Method for facilitating positioning of user equipment

Abstract

Method carried out in a wireless network for facilitating positioning of user equipment, UE, based on positioning signals, wherein the method comprises: allocating first positioning signal resources (75) within a first frequency range (72) and second positioning signal resources (76) within a second frequency range (71), wherein the second positioning signal resources are configured with a time offset (TOffset) to the first positioning signal resources; configuring a first UE with positioning signal information identifying allocation of the first positioning signal resources; and configuring the first UE with time gap information identifying allocation of a time gap (77), in the first frequency range, overlapping the second positioning signal resources (76), enabling the first UE to switch to the second frequency range to use the second positioning signal resources.

Description

[0001] METHOD FOR FACILITATING POSITIONING OF USER EQUIPMENT

[0002] Technical field

[0003] This disclosure relates to methods and devices in a wireless communication system, adapted to facilitate positioning of user equipment based on reference signals transmitted from the wireless network. Specifically, solutions are provided for improving the capability of meeting positioning requirements for reduced capability user equipment, where the user equipment is confined to operate in a narrow bandwidth.

[0004] Background

[0005] In radio communication systems, such as various generations provided through the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), various specifications have been provided for setting up common rules for setting up and operating both a wireless radio interface between a wireless terminal and a network node, and various levels of operation of the network. In 3GPP documentation, a wireless terminal is commonly referred to as a User Equipment (UE), and this term will be used herein for the sake of convenience. Such UEs are connectable to a core network by means of a radio access network RAN, which includes one or more network nodes, operative to provide radio access to terminals within a cell. Such network nodes may also be referred to as an access node or a base station. For the example of a 3GPP 5G RAN (Radio Access Network) the access node is referred to as gNB, and the RAN may be configured to operate under the specifications related to New Radio (NR).

[0006] Positioning of UEs is an ongoing topic of development and implementation in 3GPP specifications. 3GPP positioning techniques based on Radio Access Technology (RAT), i.e. measurements within the wireless system, includes inter alia the use of positioning reference signals (PRS), which are downlink (DL) signals transmitted from gNBs of the access network. Measurement of received PRS in the UE from a plurality of gNBs allows for determination of location, for instance by using trilateration techniques based on observed time or time difference of arrival. The UE may report measurement data to a location server in the wireless network for determination of the UE location, or the UE may make its own calculation of the location based on the obtained measurement data.

[0007] 3GPP has implemented various specifications for UEs with reduced capability of wireless communication. Some implementations include the definition of Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), and Machine-Type Communication (MTC). In releases associated with 3GPP 5G, specifications have further been provided for so-called reduced capability devices (RedCap). A RedCap device, or UE, is only capable of supporting a reduced set of features with limitations on inter alia bandwidth and receive and transmit branches. RedCap was standardized first time release 17. In 3 GPP release 18 the lower capable devices are studied to have even further bandwidth limitation. In release 17 it was decided to reduce the maximum bandwidth of a RedCap UE at different frequency ranges (FR) from 400 MHz (legacy NR) to 100 MHz for FR2 carrier frequencies, and from 100 MHz to 20 MHz for FR1 carrier frequencies. In release 18 bandwidths even down to 5 MHz for data channels are studied.

[0008] These restrictions bring about problems to solve to make RedCap devices function properly. This involves the problem of meeting positioning requirements, for instance in terms of accuracy or latency.

[0009] Summary

[0010] In view of the mentioned ongoing development in wireless communication and the associated presented challenges, various solutions for facilitating positioning in a wireless network are provided herein, and as set out in the independent claims.

[0011] According to a first aspect, a wireless network is provided, as well as a method carried out in the wireless network, for facilitating UE positioning, wherein the method comprises: allocating first positioning signal resources within a first frequency range and second positioning signal resources within a second frequency range, wherein the second positioning signal resources are configured with a time offset to the first positioning signal resources; configuring a first UE with positioning signal information identifying allocation of the first positioning signal resources; and configuring the first UE with time gap information identifying allocation of a time gap, in the first frequency range, overlapping the second positioning signal resources, enabling the first UE to switch to the second frequency range to use the second positioning signal resources.

[0012] According to a second aspect, a UE as well as a method carried out the UE for facilitating positioning based on positioning signals is provided, wherein the method comprises: receiving, from a wireless network, configuration to be active on a first frequency range; receiving, from the wireless network, positioning signal information identifying allocation of first positioning signal resources within the first frequency range; and receiving, from the wireless network, time gap information identifying allocation of a time gap in the first frequency overlapping second positioning signal resources within a second frequency range, said second positioning signal resources being configured with a time offset to the first positioning signal resources, wherein the UE is enabled to switch to the second frequency range to use the second positioning signal resources.

[0013] By means of the proposed solution, improved capability of positioning based on positioning signals is obtained. In the context of the proposed solution, the positioning signal may be PRS transmitted in the downlink by access nodes of the wireless network, or sounding reference signal (SRS) transmitted by the UE in uplink for reception in the access nodes. The UE is enabled to use the first out of many positioning signals occasions at different frequency ranges, such as different bandwidth parts, wherein latency for the positioning signal measurement is reduced. Furthermore, by combining measurement from several positioning signals occasions allocations, the amount of physical resources of the location estimation is increased and thereby accuracy is improved.

[0014] Various embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

[0015] Brief description of the drawings

[0016] Various embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings, in which Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a wireless communication system providing for communication and signaling between a radio access network and a UE for UE positioning.

[0017] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a radio communication terminal configured to operate according to various embodiments.

[0018] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an access node configured to operate according to various embodiments.

[0019] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a core network node configured to operate according to various embodiments.

[0020] Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a method carried out in a wireless network according to various embodiments.

[0021] Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of a method carried out in a UE according to various embodiments.

[0022] Fig. 7 illustrates allocation and use of resources for positioning signals according to various embodiments.

[0023] Figs 8A-8C illustrates alternative allocation and use of positioning signals according to various embodiments.

[0024] Fig. 9 illustrates a signaling diagram comprising actions included in various embodiments.

[0025] Detailed description

[0026] The invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0027] It will be understood that, when an element is referred to as being “connected” to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It will furthermore be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0028] Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense expressly so defined herein.

[0029] Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes and relative sizes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes and relative sizes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes and / or relative sizes that result, for example, from different operational constraints and / or from manufacturing constraints. Thus, the elements illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0030] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a wireless communication system including a wireless network 100, and a UE (or terminal) 10 configured to wirelessly communicate with the wireless network 100. The wireless network 100 may be a radio communication network operating under general and specific regulations and limits published by the 3GPP. The wireless network 100 may include a core network 110, which is connected to other networks 130, such as the Internet. The core network 110 may comprise, or be connected to, a network node 111 configured to handle positioning of UEs. In some examples, the network node is a location server (LS) 111, configured to operate under the legacy LTE positioning protocol (LPP). The wireless network 100 further includes a RAN, such as a New Radio (NR) network, which may comprise a plurality of access nodes or base stations. An access node is an entity executing the wireless connection with UEs. As such, each access node comprises or is connected to a transmission and reception point TRP including an antenna arrangement for transmitting and receiving radio signals. In terms of positioning, the location of the TRP is relevant, and for this reason the access nodes shown in the drawing are labelled TRP1, TRP2, and TRP3, respectively. Each access node may be a gNB and may be configured for beamforming as introduced for 5G. In the drawing, the (first) UE 10 is connected to

[0031] The UE 10 may be any device operable to wirelessly communicate with the network 100 through the RAN. Specifically, the UE 10 may be a RedCap device. As indicated in the drawing, the UE 10 may be configured to communicate on a radio channel 120 with a serving access node TRP1, and also to receive and measure reference signals 131, 132, 133 from the serving access node and one or more neighboring access nodes of the RAN.

[0032] In the drawing, a second UE 20 is further indicated, which is connected to and configured to communicate on a radio channel 121 with the same serving access node TRP1 as the (first) UE 10, i.e. they operate in the same cell.

[0033] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates UE 10 for use in a radio wireless network 100 as presented herein, and for carrying out the method steps as outlined according to the proposed solution.

[0034] UE 10 comprises wireless communication hardware in a wireless chipset 213 including a radio transceiver for communicating with other entities of the wireless network 100, such as the base station TRP1. The wireless chipset 213 may thus include a radio transmitter and a radio receiver for communicating through at least an air interface on a radio channel 120.

[0035] UE 10 further comprises logic circuitry 210 configured to control operation of the UE 10, including to control the wireless chipset 213. In various examples, the logic circuitry 210 forms part of the chipset 213.

[0036] The logic circuitry 210 may include a processing device 211, including one or multiple processors, microprocessors, data processors, co-processors, and / or some other type of component that interprets and / or executes instructions and / or data. Processing device 211 may be implemented as hardware (e.g., a microprocessor, etc.) or a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a system-on-chip (SoC), an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.). The processing device 211 may be configured to perform one or multiple operations based on an operating system and / or various applications or programs.

[0037] The logic circuitry 210 may further include memory storage 212, which may include one or multiple memories and / or one or multiple other types of storage mediums. For example, memory storage 212 may include a random access memory (RAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a cache, a read only memory (ROM), a programmable read only memory (PROM), flash memory, and / or some other type of memory. Memory storage 212 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optic disk, a solid state disk, etc.). The memory storage 212 is configured for holding computer program code, which may be executed by the processing device 211, wherein the logic circuitry 210 is configured to control the terminal UE 10 to carry out any of the method steps as provided herein. Software defined by said computer program code may include an application or a program that provides a function and / or a process. The software may include device firmware, an operating system (OS), or a variety of applications that may execute in the logic circuitry 210.

[0038] UE 10 further comprises or is connected to an antenna 214, such as an antenna array 214. The logic circuitry 210 may further be configured to control the wireless chipset 213 to employ an anisotropic sensitivity profile of the antenna array 214 to transmit radio signals in a particular transmit direction or to sense direction of received signals. UE 10 may further comprise other elements or features than those shown in the drawing or described herein, such as a power supply, a casing, a user interface etc.

[0039] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an access node TRP1 of the wireless network 100 adapted to wirelessly communicate with communication terminals, such as UE 10, and configured for carrying out the associated method steps as outlined. This example is consistent with the scenario of Fig. 1. It shall be noted that the corresponding configuration of TRP1 may apply to access nodes TRP2 and TRP3 of the RAN of the wireless network 100.

[0040] TRP1 may comprise a wireless transceiver 313 for communicating with other entities of the radio communication network 100, such as the terminal UE 10. The wireless transceiver 313 may thus include a radio transmitter and a radio receiver for communicating through at least an air interface on a radio channel 120.

[0041] TRP1 further comprises logic circuitry 310 configured to communicate data via the wireless transceiver 313 on the radio channel 120 to terminals including UE 10.

[0042] The logic circuitry 310 may include a processing device 311, including one or multiple processors, microprocessors, data processors, co-processors, and / or some other type of component that interprets and / or executes instructions and / or data. Processing device 311 may be implemented as hardware (e.g., a microprocessor, etc.) or a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a system-on-chip (SoC), an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.). The processing device 311 may be configured to perform one or multiple operations based on an operating system and / or various applications or programs.

[0043] The logic circuitry 310 may further include memory storage 312, which may include one or multiple memories and / or one or multiple other types of storage mediums. For example, memory storage 312 may include a random access memory (RAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a cache, a read only memory (ROM), a programmable read only memory (PROM), flash memory, and / or some other type of memory. Memory storage 312 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optic disk, a solid state disk, etc.).

[0044] The memory storage 312 is configured for holding computer program code, which may be executed by the processing device 311, wherein the logic circuitry 310 is configured to control the access node TRP1 to carry out any of the method steps as provided herein. Software defined by said computer program code may include an application or a program that provides a function and / or a process. The software may include device firmware, an operating system (OS), or a variety of applications that may execute in the logic circuitry 310.

[0045] TRP1 further comprises an antenna 314, such as an antenna array 314. The logic circuitry 310 may further be configured to control the wireless transceiver 313 to employ an anisotropic sensitivity profile of the antenna array 326 to transmit radio signals in a particular transmit direction.

[0046] TRP1 further comprises a network interface 315 for data and control signaling with at least the core network 100. Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a network node 111 in or connected to the core network 110, configured to control positioning of UEs in the wireless network 100. In various examples, the network node is a location server 111.

[0047] Network node 111 comprises logic circuitry 410 arranged to configure access nodes, such as TRP1-TRP3 of the RAN to allocate radio resource for positioning. This may involve configuring resources for PRS. The network node 111 may further be configured to communicate using a positioning protocol, such as LPP, with UEs to transmit or receive location requests, and to receive measurement reports for determining UE locations. Function and operation of the network node 111 may in some examples be configured according to legacy procedures for a location server, with additional functional details as described herein. In Fig. 4 the network node is depicted as an integral unit. It should be noted, though, that the functional elements of the network node 11 may be distributed within the wireless network 100 and / or in the cloud.

[0048] The logic circuitry 410 may include a processing device 411, including one or multiple processors, microprocessors, data processors, co-processors, and / or some other type of component that interprets and / or executes instructions and / or data. Processing device 411 may be implemented as hardware (e.g., a microprocessor, etc.) or a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a system-on-chip (SoC), an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.). The processing device 411 may be configured to perform one or multiple operations based on an operating system and / or various applications or programs.

[0049] The logic circuitry 410 may further include memory storage 412, which may include one or multiple memories and / or one or multiple other types of storage mediums. For example, memory storage 412 may include a random access memory (RAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a cache, a read only memory (ROM), a programmable read only memory (PROM), flash memory, and / or some other type of memory. Memory storage 412 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optic disk, a solid state disk, etc.).

[0050] The memory storage 412 is configured for holding computer program code, which may be executed by the processing device 411, wherein the logic circuitry 410 is configured to control the network node 111 to carry out any of the method steps as provided herein. Software defined by said computer program code may include an application or a program that provides a function and / or a process. The software may include device firmware, an operating system (OS), or a variety of applications that may execute in the logic circuitry 410.

[0051] The network node 111 further comprises a network interface 413 for data and control signaling with at least the RAN access nodes TRP-TRP3 for communication with UEs, such as over LPP.

[0052] The present disclosure is related to positioning of UEs with reduced capability in at least frequency range operation, i.e. UEs with bandwidth constraints. These are herein referred to as RedCap UEs or devices. Specifically, the proposed solution is related to positioning based on positioning signals communicated in the wireless system, between the RAN and the UE to be positioned. As noted, the positioning signals may be PRSs transmitted by access nodes and received in the UE, or SRSs transmitted by the UE and received in the access nodes. The proposed solution is predominantly related to configuration and resource allocation of resources for this purpose, and will for the better part be described with reference to PRS. It shall nevertheless be understood that in alternative embodiments of the proposed solution, configuration and resource allocation may be provided for SRS.

[0053] In 3 GPP release 17 solutions to achieve good accuracy and low latency with positioning were studied. For example, in the work of release 17 it was discussed how to use measurement gaps (MG) to accomplish lower latency, by performing transmission and reception of positioning signals at the measurement gaps. A reason for using MG is that PRS are not always allocated within the UE configured active frequency range. This will even more often be the case if networks start using the feature of trying to keep the BWP sizes lower for power consumption reasons. The MG provide time for the UE to read PRS on other frequency ranges and numerologies than the ones of the active BWP. This is also interesting for RedCap devices in release 18.

[0054] As noted, a RedCap device is constrained to operation within a narrow frequency range. The frequency range may be referred to as a bandwidth part (BWP). A bandwidth part is a part of the frequency spectrum with a special configuration where the UE is configured to communicate. The bandwidth part is a UE configuration and defined by the network. In other words, the network has knowledge of where the UEs are scheduled but the bandwidth part wording is UE-specific. It is likely several set of UEs have same configuration of bandwidth parts in a cell, but they may be differentiated. Since Rel 15 there are four different bandwidth parts (BWP)s defined, Initial BWP, First Active BWP, Default BWP and regular / normal BWP. They are configured by RRC messages (Radio Resource Control). It is possible to define four different regular / normal BWPs for each of UL and DL but only one of those are active at the time and is where the UE operates. For positioning it is possible to request and configure PRS within the BWP, but for frequency layers outside the BWP measurement gaps (MG) are defined and used.

[0055] In RedCap, the frequency bandwidth cannot be configured as wide as for legacy NR due to the device bandwidth limitations. This will impact both positioning accuracy and latency. Simplified, a better accuracy is achieved by more physical allocated reference signals. This may be allocated both in frequency and time dimension. Latency is impacted by how the physical allocated resources are mapped in time dimension. In other words, for a RedCap device, the accuracy may be maintained if the physical reference signal is stretched in time to compensate for the loss in frequency direction (similar as in MTC / NB-IoT for LTE). However, this will impact the latency.

[0056] Additionally, there is a limitation in the time dimension of how much time can be used out of the total time for the reference signals. This time restriction consists of the measurement gap periodicity and measurement gap length as well as what the measurement gap are used for - positioning reference signals or other reference signals. Within bandwidth parts it competes with resources for the communication. In other words, it is a competition between positioning and “normal” communication about the resources giving better position accuracy and the physical resources for communication giving better total capacity.

[0057] The measurement gap may be configurable on cell level and can be configured for FR1 or FR2 independently as well as commonly. It is configured on RRC level and typical parameters for configurations are mgl, mgrp, and prs among some others. Several measurement gaps may be configured independently. Each measurement gap can be associated with an ID and may be activated / deactivated. Some parameters from the measurement gap configuration in RRC TS 38.331 16.5.0 are listed in Table 1 below.

[0058] Table 1.

[0059] As mentioned, the setting of the above parameters is a tradeoff of how to utilize the system resources between the measurement of reference signals and payload. If we consider the case of RedCap, where the maximum bandwidth a device is capable of is reduced and the settings above in Table 1, it is difficult to set values optimizing the RedCap positioning accuracy and latency and still keep NR legacy and the system resources used in an efficient way. According to some examples, it is possibly by MAC CE (Medium Access Control - Control Element) to activate / deactivate preconfigured measurement gaps (each gap has one ID) by MAC CE to primarily overcome the latency from RRC reconfigurations.

[0060] The proposed solution involves enabling the use of an interleaved positioning signal scheduling that utilizes measurements gaps and increase the number of allocated positioning signal resource elements per time unit given a restricted max UE bandwidth. The solution targets scenarios with cell-wise multiple restricted bandwidth parts / frequency ranges and in particular for NR RedCap. The idea is to let the measurement gaps for positioning signals be specific for the bandwidth part or frequency part they are allocated in and have a relation between multiple measurement gaps and bandwidth parts with a configured offset in time. If the system has more than one bandwidth part configured for MG based reference signal transmission all UEs with a triggered location request may utilize both gaps no matter which bandwidth part they are located in. This will improve the positioning accuracy due to more physical resources but also improve latency since the time to first MG will be reduced. An alternative is to have the two sets of PRS MG independently configured and associated to different bandwidth part. The offset then comes implicitly from the MG configuration and can be calculated. (Note that here BWP is used both in context of network and UE but from a standard viewpoint it only exists on UE side. On network side a set of UEs are on most cases configured with same BWP settings. The network keeps track of the BWPs configured in the UEs.)

[0061] Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of steps carried out in the wireless network 100 according to various embodiments of the proposed solution. These steps will be described below, with further related details and examples provided with reference to Figs 7-9. The method may be operated by one or more network nodes of the wireless network 100, for facilitating UE positioning based on positioning signals. This will occasionally be exemplified for PRS, such as in the drawings, but may alternatively apply to SRS. These network nodes may in some examples include a location server 111 and / or an access node TRP1. The method may comprise the following steps.

[0062] 500: Allocating first positioning signal resources within a first frequency range and second positioning signal resources within a second frequency range, wherein the second positioning signal resources are configured with a time offset to the first positioning signal resources. It shall be noted that this step may comprise allocating positioning signal resources on more than 2 frequency ranges. This allocation may be configured in or controlled by the core network, such as by the network node 111.

[0063] In this context, positioning signal resources are pre-configured to be allocated offset to each other on different frequency ranges, which may be configured as different BWPs. In some embodiments, the different frequency ranges are configured on different carriers.

[0064] In some examples, the time offset identifies a time shift between one occasion of first positioning signal resources on the first frequency range, and one occasion of second positioning signal resources on the second frequency range. In some examples, the first positioning signal resources are allocated with a first periodic pattern and the second positioning signal resources are allocated with a second periodic pattern. The time offset may identify a time shift between occasions of those periodic patterns at a certain time, for instance with reference to a certain symbol or subframe number. In some examples, the first periodic pattern and the second periodic pattern have a common period. The time offset may in some examples identify a time shift between one occasion of first positioning signal resources on the first frequency range and a time gap on the first frequency, overlapping the second positioning signal resources in time.

[0065] 502: Configuring a first UE 10 with positioning signal information identifying allocation of the first positioning signal resources. This may be configured on cell level, such as by the access node TRP1 of the cell in question. Configuration may in some examples be carried out using LPP. The UE 10 may already be configured for communication on the first frequency range, and in some examples the first frequency range may be configured as an active frequency range, such as an active BWP. Alternatively, the UE 10 may be configured with positioning signal information upon being configured to use, i.e. be active on, a certain BWP or carrier. In one embodiment, the UE 10 may be configured for carrier aggregation. The carriers are configured on different frequency ranges, including a first frequency range on a first carrier, and the carriers may have independent configurations from each other.

[0066] Configuring a first UE 10 with positioning signal information may involve sending one or more messages to the UE 19 indicative of the resources for receiving (PRS) and / or sending (SRS) positioning signals. In some examples, this step may involve configuration of resources on both the first frequency range and on the second frequency range, for positioning signals. However, it shall also be noted that configuring the UE may in this context be done separately and possibly at different times for positioning signal resources on the first frequency range and positioning signal resources on the second (or further) frequency range, respectively. In some embodiments, configuring the UE with positioning signal resources on the first frequency range may be carried out dependent on another UE being connected on a different frequency range. When that other UE is configured for positioning, this may involve configuring it to receive or send positioning signals on the first frequency range. Based thereon, or responsive thereto, the first UE 10 may be configured with positioning signal resources on the first frequency range.

[0067] 504: This step relates to the optional further configuring of a second UE 20, which may be active on the second frequency range, with positioning signal information identifying allocation of the second positioning signal resources. In this context, the first UE 10 and the second UE 20 are configured on different frequency ranges, e.g. different BWPs, on which the respective positioning signal resources are interleaved by the preconfigured time offset. 506: Configuring the first UE 10 with time gap information identifying allocation of a time gap in the first frequency range, where the time gap overlaps the second positioning signal resources. The time gap defines a range of resources in time, on that frequency range. In this context, the time gap may be referred to as a measurement gap, as described with reference to Table 1 above. When the time gap is used for positioning purposes, either by the first UE 10 which uses (is active on) the first frequency resource, or by another UE which otherwise is active on another frequency range, the resources of the time gap will typically not be scheduled or used for data communication in DL or UL, though exceptions may exist. This way, the first UE is enabled to switch to the second frequency range to use the second positioning resources, such as for PRS reception or SRS transmission, at occasions in time which are offset by preconfiguration 500 from the first positioning signal resources. Configuration of time gap information may be controlled by the serving access node TRP1. In an embodiment of carrier aggregation, the second frequency range may be configured on a second carrier.

[0068] Based on this solution, any UE (such as UE 10 or UE 20) configured to be active on one of those frequency ranges may be enabled to switch to the other frequency range during the respective configured time gap on the active frequency range. In legacy 3GPP procedures, it is possible, from the network side, to define four different regular / normal BWPs per carrier for each of UL and DL for each UE, Only one of those are selected by the network to be active at the time. To be active means that this BWP is where the UE perform its communication. A UE can only be active on one BWP and other UEs might have the same active bandwidth part or could have any other configured BWP as active.

[0069] How the configuration of the UE 10 is carried out may be realized in accordance with one of several different alternative solutions for identification of specific information, such as allocation of positioning signal resources, frequency range, and time offset. This may involve direct identification of specific information, or information which enables the UE 10 to determine the specific information, or a combination thereof. By way of example, positioning signal resources may be configured by RRC signaling from a serving access node. In another example, positioning signal resources may be configured directly from a location server. In some examples, positioning signal resources may be configured by transmitting, to the UE 10, an indication of a scheme or pattern to use, which identifies periodicity and duration of reoccurring occasions of positioning signal resources and time gaps on a certain frequency range, and possibly also on more than one frequency range. The UE 10 may be pre-configured to determine the allocation of the positioning signal resources and the time gaps based on the received indication, e.g. by running a stored algorithm or by accessing a look-up table.

[0070] In some embodiments, the time gap information comprises a parameter indicative of the time offset. The time offset may be indicated with respect to a certain time point on the first frequency range, such as a symbol or subframe number start, or with respect to the first positioning signal resources according to the positioning signal information. This way, the UE 10 is informed of where resources are punctured, or reserved, on the first frequency range, meaning that those resources may not be allocated for data communication, wherein the duration of those resources are usable for PRS measurement or SRS transmission on other frequency ranges.

[0071] In some scenarios, the UE 10 may be configured to transmit / receive positioning signals during the resources within the time gap on the first frequency range. This may be accomplished by the network transmitting a muting pattern or muting control signal, indicating to the UE 10 that the resources of the time gap will / shall not be used for communication of positioning signals. Hence, the time gap is “muted”, and those resources may be allocated for other communication, such as data communication.

[0072] Configuration of the first UE 10 of the second PRS resources may be carried out in different ways.

[0073] In one embodiment, the positioning signal information further identifies allocation of the second positioning signal resources, i.e. identification of the second frequency range (e.g. BWP) and an identification of positioning signal resources in time and frequency on that second frequency range. The positioning signal information may in some embodiments identify more than one additional configuration of positioning signal resources, i.e., also a third frequency range with allocation of third positioning signal resources, and so on.

[0074] In one embodiment, the positioning signal information comprises a positioning signal pattern, usable by the first UE to identify allocation of the first and the second positioning signal resources, and potentially further positioning signal resources on further frequency ranges. The pattern would then also identify or comprise the time gap information. The pattern may be configured by the network or provided by specification. In one embodiment, the positioning signal pattern enables the first UE to identify allocation of the second positioning signal resources and / or the time gap based on being active on the first frequency range. As an example: by means of the UE 10 being active on the first frequency range, on which the time gap is configured, the UE 10 is implicitly configured to always turn to the second frequency range for PRS measurement during the time gap. As noted, this pattern, or rule, may be configured by the network, in the positioning signal information, or pre-specified based on the frequency range.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first positioning signal resources are allocated with a first periodic pattern and the second positioning signal resources are allocated with a second periodic pattern. In this context, a periodic repetition of positioning signal occasions is provided. At each positioning signal occasion, positioning signal resources may be allocated within the frequency range in question over a range of time, which as such may be configured according to legacy PRS procedures. The first periodic pattern and the second periodic pattern may have a common period, shifted in time by the time offset. In an alternative embodiment, the first periodic pattern and the second periodic pattern may be different, i.e. have different periods. In one example, the first periodic pattern may have a first period which is an integer N times a second period of the second periodic pattern, where N is at least 1. This design enables the network 100 to configure a UE to be active on a certain frequency range based on e.g., an expected, assumed, or historic use pattern or context. As an example, a UE with tough requirements on positioning in terms of accuracy and / or latency, or with little or scarce data communication, may be configured to be active on the BWP with shorter period between positioning signal resources (the second bandwidth range according to the provided example). UEs with expected relatively high data communication rate may, or with rare need for positioning, may be selectively configured on the BWP where fewer resources are allocated to positioning signal over time (the first bandwidth range according to the provided example).

[0076] 508: The wireless network may at instances determine the occurrence of a location request, such as a location request for the first UE 10. The location request may be initiated by the network 100, such as by the LS 111, and conveyed to the UE 10. Alternatively, the location request may be initiated by the UE 10 itself, which is indicated to the network 100 by signaling. These acts may be configured according to legacy procedures, such as over LPP. The location request may trigger measurement by the UE 10 on PRS resources. By means of conveying the positioning signal information and the time gap information, the first UE 10 is already aware of resources available for PRS measurement. The location request may additionally activate or deactivate use of the time gaps on the active (first) frequency range for measuring PRS on other frequency ranges.

[0077] 509: PRS transmission or SRS reception on configured positioning signal resources is carried out by the access nodes TRP1-TRP3.

[0078] 510: The wireless network, e.g. the LS 111, receives a location report comprising positioning signal measurement data from the first UE 10, or from the TRPs in the case of SRS, based on the location request. In some embodiments, the location report comprises an indication of the frequency range on which PRS measurement, or SRS transmission, was made by the first UE 10. This way, reference signal measurements carried out by the first UE 10 may be properly combined in the LS 111 to determine a location estimation.

[0079] 512: In some embodiments, separate activation or deactivation of measurement in the time configured gap may be made. This may be conveyed on a control channel, such as the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) or on the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), e.g. in a bit field of a control indicator. While step 512 is indicated last in Fig. 5, this step may take place before or just after the location request 508, and even irrespective of the existence of a location request. Such activation or deactivation provides for fast reconfiguration associated with positioning signal measurement in the configured time gap.

[0080] There are different scenarios in which such activation or deactivation is beneficial.

[0081] While the UE 10 is configured with the positioning signal information and the time gap information, the UE 10 may nevertheless be configured to only measure on the first PRS resources on the active frequency range. Where the network 100 deems it necessary or advantageous, it may activate PRS measurement on the second PRS resources for the UE, by an activation signal. This may be because requirements on accuracy or latency have changed, or that present requirements are not met based on obtained location reports.

[0082] On the other hand, the UE 10 may be configured to measure on both the first PRS resources and the second PRS resources, as per the PRS configuration or as identified in the location request. However, where data communication is imminent, or data rate is high, or more prioritized than positioning, the wireless network 100 may deactivate measurement on the second PRS resources, or put differently, deactivate (use of) the time gap. Instead, the UE 10 may be configured for data communication on the active first frequency range in the resources of the time gap.

[0083] Where the UE 10 is configured to measure on both the first PRS resources and the second PRS resources, it will typically initiate measurement on the first available PRS occasion of those two. Where obtainment of PRS has been made in the UE 10 at one or more PRS occasion as configured, it may be determined that sufficient accuracy has been obtained such that further PRS measurement is not needed. In such instance, the UE 10 may signal deactivation to the wireless network. Subsequent time gaps, and related retuning to other frequencies, may thus be inactivated and the corresponding resources of the time gap made available for the network 100 to schedule data. This obtains both energy conservation in the UE 10 and increased scheduling flexibility to the network 100.

[0084] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of steps carried out by the first UE 10 according to various embodiments of the proposed solution, which correlate to the steps of Fig. 5. These steps will thus be described briefly below, in order not to repeat what has been outlined with reference to Fig. 5. Further related details and examples are provided with reference to Figs 7-9. The method may comprise the following steps.

[0085] 600: The UE 10 receives configuration from the wireless network 100 of the first frequency range, and may be configured to be active on the first frequency range. As noted briefly above, and as otherwise known in legacy procedures, one example includes configuring the UE 10 with an active BWP. The UE 10 may in such procedures receive configuration of up to four different BWPs.

[0086] 602: The UE 10 receives positioning signal information from the wireless network, identifying allocation of first positioning signal resources within the first frequency range.

[0087] 604: The UE 10 receives time gap information from the wireless network, identifying allocation of a time gap in the first frequency overlapping second positioning signal resources within a second frequency range, said second positioning signal resources being configured with a time offset to the first positioning signal resources, wherein the UE is enabled to switch to the second frequency range to use the second , and may be configured resources, for PRS reception or SRS transmission.

[0088] 606: The UE 10 may at instances determine the occurrence of a location request for the UE 10. The location request may be initiated by the network 100, such as by the LS 111, and conveyed to the UE 10. Alternatively, the location request may be initiated by the UE 10 itself, which is indicated to the network 100 by signaling.

[0089] 607: The UE 10 receives PRS (or transmits SRS) on configured PRS resources, from (to) various TRPs.

[0090] 608: In the case of PRS measurement, the UE 10 transmits a location report to the wireless network, comprising PRS measurement data obtained by the UE 10, based on the location request.

[0091] 610: In some embodiments, separate activation or deactivation of measurement in the time configured gap may be made. This may be conveyed on a control channel, such as by the wireless network on the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) or by the UE 10 on the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), e.g. in a bit field of a control indicator. While step 610 is indicated last in Fig. 6, this step may take place before or just after the location request 508, and even irrespective of the existence of a location request. Such activation or deactivation provides for fast reconfiguration associated with positioning signal measurement.

[0092] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates implementation of an embodiment of the proposed solution in a time / frequency diagram. This implementation is provided for the example of PRS, but may equally apply to SRS as noted. Legacy type PRS configuration is exemplified by PRS resources 73A and 73 B, respectively. Specifically, there is, for each scheduled PRS resource, a time gap 74 A and 74B throughout the frequency spectrum.

[0093] According to the illustrated example of the proposed solution (where the indicated legacy type configuration may be included or be availed with), the UE 10 is configured with two RedCap BWPs 71 and 72, by means of the PRS information. The UE 10 is active on RedCap BWP 72 (aBWP), on which first PRS resources 75 are configured. Here, one instance of PRS resources 75 may be referred to as a PRS occasion, which in itself comprises several allocated PRS resources, according to the established art. The UE 10 is further configured with time gaps 77 on the active (first) frequency range 72, by means of the time gap information. The UE 10 is thus enabled to switch to RedCap BWP 71 for measuring second PRS resources 76 on RedCap BWP 71 at the time gap 77. Each time gap 77 is configured to overlap an occasion of the second PRS resources 76, i.e., being time aligned with the second PRS resources. In this example, the first PRS resources 75 and the second PRS resources 76 are repeated with the same periodicity but shifted in time by Toffset. The time gap 77 may nevertheless be longer, in time, than the corresponding second PRS resources 76, so as to provide additional time for retuning of the transceiver 213 of the UE 10. The diagonally striped part of the active BWP 72 can’t be used by the UE 10 since it has switched to the BWP 71 for the time being of the time gap 77. Since the system, including the wireless network 100 and the UE 10, has been setup with this knowledge of dependencies between measurement gap it is known that the UE cannot be scheduled information on the striped resources just like in a legacy measurement gap 74A, 74B. Typically, this is only applicable upon a trigger by a location request (periodically or aperiodically), and where PRS measurement during the time gap is not deactivated. Otherwise, the time gap 77 is not used. As an alternative the same (only one) measurement gap configuration can be used but with a lower periodicity (shorted time between gaps). A UE with a certain BWP may instead be configured with ability determine where (on what system frequency resources) to find the PRS given which the order of the measurement gap. For example, ever second measurement gap belongs to a PRS allocation on every second BWP. Alternatively, a pattern can be configured related to the measurement gap.

[0094] Figs 8A-8C illustrate some alternative configurations to the configuration of Fig. 7, out of different aspects, also for the example of PRS configuration and allocation. Corresponding reference numerals are used for the sake of convenience.

[0095] Fig. 8A illustrates a configuration where the first PRS resources 75 are allocated with a first periodic pattern and the second PRS resources 76, and the corresponding overlapping time gaps 77, are allocated with a second periodic pattern. Specifically, they have different repetition period of PRS occasions. A UE 10 active on frequency range 72 which determines a location request may be configured to make use of the time gaps 77 to switch to the first frequency range 71, is thereby enabled to receive PRS with a more than doubled reception rate than it would have obtained by remaining on the first frequency range 72. This increases the chances of obtaining a certain accuracy in positioning within a given time. Additionally, the time to find a next PRS occasion upon a location request is, on average, shorter than in the example of Fig. 7. This improves latency.

[0096] Fig. 8B illustrates an example where the UE 10 is configured with more than one additional frequency range, in addition to the active frequency range 72, for PRS reception, specifically a third frequency range 73 with PRS resources 78. This obtains the same beneficial effect for the first UE 10 as the example of Fig. 8B, but further provides that the second frequency range 71 (and the third frequency range 73) can be configured with the same PRS periodicity as the first frequency range 72. This way, the network 100 may employ a certain fixed and suitable periodicity at all frequency ranges and allocate UEs within the cell to different active frequency ranges. The time gap information, or a pattern, or a rule based on the UE 10 being active on the first frequency range 72, may identify to which frequency range the UE 10 shall retune to measure PRS, responsive to a location request.

[0097] Fig. 8C schematically illustrates inactivation of a time gap, such that the corresponding resources 79 are not used for PRS measurement. As explained, this may be triggered by the network 100 or by the UE 10. Those resources may thus be used by the network, i.e. the serving TRP1, to schedule data.

[0098] Fig. 9 shows a signaling diagram, in which various signals and actions outlined in the foregoing are indicated for various embodiments. The diagram is provided for the example of PRS, but may be accommodated to the example of SRS.

[0099] In step 901, the wireless network 100 will at some point of registration, update, or connection, obtain information 901 identifying that the UE 10 is a RedCap device.

[0100] In step 902, the UE is configured to be active on a configured first frequency range. This step may involve obtaining configuration for a plurality of frequency ranges (BWPs), of which one may be active. This corresponds to step 600.

[0101] In step 903, the location server 111 configures the RAN with information to allocate PRS at various frequency ranges. This is obtained inter alia by the TRP1 which serves the active UE 10, and neighboring base station including TRP2. Step 903 may be carried out prior to steps 901 and 902. This corresponds to step 500.

[0102] In one example, the LS 111 is requesting the TRPs to schedule usage of extra time gaps (measurement gaps) in second frequency range, see 79 on frequency range 71 in Fig. 7. The second configured time gaps 79 may be associated with the first time gaps 77 with a given offset, correlating with the offset between PRS resources as outlined. Resources at both time gaps 77, 79 can be used from either active BWP 71, 72 after this configuration. The serving TRP1 (s_gNB) will adopt and not schedule UEs for data during time gaps 77, 79 configured on the combination of frequency range 71 the UE 10 is configured.

[0103] In step 904, the serving base station provides PRS information and time gap information to the UE, related to the active frequency range. This step corresponds to steps 502 and 506, and to steps 602 and 604. This configuration could also go directly to the UE 10 from the LS 111.

[0104] In step 905, a location request occurs, corresponding to steps 508 and 606. As noted, it may be initiation by the network 100, such as the LS 111, or by the UE 10. Optionally, the location request carries a specific trigger for using the extra configured frequency range (BWP) configured in step 902. The UE could be configured to fire PRS measurements based on the trigger. An example on such a trigger could be an indication by control channel, or a requirement on latency or accuracy that UE 10 should attempt to fulfill. In such cases, the UE 10 may indicate to network 100 that it is using the time gap, preferably by control channel signaling. As exemplified, PDCCH / PUCCH may be used for these purposes.

[0105] At step 906, the UE may consider tuning of the transceiver 213. The UE may be configured to receive PRS, based on the location request, at the next configured opportunity, i.e., closest in time. If the first opportunity, i.e., the next PRS occasion, is to be measured and it is a PRS occasion 75 on the UE active BWP 72, no retuning is required, and the UE 10 may measure as soon the PRS arrives. However, if the first opportunity is an occasion of second PRS resources 76 on a different frequency resource 71 (which may be an active BWP for different UEs), a retuning 906 of the local oscillator of the transceiver 213 may be needed to receive the signal at a frequency offset from the active BWP.

[0106] Step 907 relates to PRS transmission from the TRPs, and measurement in the UE 10. This step is basically legacy, but applied to the configured PRS resources 75, 76. The UE 10 can expect PRS to come on the first configured opportunity of the first resources and the second resources 76, aligned with the measurement gap 77. The nonlegacy part is that the PRS is actually transmitted on two different configurations, where each PRS occasion is confined to given BWP with an overlapping time gap in a complementary BWP. This step corresponds to steps 509 and 607. At step 908, a Location Report is transmitted from the UE 10 to the wireless network, such as to the LS 111. This part may be based on legacy behavior, and the report contains measurement information primarily about the measurements from received PRSs. In addition, the measurement report comprises an indication for what BWP or frequency resource the measurement is done. This step corresponds to steps 510 and 608.

[0107] Step 909 indicates optional activation or deactivation of use of time gaps 77 for measuring on non-active frequency range. This step corresponds to steps 512 and 610. As described, this may be triggered by the network 100, such as the LS 111, or by the UE 10. Activation may configure measurement on non-active frequency range, i.e. on second PRS resources 76 at time gap 77, whereas inactivation may trigger muting of the time gap 77 to not transmit or measure PRS. By example, this may be determined by the UE 10 based on the PRS at 907, or by the LS 111 based on the location report 908.

[0108] The drawing further indicates, by the dashed arrow, that where the location request 905, or determined need, indicates measurement of a further PRS occasion, measurement on the next PRS occasion may be preceded by retuning 906 of the local oscillator in the UE 10.

[0109] The proposed solution may be devised in accordance with any combination outlined herein, such as in accordance with the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Method carried out in a wireless network for facilitating positioning of user equipment, UE, based on positioning signals, wherein the method comprises: allocating (500) first positioning signal resources within a first frequency range and second positioning signal resources within a second frequency range, wherein the second positioning signal resources are configured with a time offset to the first positioning signal resources; configuring (502) a first UE with positioning signal information identifying allocation of the first positioning signal resources; and configuring (506) the first UE with time gap information identifying allocation of a time gap, in the first frequency range, overlapping the second positioning signal resources, enabling the first UE to switch to the second frequency range to use the second positioning signal resources.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first positioning signal resources are allocated with a first periodic pattern and the second positioning signal resources are allocated with a second periodic pattern.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first periodic pattern and the second periodic pattern have a common period.

4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the time gap information comprises a parameter indicative of the time offset.

5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the positioning signal information identifies allocation of the second positioning signal resources.

6. The method of any of claims 1-4, wherein the positioning signal information comprises a positioning signal pattern, usable by the first UE to identify allocation of the first and the second positioning signal resources.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the positioning signal pattern identifies or comprises the time gap information.

8. The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein the positioning signal pattern enables the first UE to identify allocation of the second positioning signal resources and / or the time gap based on being active on the first frequency range.

9. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the steps of claim 1 are carried out responsive to determining that the first UE is a reduced capability UE.

10. The method of any preceding claim, comprising: determining (508) a location request for the first UE; receiving (510), based on the location request, a location report comprising positioning signal measurement data from the first UE.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the location report comprises an indication of the frequency range on which positioning signal measurement was made by the first UE.

12. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein the location request indicates positioning signal measurement during the time gap.

13. The method of any of claims 1-10, comprising: transmitting (512) a control signal to the first UE, activating positioning signal measurement during the time gap.

14. The method of any preceding claim, comprising: determining (512) inactivation of positioning signal measurement during said time gap-15. The method of claim 14, wherein the inactivation of positioning signal measurement during said time gap is received from the first UE, enabling the wireless network to schedule data communication for the first UE in resources of the time gap.

16. The method of claim 14, comprising: transmitting (512) a control signal to the first UE, indicative of the inactivation of positioning signal measurement during said time gap.

17. The method of any preceding claim, wherein configuring the first UE with time gap information is carried out responsive to a second UE, active on the second frequency range, being configured with positioning signal information identifying allocation of the second positioning signal resources.

18. A network node (111) of a wireless network arranged for facilitating positioning of user equipment, UE, based on positioning reference signals, positioning signal, the network node comprising: an interface (413) to an access network of the wireless network; and logic circuitry (410) configured to: configure the access network to allocate first positioning signal resources within a first frequency range and second positioning signal resources within a second frequency range, wherein the second positioning signal resources are configured with a time offset to the first positioning signal resources; control the access network to configure a first UE with positioning signal information identifying allocation of the first positioning signal resources; and control the access network to configure the first UE with time gap information, identifying allocation of a time gap in the first frequency overlapping the second positioning signal resources, enabling the UE to switch to the second frequency range to use the second positioning signal resources.

19. The network node of claim 18, wherein the logic circuitry is further configured to operate in accordance with any of claims 2-17.

20. Method carried out in a user equipment, UE, for facilitating positioning of based on positioning reference signals, positioning signal, wherein the method comprises: receiving (600), from a wireless network, configuration of a first frequency range;receiving (602), from the wireless network, positioning signal information identifying allocation of first positioning signal resources within the first frequency range; and receiving (604), from the wireless network, time gap information identifying allocation of a time gap in the first frequency overlapping second positioning signal resources within a second frequency range, said second positioning signal resources being configured with a time offset to the first positioning signal resources, wherein the UE is enabled to switch to the second frequency range to use the second positioning signal resources.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the first positioning signal resources are allocated with a first periodic pattern and the second positioning signal resources are allocated with a second periodic pattern.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the first periodic pattern and the second periodic pattern have a common period.

23. The method of any of claims 20-22, wherein the time gap comprises a parameter indicative of the time offset24. The method of any of claims 20-23, wherein the positioning signal information identifies allocation of the second positioning signal resources.

25. The method of any of claims 20-23, wherein the positioning signal information comprises a positioning signal pattern, usable by the first UE to identify allocation of the first and the second positioning signal resources.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the positioning signal pattern identifies or comprises the time gap information.

27. The method of claim 25 or 26, wherein the positioning signal pattern enables the UE to identify allocation of the second positioning signal resources and / or the time gap based on being active on the first frequency range.

28. The method of any of claims 20-27, wherein the UE is a reduced capabilityUE.

29. The method of any of claims 15-22, comprising: determining (606) a location request for the UE; transmitting (608), based on the location request, a location report to the wireless network, said location report comprising positioning signal measurement data obtained in the UE.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the location report comprises an indication of the frequency range on which positioning signal measurement was made by the UE.

31. The method of claim 29 or 30, wherein the location request indicates positioning signal measurement during the time gap.

32. The method of any of claims 20-29, comprising: receiving (610) a control signal from the wireless network, activating positioning signal measurement during the time gap.

33. The method of any preceding claim, comprising: determining (610) inactivation of positioning signal measurement during said time gap-34. The method of claim 33, comprising: transmitting (610) a control signal to the wireless network, indicative of the inactivation of positioning signal measurement during said time gap, enabling the wireless network to schedule data communication for the UE in resources of the time gap-35. The method of claim 33, wherein the inactivation of positioning signal measurement during said time gap is received from the wireless network.

36. User equipment, UE, (10) arranged for facilitating positioning based on positioning reference signals, positioning signal, wherein the method comprises: a radio transceiver (213) for communication with a wireless network; and logic circuitry (210) configured to: receive, from a wireless network, configuration of a first frequency range; receive, from the wireless network, positioning signal information identifying allocation of first positioning signal resources within the first frequency range; and receive, from the wireless network, time gap information identifying allocation of a time gap in the first frequency overlapping second positioning signal resources within a second frequency range, said second positioning signal resources being configured to be offset in time from the first positioning signal resources, wherein the UE is enabled to switch to the second frequency range to use the second positioning signal resources.

37. The UE of claim 36, wherein the logic circuitry is further configured to operate in accordance with any of claims 21-35.

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