and resource allocation, link adaptation, and MIMO processing, when: 1. the UE has data to transmit in UL in both Time Division Duplex (TDD) and Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) modes, and 2. the gNB has data to transmit in DL in TDD mode (utilizing UL / DL channel reciprocity).

[0043] These scenarios correspond to many practical concerns: Frequency Range (FR) 1 uses a mix of TDD and FDD modes, while FR 2 operates only in TDD mode.

[0044] The configuration of the SRS used for communication in the time-frequency domain is an effective configuration for the SRS used for positioning: 1. In the time domain, the SRS used for communication can span {1,2,4} consecutive OFDM symbols, while the SRS used for positioning can span {1,2,4,8,12} consecutive OFDM symbols; 2. In the frequency domain, the SRS used for communication can be transmitted on every Nth subcarrier, where N = 2,4 (representing comb-2 or comb-4), while the SRS used for positioning can be configured with comb-2, comb-4, or a less dense comb-8 pattern.

[0045] For both communication and positioning, SRS is generated from the Zadoff-Chu sequence.

[0046] According to current standards, it is impossible for a given RAN node to initiate a UE localization procedure. However, UE localization can help and optimize many radio communication procedures performed by the RAN node (more generally known as Radio Resource Management (RRM) and Mobility Robustness Optimization (MRO)).

[0047] This article describes an efficient procedure for enabling RAN nodes to initiate a location process. More specifically, a given RAN node triggers a location request to the Location Management Function (LMF) and uses the initial request to send the configuration of the (already performed) UL SRS transmission to the LMF so that the LMF can send it to neighboring RAN nodes in further steps.

[0048] As mentioned above, this may be beneficial for time-critical RRM tasks where the UE is already in RRC connection mode. These tasks include (1-5):

[0049] 1. Efficient selection of cooperative transmit-receive point (TRP) clusters in user-centric / cellless systems: Currently, this selection is based on signal strength measurements and may require measurements from many TRPs. UE location can be used to reduce the number of measurements and correspondingly reduce signaling overhead.

[0050] 2. Data Collection for Machine Learning (ML): For many L1 / 2 ML problems, associating collected data with UE locations is useful, as this can serve as additional input for training / inference. For example, UE locations can be used to label data for supervised ML.

[0051] 3. Beam management / alignment, especially in the FR2 band.

[0052] 4. Enhancements to mobility applications.

[0053] 5. Classify UE movement as random or static so as to exclude or include it from the MRO process, respectively.

[0054] This paper previously described a simple but important observation: independent of FR, SRS transmission is already activated for many L1 / 2 tasks, thus eliminating the need for NRPPa / LPP positioning protocols. Furthermore, the configurations used for these tasks are efficient configurations for positioning. Therefore, this paper describes a method in which the received SRS at the gNB / TRP is simply reused to obtain the UE location using UL positioning methods (e.g., angle of arrival or time difference of arrival methods) with the aid of LMF. This has the following advantages: 1. It eliminates the need for additional configuration of the UE, which is true for DL ​​positioning methods that rely on, for example, PRS; and 2. Therefore, it makes the positioning protocol simpler and faster, as shown in the flowchart below.

[0055] The method described herein does not violate current specifications. As described in Sections 8.13.1 and 8.14.1 of TS 38.305, the decision regarding the SRS configuration used for positioning is made by the gNB, not the LMF. The LMF only receives the selected configuration from the gNB and forwards it to other neighboring gNBs / TRPs. The method described herein is consistent with this.

[0056] The main changes to efficient UE location service requests enabled by gNB are as follows (1-5): 1. A new NG-c procedure from gNB to AMF allows UE location service requests. Location services are currently only requested from GMLC; 2. To make it an efficient procedure, the RAN may have already sent the SRS configuration IE as part of the location service request message; 3. After selecting the LMF instance, the AMF sends the SRS configuration as part of the DetermineLocation request message; 4. UDM involvement is not required in this case because the target NF (serving AMF) is explicitly known; 5. Network-triggered service requests are not required because it is assumed that the UE is in connected mode in all the above use cases.

[0057] Figure 2 This document illustrates the UE location procedure initiated by the RAN node, as described herein, where the serving RAN node 170-1 sends the SRS configuration IE as part of a location service request message. Neighbor gNB, gNB2 170-2, and gNB3 170-3 are collectively referred to as neighbor gNB 220.

[0058] Figure 2 Flowchart steps:

[0059] 0. At 200, gNB 170-1 uses RRC IE or MAC CE to configure / update the SRS with UE 110.

[0060] 1. At position 201, the SRS transmission begins for L1 / L2 procedures. UE 110 sends an SRS to serving gNB1 170-1.

[0061] 2. At 202, gNB 170-1 needs UE location: gNB 170-1 sends a UE location service request to AMF 190-1, including SRS configuration in the request.

[0062] 3. At step 203, AMF 190-1 invokes the Nudm_SDM_Get service operation on the UDM 230 of the target UE 110 to obtain the privacy settings of UE 110 identified by its GPSI or SUPI. UDM 230 returns the target UE privacy settings for UE 110. AMF 190-1 checks the privacy profile; if UE 110 is not allowed to be located, AMF 190-1 rejects the measurement request, and the procedure ends. Otherwise, the method proceeds to step 4 (204).

[0063] 4. At position 204, select LMF 190-2 for AMF 190-1.

[0064] 5. At 205, AMF 190-1 sends a location determination request to LMF 190-2, including the SRS configuration.

[0065] 6, 7, 8. At 206, 207, 208, perform UE positioning (collectively referred to as 240) in accordance with steps 6, 7, 8 of Section 8.14.3.4 of TS 23.273 and TS 38.305. Here, LMF 190-2 sends the SRS configuration obtained in step 5 (205) to the neighboring gNBs (170-2, 170-3) in step 6 (206).

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, at point 206, LMF 190-2 sends a location measurement request to serving gNB1 170-1, neighbor gNB2 170-2, and neighbor gNB3 170-3. At point 207, serving gNB1 170-1, neighbor gNB2 170-2, and neighbor gNB3 170-3 perform UL SRS measurements. At point 208, in response to the location measurement request sent at point 206, serving gNB1 170-1, neighbor gNB2 170-2, and neighbor gNB3 170-3 send a location measurement response to LMF 190-2.

[0067] 9. At 209, after calculating the UE location (e.g., the location of UE 110), LMF 190-2 sends the location to AMF 190-1.

[0068] 10. At 210, AMF 190-1 forwards the UE location (e.g., the location of UE 110) to gNB 170-1 in the UE location service response message.

[0069] The procedure described in this article (e.g., using...) Figure 2 The beneficial and technical effects of periodic SRS transmission (as illustrated in the call flow diagram) are as follows: The SRS used for positioning is a "one-time" aperiodic signal, meaning it cannot be repeated across multiple time slots / subframes. When the SRS used for communication is periodic or semi-persistent, it is advantageous for positioning because it allows for repeated location estimation or location tracking. More specifically, Figure 2 Steps 2 (202), 3 (203), 4 (204), 5 (205), and 6 (206) will be executed once, while steps 8-10 (208-210, including step 9 (209)) can be repeated based on periodic SRS transmissions. This is not possible according to the current specification. As used herein, aperiodicity can be referred to as aperiodic, and non-periodicity can be referred to as aperiodic.

[0070] Figure 3 Different embodiments are shown, in which RAN node 170-1 sends the SRS configuration IE to the public UE database (DB 350) when the configuration changes. It is assumed that DB 350 has direct connections to gNBs (170-1, 170-2, 170-3) and LMF 190-2, and may be, for example, part of O&M. A beneficial effect of saving the SRS configuration to the DB is a reduction in message size on the NG and CN interfaces. Location is likely to become a more important feature in 6G, and for this reason, location may become a frequently triggered procedure. Storing the SRS configuration in the database can reduce redundant and unnecessary SRS configuration exchanges between gNBs (e.g., gNB 170-1) and AMF 190-1, and between AMF190-1 and LMF 190-2.

[0071] DB 350 can be implemented in and / or reside in the core network. DB 350 can be implemented, for example, in network elements including LMF190-2, such as within one or more network elements 190. DB 350 can also be a logical or virtualized function, and / or distributed in network 100.

[0072] Figure 3 The flowchart steps are as follows:

[0073] 0. At 300, gNB 170-1 updates the SRS configuration with UE 110.

[0074] 1. At 301, SRS transmission begins for L1 / L2 procedures. UE 110 sends SRS to serving gNB1 170-1.

[0075] 2. At 302, gNB 170-1 sends the updated IE SRS configuration to DB 350.

[0076] 3. At 303, gNB 170-1 needs UE location: gNB 170-1 sends a UE location service request to AMF 190-1.

[0077] 4. At step 304, AMF 190-1 invokes the Nudm_SDM_Get service operation on the UDM 230 of the target UE 110 to obtain the privacy settings of UE 110 identified by its GPSI or SUPI. UDM 230 returns the target UE privacy settings for UE 110. AMF 190-1 checks the privacy profile; if UE 110 is not allowed to be located, AMF 190-1 rejects the measurement request, and the procedure ends. Otherwise, the method proceeds to step 5 (305).

[0078] 5. At 305, AMF 190-1 selects LMF 190-2.

[0079] 6. At 306, AMF 190-1 sends a location determination request to LMF 190-2.

[0080] 7. At 307, LMF 190-2 obtains the UE SRS configuration from DB 350.

[0081] 8, 9, 10. At 308, 309, and 310, perform UE positioning (collectively referred to as 340) following steps 6-8 of Section 8.14.3.4 of TS 23.273 and TS 38.305. Here, in step 8 (308), LMF 190-2 sends the SRS configuration obtained in step 7 (307) to the neighboring gNBs (170-2, 170-3).

[0082] like Figure 3As shown, at 308, LMF 190-2 sends a location measurement request to serving gNB1 170-1, neighbor gNB2 170-2, and neighbor gNB3 170-3. At 309, serving gNB1 170-1, neighbor gNB2 170-2, and neighbor gNB3 170-3 perform UL SRS measurements. At 310, in response to the location measurement request sent at 308, serving gNB1 170-1, neighbor gNB2 170-2, and neighbor gNB3 170-3 send a location measurement response to LMF 190-2.

[0083] 11. At 311, after calculating the UE location (e.g., the location of UE 110), LMF 190-2 sends the location to AMF 190-1.

[0084] 12. At 312, AMF 190-1 forwards the UE location (e.g., the location of UE 110) to gNB 170-1 in the UE location service response message.

[0085] The method described in this paper is effective for both current 5G architectures and future 6G architectures. For example, in Figure 2 In steps 6 and 8, according to the current 5G architecture, the message must pass through the AMF, but this is not shown for simplicity (TS 38.305 also does not show this). If in the 6G architecture the gNB control plane is attached to the core network control plane via a service-based interface, then... Figure 3 Messages 6 and 8 in the code can bypass the AMF. Figure 3 The same applies to messages 8 and 10.

[0086] This section details a use case for utilizing the UE's location at the gNB. This relates to mobility optimization, specifically determining L3 mobility and low-layer triggered mobility (LTM). Currently, there are gaps in the standards regarding which mobility should be triggered and based on which side's information. There are also gaps regarding selective activation or LTM when the configured candidate cell is outside the UE's mobility range. When the UE is outside the configured candidate cell range, the gNB may notice the change through a decrease in the measurement value. It may take a long time to declare a link failure or beam failure, and the UE action follows the decrease in the measurement value. The UE's location at the gNB (whether specifically acquired for mobility optimization or readily available as a result of acquisition for different use cases, such as the use cases described previously with reference to time-critical RRM tasks 1-5) can be used in conjunction with conventional measurements to optimize mobility procedures. For example, L3 mobility or LTM can be selected based on whether the UE is at the boundary between two cells served by different gNBs. This optimization will be implementation-specific.

[0087] The examples described herein may be included in the upcoming 3GPP 6G specification and may relate to standards and standardized interfaces. Specifically, NGAP TS 38.413, TS 38.305, and TS 23.273 are affected by the NGAP messages between the RAN and AMF described herein (where the RAN node requests LCS services from the CN as an external client). The resulting procedure is shorter (fewer steps) than all other current non-gNB-initiated location procedures, and the order of some steps differs from current procedures, which facilitates technical implementation.

[0088] Figure 4 This is an example device 400, which can be implemented in hardware and configured to implement the examples described herein. Device 400 includes at least one processor 402 (e.g., an FPGA and / or a CPU), one or more memories 404 (including computer program code 405), the computer program code 405 having instructions for performing the methods described herein, wherein at least one memory 404 and the computer program code 405 are configured to combine with at least one processor 402 such that device 400 implements a circuit system, process, component, module, or function (implemented by control module 406) to implement the examples described herein. Memory 404 may be non-transitory memory, transient memory, volatile memory (e.g., RAM), or non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM).

[0089] The example described in this article relates to the implementation of Location 430 and the efficient procedures for enabling RAN nodes as location clients.

[0090] Device 400 includes a display and / or I / O interface 408, which includes a user interface (UI) circuitry and components that can be used to display aspects or states of the methods described herein (e.g., while one of the methods is being performed or at a subsequent time), or to receive input from a user, such as using a keypad, camera, touchscreen, touch area, microphone, biometrics, one or more sensors, etc. Device 400 includes one or more communication interfaces (multiple I / Fs) 410, such as network (N / W) interfaces. The multiple communication I / Fs 410 can be wired and / or wireless and communicate over the Internet / multiple other networks via any communication technology, including via one or more links 424. The multiple links 424 can be... Figure 1 Links 131 and / or 176 (multiple links). Figure 1 The multiple links 131 and / or 176 can also be implemented using multiple transceivers 416 and corresponding multiple wireless links 426. The multiple communication I / Fs 410 may include one or more transmitters or one or more receivers.

[0091] Transceiver 416 includes one or more transmitters 418 and one or more receivers 420. Transceiver 416 and / or (multiple) communication I / F 410 may include standard known components such as amplifiers, filters, frequency converters, (de)modulators and encoder / decoder circuitry, and one or more antennas, such as antenna 414 for communication via wireless link 426.

[0092] The control module 406 of device 400 includes one or both of portions 406-1 and / or 406-2 and can be implemented in various ways. Control module 406 can be implemented in hardware as control module 406-1, for example, as part of one or more processors 402. Control module 406-1 can also be implemented as an integrated circuit or via other hardware (e.g., a programmable gate array). In another example, control module 406 can be implemented as control module 406-2, which is implemented as computer program code (with corresponding instructions) 405 and executed by one or more processors 402. For example, one or more memories 404 store instructions that, when executed by one or more processors 402, cause device 400 to perform one or more operations described herein. Furthermore, one or more processors 402, one or more memories 404, and example algorithms (e.g., as flowcharts and / or signaling diagrams) are encoded as instructions, programs, or code, which are components that cause the operations described herein to be performed.

[0093] The device 400 that implements the function of control 406 may be a UE 110, a RAN node 170 (e.g., gNB) or (multiple) network elements 190 (e.g., LMF 190). Therefore, processor 402 may correspond to processor(s) 120, processor(s) 152 and / or processor(s) 175, memory 404 may correspond to one or more memory(s) 125, one or more memory(s) 155 and / or one or more memory(s) 171, computer program code 405 may correspond to computer program code 123, computer program code 153 and / or computer program code 173, control module 406 may correspond to module 140-1, module 140-2, module 150-1 and / or module 150-2, and communication I / F(s) 410 and / or transceiver 416 may correspond to transceiver 130, antenna(s) 128, transceiver 160, antenna(s) 158, N / WI / F(s) 161 and / or N / WI / F(s) 180. Alternatively, device 400 and its components may not correspond to any of UE 110, RAN node 170, or network element(s) 190 and their respective components, because device 400 may be part of a self-organizing / optimized network (SON) node or other node, such as a node in the cloud.

[0094] Device 400 can also correspond to the network entities serving gNB1 170-1, neighboring gNB2 170-2, neighboring gNB3 170-3, AMF190-1, LMF 190-2, UDM 230, or hosting or controlling DB 350. Serving gNB1 170-1, neighboring gNB2 170-2, and neighboring gNB3 170-3 can be configured similarly to RAN node 170, for example, refer to... Figure 1 The description covers aspects of RAN node 170. AMF 190-1 and LMF 190-2 can be configured similarly to one or more network elements 190, as shown in reference [reference]. Figure 1 Aspects of one or more network elements 190 described.

[0095] Device 400 may also be distributed in a network (e.g., 100), including within and between device 400 and any network elements (e.g., network control element (NCE) 190 and / or RAN node 170 and / or UE 110).

[0096] Interface 412 enables data communication and signaling between various items of device 400, such as Figure 4 As shown. For example, interface 412 may be one or more buses, such as address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics, or other optical communication devices, etc. Computer program code (e.g., instructions) 405 (including control 406) may include object-oriented software configured to pass data or messages between objects within computer program code 405, or computer program code (e.g., instructions) 405 (including control 406) may include functional languages, procedural languages, or scripting languages. Device 400 does not need to include every feature mentioned, or may include other features. Various components of device 400 may reside at least partially in a common housing 428, or a subset of the various components of device 400 may reside at least partially in different housings, which may include housing 428.

[0097] Figure 5 Schematic diagrams are shown of non-transitory storage media 500a (e.g., computer / compression disc (CD) or digital multifunction disc (DVD)), 500b (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB) Memory Stick), and 500c (e.g., cloud storage for downloading instructions and / or parameters 502 or receiving email instructions and / or parameters 502), which store instructions and / or parameters 502 that, when executed by a processor, allow the processor to perform one or more steps of the methods described herein. Instructions and / or parameters 502 may represent non-transitory computer-readable media.

[0098] Figure 6 This is an example method 600 based on the example embodiments described herein. At 610, the method includes: sending a location service request for a user equipment (UE) using a radio access network (RAN) node. At 620, the method includes: wherein the location service request for the UE is initiated using the RAN node. At 630, the method includes: wherein the location service request for the UE includes a probe reference signal configuration. At 640, the method includes: receiving a response to the location service request using the RAN node, the response including the location of the UE. At 650, the method includes: wherein the response to the location service request, including the location of the UE, is based on a probe reference signal configuration. Method 600 can be performed using RAN node 170, serving gNB1 170-1, neighbor gNB2 170-2, neighbor gNB3 170-3, or device 400.

[0099] Figure 7 This is an example method 700 based on the example embodiments described herein. At 710, the method includes: sending an update of the probe reference signal configuration to a database using a radio access network node. At 720, the method includes: sending a location service request for a user equipment using a radio access network node. At 730, the method includes: wherein the location service request for the user equipment is initiated using a radio access network node. At 740, the method includes: receiving a response to the location service request using a radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment. At 750, the method includes: wherein the response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is based on the probe reference signal configuration. Method 700 can be performed using RAN node 170, serving gNB1 170-1, neighbor gNB2 170-2, neighbor gNB3 170-3, or device 400.

[0100] Figure 8 This is an example method 800 based on the example embodiments described herein. At 810, the method includes: receiving a location service request for a user equipment from a radio access network node. At 820, the method includes: wherein the location service request for the user equipment includes a probe reference signal configuration. At 830, the method includes: sending a response to the location service request to the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment. At 840, the method includes: wherein the response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is based on a probe reference signal configuration. Method 800 can be performed using one or more network elements 190, AMF 190-1, or apparatus 400.

[0101] Figure 9This is an example method 900 based on an example embodiment described herein. At 910, the method includes: receiving a location service request for a user equipment from a radio access network node. At 920, the method includes: wherein the location service request for the user equipment is received from the radio access network node without a probe reference signal configuration. At 930, the method includes: selecting a location management function. At 940, the method includes: sending a request to the location management function to determine the location of the user equipment without a probe reference signal configuration. At 950, the method includes: wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment is sent to the location management function without a probe reference signal configuration because the location management function is configured to retrieve a probe reference signal configuration from a database. At 960, the method includes: receiving the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration from the location management function. At 970, the method includes: sending a response to the location service request to the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment received from the location management function. Method 900 can be performed using one or more network elements 190, AMF 190-1, or apparatus 400.

[0102] Figure 10 This is an example method 1000 based on an example embodiment described herein. At 1010, the method includes: receiving a request to determine the location of a user equipment. At 1020, the method includes: wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment includes a probe reference signal configuration. At 1030, the method includes: determining the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration. At 1040, the method includes: sending a response to the request to determine the location of the user equipment, the response including the location of the user equipment. Method 1000 can be performed using one or more network elements 190, LMF 190-2, or apparatus 400.

[0103] Figure 11 This is an example method 1100 based on the example embodiments described herein. At 1110, the method includes: receiving a request to determine the location of a user equipment. At 1120, the method includes: wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment is received without a probe reference signal configuration. At 1130, the method includes: retrieving a probe reference signal configuration from a database. At 1140, the method includes: determining the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration retrieved from the database. At 1150, the method includes: sending a response to the request to determine the location of the user equipment, the response including the location of the user equipment. Method 1100 can be performed using one or more network elements 190, LMF 190-2, or apparatus 400.

[0104] Figure 12This is an example method 1200 based on the example embodiments described herein. At 1210, the method includes: storing a probe reference signal configuration for a user equipment (UE) using a database. At 1220, the method includes: receiving an update to the probe reference signal configuration for the UE from a radio access network node. At 1230, the method includes: storing the update to the probe reference signal configuration using a database. At 1240, the method includes: receiving a request from a location management function to access the updated probe reference signal configuration for the UE. At 1250, the method includes: providing access to the updated probe reference signal configuration to the location management function. Method 1200 can be implemented using a DB 350, one or more network elements 190, LMF 190-2, AMF 190-1, RAN node 170, serving gNB1 170-1, neighbor gNB2 170-2, neighbor gNB3 170-3, or device 400.

[0105] Figure 13 This is an example method 1300 based on an example embodiment described herein. At 1310, the method includes: receiving a probe reference signal configuration from a radio access network node. At 1320, the method includes: wherein the probe reference signal configuration received from the radio access network node is configured to determine the location of a user equipment based on a location service request initiated by the radio access network node, including the probe reference signal configuration. At 1330, the method includes: transmitting a periodic probe reference signal or an aperiodic probe reference signal to the radio access network node based on the probe reference signal configuration. At 1340, the method includes: wherein the probe reference signal transmitted to the radio access network node is configured to perform a location measurement based on a location service request initiated by the radio access network node, including the probe reference signal configuration. Method 1300 can be implemented using UE 110 or device 400.

[0106] The following examples are provided and described.

[0107] Example 1. An apparatus comprising: means for transmitting a location service request for a user equipment using a radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment is initiated using the radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment includes a sounding reference signal configuration; and means for receiving a response to the location service request using the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment; wherein the response to the location service request including the location of the user equipment is based on a sounding reference signal configuration.

[0108] Example 2. The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein: a location service request for a user equipment, including a detection reference signal configuration, is sent to an access and mobility management function; and a response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is received from the access and mobility management function.

[0109] Example 3. The apparatus according to Example 2, wherein: a location service request for a user equipment, including a detection reference signal configuration, is indirectly sent to a location management function via an access and mobility management function; and a response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is indirectly received from the location management function via the access and mobility management function.

[0110] Example 4. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein: a location service request for a user equipment, including a configuration of a probe reference signal, is sent to a location management function; and a response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is received from the location management function.

[0111] Example 5. An apparatus comprising: means for transmitting an update of a probe reference signal configuration to a database using a radio access network node; means for transmitting a location service request for a user equipment using the radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment is initiated using the radio access network node; and means for receiving a response to the location service request using the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment; wherein the response to the location service request including the location of the user equipment is based on the probe reference signal configuration.

[0112] Example 6. The apparatus according to Example 5 further includes: a component for determining that the configuration of the probe reference signal has changed; wherein an update to the configuration of the probe reference signal is sent to a database in response to determining that the configuration of the probe reference signal has changed.

[0113] Example 7. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 5 to 6, wherein the update of the probe reference signal sent to the database is configured to be used in conjunction with a location management function to determine the location of the user equipment.

[0114] Example 8. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 5 to 7, wherein a location service request for a user equipment is sent using a radio access network node without a probe reference signal configuration.

[0115] Example 9. The apparatus according to Example 8, wherein a location service request for a user equipment is sent using a radio access network node without a probe reference signal configuration, since the location management function is configured to retrieve a probe reference signal configuration from a database.

[0116] Example 10. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a location service request for a user equipment from a radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment includes a sounding reference signal configuration; and means for sending a response to the location service request to the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment; wherein the response to the location service request including the location of the user equipment is based on the sounding reference signal configuration.

[0117] Example 11. The apparatus according to Example 10 further includes: components for selecting a location management function; components for sending a request to the location management function to determine the location of a user equipment; wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment is sent to the location management function together with a probe reference signal configuration; and components for receiving the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration from the location management function.

[0118] Example 12. The apparatus according to Example 11, wherein: a request to determine the location of a user equipment is sent to a location management function in response to a location service request for the user equipment received from a radio access network node; and the response to the location service request sent to the radio access network node, including the location of the user equipment, is based on the location of the user equipment received from the location management function.

[0119] Example 13. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a location service request for a user equipment from a radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment is received from the radio access network node without a probe reference signal configuration; means for selecting a location management function; means for sending a request to the location management function to determine the location of the user equipment without a probe reference signal configuration; wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment is sent to the location management function without a probe reference signal configuration because the location management function is configured to retrieve a probe reference signal configuration from a database; means for receiving the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration from the location management function; and means for sending a response to the location service request to the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment received from the location management function.

[0120] Example 14. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 10 to 13, wherein a location service request for a user equipment is initiated using a radio access network node.

[0121] Example 15. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a request to determine the location of a user equipment; wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment includes a probe reference signal configuration; means for determining the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration; and means for sending a response to the request to determine the location of the user equipment, the response including the location of the user equipment.

[0122] Example 16. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a request to determine the location of a user equipment; wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment is received without a probe reference signal configuration; means for retrieving a probe reference signal configuration from a database; means for determining the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration retrieved from the database; and means for sending a response to the request to determine the location of the user equipment, the response including the location of the user equipment.

[0123] Example 17. The apparatus according to Example 15 or 16 further includes: means for sending a location measurement request including a probe reference signal configuration to at least one radio access network node; and means for receiving a response to the location measurement request based on the probe reference signal configuration from at least one radio access network node; wherein the location of the user equipment is determined based on the response to the location measurement request.

[0124] Example 18. The apparatus of Example 17, wherein at least one radio access network node to which a location measurement request including a probe reference signal configuration is sent includes: a neighboring node of the serving radio access network node that initiates a location service request including or excluding the probe reference signal configuration.

[0125] Example 19. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 15 to 18, wherein: a request to determine the location of a user equipment is received from an access and mobility management function; and a response to the request to determine the location of a user equipment, including the location of the user equipment, is sent to the access and mobility management function.

[0126] Example 20. The apparatus according to Example 19, wherein: a request to determine the location of a user equipment is received indirectly from a radio access network node via an access and mobility management function; and a response to the request to determine the location of a user equipment, including the location of the user equipment, is indirectly sent to the radio access network node via the access and mobility management function.

[0127] Example 21. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 15 to 20, wherein: a request to determine the location of a user equipment is received from a radio access network node; and a response to the request to determine the location of the user equipment, including the location of the user equipment, is sent to the radio access network node.

[0128] Example 22. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 15 to 21, wherein a request to determine the location of a user equipment is based on a location service request initiated using a radio access network node.

[0129] Example 23. An apparatus comprising: means for storing a probe reference signal configuration for a user equipment (UE) using a database; means for receiving an update to the probe reference signal configuration for the UE from a radio access network node; means for storing the update to the probe reference signal configuration using a database; means for receiving a request from a location management function to access the updated probe reference signal configuration for the UE; and means for providing the location management function with access to the updated probe reference signal configuration.

[0130] Example 24. The apparatus according to Example 23, wherein a request for access to the updated probe reference signal configuration of a user equipment is based on a location service request initiated using a radio access network node.

[0131] Example 25. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a probe reference signal configuration from a radio access network node; wherein the probe reference signal configuration received from the radio access network node is configured to determine the location of the apparatus based on a location service request initiated by the radio access network node, including the probe reference signal configuration; and means for transmitting a periodic probe reference signal or an aperiodic probe reference signal to the radio access network node based on the probe reference signal configuration; wherein the probe reference signal transmitted to the radio access network node is configured to perform positioning measurements based on a location service request initiated by the radio access network node, including the probe reference signal configuration.

[0132] Example 26. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: transmit a location service request for a user equipment using a radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment is initiated using the radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment includes a probe reference signal configuration; and receive a response to the location service request using the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment; wherein the response to the location service request including the location of the user equipment is based on the probe reference signal configuration.

[0133] Example 27. The apparatus according to Example 26, wherein: a location service request for a user equipment, including a probe reference signal configuration, is sent to an access and mobility management function; and a response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is received from the access and mobility management function.

[0134] Example 28. The apparatus according to Example 27, wherein: a location service request for a user equipment, including a detection reference signal configuration, is indirectly sent to a location management function via an access and mobility management function; and a response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is indirectly received from the location management function via the access and mobility management function.

[0135] Example 29. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 26 to 28, wherein: a location service request for a user equipment, including a configuration of a detection reference signal, is sent to a location management function; and a response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is received from the location management function.

[0136] Example 30. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: send an update of a probe reference signal configuration to a database using a radio access network node; send a location service request for a user equipment using the radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment is initiated using the radio access network node; and receive a response to the location service request using the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment; wherein the response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is based on the probe reference signal configuration.

[0137] Example 31. An apparatus according to Example 30, wherein when the instructions are executed by at least one processor, the apparatus at least: determines that the configuration of the probe reference signal has changed; wherein an update to the configuration of the probe reference signal is sent to a database in response to determining that the configuration of the probe reference signal has changed.

[0138] Example 32. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 30 to 31, wherein an update to a probe reference signal sent to a database is configured to be used, together with a location management function, to determine the location of a user equipment.

[0139] Example 33. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 30 to 32, wherein a location service request for a user equipment is sent using a radio access network node without a probe reference signal configuration.

[0140] Example 34. The apparatus according to Example 33, wherein a location service request for a user equipment is sent using a radio access network node without a probe reference signal configuration, since the location management function is configured to retrieve a probe reference signal configuration from a database.

[0141] Example 35. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a location service request for a user equipment from a radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment includes a sounding reference signal configuration; and send a response to the location service request to the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment; wherein the response to the location service request including the location of the user equipment is based on the sounding reference signal configuration.

[0142] Example 36. An apparatus according to Example 35, wherein when the instructions are executed by at least one processor, the apparatus causes at least: selecting a location management function; sending a request to the location management function to determine the location of a user equipment; wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment is sent to the location management function together with a probe reference signal configuration; and receiving from the location management function the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration.

[0143] Example 37. The apparatus according to Example 36, wherein: a request to determine the location of a user equipment is sent to a location management function in response to receiving a location service request for the user equipment from a radio access network node; and the response to the location service request sent to the radio access network node, including the location of the user equipment, is based on the location of the user equipment received from the location management function.

[0144] Example 38. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a location service request for a user equipment from a radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment is received from the radio access network node without a probe reference signal configuration; select a location management function; send a request to the location management function to determine the location of the user equipment without a probe reference signal configuration; wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment is sent to the location management function without a probe reference signal configuration because the location management function is configured to retrieve the probe reference signal configuration from a database; receive the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration from the location management function; and send a response to the location service request to the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment received from the location management function.

[0145] Example 39. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 35 to 38, wherein a location service request for a user equipment is initiated using a radio access network node.

[0146] Example 40. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a request to determine the location of a user equipment; wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment includes a probe reference signal configuration; determine the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration; and send a response to the request to determine the location of the user equipment, the response including the location of the user equipment.

[0147] Example 41. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a request to determine the location of a user equipment; wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment is received without a probe reference signal configuration; retrieve a probe reference signal configuration from a database; determine the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration retrieved from the database; and send a response to the request to determine the location of the user equipment, the response including the location of the user equipment.

[0148] Example 42. An apparatus according to Example 40 or 41, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: send a location measurement request including a probe reference signal configuration to at least one radio access network node; and receive a response to the location measurement request based on the probe reference signal configuration from at least one radio access network node; wherein the location of the user equipment is determined based on the response to the location measurement request.

[0149] Example 43. The apparatus of Example 42, wherein at least one radio access network node sending a location measurement request including a probe reference signal configuration includes: a neighboring node of the serving radio access network node that initiates a location service request including or not including a probe reference signal configuration.

[0150] Example 44. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 40 to 43, wherein: a request to determine the location of a user equipment is received from an access and mobility management function; and a response to the request to determine the location of a user equipment, including the location of the user equipment, is sent to the access and mobility management function.

[0151] Example 45. The apparatus according to Example 44, wherein: a request to determine the location of a user equipment is received indirectly from a radio access network node via an access and mobility management function; and a response to the request to determine the location of a user equipment, including the location of the user equipment, is indirectly sent to the radio access network node via the access and mobility management function.

[0152] Example 46. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 40 to 45, wherein: a request to determine the location of a user equipment is received from a radio access network node; and a response to the request to determine the location of the user equipment, including the location of the user equipment, is sent to the radio access network node.

[0153] Example 47. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 40 to 46, wherein a request to determine the location of a user equipment is based on a location service request initiated using a radio access network node.

[0154] Example 48. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: store a probe reference signal configuration for a user equipment (UE) using a database; receive an update to the probe reference signal configuration for the UE from a radio access network node; store the update to the probe reference signal configuration using the database; receive a request from a location management function to access the updated probe reference signal configuration for the UE; and provide access to the updated probe reference signal configuration to the location management function.

[0155] Example 49. The apparatus according to Example 48, wherein a request for access to the updated probe reference signal configuration of a user equipment is based on a location service request initiated using a radio access network node.

[0156] Example 50. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a probe reference signal configuration from a radio access network node; wherein the probe reference signal configuration received from the radio access network node is configured to determine the location of a user equipment based on a location service request initiated by the radio access network node, including the probe reference signal configuration; and transmit a periodic probe reference signal or an aperiodic probe reference signal to the radio access network node based on the probe reference signal configuration; wherein the probe reference signal transmitted to the radio access network node is configured to perform a positioning measurement based on a location service request initiated by the radio access network node, including the probe reference signal configuration.

[0157] Example 51. A method comprising: transmitting a location service request for a user equipment using a radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment is initiated using the radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment includes a sounding reference signal configuration; and receiving a response to the location service request using the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment; wherein the response to the location service request including the location of the user equipment is based on the sounding reference signal configuration.

[0158] Example 52. According to the method of Example 51, wherein: a location service request for a user equipment, including a probe reference signal configuration, is sent to the access and mobility management function; and a response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is received from the access and mobility management function.

[0159] Example 53. According to the method of Example 52, wherein: a location service request for a user equipment, including a probe reference signal configuration, is indirectly sent to a location management function via an access and mobility management function; and a response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is indirectly received from the location management function via the access and mobility management function.

[0160] Example 54. A method according to any one of Examples 51 to 53, wherein: a location service request for a user equipment, including a probe reference signal configuration, is sent to a location management function; and a response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is received from the location management function.

[0161] Example 55. A method comprising: sending an update of a sounding reference signal configuration to a database using a radio access network node; sending a location service request for a user equipment using the radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment is initiated using the radio access network node; and receiving a response to the location service request using the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment; wherein the response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is based on the sounding reference signal configuration.

[0162] Example 56. The method according to Example 55 further includes: determining that the probe reference signal configuration has changed; wherein an update of the probe reference signal configuration is sent to a database in response to determining that the probe reference signal configuration has changed.

[0163] Example 57. According to any one of Examples 55 to 56, wherein the update of the probe reference signal sent to the database is configured to be used together with the location management function to determine the location of the user equipment.

[0164] Example 58. The method of any one of Examples 55 to 57, wherein the location service request for the user equipment is sent using a radio access network node without a probe reference signal configuration.

[0165] Example 59. According to the method of Example 58, where the location service request for the user equipment is sent using the radio access network node without the probe reference signal configuration because the location management function is configured to retrieve the probe reference signal configuration from the database.

[0166] Example 60. A method comprising: receiving a location service request for a user equipment from a radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment includes a sounding reference signal configuration; and sending a response to the location service request to the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment; wherein the response to the location service request including the location of the user equipment is based on the sounding reference signal configuration.

[0167] Example 61. The method according to Example 60 further includes: selecting a location management function; sending a request to the location management function to determine the location of the user equipment; wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment is sent to the location management function together with a probe reference signal configuration; and receiving the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration from the location management function.

[0168] Example 62. According to the method of Example 61, wherein: the request to determine the location of the user equipment is sent to the location management function in response to receiving a location service request for the user equipment from the radio access network node; and the response to the location service request sent to the radio access network node, including the location of the user equipment, is based on the location of the user equipment received from the location management function.

[0169] Example 63. A method comprising: receiving a location service request for a user equipment from a radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment is received from the radio access network node without a probe reference signal configuration; selecting a location management function; sending a request to the location management function to determine the location of the user equipment without a probe reference signal configuration; wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment is sent to the location management function without a probe reference signal configuration because the location management function is configured to retrieve the probe reference signal configuration from a database; receiving the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration from the location management function; and sending a response to the location service request to the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment received from the location management function.

[0170] Example 64. A method according to any one of Examples 60 to 63, wherein a location service request for a user equipment is initiated using a radio access network node.

[0171] Example 65. A method comprising: receiving a request to determine the location of a user equipment; wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment includes a probe reference signal configuration; determining the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration; and sending a response to the request to determine the location of the user equipment, the response including the location of the user equipment.

[0172] Example 66. A method comprising: receiving a request to determine the location of a user equipment; wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment is received without a probe reference signal configuration; retrieving a probe reference signal configuration from a database; determining the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration retrieved from the database; and sending a response to the request to determine the location of the user equipment, the response including the location of the user equipment.

[0173] Example 67. The method according to Example 65 or 66 further includes: sending a location measurement request including a probe reference signal configuration to at least one radio access network node; and receiving a response to the location measurement request based on the probe reference signal configuration from at least one radio access network node; wherein the location of the user equipment is determined based on the response to the location measurement request.

[0174] Example 68. The method of Example 67, wherein at least one radio access network node to which a location measurement request including a probe reference signal configuration is sent includes: a neighboring node of the serving radio access network node that initiates a location service request including or excluding a probe reference signal configuration.

[0175] Example 69. A method according to any one of Examples 65 to 68, wherein: a request to determine the location of a user equipment is received from an access and mobility management function; and a response to the request to determine the location of a user equipment, including the location of the user equipment, is sent to the access and mobility management function.

[0176] Example 70. The method according to Example 69, wherein: a request to determine the location of a user equipment is received indirectly from a radio access network node via an access and mobility management function; and a response to the request to determine the location of a user equipment, including the location of the user equipment, is indirectly sent to the radio access network node via the access and mobility management function.

[0177] Example 71. A method according to any one of Examples 65 to 70, wherein: a request to determine the location of a user equipment is received from a radio access network node; and a response to the request to determine the location of a user equipment, including the location of the user equipment, is sent to the radio access network node.

[0178] Example 72. A method according to any one of Examples 65 to 71, wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment is based on a location service request initiated using a radio access network node.

[0179] Example 73. A method comprising: storing a probe reference signal configuration for a user equipment (UE) using a database; receiving an update to the probe reference signal configuration for the UE from a radio access network node; storing the update to the probe reference signal configuration using the database; receiving a request from a location management function to access the updated probe reference signal configuration for the UE; and providing the location management function with access to the updated probe reference signal configuration.

[0180] Example 74. According to the method of Example 73, the request for access to the updated probe reference signal configuration of the user equipment is based on a location service request initiated using a radio access network node.

[0181] Example 75. A method comprising: receiving a probe reference signal configuration from a radio access network node; wherein the probe reference signal configuration received from the radio access network node is configured to determine the location of a user equipment based on a location service request initiated by the radio access network node, including the probe reference signal configuration; and transmitting a periodic probe reference signal or an aperiodic probe reference signal to the radio access network node based on the probe reference signal configuration; wherein the probe reference signal transmitted to the radio access network node is configured to perform positioning measurements based on a location service request initiated by the radio access network node, including the probe reference signal configuration.

[0182] Example 76. A computer-readable medium including instructions stored thereon for at least performing the following operations: transmitting a location service request for a user equipment using a radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment is initiated using the radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment includes a sounding reference signal configuration; and receiving a response to the location service request using the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment; wherein the response to the location service request including the location of the user equipment is based on the sounding reference signal configuration.

[0183] Example 77. A computer-readable medium according to Example 76, wherein: a location service request for a user equipment, including a probe reference signal configuration, is sent to an access and mobility management function; and a response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is received from the access and mobility management function.

[0184] Example 78. A computer-readable medium according to Example 77, wherein: a location service request for a user equipment, including a configuration of a probe reference signal, is indirectly sent to a location management function via an access and mobility management function; and a response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is indirectly received from the location management function via the access and mobility management function.

[0185] Example 79. A computer-readable medium according to any one of Examples 76 to 78, wherein: a location service request for a user equipment, including a configuration of a probe reference signal, is sent to a location management function; and a response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is received from the location management function.

[0186] Example 80. A computer-readable medium including instructions stored thereon for at least performing the following operations: sending an update on a probe reference signal configuration to a database using a radio access network node; sending a location service request for a user equipment using the radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment is initiated using the radio access network node; and receiving a response to the location service request using the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment; wherein the response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is based on the probe reference signal configuration.

[0187] Example 81. The computer-readable medium according to Example 80 also includes instructions stored thereon for at least doing the following: determining that the probe reference signal configuration has changed; wherein an update to the probe reference signal configuration is sent to a database in response to determining that the probe reference signal configuration has changed.

[0188] Example 82. According to any of Examples 80 to 81, a computer-readable medium wherein an update to a probe reference signal sent to a database is configured to be used in conjunction with a location management function to determine the location of a user equipment.

[0189] Example 83. A computer-readable medium according to any of Examples 80 to 82, wherein a location service request for a user equipment is sent using a radio access network node without a probe reference signal configuration.

[0190] Example 84. According to the computer-readable medium of Example 83, a location service request for a user equipment is sent using a radio access network node without a probe reference signal configuration, since the location management function is configured to retrieve a probe reference signal configuration from a database.

[0191] Example 85. A computer-readable medium including instructions stored thereon for at least performing the following operations: receiving a location service request for a user equipment from a radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment includes a sounding reference signal configuration; and sending a response to the location service request to the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment; wherein the response to the location service request including the location of the user equipment is based on the sounding reference signal configuration.

[0192] Example 86. The computer-readable medium according to Example 85 further includes instructions stored thereon for at least performing the following operations: selecting a location management function; sending a request to the location management function to determine the location of the user equipment; wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment is sent to the location management function together with a probe reference signal configuration; and receiving from the location management function the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration.

[0193] Example 87. A computer-readable medium according to Example 86, wherein: a request to determine the location of a user equipment is sent to a location management function in response to receiving a location service request for the user equipment from a radio access network node; and the response to the location service request sent to the radio access network node, including the location of the user equipment, is based on the location of the user equipment received from the location management function.

[0194] Example 88. A computer-readable medium including instructions stored thereon for at least performing the following operations: receiving a location service request for a user equipment from a radio access network node; wherein the location service request for the user equipment is received from the radio access network node without a probe reference signal configuration; selecting a location management function; sending a request to the location management function to determine the location of the user equipment without a probe reference signal configuration; wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment is sent to the location management function without a probe reference signal configuration because the location management function is configured to retrieve the probe reference signal configuration from a database; receiving the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration from the location management function; and sending a response to the location service request to the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment received from the location management function.

[0195] Example 89. A computer-readable medium according to any of Examples 85 to 88, wherein a location service request for a user equipment is initiated using a radio access network node.

[0196] Example 90. A computer-readable medium including instructions stored thereon for at least performing the following operations: receiving a request to determine the location of a user equipment; wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment includes a probe reference signal configuration; determining the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration; and sending a response to the request to determine the location of the user equipment, the response including the location of the user equipment.

[0197] Example 91. A computer-readable medium including instructions stored thereon for at least performing the following operations: receiving a request to determine the location of a user equipment; wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment is received without a probe reference signal configuration; retrieving a probe reference signal configuration from a database; determining the location of the user equipment based on the probe reference signal configuration retrieved from the database; and sending a response to the request to determine the location of the user equipment, the response including the location of the user equipment.

[0198] Example 92. The computer-readable medium according to Examples 90 or 91 further includes instructions stored thereon for at least doing the following: sending a location measurement request including a probe reference signal configuration to at least one radio access network node; and receiving a response to the location measurement request based on the probe reference signal configuration from at least one radio access network node; wherein the location of the user equipment is determined based on the response to the location measurement request.

[0199] Example 93. According to the computer-readable medium of Example 92, at least one radio access network node to which a location measurement request, including a probe reference signal configuration, is sent includes: a neighboring node of the serving radio access network node that initiates a location service request including or excluding the probe reference signal configuration.

[0200] Example 94. A computer-readable medium according to any one of Examples 90 to 93, wherein: a request to determine the location of a user equipment is received from an access and mobility management function; and a response to the request to determine the location of a user equipment, including the location of the user equipment, is sent to the access and mobility management function.

[0201] Example 95. A computer-readable medium according to Example 94, wherein: a request to determine the location of a user equipment is received indirectly from a radio access network node via an access and mobility management function; and a response to the request to determine the location of a user equipment, including the location of the user equipment, is indirectly sent to the radio access network node via the access and mobility management function.

[0202] Example 96. A computer-readable medium according to any one of Examples 90 to 95, wherein: a request to determine the location of a user equipment is received from a radio access network node; and a response to the request to determine the location of the user equipment, including the location of the user equipment, is sent to the radio access network node.

[0203] Example 97. A computer-readable medium according to any of Examples 90 to 96, wherein a request to determine the location of a user equipment is based on a location service request initiated using a wireless access network node.

[0204] Example 98. A computer-readable medium including instructions stored thereon for at least performing the following operations: storing a probe reference signal configuration for a user equipment (UE) in a database; receiving an update to the probe reference signal configuration for the UE from a radio access network node; storing the update to the probe reference signal configuration in the database; receiving a request from a location management function to access the updated probe reference signal configuration for the UE; and providing the location management function with access to the updated probe reference signal configuration.

[0205] Example 99. According to the computer-readable medium of Example 98, a request for access to the updated probe reference signal configuration of a user equipment is based on a location service request initiated using a radio access network node.

[0206] Example 100. A computer-readable medium including instructions stored thereon for at least performing the following operations: receiving a probe reference signal configuration from a radio access network node; wherein the probe reference signal configuration received from the radio access network node is configured to determine the location of a user equipment based on a location service request initiated by the radio access network node, including the probe reference signal configuration; and transmitting a periodic probe reference signal or an aperiodic probe reference signal to the radio access network node based on the probe reference signal configuration; wherein the probe reference signal transmitted to the radio access network node is configured to perform positioning measurements based on a location service request initiated by the radio access network node, including the probe reference signal configuration.

[0207] References to "computer," "processor," etc., should be understood to encompass not only computers with different architectures (e.g., single / multiprocessor architectures and sequential or parallel architectures) but also special-purpose circuits (e.g., field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), special-purpose circuits (ASICs), signal processing devices, and other processing circuitry systems). References to computer programs, instructions, code, etc., should be understood to encompass software or firmware used with programmable processors, such as the programmable content of hardware devices, whether instructions for processors or configuration settings for fixed-function devices, gate arrays, or programmable logic devices, etc.

[0208] The memory described herein can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based storage devices, flash memory, magnetic storage devices and systems, optical storage devices and systems, non-transitory memory, transient memory, fixed memory, and removable memory. The memory may include a database for storing data.

[0209] As used herein, the term "circuit system" may refer to: (a) a hardware circuit implementation, such as an implementation in an analog and / or digital circuit system; and (b) a combination of circuitry and software (and / or firmware), such as (if applicable): (i) a combination of (multiple) processors or (ii) portions of (multiple) processors / software and (multiple) digital signal processors, software, and memory working together to enable a device to perform various functions; and (c) circuitry, such as (multiple) microprocessors or (multiple) microprocessor portions, which require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. As a further example, as used herein, the term "circuit system" will also cover the implementation of a processor (or multiple processors) or processor portions and their accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuit system" will also cover (e.g., if applicable to a particular element) a baseband integrated circuit or application processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or another network device.

[0210] It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely illustrative. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art. For example, the features recited in the various dependent claims can be combined in any suitable combination(s). Furthermore, the features of the different exemplary embodiments described above can be selectively combined to form new exemplary embodiments. Therefore, this specification is intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0211] The following are acronyms and abbreviations that can be found in the instruction manual and / or accompanying drawings (abbreviations and acronyms can be appended / combined with each other using, for example, dashes, hyphens, forward slashes, letters or numbers, and can be case-insensitive):

[0212] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project 4G fourth generation 5G (Fifth Generation) 5GC 5G Core Network 6G sixth generation AMF Access and Mobility Management Functions ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) CD Compressed / Computer Disk CN Core Network Config CPU (Central Processing Unit) CU (Central Unit) or Centralized Unit DB database DL downlink DSP Digital Signal Processor DU Distributed Unit DVD Digital Multifunction Disc eNB Evolved Node B (e.g., LTE base station) EN-DC E-UTRAN New Wireless – Dual Connectivity The en-gNB provides the UE with NR user plane and control plane protocol termination and acts as an auxiliary node in the EN-DC. E-UTRA evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access, i.e., LTE radio access technology E-UTRAN E-UTRA Network Interface between F1 CU and DU FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) FR frequency range (e.g., FR2) GMLC Gateway Mobile Location Center gNB 5G / NR base stations are nodes that provide NR user plane and control plane protocol termination to UEs and connect to 5GC via the NG interface. GPSI General Public Subscription Identifier IAB Integration Access and Backhaul IE Information Elements I / F interface I / O Input / Output L1 Floor 1 L1 / 2 Floor 1 (L1) or Floor 2 (L2) L2 Floor 2 L3 Floor 3 LCS Location Services LMF location management function LPP LTE positioning protocol LTE Long Term Evolution (4G) LTM Low-level Triggered Mobility MAC Media Access Control MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) ML Machine Learning MME (Mobility Management Entity) MRO Mobility Robustness Optimization NCE Network Control Components NEF Network Open Functions NF Network Functions ng or NG, next generation NGAP Next Generation Application Protocol NG-c NG Control Plane Interface ng-eNB, the next generation of eNB NG-RAN (Next Generation Radio Access Network) Nlmf defines the interface for LMF services. NR New Wireless NRPPa NR Positioning Protocol A Nudm defines the interface for UDM services. N / W network O&M (Organization and Management), or operation, management and maintenance. OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) PHY physical layer PRS Positioning Reference Signal RAM (Random Access Memory) RAN (Radio Access Network) RLC Wireless Link Control ROM (Read-Only Memory) RRC (Radio Resource Control) RRM Wireless Resource Management RU wireless unit Rx receiver, or receiver, or receive SDAP Service Data Adaptation Protocol SDM User Data Management SGW Service Gateway SMF Session Management Function SON Self-Organizing / Optimizing Network SRS Detection Reference Signal SUPI subscription permanent identifier TDD (Time Division Duplex) TRP Transmitter-Receiver TS Technical Specifications Tx transmission, or transmitter, or transmission UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) UDM Unified Data Management UE (User Equipment) (e.g., wireless equipment, typically mobile devices) UI (User Interface) UL uplink UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunication System UPF User Plane Functions USB Universal Serial Bus UTRAN UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network Network interfaces between X2 RAN nodes and between the RAN and the core network. Network interface between Xn NG-RAN nodes

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: Components used to send location service requests for user equipment using wireless access network nodes; The location service request for the user equipment is initiated using the radio access network node; The location service request for the user equipment includes a detection reference signal configuration; as well as Components for receiving a response to a location service request using the wireless access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment; The response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is configured based on the detection reference signal.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The location service request, including the configuration of the detection reference signal, for the user equipment is sent to the access and mobility management function; as well as The response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is received from the access and mobility management function.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The location service request for the user equipment, including the configuration of the detection reference signal, is indirectly sent to the location management function via the access and mobility management function; as well as The response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is indirectly received from the location management function via the access and mobility management function.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The location service request, configured for the user equipment including the detection reference signal, is sent to the location management function; and The response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is received from the location management function.

5. An apparatus comprising: A component used to send updates to the probe reference signal configuration to a database using a wireless access network node; Components for sending location service requests for user equipment using the wireless access network node; The location service request for the user equipment is initiated using the radio access network node; as well as Components for receiving a response to a location service request using the wireless access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment; The response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is configured based on the detection reference signal.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: Components used to determine that the configuration of the detection reference signal has been changed; The update to the configuration of the probe reference signal is sent to the database in response to determining that the configuration of the probe reference signal has changed.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the update of the configuration of the probe reference signal sent to the database is configured to be used, together with a location management function, to determine the location of the user equipment.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the location service request for the user equipment is sent using the radio access network node without the detection reference signal configuration.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the location service request for the user equipment is sent using the radio access network node without the probe reference signal configuration, since the location management function is configured to retrieve the probe reference signal configuration from the database.

10. An apparatus comprising: Components used to receive location service requests for user equipment from wireless access network nodes; The location service request for the user equipment includes a detection reference signal configuration; as well as A component for sending a response to the location service request to the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment; The response to the location service request, including the location of the user equipment, is configured based on the detection reference signal.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: Components used to select location management functions; A component for sending a request to the location management function to determine the location of the user equipment; The request to determine the location of the user equipment is sent to the location management function together with the detection reference signal configuration; as well as A component for receiving the location of the user equipment configured based on the detection reference signal from the location management function.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: The request to determine the location of the user equipment is sent to the location management function in response to receiving a location service request for the user equipment from the radio access network node; as well as The response to the location service request sent to the radio access network node, including the location of the user equipment, is based on the location of the user equipment received from the location management function.

13. An apparatus comprising: Components used to receive location service requests for user equipment from wireless access network nodes; The location service request for the user equipment is received from the radio access network node without a probe reference signal configuration; Components used to select location management functions; A component for sending a request to the location management function to determine the location of the user equipment in the absence of the detection reference signal configuration; Since the location management function is configured to retrieve the detection reference signal configuration from the database, the request to determine the location of the user equipment is sent to the location management function without the detection reference signal configuration; Components for receiving the location of the user equipment configured based on the detection reference signal from the location management function; as well as Components for sending a response to the location service request to the radio access network node, the response including the location of the user equipment received from the location management function.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the location service request for the user equipment is initiated using the radio access network node.

15. An apparatus comprising: A component for receiving requests to determine the location of a user equipment; The request to determine the location of the user equipment includes a probe reference signal configuration; Components for configuring and determining the location of the user equipment based on the detection reference signal; as well as A component for sending a response to a request to determine the location of the user equipment, the response including the location of the user equipment.

16. An apparatus comprising: A component for receiving requests to determine the location of a user equipment; The request to determine the location of the user equipment is received without a probe reference signal configuration; Components for retrieving the probe reference signal configuration from the database; Components for determining the location of the user equipment based on the detection reference signal retrieved from the database; as well as A component for sending a response to a request to determine the location of the user equipment, the response including the location of the user equipment.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising: Components for sending a positioning measurement request, including the detection reference signal configuration, to at least one wireless access network node; as well as A component for receiving from the at least one wireless access network node a response to the positioning measurement request configured based on the probe reference signal; The location of the user equipment is determined based on the response to the location measurement request.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the at least one radio access network node to which the positioning measurement request configured by the detection reference signal is sent comprises: A node adjacent to a serving radio access network node, wherein the serving radio access network node initiates a location service request including or excluding the probe reference signal configuration.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein: The request to determine the location of the user equipment is received from the access and mobility management function; as well as The response to the request to determine the location of the user equipment, including the location of the user equipment, is sent to the access and mobility management function.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein: The request to determine the location of the user equipment is received indirectly from the radio access network node via the access and mobility management function; as well as The response to the request to determine the location of the user equipment, including the location of the user equipment, is indirectly sent to the radio access network node via the access and mobility management function.

21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein: The request to determine the location of the user equipment is received from the radio access network node; as well as The response to the request to determine the location of the user equipment, including the location of the user equipment, is sent to the radio access network node.

22. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the request to determine the location of the user equipment is based on a location service request initiated using a wireless access network node.

23. An apparatus comprising: Components used to store probe reference signal configurations for user equipment in a database; Components for receiving updates to the probe reference signal configuration for the user equipment from a wireless access network node; Components for storing the updated configuration of the probe reference signal using the database; A component for receiving a request from a location management function to access the updated detection reference signal configuration for the user equipment; as well as Components for providing the location management function with access to the updated configuration of the detection reference signal.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the request to access the updated probe reference signal configuration for the user equipment is based on a location service request initiated using the radio access network node.

25. An apparatus comprising: Components used for configuring the reception of probe reference signals from wireless access network nodes; The probe reference signal configuration received from the radio access network node is configured to determine the location of the device based on a location service request initiated by the radio access network node, which includes the probe reference signal configuration. as well as Components for configuring the transmission of periodic or non-periodic probe reference signals to the radio access network node based on the probe reference signal; The probe reference signal sent to the radio access network node is configured to perform positioning measurements based on a location service request initiated by the radio access network node, which includes the probe reference signal configuration.

Images