Methods for supporting simultaneous positioning configuration and reporting in next generation radio access network (ng-ran) architecture

Abstract

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

Description

[0001] TITLE: METHODS FOR SUPPORTING SIMULTANEOUS POSITIONING CONFIGURATION AND REPORTING IN NEXT GENERATION RADIO ACCESS NETWORK (NG-RAN) ARCHITECTURE

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and in particular, to methods for supporting simultaneous positioning configuration and reporting in a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The Third Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP) has developed and is developing standards for Fourth Generation (4G) (also referred to as Long Term Evolution (LTE)) and Fifth Generation (5G) (also referred to as New Radio (NR)) wireless communication systems. Such systems provide, among other features, broadband communication between network nodes, such as base stations (eNB, gNB), and mobile user equipment (UE) or wireless devices (WD), as well as communication between network nodes and between UEs. The 3GPP is also developing standards for Sixth Generation (6G) wireless communication networks.

[0006] Carrier phase based positioning

[0007] Release 18 Work Item Objective

[0008] Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) carrier phase positioning has been used successfully for centimeter-level accuracy positioning but is limited to outdoor applications. One objective of the 3GPP Technical Release 18 (3GPP Rel-18) work item (WI) is to specify physical layer measurements and signaling to support NR carrier phase positioning. In the 3GPP Rel-18 Work Item Description for Expanded and improved NR positioning, the objective below is stated:

[0009] • Specify physical layer measurements and signaling to support NR DL and UL carrier phase positioning for UE-based, UE-assisted, and NG-RAN node assisted positioning [RANI, RAN2, RAN3, RAN4],

[0010] 1. Existing downlink (DL) positioning reference signal (PRS) and uplink (UL) sounding reference signal (SRS) for positioning are used for NR carrier phase measurements;

[0011] 2. Specify measurements that are limited to a single carrier / positioning frequency layer (PFL); and 3. Specify corresponding new core requirements, as well as identifying and specifying the impact on the existing RAN4 specification, including radio resource management (RRM) measurements without measurement gaps in connected and inactive mode (including PRS measurement period / reporting) and procedures [RAN4].

[0012] “Release 18 Work Item

[0013] RANl#112bis-e

[0014] NR UL reference signal carrier phase (RSCP) (of i-th path) is defined as the phase of the channel response at the i-th path delay derived from the resource elements (REs) that carry the UL SRS signal for positioning purpose configured for the measurement. A UL RSCP is associated with a specific RF frequency.

[0015] • For future study (FFS): the reference point of the UL RSCP

[0016] • FFS: whether / how the measurement timing is defined

[0017] • Note: the i-th path is used for the sake of definition, whether only the first path or additional paths will be supported is subject to further discussion

[0018] • Note: The support of multiple input-multiple output (MIMO) SRS for positioning is transparent to UE

[0019] RANl#112bis-e

[0020] Support enabling a transmit / reception point (TRP) to report UL RSCP together with RTOA and / or gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurements to location management function (LMF)

[0021] Note 1: The report of UL carrier phase measurement with gNB Rx - Tx time difference does not necessarily require the report of DL carrier phase measurement with UE Rx - Tx time difference.

[0022] Note 2: This doesn’t preclude standalone UL carrier phase measurements reporting.

[0023] RAN 113

[0024] To enable simultaneous transmission of UL SRS for positioning by a target UE and a positioning reference unit (PRU), support the following enhancements:

[0025] • Enabling LMF to request the serving gNB of a UE to configure the transmission of the UL SRS resources from the UE within indicated time window(s).

[0026] • FFS: the details of the time window, e.g., the start time, duration, periodicity for the time window(s), within the vicinity of a reference SRS configuration or use the existing message of Scheduled Location time • Enabling LMF to request the serving gNB and neighboring gNBs of the UE to measure the UL SRS resources from the UE within indicated time window(s).

[0027] • Note: this may be a different indicated time window

[0028] To enable LMF to request the serving gNB and neighboring gNBs of a UE to measure the UL SRS resources from the UE within indicated time window(s), each time window is defined with the following parameters:

[0029] • The start of the time window, which is indicated by a combination of subframe number, slot offset and symbol index with respect to the single system frame number (SFN) initialization time

[0030] • The duration of the time window, which is given by a number of consecutive slots / symbols o FFS: the number of consecutive slots / symbols

[0031] • (Optional) The periodicity of the time window, which is defined similar to IE Measurement Periodicity in MEASUREMENT REQUEST in 3GPP Technical Standard (TS) 38.455.

[0032] • FFS: the maximum number of the windows.”

[0033] The following items were considered. Note that PRU refers to “Positioning Reference Unit”. In practice, a PRU is a UE with known position.

[0034] As set forth above, simultaneous transmission of UL SRS by a target UE and a PRU are used to correct the transmission / reception points (TRP) phase offsets. Since a PRU is a UE with known location, measurements of the simultaneously transmitted UL SRS from a target UE and a PRU by a same TRP may be used to cancel the phase offsets introduced in the TRP.

[0035] To support carrier phase positioning, the positioning server (e.g., location management function (LMF)) needs to be able to request NG-RAN node to perform uplink positioning measurements, in particular UL RSCP (Reference signal carrier phase), from two or more UEs simultaneously (one of the UEs may be a PRU). How the signaling aspects between the positioning server and the NG-RAN node will be handled in such scenario to support simultaneous positioning measurements reporting for carrier phase positioning (CPP) is an open problem to be solved. Also the signaling details in case of split network node architecture are also not known and is another open problem to be solved. To support carrier phase positioning (CPP), the positioning server (e.g., LMF) should be able to request NG-RAN node to perform uplink positioning measurements, in particular UL RSCP (Reference signal carrier phase), from two or more UEs simultaneously (one of the UEs may be a positioning reference unit (PRU)). How the signaling aspects between the positioning server and the NG-RAN node will be handled in such scenario to support simultaneous positioning measurements reporting for CPP is an open problem to be solved. Also the signaling details in case of split network node architecture are also not known and is another open problem to be solved.

[0036] SUMMARY

[0037] Some embodiments advantageously provide methods and network nodes for supporting simultaneous positioning configuration and reporting in a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture.

[0038] Some embodiments enable the location management function (LMF) to request the network node to configure multiple SRS configurations and activate their transmissions at the same time instance. The LMF is also enabled to request reporting of simultaneous measurements for carrier phase positioning based on the indicated SRS configuration that maps to a configured UL SRS transmitting UE.

[0039] This allows the network node to feedback whether simultaneous measurements may be reported and include the PRU measurement information in the network node measurement report to LMF.

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

[0041] Configuration Steps:

[0042] • During UL SRS configuration, the LMF requests the serving NG-RAN node that it requires several UEs to be configured at the same time, where one of the UEs may be a PRU. This may be implemented using one or more of the following options:

[0043] 1. the LMF includes a flag indicating that simultaneous SRS configurations are needed. The LMF may indicate so via a New Radio Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) message, e.g., by including multiple SRS configurations request with a list of UE IDs;

[0044] 2. After successful configuration of multiple SRS configurations, the network node correlates each successful configuration with an ID and notifies the LMF; and / or 3. The LMF then sends a new SIMULTANEOUS POSITIONING ACTIVATION message with the list of SRS configuration IDs to be activated all at once.

[0045] Alternatively:

[0046] 1. The LMF provides the activation time to RAN node for simultaneous UL SRS Transmission activation during the POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST message when requesting UL SRS configuration;

[0047] 2. The RAN configures the multiples UL SRS transmissions that it could successfully configure to be activated at the indicated time occasion or time instance and notifies the LMF of successful simultaneous SRS configuration and UL transmission of multiple UEs; and

[0048] • In case of split network node architecture with Fl interface, the gNB-CU inquires the gNB-DU that multiple UEs must be configured at the same time occasion using the same steps described above, but via Fl positioning messages.

[0049] In some embodiments, the measurement steps may include one or more of the following:

[0050] Measurement Steps:

[0051] • During the measurement reporting step, the LMF requests simultaneous measurements reporting from the network node via a new flag in the NRPPa MEASUREMENT REQUEST message;

[0052] • The LMF further includes the SRS configuration to be used for each measurement reporting, or an ID of the SRS configuration that should map to a measurement reporting;

[0053] • The multiple NG-RAN nodes (TRPs) that receive the request message from the LMF perform the simultaneous measurements and include those (optionally) in one bundled message containing the simultaneous measurement reports to LMF. Each measurement report from the TRPs is associated to an SRS configuration used for the measurement reporting, or to an ID of the SRS configuration used for the measurement reporting; and / or

[0054] • For measurement reporting in case of split network node architecture with Fl interface, the gNB-DU bundles multiple measurements in one Fl message to the gNB-CU using the same steps as above, but via Fl positioning messages.

[0055] Some embodiments provide support for reporting simultaneous measurements of target UE and PRU. In some embodiment, indications are added in the F1AP Positioning Measurement and the NRPPa Measurement procedures. In some embodiments, a basic principle is that LMF should be able to request multiple UL SRS configurations to the network node for multiple UEs with the same activation time. Once all the multiple UEs have been successfully configured to transmit UL SRS at the same activation time, the LMF should be able to request simultaneous measurements reporting from the network node and receive the response (measurement report) from network node for CPP.

[0056] Some embodiments may have one or more of the following advantages:

[0057] • Support of multiple UE SRS configuration for multiple UEs;

[0058] • Support of simultaneous measurement reporting; and / or

[0059] • Support of split network node CPP measurement simultaneous reporting.

[0060] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0062] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example network architecture illustrating a communication system according to principles disclosed herein;

[0063] FIG. 2 is an example of a user equipment and network node configured for an enhanced initial access procedure for fast beam alignment;

[0064] FIG. 3 illustrates a sequence of operations for simultaneous positioning configuration and reporting in a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture according to principles disclosed herein;

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

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

[0067] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of another example process in a core node for supporting simultaneous positioning configuration and reporting in a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture; and FIG. 7 is a flowchart of another example process in a network node for supporting simultaneous positioning configuration and reporting in a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture.

[0068] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Before describing in detail example embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components and processing steps related to methods for supporting simultaneous positioning configuration and reporting in Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture. Accordingly, components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0070] As used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and / or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0071] In embodiments described herein, the joining term, “in communication with” and the like, may be used to indicate electrical or data communication, which may be accomplished by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling or optical signaling, for example. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that multiple components may interoperate and modifications and variations are possible of achieving the electrical and data communication. In some embodiments described herein, the term “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, may be used herein to indicate a connection, although not necessarily directly, and may include wired and / or wireless connections.

[0072] The term “network node” used herein may be any kind of network node comprised in a radio network which may further comprise any of base station (BS), radio base station, base transceiver station (BTS), base station controller (BSC), radio network controller (RNC), g Node B (gNB), evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB), Node B, multistandard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, relay node, donor node controlling relay, radio access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH), a core network node (e.g., mobile management entity (MME), self-organizing network (SON) node, a coordinating node, positioning node, MDT node, etc.), an external node (e.g., 3rd party node, a node external to the current network), nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), a spectrum access system (SAS) node, an element management system (EMS), etc. The network node may also comprise test equipment. The term “radio node” used herein may be used to also denote a wireless device (WD) such as a wireless device (WD) or a radio network node.

[0073] In some embodiments, the non-limiting terms wireless device (WD) or a user equipment (UE) are used interchangeably. The UE herein may be any type of wireless device capable of communicating with a network node or another UE over radio signals. The UE may also be a radio communication device, target device, device to device (D2D) UE, machine type UE or UE capable of machine to machine communication (M2M), low- cost and / or low-complexity UE, a sensor equipped with UE, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, or a Narrowband loT (NB-IOT) device, etc.

[0074] Also, in some embodiments the generic term “radio network node” is used. It may be any kind of a radio network node which may comprise any of base station, radio base station, base transceiver station, base station controller, network controller, RNC, evolved Node B (eNB), Node B, gNB, Multi-cell / multicast Coordination Entity (MCE), IAB node, relay node, access point, radio access point, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH).

[0075] Note that although terminology from one particular wireless system, such as, for example, 3GPP LTE and / or New Radio (NR), may be used in this disclosure, this should not be seen as limiting the scope of the disclosure to only the aforementioned system. Other wireless systems, including without limitation Wide Band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), may also benefit from exploiting the ideas covered within this disclosure.

[0076] Note further, that functions described herein as being performed by a wireless device or a network node may be distributed over a plurality of wireless devices and / or network nodes. In other words, it is contemplated that the functions of the network node and wireless device described herein are not limited to performance by a single physical device and, in fact, may be distributed among several physical devices.

[0077] 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 disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein 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 unless expressly so defined herein.

[0078] Some embodiments provide methods for supporting simultaneous positioning configuration and reporting in Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture.

[0079] Referring now to the drawing figures, in which like elements are referred to by like reference numerals, there is shown in FIG. 1 a schematic diagram of a communication system 10, according to an embodiment, such as a 3GPP-type cellular network that may support standards such as LTE and / or NR (5G), which comprises an access network 12, such as a radio access network, and a core network 14. The core network 14 may include a location management function 15. The access network 12 comprises a plurality of network nodes 16a, 16b, 16c (referred to collectively as network nodes 16), such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 18a, 18b, 18c (referred to collectively as coverage areas 18). Each network node 16a, 16b, 16c is connectable to the core network 14 over a wired or wireless connection 20. A first user equipment (UE) 22a located in coverage area 18a is configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, the corresponding network node 16a. A second UE 22b in coverage area 18b is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding network node 16b. While a plurality of UEs 22a, 22b (collectively referred to as wireless devices 22) are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a sole UE is in the coverage area or where a sole UE is connecting to the corresponding network node 16. Note that although only two UEs 22 and three network nodes 16 are shown for convenience, the communication system may include many more UEs 22 and network nodes 16.

[0080] Also, it is contemplated that a UE 22 may be in simultaneous communication and / or configured to separately communicate with more than one network node 16 and more than one type of network node 16. For example, a UE 22 may have dual connectivity with a network node 16 that supports LTE and the same or a different network node 16 that supports NR. As an example, UE 22 may be in communication with an eNB for LTE / E-UTRAN and a gNB for NR / NG-RAN.

[0081] A network node 16 is configured to include a configuration unit 24 which may be configured to configure multiple SRS configurations according to a request from an LMF 15 for sounding reference signal, SRS, configurations to be used for measurement reporting. The network node 16 may also be configured to perform requested simultaneous SRS measurements. The LMF 15 is configured to generate a request for SRS configurations to be used for measurement reporting.

[0082] Communication system 10 further includes a network node 16 provided in a communication system 10 and including hardware 26 enabling it to communicate with the UE 22. The hardware 26 may include a communication interface 28 for setting up and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of the communication system 10, as well as a radio interface 30 for setting up and maintaining at least a wireless connection 32 with a UE 22 located in a coverage area 18 served by the network node 16. The radio interface 30 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers. The communication interface 28 may be configured to facilitate a connection to one or more computers local or remote computers. The connections to local or remote computers may be direct or may pass through a core network 14 of the communication system 10 and / or through one or more intermediate networks outside the communication system 10.

[0083] In the embodiment shown, the hardware 26 of the network node 16 further includes processing circuitry 34. The processing circuitry 34 may include a processor 36 and a memory 38. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 34 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and / or control, e.g., one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 36 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) the memory 38, which may comprise any kind of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0084] Thus, the network node 16 further has software 40 stored internally in, for example, memory 38, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the network node 16 via an external connection. The software 40 may be executable by the processing circuitry 34. The processing circuitry 34 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or to cause such methods, and / or processes to be performed, e.g., by network node 16. Processor 36 corresponds to one or more processors 36 for performing network node 16 functions described herein. The memory 72 is configured to store data, programmatic software code and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 40 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 36 and / or processing circuitry 34, causes the processor 36 and / or processing circuitry 34 to perform the processes described herein with respect to network node 16. For example, processing circuitry 34 of the network node 16 may include a configuration unit 24 which may be configured to configure multiple SRS configurations according to a request from the LMF 15 for sounding reference signal, SRS, configurations to be used for measurement reporting.

[0085] The communication system 10 further includes the UE 22 already referred to. The UE 22 may have hardware 42 that may include a radio interface 44 configured to set up and / or maintain the wireless connection 32 with a network node 16 serving a coverage area 18 in which the UE 22 is currently located. The radio interface 44 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers.

[0086] The hardware 42 of the UE 22 further includes processing circuitry 46. The processing circuitry 46 may include a processor 48 and memory 50. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 46 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and / or control, e.g., one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 48 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) memory 50, which may comprise any kind of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0087] Thus, the UE 22 may further comprise software 52, which is stored in, for example, memory 50 at the UE 22, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the UE 22. The software 52 may be executable by the processing circuitry 46. The software 52 may include a client application 54. The client application 54 may be operable to provide a service to a human or non-human user via the UE 22.

[0088] The processing circuitry 46 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or to cause such methods, and / or processes to be performed, e.g., by UE 22. The processor 48 corresponds to one or more processors 48 for performing UE 22 functions described herein. The UE 22 includes memory 50 that is configured to store data, programmatic software code and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 52 and / or the client application 54 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 48 and / or processing circuitry 46, causes the processor 48 and / or processing circuitry 46 to perform the processes described herein with respect to UE 22.

[0089] In some embodiments, the inner workings of the network node 16 and UE 22may be as shown in FIG. 2 and independently, the surrounding network topology may be that of FIG. 1.

[0090] FIG. 2 also shows a core node 56 which includes the LMF 15. The core node 56 includes a communication interface 58 and processing circuitry 60. The processing circuitry 60 includes a memory 62 and a processor 64. The processor 64 may be configured to execute functions of the LMF 15 described herein. The core node 56 may have a communication interface 58 configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection with a network node 16 serving a coverage area 18. The communication interface 58 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers.

[0091] Instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 60 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and / or control, e.g., one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 64 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) memory 62, which may comprise any kind of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0092] Thus, the core node 56 may further comprise software, which is stored in, for example, memory 62 at the core node 56, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the core node 56. The software may be executable by the processing circuitry 60.

[0093] The processing circuitry 60 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or to cause such methods, and / or processes to be performed, e.g., by core node 56. The processor 64 corresponds to one or more processors 64 for performing core node 56 functions described herein. The core node 56 includes memory 62 that is configured to store data, programmatic software code and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 64 and / or processing circuitry 60, causes the processor 64 and / or processing circuitry 60 to perform the processes described herein with respect to core node 56.

[0094] Although FIGS. 1 and 2 show various “units” such as configuration unit 24 and LMF 15 as being within a respective processor, it is contemplated that these units may be implemented such that a portion of the unit is stored in a corresponding memory within the processing circuitry. In other words, the units may be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software within the processing circuitry.

[0095] FIG. 3 illustrates a sequence of operations for supporting simultaneous positioning configuration and reporting in a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture. In a step S10 of the sequence of operations, the EMF 15 transmits to a serving network node 16b, a request for simultaneous measurement indication or activation times (Tl). At step S12, the serving network node 16b configures uplink transmissions with overlapping times. At steps S14 and S16, the serving network node 16b sends an activation instruction associated with activation times Tl to a first WD 22a and a second WD 22b, respectively. At steps S18 and S20 the serving network node 16b and a neighbor network node 16 perform simultaneous measurements. These simultaneous measurements from network nodes 16a and 16b are reported in step S22. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example process in a network node 16 operating as a radio base station in communication with a location management function 15 for supporting simultaneous positioning configuration and reporting in a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of network node 16 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 34 (including the configuration unit 24), processor 36, radio interface 30 and / or communication interface 28. Network node 16 such as via processing circuitry 34 and / or processor 36 and / or radio interface 30 and / or communication interface 28 is configured to receive a request from the LMF 15 for sounding reference signal, SRS, configurations to be used for measurement reporting (Block S24). The process also includes configuring multiple ones of the SRS configurations (Block S26). The process further includes transmitting to the LMF 15, identifications of the multiple configured SRS configurations (Block S28).

[0096] In some embodiments, the method includes receiving an activation instruction to activate a plurality of the multiple configured SRS configurations. In some embodiments, the activation instruction includes an activation time for simultaneous SRS uplink transmissions. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving from the LMF 15, a measurement reporting configuration that indicates an SRS configuration for each measurement report. In some embodiments, the method includes bundling measurements from a plurality of transmission / reception points, TRPs.

[0097] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example process in core node 56 operating a location management function LMF 15 for supporting simultaneous positioning configuration and reporting in a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of core node 56 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 60 (including LMF 15), processor 64, communication interface 58. Core node 56 such as via processing circuitry 60 and / or processor 64 and / or communication interface 58 is configured to transmit to a radio base station a request for sounding reference signal, SRS, configurations to be used for measurement reporting (Block S30). The process also includes receiving from the radio base station an identification, ID, for each SRS configuration configured by the radio base station (Block S32). The process further includes transmitting an activation instruction to activate a plurality of the configured SRS configurations (Block S34).

[0098] In some embodiments, the activation instruction includes an activation time for simultaneous SRS uplink transmissions. In some embodiments, the method includes transmitting to the LMF 15, a measurement reporting configuration that indicates an SRS configuration for each of a plurality of measurement reports. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving measurement reporting from a plurality of radio base stations. In some embodiments, the measurement reporting is bundled by and received from a transmission / reception point, TRP.

[0099] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example process in core node 56 operating a location management function LMF 15 for supporting simultaneous positioning configuration and reporting in a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of core node 56 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 60 (including LMF 15), processor 64, communication interface 58. Core node 56 such as via processing circuitry 60 and / or processor 64 and / or communication interface 58 is configured to transmit a positioning information request message to the plurality of radio base stations, the positioning information request message including an activation time for simultaneous uplink sounding reference signal, SRS, transmissions (Block S36). The process includes transmitting a measurement request message to the plurality of radio base stations, the measurement request message including a request for simultaneous SRS measurements from the plurality of radio base stations (Block S38).

[0100] In some embodiments, the process includes receiving the simultaneous SRS measurements in a bundled message. In some embodiments, the measurement request message is a New Radio Positioning Protocol A, NRPPa, message. In some embodiments, the positioning information request message further includes a time window information SRS list indicating at least one of a start time, duration and periodicity of uplink SRS transmission by a user equipment, UE 22. In some embodiments, the time window information SRS list indicates a maximum number of windows for uplink SRS transmissions. In some embodiments, the measurement request message includes a time window information measurement list indicating at least one of a start time, duration and periodicity of the simultaneous SRS measurements. In some embodiments, the time window information measurement list indicates a maximum number of windows for SRS measurements. In some embodiments, the measurement request message includes a request for an uplink reference signal carrier phase, RSCP, measurement. In some embodiments, the request for an uplink RSCP measurement includes a request for one of an uplink relative time of arrival, RTOA, and a receive-transmit time difference measurement. In some embodiments, the method includes transmitting an indication of simultaneous SRS configurations with a list of user equipment, UE 22, identifications, IDs.

[0101] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example process in a network node 16 operating as a radio base station in communication with a location management function 15 for supporting simultaneous positioning configuration and reporting in a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of network node 16 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 34 (including the configuration unit 24), processor 36, radio interface 30 and / or communication interface 28. Network node 16 such as via processing circuitry 34 and / or processor 36 and / or radio interface 30 and / or communication interface 28 is configured to receive a positioning information request message that includes an activation time for simultaneous uplink sounding reference signal, SRS, transmissions (Block S40). The method includes receiving a measurement request message requesting simultaneous SRS measurements (Block S42). The process also includes performing the requested simultaneous SRS measurements (Block S44). The process further includes transmitting a measurement report according to the activation time, the measurement report including the requested simultaneous SRS measurements (Block S46).

[0102] In some embodiments, the measurement report includes an uplink reference signal carrier phase, RSCP, measurement. In some embodiments, the uplink RSCP measurement includes one of an uplink relative time of arrival, RTOA, and a receive-transmit time difference measurement. In some embodiments, the measurement request message is a New Radio Positioning Protocol A, NRPPa, message. In some embodiments, the positioning information request message further includes a time window information SRS list indicating at least one of a start time, duration and periodicity of uplink SRS transmission by a user equipment, UE 22. In some embodiments, the time window information SRS list indicates a maximum number of windows for uplink SRS transmission. In some embodiments, the measurement request message further includes a time window information measurement list indicating at least one of a start time, duration and periodicity of the simultaneous SRS measurements. In some embodiments, the time window information measurement list indicates a maximum number of windows for SRS measurements. In some embodiments, the method includes comprising receiving at a central unit of the network node simultaneous SRS measurements from a distributed unit of the network node via Fl positioning messages. Having described the general process flow of arrangements of the disclosure and having provided examples of hardware and software arrangements for implementing the processes and functions of the disclosure, the sections below provide details and examples of arrangements for methods for supporting simultaneous positioning configuration and reporting in a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture.

[0103] Throughout this disclosure, the term carrier phase positioning (CPP) is used to refer to the positioning method that is based on carrier phase measurement. The embodiments described below are non-limiting in that they apply to positioning methods that are based on CPP (i.e., standalone CPP) as well as CPP applied in addition to other methods such UL time of arrival based methods, or round trip time (RTT) methods (i.e., non-standalone CPP). The measurement corresponding to CPP method in the UL is referred to as the UL received signal code power (RSCP) measurement. In case of standalone CPP, only UL RSCP measurements may be reported. In case of non- standalone CPP, UL RSCP measurements may be reported along with other measurements such as UL relative time of arrival (RTOA), etc.

[0104] NRPPa embodiments

[0105] In some embodiments, the positioning server (e.g., location management function (LMF) 15) signals a new message with a new indicator to the NG-RAN node (e.g., gNB, gNB-CU, or more generally “network node 16”) to indicate an activation time upon which multiple UEs may start transmitting uplink (UL) sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission at the same time instance (i.e., the UEs start transmitting the UL SRSs after the network node 16 signals the activation time to the multiple UEs).

[0106] In some embodiments, the positioning server signals a new message to the network node 16 to indicate a window start time along with a window duration so that multiple UEs may transmit UL SRS within the indicated time window. Note that the UEs may transmit the UL SRSs after the network node 16 signals the window to multiple UEs. In case the UL SRSs are periodic or semi-persistent, the window may be recurring with a periodicity. In this case, the positioning server signals the periodicity as additional information in the message to network node 16.

[0107] In some embodiments, the signaling may be achieved via a new non-UE associated New Radio Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) message containing the list of SRS configurations and their IDs that are associated to different successful SRS configurations, where each SRS configuration is associated to a UE 22, e.g., via an ID. Without loss of generality, an example of such an NRPPa procedure is described below. SIMULTANEOUS POSITIONING ACTIVATION REQUEST

[0108] This message is sent by the LMF 15 to cause the NG RAN node to activate / trigger UL SRS transmission for multiple UEs.

[0109] Direction: LMF 15 — > network node 16.

[0110] Another example procedure that includes the window start time, duration and / or periodicity is indicated below.

[0111] SIMULTANEOUS POSITIONING ACTIVATION REQUEST

[0112] This message is sent by the LMF 15 to cause the NG RAN node to activate / trigger

[0113] UL SRS transmission for multiple UEs.

[0114] Direction: LMF 15 — > network node 16, e.g., NG-RAN node.

[0115] In some embodiments, instead of sending the Activation time as part of the ‘SIMULTANEOUS POSITIONING ACTIVATION REQUEST’ message, the Activation time may be newly introduced in the POSITIONING INFORMAITON REQUEST message (note that the existing POSITIONING INFORMAITON REQUEST message is defined in Clause 9.1.1.10 of 3GPP Technical Standard (TS) 38.455 vl7.4.0).

[0116] In some embodiments, window for simultaneous SRS window start time, duration of such a window and / or the periodicity of such a window may be newly introduced in the POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST message. In some embodiments, the network node 16 indicates to LMF 15 the success of activating / triggering UL SRS transmissions for multiple UEs.

[0117] In some embodiments, the LMF 15 sends in the NRPPa MEASUREMENT REQUEST message a new flag to request simultaneous measurements reporting. Without loss of generality, the LMF 15 may indicate the request for simultaneous measurements (e.g., simultaneous UL RSCP measurements) reporting as part of the Measurement Characteristics Request Indicator IE (note that the existing Measurement Characteristics Request Indicator message is defined in Clause 9.2.81 of 3GPP TS 38.455 vl7.4.0). An example is provided below, by adding a new bit to the IE.

[0118] Measurement Characteristics Request Indicator This IE contains the measurement characteristic information requested by LMF 15.

[0119] In some embodiments, if the request for reporting simultaneous measurements for CPP is included in the NRPPa request message from LMF 15, the LMF 15 also indicates the list of SRS configurations with their SRS configuration IDs to use for the measurement reporting. In some embodiments, in case of successful simultaneous measurement reporting with the requested configuration / configuration ID, the network node 16 includes the requested information in the NRPPa response message.

[0120] In some embodiments, if the network node 16 is unable to perform CPP

[0121] 5 measurement on SRS resources simultaneously transmitted by a target UE 22 and a PRU or multiple PRUs, the network node 16 does not report simultaneous measurements to the LMF 15, but instead reports measurement failure via a failure message with a new cause value that the requested information related to CPP simultaneous measurements could not be reported.

[0122] 10 In some embodiments, the network node 16 may send one measurement in the report message to LMF 15. In this case, the LMF 15 reconsiders the need for simultaneous measurement reporting.

[0123] In some embodiments, the network node 16 (or gNB-CU) indicates in the NRPPa message to the LMF 15 that the simultaneous measurement reported is for a PRU

[0124] 15 In some embodiments, the simultaneous measurements for CPP are included as a new indicator in the measurement report IE in 3GPP TS 38.455.

[0125] Messages for Measurement Information Transfer Procedures

[0126] MEASUREMENT REQUEST

[0127] This message is sent by the LMF 15 to request the network node 16 to configure a 20 positioning measurement.

[0128] Direction: LMF 15 — > network node 16.

[0129]

[0130] TRP Measurement Result

[0131] This information element contains the measurement result.

[0132]

[0133] In some embodiments, the reported CPP measurement over NRPPa that is simultaneous to the target UE 22 measurement reporting, contains the UL RSCP information. Optionally, the measurement report over NRPPa may additionally contain the angle of departure (AoD) information, positioning reference unit (PRU) location and phase error group information.

[0134] CPP measurement

[0135] This information element contains the CPP information.

[0136] F1AP embodiments

[0137] In some embodiments, supplementary information is signaled over F1AP to activate / trigger UL SRS transmission for multiple UEs at the same activation time.

[0138] In some embodiments, the gNB-CU in split NG-RAN architecture signals a new indicator to the gNB-DU that hosts the TRPs to report simultaneous measurements for CPP.

[0139] In some embodiments, such indicator may be a new flag in the F1AP POSITIONING MEASUREMENT REQUEST message. Without loss of generality, the gNB-CU may indicate the request for simultaneous measurements reporting as part of the Measurement Characteristics Request Indicator IE. An example is provided below, by adding a new bit to the IE.

[0140] Measurement Characteristics Request Indicator This IE contains the measurement characteristic information requested by the gNB-CU.

[0141] In some embodiments, if the request for reporting simultaneous measurements for CPP is included in the F1AP request message from gNB-CU, the gNB-CU also indicates the list of SRS configurations with their SRS configuration IDs to use for the measurement reporting.

[0142] In some embodiments, in case of successful simultaneous measurement reporting with the requested configuration / configuration ID, the gNB-DU includes the requested information in the F1AP response message.

[0143] If the gNB-DU is unable to report simultaneous measurements to the gNB-CU, it may send a failure message with a new cause value that the requested information related to CPP simultaneous measurements could not be reported.

[0144] In some embodiments the gNB-DU indicates in the F1AP message to the gNB-CU that the simultaneous measurement reported is for a PRU

[0145] In some embodiments, the simultaneous measurements for CPP are included as a new indicator in the measurement report IE in 3GPP TS 38.473.

[0146] Positioning Measurement Result

[0147] A purpose of this information element is to provide the measurement result(s).

[0148] In some embodiments, the reported CPP measurement over F1AP that is simultaneous with the target UE 22 measurement reporting, contains the UL RSCP information. Optionally, the measurement report over F1AP may additionally contain the AoD information and the positioning reference unit (PRU) location. The Phase error group may also be optionally included in the F1AP IE.

[0149] XCPP measurement This information element contains the CPP information.

[0150] Some embodiments may include one or more of the following:

[0151] Embodiment Al. A network node operating as a radio base station configured to communicate with a core node operating a location management function, LMF, the network node configured to, and / or comprising a radio interface and / or comprising processing circuitry configured to: receive a request from the LMF for sounding reference signal, SRS, configurations to be used for measurement reporting; configure multiple SRS configurations according to the request; and transmit to the LMF, identifications, IDs, of the multiple configured SRS configurations.

[0152] Embodiment A2. The network node of Embodiment Al, wherein the network node, radio interface and / or processing circuitry are configured to receive an activation instruction to activate a plurality of the multiple configured SRS configurations.

[0153] Embodiment A3. The network node of Embodiment A2, wherein the activation instruction includes an activation time for simultaneous SRS uplink transmissions.

[0154] Embodiment A4. The network node of any of Embodiments A1-A3, wherein the network node, radio interface and / or processing circuitry are configured to receive from the LMF, a measurement reporting configuration that indicates an SRS configuration for each of a plurality of measurement reports.

[0155] Embodiment A5. The network node of Embodiment A4, wherein the network node, radio interface and / or processing circuitry are configured to bundle measurements to be included in each measurement report Embodiment Bl. A method implemented in a network node operating as a radio base stations in communication with a core node operating a location management function, LMF, the method comprising: receiving a request from the LMF for sounding reference signal, SRS, configurations to be used for measurement reporting; configuring multiple ones of the SRS configurations; and transmitting to the LMF, identifications of the multiple configured SRS configurations.

[0156] Embodiment B2. The method of Embodiment B 1 , further comprising receiving an activation instruction to activate a plurality of the multiple configured SRS configurations.

[0157] Embodiment B3. The method of Embodiment B2, wherein the activation instruction includes an activation time for simultaneous SRS uplink transmissions.

[0158] Embodiment B4. The method of any of Embodiments B 1-B3, further comprising receiving from the LMF, a measurement reporting configuration that indicates an SRS configuration for each measurement report.

[0159] Embodiment B5. The method of Embodiment B4, further comprising bundling measurements from a plurality of transmission / reception points, TRPs.

[0160] Embodiment CL A core node operating a location management function, LMF, configured to communicate with a plurality of radio base stations, the core node configured to, and / or comprising a radio interface and / or comprising processing circuitry configured to: transmit to a radio base station a request for sounding reference signal, SRS, configurations to be used for measurement reporting; receive from the radio base station an identification, ID, for each SRS configuration configured by the radio base station; and transmit an activation instruction to activate a plurality of the configured SRS configurations.

[0161] Embodiment C2. The core node of Embodiment C 1 , wherein the activation instruction includes an activation time for simultaneous SRS uplink transmissions.

[0162] Embodiment C3. The core node of any of Embodiments Cl and C2, wherein the core node, radio interface and / or processing circuitry are configured to transmit to the LMF, a measurement reporting configuration that indicates an SRS configuration for each of a plurality of measurement reports. Embodiment C4. The core node of any of Embodiments C1-C3, wherein the core node, radio interface and / or processing circuitry are configured to receive measurement reporting from the plurality of radio base stations.

[0163] Embodiment C5. The core node of Embodiment C4, wherein the measurement reporting is bundled by and received from a transmission / reception point, TRP.

[0164] Embodiment DI. A method in a core node operating a location management function, LMF, and configured to communicate with a plurality of radio base stations, the method comprising: transmitting to a radio base station a request for sounding reference signal, SRS, configurations to be used for measurement reporting; receiving from the radio base station an identification, ID, for each SRS configuration configured by the radio base station; and transmitting an activation instruction to activate a plurality of the configured SRS configurations.

[0165] Embodiment D2. The method of Embodiment DI, wherein the activation instruction includes an activation time for simultaneous SRS uplink transmissions.

[0166] Embodiment D3. The method of any of Embodiments DI and D2, further comprising transmitting to the LMF, a measurement reporting configuration that indicates an SRS configuration for each of a plurality of measurement reports.

[0167] Embodiment D4. The method of any of Embodiments D1-D3, further comprising receiving measurement reporting from the plurality of radio base stations.

[0168] Embodiment D5. The method of Embodiment D4, wherein the measurement reporting is bundled by and received from a transmission / reception point, TRP.

[0169] As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the concepts described herein may be embodied as a method, data processing system, computer program product and / or computer storage media storing an executable computer program. Accordingly, the concepts described herein may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects all generally referred to herein as a “circuit” or “module.” Any process, step, action and / or functionality described herein may be performed by, and / or associated to, a corresponding module, which may be implemented in software and / or firmware and / or hardware. Furthermore, the disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a tangible computer usable storage medium having computer program code embodied in the medium that may be executed by a computer. Any suitable tangible computer readable medium may be utilized including hard disks, CD-ROMs, electronic storage devices, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

[0170] Some embodiments are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, systems and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, may be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer (to thereby create a special purpose computer), special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0171] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory or storage medium that may direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0172] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0173] It is to be understood that the functions / acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality / acts involved. Although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths to show a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the depicted arrows. Computer program code for carrying out operations of the concepts described herein may be written in an object oriented programming language such as Python, Java® or C++. However, the computer program code for carrying out operations of the disclosure may also be written in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0174] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments may be combined in any way and / or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

[0175] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein are not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

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

2. The method of Claim 1, further comprising receiving the simultaneous SRS measurements in a bundled message.

3. The method of any of Claims 1 and 2, wherein the measurement request message is a New Radio Positioning Protocol A, NRPPa, message.

4. The method of any of Claims 1-3, wherein the positioning information request message further includes a time window information SRS list indicating at least one of a start time, duration and periodicity of uplink SRS transmission by a user equipment, UE.

5. The method of Claim 4, wherein the time window information SRS list indicates a maximum number of windows for uplink SRS transmissions.

6. The method of any of Claims 1-5, the measurement request message includes a time window information measurement list indicating at least one of a start time, duration and periodicity of the simultaneous SRS measurements.

7. The method of Claim 6, wherein the time window information measurement list indicates a maximum number of windows for SRS measurements.

8. The method of any of Claims 1-7, wherein the measurement request message includes a request for an uplink reference signal carrier phase, RSCP, measurement.

9. The method of Claim 8, wherein the request for an uplink RSCP measurement includes a request for one of an uplink relative time of arrival, RTOA, and a receive-transmit time difference measurement.

10. The method of any of Claims 1-9, further comprising transmitting an indication of simultaneous SRS configurations with a list of user equipment, UE, identifications, IDs.

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

12. The core node (56) of Claim 11, wherein the core node (56) is further configured to receive the simultaneous SRS measurements in a bundled message.

13. The core node (56) of any of Claims 11 and 12, wherein the measurement request message is a New Radio Positioning Protocol A, NRPPa, message.

14. The core node (56) of any of Claims 11-13, wherein the positioning information request message further includes a time window information SRS list indicating at least one of a start time, duration and periodicity of uplink SRS transmission by a user equipment, UE.

15. The core node (56) of Claim 14, wherein the time window information SRS list indicates a maximum number of windows for uplink SRS transmissions.

16. The core node (56) of any of Claims 11-15, the measurement request message further includes a time window information measurement list indicating at least one of a start time, duration and periodicity of the simultaneous SRS measurements.

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

18. The core node (56) of any of Claims 11-17, wherein the measurement request message includes a request for an uplink reference signal carrier phase, RSCP, measurement.

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

20. The core node (56) of any of Claims 11-19, wherein the core node (56) is further configured to transmit an indication of simultaneous SRS configurations with a list of user equipment, UE, identifications, IDs.

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

22. The method of Claim 21, wherein the measurement report includes an uplink reference signal carrier phase, RSCP, measurement.

23. The method of Claim 22, wherein the uplink RSCP measurement includes one of an uplink relative time of arrival, RTOA, and a receive-transmit time difference measurement.

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

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

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

27. The method of any of Claims 21-26, the measurement request message further includes a time window information measurement list indicating at least one of a start time, duration and periodicity of the simultaneous SRS measurements.

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

29. The method of any of Claims 21-28, further comprising receiving at a central unit of the network node (16) simultaneous SRS measurements from a distributed unit of the network node (16) via Fl positioning messages.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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