Systems, Methods, Devices, and Programs for Positioning Improvement in an Environment with Repeaters

Abstract

A method may be provided for improved positioning of a user device in a telecommunications network including one or more repeaters in communication between a network element and the user device. The method may include assigning, by the network element, one or more transaction beam IDs. Each of the one or more transaction beam IDs is associated with a respective repeater of the one or more repeaters of the telecommunications network. The method may further include generating, by the network element, a positioning reference relationship table. The positioning reference relationship table includes a relationship between a positioning reference signal ID and each of the one or more transaction beam IDs. The method may further include receiving, by a core element, an adjusted position of the user device. The adjusted position of the user device is adjusted to a position of a particular repeater between the network element and the user device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to estimating the position of one or more user devices in a telecommunications network and / or a wireless network that can include smart repeaters. In particular, the present disclosure relates to methods, apparatuses, and systems for estimating the position of one or more user devices in a telecommunications network and / or a wireless network having invisible smart repeaters.

Background Art

[0002] In a telecommunications network, smart repeaters are often used to amplify weak radio frequency (RF) signals and extend the area covered by network devices of the telecommunications network. However, while smart repeaters extend the range of RF signals, smart repeaters are not visible to network elements such as cell towers or base stations. Thus, when a network element estimates the position of a user device, the presence of a smart repeater in between (invisible to the network element) can cause a dramatic change in the direction of the beam by which the network element is affected by the user device. This results in significant errors in the estimation of the position of the user device.

[0003] Accurate positioning is important for providing continuous and efficient network services to users and their devices. However, the presence of invisible smart repeaters in the communication between a network element (e.g., a base station) and a user device can introduce dramatic errors in the estimation of the position of the user device. These errors can cause interruptions in network services to the user device and can substantially degrade the efficiency, reliability, availability, and quality of service of the telecommunications network.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a method of identifying a smart repeater in a telecommunications network and adjusting the estimation of the incorrect position of a user device when the smart repeater is identified.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to an embodiment, a method for improving the positioning of a user device in a telecommunications network including one or more repeaters in communication between a network element and the user device can be provided. The method can be executed by one or more processors. The method can include assigning, by the network element, one or more transaction beam IDs. Each of the one or more transaction beam IDs is associated with a respective repeater of one or more repeaters of the telecommunications network. Further, the method can include generating, by the network element, a positioning reference relationship table. The positioning reference relationship table includes a relationship between a positioning reference signal ID and each of the one or more transaction beam IDs, the positioning reference signal ID being associated with a positioning reference signal, and each of the one or more transaction beam IDs being associated with a respective repeater of one or more repeaters of the telecommunications network. Furthermore, the method can include receiving, by a core element, an adjusted position of the user device. The adjusted position of the user device is adjusted with respect to the position of a particular repeater between the network element and the user device.

[0006] According to an embodiment, it is possible to provide an apparatus for improved positioning of a user device in a telecommunications network including one or more repeaters in communication between a network element and the user device. The apparatus can include at least one memory configured to store computer program code and at least one processor configured to access the computer program code and operate as instructed by the computer program code. The program can include first allocation code configured to cause the first processor to assign one or more transaction beam IDs. Each of the one or more transaction beam IDs is associated with a respective repeater of one or more repeaters of the telecommunications network. Also, the program can include first generation code configured to cause the first processor to generate a positioning reference relationship table. The positioning reference relationship table includes a relationship between a positioning reference signal ID and each of the one or more transaction beam IDs, the positioning reference signal ID being associated with a positioning reference signal, and each of the one or more transaction beam IDs being associated with a respective repeater of one or more repeaters of the telecommunications network. Further, the program can include first reception code configured to cause the second processor to receive an adjusted position of the user device. The adjusted position of the user device is adjusted with respect to the position of a specific repeater between the network element and the user device.

[0007] According to an embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be provided. The non-transitory computer-readable medium can store a program that causes a computer to execute a process. The process can include assigning, by a network element, one or more transaction beam IDs. Each of the one or more transaction beam IDs is associated with a respective repeater of one or more repeaters of a telecommunication network. Also, the process can include generating, by the network element, a positioning reference relationship table. The positioning reference relationship table includes a relationship between a positioning reference signal ID and each of the one or more transaction beam IDs, the positioning reference signal ID being associated with a positioning reference signal, and each of the one or more transaction beam IDs being associated with a respective repeater of one or more repeaters of a telecommunication network. Further, the process can include receiving, by a core element, an adjusted position of a user device. The adjusted position of the user device is adjusted with respect to the position of a specific repeater between the network element and the user device.

[0008] Next, features, advantages, and significance of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals denote like elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in different drawings may refer to the same or similar elements.

[0011] The foregoing disclosure provides illustrations and descriptions, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the exact forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure, or such modifications and variations may be obtained from practice of the disclosed embodiments.

[0012] It will be apparent that the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented in various forms of hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. The actual specific control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods is not limiting of the embodiments. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code, and it is understood that software and hardware can be designed based on the description herein to implement the systems and / or methods.

[0013] As is conventionally done in the art, embodiments may be described and illustrated in terms of blocks that perform one or more of the recited functions. These blocks, which may be referred to herein as units or modules, may be physically implemented by analog or digital circuitry such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits, etc., and may be driven by firmware and software. Optionally, they may be driven by firmware. The circuitry may be embodied, for example, within one or more semiconductor chips or on a substrate support such as a printed circuit board. The circuitry included in a block may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry), or by a combination of dedicated hardware for performing some functions of the block and a processor for performing other functions of the block. Each block of an embodiment may be physically separated into two or more individual interacting blocks. Similarly, the blocks of an embodiment may be physically combined into more complex blocks.

[0014] Even if specific combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed herein, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of possible implementations. Indeed, many of these features may be combined in forms not specifically recited in the claims and / or not disclosed herein. Each of the dependent claims listed below may depend directly on only one claim, but in the disclosure of possible implementations, each dependent claim is included in combination with all the other claims recited in the claims.

[0015] Elements, operations, or instructions used in this specification should not be construed as important or essential unless explicitly described. Also, the articles "a" and "an" used in this specification are intended to include one or more items and can be used synonymously with "one or more". When only one item is intended, the term "one" or similar language is used. Further, terms such as "has", "have", "having", "include", "including" used in this specification are intended to be non - limiting terms. Additionally, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "at least partially based on" unless otherwise specified.

[0016] As described above, accurate positioning of user devices and network devices is important for providing continuous and efficient services to users of a telecommunications network. A smart repeater extends the reach of signals in a telecommunications network, but the smart repeater may not be visible to elements of the telecommunications network. It is difficult for network elements and user devices to identify signal propagation that includes a repeater. As an example, when a smart repeater is present in or facilitates the communication between a network element (e.g., a base station) and a user device, the network device may not know that the smart repeater is present and facilitating the communication.

[0017] The positioning accuracy highly depends on the propagation path of radio frequency (RF) signals. If a network element assumes (guesses, thinks) that the position of the smart repeater is the position of the user device, the network element can potentially change the beam direction and signal intensity significantly to provide network services at the position of the smart repeater. The network element can view these invisible changes of the smart repeater as sudden scattering and / or reflection to the user device, ultimately resulting in inaccurate estimation of positioning. It may not be easy to detect the positioning error. Metrics such as Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) are used as accuracy metrics, but due to the smart repeater generating strong signals, these metrics may not be a reliable measure of accuracy.

[0018] Some solutions can include adding specifications such that the smart repeater also assists (supports) positioning, for example, implementing a positioning method with the smart repeater. However, implementing a positioning scheme is an insufficient solution. It is not only insufficient but also an expensive solution for the telecommunications network in terms of both financial resources and computing resources.

[0019] Therefore, there is a need for a method to identify the smart repeater or the position of the smart repeater and accordingly consider or adjust the position of the user device.

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to identifying signals transmitted by a smart repeater using network elements (e.g., gNodeB, eNodeB, etc.). According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a telecommunication network can define a resource set related to the transmission of signals transmitted from a smart receiver and a resource set related to the reception of signals received by a smart repeater in a related network element. These resource sets can be used to identify smart repeaters in the propagation path of RF signals.

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to accurate positioning of user devices by considering the position of smart repeaters. To accurately determine the position of a user device, repeater-specific parameters can be applied while performing positioning.

[0022] As an example, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a network element can identify a beam ID related to a smart repeater of a received or transmitted signal. When a beam ID associated with a smart repeater is identified, those signals may be treated as if they were passing through the smart repeater, and repeater-specific positioning parameters may be applied to determine the position of the smart repeater, and in contrast, the exact position of the user device may also be determined. According to some embodiments, a user device can identify a beam ID related to a smart repeater of a received or transmitted signal and then apply repeater-specific positioning to determine (specify) the position of the smart repeater.

[0023] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a network element of a telecommunication network, or a core network element of a telecommunication network, can assign (give) a transaction beam ID or a beam ID (used interchangeably herein) to a specific repeater associated with the network element. If a beam ID is already assigned in the network element, the possible value(s) of the beam ID may be separated into multiple sets, and each set can be assigned for a specific purpose. As an example, if 64 beam IDs are available, beam IDs 0 to 31 can be assigned for beam formation in the network element, and beam IDs 32 to 63 can be assigned to a specific repeater for beam formation of the repeater. In some embodiments, the beam ID can be unique to each network element (e.g., gNodeB and eNodeB). In some other embodiments, the beam ID may be common to a specific portion or the entire telecommunication network. The transaction beam ID may be assigned incrementally (incrementally, increasing sequentially), based on the type of the smart repeater, or based on the capabilities of the smart repeater. In some embodiments, the transaction beam ID can be specifically for uplink provisioning or downlink provisioning.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network element can generate a positioning reference relationship table that defines the relationship between a positioning reference signal (PRS) ID and a transaction beam ID. Embodiments of the present disclosure may not be limited to positioning reference signals (PRSs). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, any suitable reference signal can be used. According to an embodiment, a sounding reference signal (SRS) can be used, for example, during uplink positioning. The transaction beam ID can be configured for or corresponding to a specific smart repeater. The network element can generate a positioning reference signal dedicated to a specific smart repeater by generating a positioning reference signal having a PRS ID corresponding to the transaction beam ID of the specific smart repeater. The network element can then transmit the generated positioning reference signal having the PRS ID to the specific smart repeater.

[0025] When a user device measures a positioning reference signal, the user device can report the PRS ID of the positioning reference signal to the network element or the core network element. The network element or the core network element can use the positioning reference relationship table to identify the beam ID associated with the received PRS ID and essentially identify the smart repeater of the propagation path between the network element and the user device.

[0026] In some exemplary embodiments, the network element can configure a positioning reference relationship table that maps the transaction beam ID to the PRS ID of the positioning reference signal. However, the network element can transmit or broadcast the positioning reference relationship table to the user device, and one or more user devices associated with the network element can store the positioning reference relationship table.

[0027] Using the positioning reference relationship table, not only can the network element identify the smart repeater of the propagation path of the network element, but also the user device of the telecommunication network can identify the smart repeater of its propagation path.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the core network element or the network element can determine (obtain) and / or calculate the exact position of the user device, and the calculated position of the user device can be the adjusted position of the user device relative to the identified smart repeater. As described above, when the smart repeater may be present in the propagation path of the network element towards the user device, the network element may incorrectly calculate the position of the user device due to the divergence / distortion of the signal caused by the smart repeater. The identification of the smart repeater in the propagation path enables the network element to determine the accurate and adjusted position of the user device and eliminates the influence of the divergence / distortion caused by the smart repeater.

[0029] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram of a network architecture 100 in which the systems and / or methods described in the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the telecommunication network 100 can include a network element 101, a user device 103, and a smart repeater 104.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, when the network element 101 and the user device are within each other's line of sight (LOS), the network element 101 can determine the position of the user device 103 by directly using the positioning reference signal (PRS) 110. When the PRS 110 can be transmitted and received by the network element, the network element 101 can accurately and easily determine the position of the user device 103 based on the characteristics of the transmitted and received PRS 110. The PRS 110 can be used to measure the distance between the network element 101 and the user device 103 based on the reference signal received power (RSRP), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and / or beam information. In some embodiments, the time lag between the transmission and reception of the PRS between the network element 101 and the user device 103, the position information related to the user device 103, the power information related to the user device 103, the power information related to the network element 101, the arrival time of the PRS, or the angle information related to the reception of the PRS can also be used to determine the position of the user device 103.

[0032] However, sometimes, the network element 101 and the user device 103 may not be within each other's LOS (i.e., Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS)), or they may be too far from each other, and a smart repeater 104 may be required to extend / propagate the signal. As an example, the network element 101 can transmit a PRS 111 that can be received by the user device 103 through the smart repeater 104. The smart repeater 104 may not appear as a repeater to the network element 101, and since the positions of the smart repeater 104 and the user device 103 are not aligned (not in line, not straight), the network element may produce extreme errors when determining the position of the user device 103. The position of the user device 103 determined based on the PRS 110 may be more accurate than the position of the user device 103 based on the PRS 111.

[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure can enable the network element 101 to identify the smart repeater 104 in its propagation path. Embodiments of the present disclosure can also enable the network element 101, the core network element 505, or the user device 103 to correct and / or compensate for the distortion caused by the smart repeater 104.

[0034] As an example, the network element 101 can assign a transaction beam ID or beam ID (used interchangeably herein) to the smart repeater 104 associated with the network element 101. As another example, beam IDs 32 to 63 may be assigned to a specific repeater for forming a repeater beam. By using the beam ID and associating the beam IDS (or transaction ID) with the PRS ID, the network element 101 can generate a positioning reference relationship table. The network element 101 can generate a positioning reference signal dedicated to the smart repeater 104 by generating a positioning reference signal having a PRS ID corresponding to the beam ID of the smart repeater 104. Then, the network element can transmit the generated PRS111 having the PRS ID to the smart repeater 104.

[0035] When the user device 103 can measure the PRS111, the user device can report the PRS ID of the positioning reference signal to the network element 101. The network element 101 can use the positioning reference relationship table to identify the beam ID associated with the received PRS ID and essentially identify the smart repeater 104 of the (NLOS) propagation path between the network element 101 and the user device 103.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary environment 200 in which the methods and systems described herein may be implemented. As shown in FIG. 2, the environment 200 may include a user device 210, a platform 220, and a network 230. The devices of the environment 200 can be interconnected by a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of a wired connection and a wireless connection. In an embodiment, any of the functions of the elements included in the telecommunication network 100 can be performed by any combination of the elements shown in FIG. 2.

[0037] Device 210 includes one or more devices that can receive, generate, store, process, and / or provide information related to platform 220. For example, device 210 can include a computing device (e.g., a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, handheld computer, smart speaker, server, etc.), a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone, a wireless phone, etc.), a wearable device (e.g., smart glasses or a smartwatch), or a similar device. In some implementations, device 210 can receive information from platform 220 and / or transmit information to platform 220. In some embodiments, device 210 can include network element 101, user premise equipment (equipment within the same facility (home) as the user) 104, user device 103, or any automated guided vehicle.

[0038] Platform 220 includes one or more devices that can provide network services, as described elsewhere in this specification. In some implementations, platform 220 can include a cloud server or a group of cloud servers. In some implementations, platform 220 can be modularly designed so that specific software components can be exchanged according to specific needs. Thus, platform 220 can be easily and / or quickly reconfigured for various applications.

[0039] In some implementations, as shown, platform 220 may be hosted in a cloud computing environment 222. In particular, the implementations described herein are described as having platform 220 hosted in cloud computing environment 222, but in some implementations, platform 220 may not be cloud-based (i.e., may be implemented outside of a cloud computing environment) or may be partially cloud-based.

[0040] Cloud computing environment 222 includes the environment that hosts platform 220. Cloud computing environment 222 can provide services such as computing, software, data access, storage, etc., without requiring knowledge of the physical location and configuration of the system and / or device that hosts platform 220 by an end user (e.g., device 210). As shown, cloud computing environment 222 may include a group of computing resources 224 (collectively sometimes referred to as "computing resources 224" and each individually sometimes referred to as a "computing resource 224").

[0041] Computing resources 224 include one or more personal computers, workstation computers, server devices, or other types of computing and / or communication devices. In some implementations, computing resources 224 can host platform 220. Cloud resources can include compute instances running within computing resources 224, storage devices provided within computing resources 224, data transfer devices provided by computing resources 224, and the like. In some implementations, computing resources 224 can communicate with other computing resources 224 by a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of a wired connection and a wireless connection.

[0042] As further shown in FIG. 2, the computing resources 224 include a group of cloud resources such as one or more applications ("APP") 224-1, one or more virtual machines ("VM (Virtual Machines)") 224-2, virtualized storage ("VS (Vertualized Storage)") 224-3, and one or more hypervisors ("HYP (Hypervisors)") 224-4. The application 224-1 includes one or more software applications that can be provided or accessed by the device 210. The application 224-1 can eliminate the need to install or execute software applications on the device 210. For example, the application 224-1 can include software related to the platform 220 and / or any other software that can be provided through the cloud computing environment 222. In some implementations, one application 224-1 can send and receive information with one or more other applications 224-1 via the virtual machine 224-2.

[0043] The virtual machine 224-2 includes a software implementation of a machine (e.g., a computer) that executes programs like a physical machine. The virtual machine 224-2 can be either a system virtual machine or a process virtual machine depending on its usage and the degree of match to the actual machine by the virtual machine 224-2. A system virtual machine can provide a complete system platform that supports the execution of a complete operating system ("OS"). A process virtual machine can execute a single program and support a single process. In some implementations, the virtual machine 224-2 can execute on behalf of a user (e.g., the device 210) and manage the infrastructure of the cloud computing environment 222 such as data management, synchronization, or long-term data transfer.

[0044] The virtualized storage 224-3 includes one or more storage systems and / or one or more devices that use virtualization technology within a storage system or device of computing resources 224. In some implementations, in the context of a storage system, the types of virtualization can include block virtualization and file virtualization. Block virtualization can refer to the extraction (or separation) of logical storage from physical storage such that the storage system can be accessed regardless of the physical storage or heterogeneous structure. The separation can allow an administrator the flexibility of the storage system regarding how to manage storage for an end user. File virtualization can eliminate the dependency between data accessed at the file level and the location where the files are physically stored. This can enable the execution of storage utilization optimization, server consolidation, and / or non-disruptive file migrations.

[0045] The hypervisor 224-4 can provide hardware virtualization technology that enables multiple operating systems (e.g., “guest operating systems”) to run simultaneously on a host computer such as computing resources 224. The hypervisor 224-4 can present a virtual operating platform to the guest operating systems and manage the execution of the guest operating systems. Multiple instances of various operating systems can share the virtualized hardware resources.

[0046] Network 230 includes one or more wired and / or wireless networks. For example, network 230 may include a cellular network (e.g., a fifth generation (5G) network, a long term evolution (LTE) network, a third generation (3G) network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, etc.), a public land mobile network (PLMN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a telephone network (e.g., a public switched telephone network (PSTN)), a private network, an ad hoc network, an intranet, the Internet, an optical fiber-based network, etc., and / or combinations of these or other types of networks.

[0047] The number and arrangement of devices and networks shown in FIG. 2 are provided as an example. In reality, additional devices and / or networks, fewer devices and / or networks, different devices and / or networks, or devices and / or networks with an arrangement different from that shown in FIG. 2 may exist. Further, two or more devices shown in FIG. 2 may be implemented within a single device, or a single device shown in FIG. 2 may be implemented as a plurality of distributed devices. Additionally, or alternatively, one set of devices (e.g., one or more devices) of environment 200 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of devices of environment 200.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a diagram of exemplary components of device 300. Device 300 may correspond to device 210 and / or platform 220. As shown in FIG. 3, device 300 may include bus 310, processor 320, memory 330, storage component 340, input component 350, output component 360, and communication interface 370.

[0049] Bus 310 includes components that enable communication among the components of device 300. Processor 320 is implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. Processor 320 is a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), accelerated processing unit (APU), microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another type of processing component. In some implementations, processor 320 includes one or more processors that can be programmed to execute functions. Memory 330 includes random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or other types of dynamic or static storage devices (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, and / or optical memory) that store information and / or instructions for use by processor 320.

[0050] The storage component 340 stores information and / or software related to the operation and use of the device 300. For example, the storage component 340, together with the corresponding drive, may include a hard disk (e.g., magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, and / or solid state disk), a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a cartridge, a magnetic tape, and / or other types of non-transitory computer-readable storage media. The input component 350 includes components that enable the device 300 to receive information via user input (e.g., touch screen display, keyboard, keypad, mouse, button, switch, and / or microphone), etc. Additionally, or alternatively, the input component 350 may include sensors for sensing information (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) component, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and / or an actuator). The output component 360 includes components that provide output information from the device 300 (e.g., a display, a speaker, and / or one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs)).

[0051] The communication interface 370 includes components such as a transceiver (e.g., a transceiver and / or separate receiver and transmitter) that enable the device 300 to communicate with other devices via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of a wired connection and a wireless connection, etc. The communication interface 370 may enable the device 300 to receive information from another device and / or provide information to another device. For example, the communication interface 370 may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a Wi-Fi interface, a cellular network interface, etc.

[0052] Device 300 can execute one or more processes described herein. Device 300 can execute these processes in response to a processor 320 that executes software instructions stored by a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as a memory 330 and / or a storage component 340. The computer-readable medium is defined herein as a non-transitory memory device. The memory device includes a memory space within a single physical memory device or a memory space spanning multiple physical memory devices.

[0053] The software instructions can be read into the memory 330 and / or the storage component 340 from another computer-readable medium or from another device via a communication interface 370. The software instructions stored in the memory 330 and / or the storage component 340, when executed, can cause the processor 320 to execute one or more processes described herein.

[0054] Additionally or alternatively, a hardwired circuit may be used instead of or in combination with software instructions to execute one or more processes described herein. Accordingly, the implementations described herein are not limited to any particular combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0055] The number and arrangement of components shown in FIG. 3 are provided by way of example. In practice, device 300 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or components arranged differently than those shown in FIG. 3. Additionally or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of device 300 can perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of device 300.

[0056] In an embodiment, any one of the modules or components in FIG. 1 can be implemented by or using any one of the elements shown in FIGS. 2 to 3.

[0057] FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram of a network architecture 400 for determining (identifying) the adjusted exact position of a user device when a smart repeater may be present in a propagation path. As shown in FIG. 4, the network architecture 400 can include a network element 101, a smart repeater 104, and a user device 103.

[0058] As described above, a network element, a user device, or a core network element can identify a smart repeater that may be in a signal propagation path. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a signal relayed by a smart repeater can be identified and measured, and then repeater-specific parameters applied to determine the exact and adjusted position of the user device can be identified and measured, greatly removing the impact / divergence / distortion caused because the smart repeater is in the propagation path.

[0059] According to some embodiments, using known methods and the methods described herein, a signal relayed by a smart repeater can be identified and measured, and then the length of the propagation path can be determined. This determined or estimated length of the propagation path can be used in conjunction with the minimum distance and absolute position of the smart repeater to determine the position of the user device.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the exact and adjusted position of the user device can be calculated based on the position of a specific repeater relative to the position of the network element, the position of a specific repeater relative to the position of the user device, the timing information associated with one or more signals between the network element and the specific repeater, or the processing delay associated with one or more signals between the network element and the specific repeater.

[0061] As an example, based on signals and information relayed between a smart repeater and a network element, the network element can determine the distance between the network element and the smart repeater, and can also determine the absolute position of the smart repeater. According to some embodiments, the network element can determine the total propagation path by utilizing timing information (e.g., Time Difference Of Arrival (TDOA) positioning technology). Next, the network element can identify and / or determine the distance between the user device and the smart repeater. Then, based on the total propagation path, the distance between the network element and the smart repeater, the absolute position of the smart repeater, the timing information, and / or the distance between the user device and the smart repeater, the network element can determine the absolute position of the user device.

[0062] As an example, referring now to FIG. 4, based on signals and information relayed between smart repeater 104 and network element 101, a first distance 455, d_{gNB - SR}, between network element 101 and smart repeater 104 can be determined. Next, using the timing information, the total propagation path d_{gNB - SR}+d_{SR - UE} can be determined. Next, using the absolute position of the repeater, as well as the total propagation path, the timing information, and the first distance 455, the network element can determine a second distance 460, d_{SR - UE}, between smart repeater 104 and user device 103, which can then (subsequently) be used to determine the absolute position of user device 103.

[0063] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a network element can determine the absolute and adjusted positions of a user device using information on the delay of processing related to a smart repeater. The network element can subtract the information on the delay of processing from the total propagation delay. These measurements can be based on one or more TDOA positioning techniques.

[0064] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram of a network architecture 500 for determining the adjusted exact position of a user device during uplink positioning when a smart repeater can be present in the propagation path. As shown in FIG. 5, the network architecture 500 can include a network element 101, a smart repeater 104, and a user device 103.

[0065] According to embodiments, a user device can transmit an uplink radio signal (e.g., a sounding reference signal) to a network element via a smart repeater in the propagation path. In an embodiment, the network element can generate a positioning reference relationship table that defines the relationship between a positioning reference signal (PRS) ID and a transaction beam ID. The positioning reference signal ID may be associated with a positioning reference signal, and each of one or more transaction beam IDs may be associated with a respective smart repeater of one or more smart repeaters in a telecommunications network.

[0066] Next, according to some embodiments, the network element can identify a specific smart repeater between the network element and the user device based on determining a specific transaction beam ID associated with a specific smart repeater using a positioning reference relationship table. In other words, the network element can identify (specify) the smart repeater based on the transaction beam ID of the uplink radio signal that matches the beam ID assigned to one of the smart repeaters.

[0067] In some embodiments, after identifying the smart repeater in the propagation path of the network element, the network element can apply repeater-specific parameters for positioning to determine the absolute position of the user device.

[0068] An exemplary workflow for determining the adjusted accurate position of the user device during uplink positioning when a smart repeater can be present in the propagation path is shown in FIG. 6.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 6, the workflow process 600 can show one or more operations for determining the adjusted accurate position of the user device during uplink positioning when a smart repeater can be present in the propagation path.

[0070] Operations 605-615 can be related to the generation of beam IDs or transaction beam IDs and the transmission to respective smart repeaters. In operation 605, the smart repeater can send a connection request to the network element to which it should be associated. By way of example, the smart repeater 104 can send a connection request to the network element 101.

[0071] In operation 610, the network element 101 can assign (or give) one or more transaction beam IDs, and each of the one or more transaction beam IDs can be associated with a respective repeater, such as the smart repeater 104. This operation can also include a process of generating a positioning reference relationship table by the network element 101, and the positioning reference relationship table can include the relationship between the positioning reference signal ID and each of the one or more transaction beam IDs. The positioning reference signal ID may be associated with a positioning reference signal, and each of the one or more transaction beam IDs may be associated with a respective repeater. In some embodiments, the positioning reference relationship table further includes a flag indicating whether each repeater of one or more repeaters in the telecommunication network can be a smart repeater.

[0072] In operation 615, the network element 101 can send or broadcast the transaction beam IDs associated with each smart repeater to all smart repeaters included in or connected to the network element. As an example, the network element 101 can send all transaction beam IDs associated with smart repeaters connected to the network element 101, such as the smart repeater 104.

[0073] In operation 620, the core network element can send a positioning request to the user device 103. In some embodiments, the positioning request can be a trigger signal for the positioning process. In some embodiments, the positioning request may be performed periodically or may be triggered by specific telecommunication conditions, such as an alert or a failure in the provision of network services by the telecommunication network.

[0074] In operation 625, an uplink radio signal (RS) 510 can be transmitted by user device 103 to network element 101. The uplink radio signal can include a significant amount of information, including a PRS ID associated with the uplink radio signal 510.

[0075] In operation 630, the network element can identify a specific repeater between the network element and the user device based on determining a specific transaction beam ID associated with a specific repeater using a positioning reference relationship table.

[0076] As an example, network element 101 can use a positioning reference relationship table to identify a transaction beam ID from the PRS ID of the received uplink radio signal 510. If the PRS ID matches an entry in the positioning reference relationship table, the corresponding transaction beam ID can be identified. Thus, network element 101 can identify the repeater associated with the identified transaction beam ID.

[0077] In operation 635, the network element can send location information related to a specific repeater between the network element and the user device to a core network element. As an example, network element 101 can send repeater-specific parameters (e.g., the absolute location of the repeater, TDOA, etc.) to core network element 405, such that core network element 405 can calculate the accurate and adjusted location of user device 103 in operation 640 by ignoring the influence of smart repeater 104. The adjusted location can be calculated based on the location of the specific repeater relative to the location of the network element, the location of the specific repeater relative to the location of the user device, timing information associated with one or more signals between the network element and the specific repeater, or the processing delay associated with one or more signals between the network element and the specific repeater.

[0078] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram of a network architecture 700 for determining an adjusted accurate position of a user device during downlink positioning when a smart repeater may be present in a propagation path. As shown in FIG. 7, the network architecture 700 can include a network element 101, a smart repeater 104, and a user device 103.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the network element can transmit a downlink radio signal to the user device via a smart repeater in the propagation path.

[0080] In an embodiment, the network element can generate a positioning reference relationship table that defines the relationship between a positioning reference signal (PRS) ID and a transaction beam ID. The positioning reference signal ID may be associated with a positioning reference signal, and each of one or more transaction beam IDs may be associated with a respective smart repeater of one or more smart repeaters of the telecommunication network.

[0081] Next, according to some embodiments, the network element can identify a particular smart repeater between the network element and the user device based on determining a particular transaction beam ID associated with a particular smart repeater using the positioning reference relationship table. In other words, the network element can identify a smart repeater based on the transaction beam ID of the downlink radio signal that matches the beam ID assigned to one of the smart repeaters. In some embodiments, the particular transaction beam ID can be determined based on the transmission of the downlink radio signal and the received measurement report.

[0082] Next, according to some embodiments, the network element can identify a particular smart repeater between the network element and the user device based on determining the particular transaction beam ID and the positioning measurement report.

[0083] In some embodiments, after identifying a smart repeater of the propagation path of a network element, the network element can apply repeater-specific parameters for positioning and determine the absolute position of the user device.

[0084] By identifying the transaction beam ID with the network element of the repeater, the network element can identify whether the positioning measurement report of the downlink reference signal can be from the repeater. For positioning based on the positioning measurement report from the repeater, the network element or the core network element can utilize the known information about the repeater.

[0085] When a smart repeater can be present in the propagation path, an exemplary workflow for determining the adjusted accurate position of the user device during downlink positioning is shown in FIG. 8.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 8, the workflow process 800 can show one or more operations for determining the adjusted accurate position of the user device during downlink positioning when a smart repeater can be present in the propagation path.

[0087] Operations 805-820 can be similar to operations 605-620 of workflow 600 related to the generation of the beam ID or the transaction beam ID and the transmission to each smart repeater.

[0088] In operation 825, the downlink radio signal 710 can be transmitted by the network element 101 to the user device 103. The downlink radio signal can include a significant amount of information, including the PRS ID associated with the downlink radio signal 710.

[0089] In operation 830, the measurement report generated by the user device 103 can be transmitted to the network element 101.

[0090] In operation 835, the network element can send location information related to a specific repeater between the network element and the user device to the core network element. As an example, network element 101 can send repeater-specific parameters (e.g., the absolute location of the repeater, TDOA, etc.) to core network element 405, and as a result, core network element 405 can calculate the accurate and adjusted location of user device 103 in operation 840 by ignoring the influence of smart repeater 104. The adjusted location can be calculated based on the location of the specific repeater relative to the location of the network element, the location of the specific repeater relative to the location of the user device, the timing information associated with one or more signals between the network element and the specific repeater, or the processing delay associated with one or more signals between the network element and the specific repeater.

[0091] By identifying the transaction beam ID at the network element of the repeater, the network element can identify whether the positioning measurement report of the downlink reference signal can be from the repeater. For positioning based on reports from the repeater, the network element and the core network element can utilize the known information about the repeater.

[0092] FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram of a network architecture 900 for determining the accurate and adjusted location of a user device during downlink or broadcast positioning when a smart repeater can be present in the propagation path. As shown in FIG. 9, the network architecture 900 can include a network element 101, a smart repeater 104, and a user device 103.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the network element can transmit a downlink radio signal to the user device via a smart repeater of the propagation path, and the user device can calculate its own accurate and adjusted position using broadcast positioning.

[0094] In broadcast-based positioning, to identify the presence of a smart repeater, the network element or the core network element can generate a positioning reference relationship table that defines the relationship between the positioning reference signal (PRS) ID and the transaction beam ID. The positioning reference signal ID may be associated with the positioning reference signal, and each of one or more transaction beam IDs may be associated with a respective smart repeater of one or more smart repeaters of the telecommunication network. Next, the network element or the core network element can broadcast the positioning reference relationship table and the position information related to one or more repeaters of the telecommunication network. In some embodiments, the network element, or the core network element, can broadcast a positioning reference relationship table that can further include a flag indicating whether each of one or more repeaters of the telecommunication network can be a smart repeater.

[0095] In some embodiments, following the broadcast of the positioning reference relationship table, the user device can identify a specific smart repeater between the network element and the user device based on determining a specific transaction beam ID associated with the specific smart repeater using the positioning reference relationship table. Next, based on identifying the transaction beam ID of the specific smart receiver, the user device can request information related to the specific smart repeater. In response to the request, the core network element can transmit the position information related to the specific repeater between the network element and the user device to the user device.

[0096] Next, the user device can calculate its own accurate and adjusted position based on the position information related to a specific repeater and the information obtained from the PRS.

[0097] When a smart repeater can be present in the propagation path, an exemplary workflow for determining the adjusted accurate position of the user device during downlink or broadcast positioning is shown in FIG. 10.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 10, the workflow process 1000 can show one or more operations for determining the adjusted accurate position of the user device during downlink or broadcast positioning when a smart repeater can be present in the propagation path.

[0099] Operations 1005-1015 can be similar to operations 605-615 of workflow 600 and 805-815 of workflow 800 and can be related to the generation of the beam ID or transaction beam ID and transmission to each smart repeater.

[0100] In operation 1020, the core network element can broadcast a positioning reference relationship table and position information associated with one or more repeaters of the telecommunication network using the broadcast signal 910. In some embodiments, the network element or core network element can broadcast a positioning reference relationship table that can further include a flag indicating whether each repeater of one or more repeaters of the telecommunication network is a smart repeater.

[0101] In operation 1025, the downlink radio signal 915 can be transmitted by the network element 101 to the user device 103. The downlink radio signal can include a significant amount of information, including the PRS ID associated with the downlink radio signal 915.

[0102] In operation 1030, following the broadcast of the positioning reference relationship table, the user device can identify a specific smart repeater between the network element and the user device based on determining a specific transaction beam ID associated with the specific smart repeater using the positioning reference relationship table. Next, based on identifying the transaction beam ID of the specific smart receiver, the user device can request information related to the specific smart repeater.

[0103] In response to the request, in operation 1035, the core network element can send the user device location information related to a specific repeater between the network element and the user device. As an example, the core network element can send repeater-specific parameters (e.g., the absolute position of the repeater, TDOA, etc.) to the user device 103.

[0104] In operation 1040, the user device 103 can calculate the accurate and adjusted position of the user device 103 by ignoring the influence of the smart repeater 104. The adjusted position can be calculated based on the position of the specific repeater relative to the position of the network element, the position of the specific repeater relative to the position of the user device, the timing information associated with one or more signals between the network element and the specific repeater, or the processing delay associated with one or more signals between the network element and the specific repeater.

[0105] FIG. 11 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 1100 for improved positioning of a user device in a telecommunications network including one or more repeaters in communication between a network element and a user device according to an embodiment.

[0106] According to an embodiment, operation 1110 may include assigning, by a network element, one or more transaction beam IDs, each of the one or more transaction beam IDs being associated with a respective repeater of one or more repeaters of a telecommunication network. In some embodiments, the communication between the network element and the user device may be downlink communication, and a particular transaction beam ID may be determined based on a measurement report transmitted and received by the downlink radio signal.

[0107] According to an embodiment, operation 1115 may include generating, by a network element, a positioning reference relationship table, the positioning reference relationship table being able to include a relationship between a positioning reference signal ID and each of one or more transaction beam IDs, the positioning reference signal ID being associable with a positioning reference signal, and each of the one or more transaction beam IDs being associable with a respective repeater of one or more repeaters of a telecommunication network. According to some embodiments, the positioning reference relationship table may further include a flag indicating whether each of the one or more repeaters of the telecommunication network may be a smart repeater.

[0108] According to an embodiment, operation 1120 may include identifying, by a network element, a particular repeater between the network element and the user device, the identifying being able to be based on determining a particular transaction beam ID associated with the particular repeater using the positioning reference relationship table. In some embodiments, operation 1120 may also include transmitting, by the network element to a core element, location information related to the particular repeater between the network element and the user device.

[0109] According to an embodiment, operation 1125 can include calculating an adjusted position of a user device by a network element, a core network element, or a user device. In some embodiments, the adjusted position can be calculated based on the position of a specific repeater relative to the position of the network element, the position of a specific repeater relative to the position of the user device, timing information associated with one or more signals between the network element and the specific repeater, or a processing delay associated with one or more signals between the network element and the specific repeater.

[0110] According to an embodiment, operation 1130 can include receiving, by a core network element, an adjusted position of a user device, and the adjusted position of the user device can be adjusted relative to the position of a specific repeater between the network element and the user device.

[0111] In some embodiments, in operation 1130, the user device can calculate an adjusted position of the user device. In some embodiments, when the user device can calculate an adjusted position of the user device, operation 1130 can include broadcasting, by a core network element, a positioning reference relationship table. Next, based on the specific repeater being a smart repeater, operation 1103 can include receiving, by a core network element, a smart repeater ID of the specific repeater from the user device. After receiving the smart repeater ID, operation 1130 can include transmitting, by a core network element, position information associated with the specific repeater between the network element and the user device to the user device.

[0112] As another example, in some embodiments, at operation 1130, the user device can calculate an adjusted position of the user device. In some embodiments, when the user device can calculate an adjusted position of the user device, operation 1130 can include broadcasting, by the core network element, positioning reference relationship table and position information related to one or more repeaters of the telecommunications network before the core network element receives the adjusted position of the user device.

[0113] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed implementations to the exact forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure, or may be obtained from practice of the disclosed implementations.

[0114] Some embodiments may relate to a system, method, and / or computer-readable medium at any possible technical detail level of integration. Further, one or more of the above-described components may be stored in a computer-readable medium and implemented as instructions executable by at least one processor (and / or may include at least one processor). The computer-readable medium may include one or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media having computer-readable program instructions for causing a processor to perform operations.

[0115] A computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can hold and store instructions for use by an instruction-executing device. The computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination thereof, but is not limited thereto. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes the following. That is, the non-exhaustive list includes portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD), memory sticks, floppy disks, mechanically encoded devices such as punch cards or raised structures in grooves having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination thereof. As used herein, a computer-readable storage medium should not be construed to be transitory signals themselves, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through waveguides or other transmission media (e.g., optical pulses passing through an optical fiber cable), or electrical signals transmitted through wires.

[0116] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to respective computing / processing devices or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network. The network can include copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface within each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and transfers the computer-readable program instructions for storage on a computer-readable storage medium within each respective computing / processing device.

[0117] The computer-readable program code / instructions for performing the operations can be in any combination of one or more programming languages, including assembly instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuits, or source code or object code written in any combination of object-oriented programming languages such as Smalltalk, C++, and procedural programming languages such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer-readable program instructions can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., through the Internet using an Internet service provider). In some embodiments, for example, an electronic circuit including a programmable logic circuit, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic array (PLA) can execute the computer-readable program instructions by utilizing the state information of the computer-readable program instructions for personalizing the electronic circuit to perform the aspects or operations.

[0118] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to the processor of a general 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 / operations specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram. These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer, programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer-readable storage medium storing the instructions comprises an article of manufacture including instructions for implementing the aspects of the functions / operations specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0119] The computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device implement the functions / operations specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0120] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer-readable media according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram can represent a module, segment, or portion of one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function. The methods, computer systems, and computer-readable media may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those shown in the figures. In some alternative implementations, the functions described in the blocks may be performed in a different order than that described in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may actually be performed simultaneously, or substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be performed in the reverse order depending on the related functions. It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, as well as combinations of blocks of the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0121] It will be apparent that the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented in various forms of hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. It is understood that the actual specific control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods is not limiting of the implementations. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code, and it is understood that software and hardware can be designed based on the description herein to implement the systems and / or methods.

Claims

1. A method for improved positioning of a user device in a telecommunications network including one or more repeaters between a network element and the user device, the method being executed by one or more processors, the method comprising: assigning, by the network element, one or more transaction beam IDs, each of the one or more transaction beam IDs being associated with a respective repeater of the one or more repeaters of the telecommunications network; the method further comprising generating, by the network element, a positioning reference relationship table, the positioning reference relationship table including a relationship between a positioning reference signal ID and each of the one or more transaction beam IDs, the positioning reference signal ID being associated with a positioning reference signal, and each of the one or more transaction beam IDs being associated with the respective repeater of the one or more repeaters of the telecommunications network; the method further comprising receiving, by a core element, an adjusted position of the user device, the adjusted position of the user device being adjusted relative to a position of a particular repeater between the network element and the user device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the adjusted position is calculated based on at least two of a position of the particular repeater relative to a position of the network element, a position of the particular repeater relative to a position of the user device, timing information associated with one or more signals between the network element and the particular repeater, or a processing delay associated with the one or more signals between the network element and the particular repeater.

3. Before receiving the adjusted position of the user device, the method comprises: identifying, by the network element, the particular repeater between the network element and the user device, the identifying being based on determining a particular transaction beam ID associated with the particular repeater using the positioning reference relationship table. Before receiving the adjusted position of the user device, the method further includes transmitting, by the network element to the core element, position information related to the specific repeater between the network element and the user device, according to the method of claim 1.

4. The communication between the network element and the user device is downlink communication, and the specific transaction beam ID is determined based on a measurement report obtained by transmitting and receiving downlink radio signals, according to the method of claim 3.

5. The adjusted position of the user device is calculated by the core element of the telecommunication network, according to the method of claim 3.

6. The adjusted position of the user device is calculated by the user device, and before receiving the adjusted position of the user device, the method includes: broadcasting, by the core element, the positioning reference relationship table; receiving, by the core element, a smart repeater ID of the specific repeater from the user device based on the specific repeater being a smart repeater; transmitting, by the core element, position information related to the specific repeater between the network element and the user device to the user device, according to the method of claim 1.

7. The adjusted position of the user device is calculated by the user device, and before receiving the adjusted position of the user device, the method includes: broadcasting, by the core element, the positioning reference relationship table and position information associated with the one or more repeaters of the telecommunication network, according to the method of claim 1.

8. The positioning reference relationship table further includes a flag indicating whether each of the one or more repeaters of the telecommunication network is a smart repeater, according to the method of claim 1.

9. An apparatus for improved positioning of a user device in a telecommunication network including one or more repeaters in communication between a network element and the user device, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store computer program code; at least one processor configured to access the computer program code and operate as instructed by the computer program code; The computer program code includes first allocation code configured to cause a first processor to allocate one or more transaction beam IDs, each of the one or more transaction beam IDs being associated with a respective repeater of the one or more repeaters of the telecommunication network; The computer program code further includes first generation code configured to cause the first processor to generate a positioning reference relationship table, the positioning reference relationship table including a relationship between a positioning reference signal ID and each of the one or more transaction beam IDs, the positioning reference signal ID being associated with a positioning reference signal, and each of the one or more transaction beam IDs being associated with the respective repeater of the one or more repeaters within the telecommunication network; The computer program code further includes first reception code configured to cause a second processor to receive an adjusted position of the user device, the adjusted position of the user device being adjusted relative to the position of a particular repeater between the network element and the user device. **Claim 10** The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the adjusted position is calculated based on at least two of the position of the particular repeater relative to the position of the network element, the position of the particular repeater relative to the position of the user device, timing information associated with one or more signals between the network element and the particular repeater, or a delay in processing associated with the one or more signals between the network element and the particular repeater. **Claim 11** Before the first reception code, the program code further Include a first identification code configured to cause the first processor to identify the specific repeater between the network element and the user device, and the identification is based on determining a specific transaction beam ID associated with the specific repeater using the positioning reference relationship table. Before the first reception code, the program code further The apparatus according to claim 9, including a first transmission code configured to cause the first processor to transmit position information related to the specific repeater between the network element and the user device to the second processor.

12. The communication between the network element and the user device is downlink communication, and the specific transaction beam ID is determined based on a measurement report obtained by transmitting and receiving downlink radio signals. The apparatus according to claim 11.

13. The adjusted position of the user device is calculated by the second processor, and the second processor is part of a core element of the telecommunication network. The apparatus according to claim 11.

14. The adjusted position of the user device is calculated by a third processor, and the third processor is part of the user device. Before the first reception code, the program code further A broadcast code configured to cause the second processor to broadcast the positioning reference relationship table; Based on the specific repeater being a smart repeater, a second reception code configured to cause the second processor to receive the smart repeater ID of the specific repeater from the first processor; The apparatus according to claim 9, including a second transmission code configured to cause the second processor to transmit position information related to the specific repeater between the network element and the user device to the first processor.

15. The adjusted position of the user device is calculated by a third processor, and the third processor is part of the user device. Before the first reception code, the program code further The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a broadcast code configured to cause the second processor to broadcast the positioning reference relationship table and the position information associated with the one or more repeaters of the telecommunication network.

16. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the positioning reference relationship table further includes a flag indicating whether each of the one or more repeaters of the telecommunication network is a smart repeater.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer system to execute a process, the process being a process for improved positioning of a user device in a telecommunication network including one or more repeaters in communication between a network element and a user device, the process comprising: assigning, by the network element, one or more transaction beam IDs, each of the one or more transaction beam IDs being associated with a respective one of the one or more repeaters of the telecommunication network; the process further comprising generating, by the network element, a positioning reference relationship table, the positioning reference relationship table including a relationship between a positioning reference signal ID and each of the one or more transaction beam IDs, the positioning reference signal ID being associated with a positioning reference signal, and each of the one or more transaction beam IDs being associated with a respective one of the one or more repeaters of the telecommunication network; the process further comprising receiving, by a core element, an adjusted position of the user device, the adjusted position of the user device being adjusted with respect to the position of a particular repeater between the network element and the user device.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 17, wherein the adjusted position is calculated based on at least two of the position of the specific repeater relative to the position of the network element, the position of the specific repeater relative to the position of the user device, timing information related to one or more signals between the network element and the specific repeater, or a delay in processing related to the one or more signals between the network element and the specific repeater.

19. Before receiving the adjusted position of the user device, the process further includes the network element identifying the specific repeater between the network element and the user device, the identifying being based on determining a specific transaction beam ID associated with the specific repeater using the positioning reference relationship table. Before receiving the adjusted position of the user device, the process further includes the network element transmitting position information related to the specific repeater between the network element and the user device to the core element, the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 17.

20. The adjusted position of the user device is calculated by the user device, and before receiving the adjusted position of the user device, the process includes the core element broadcasting the positioning reference relationship table, the core element receiving a smart repeater ID of the specific repeater from the user device based on the specific repeater being a smart repeater, and the core element transmitting position information related to the specific repeater between the network element and the user device to the user device, the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 17.

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