User equipment (UE) positioning method and apparatus, and communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of communications, and relates to a user equipment (UE) positioning method and apparatus, and a communication system. The method is applied to a UE. The method comprises: initiating a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process, and establishing a PDU session with a UPF network element, wherein the PDU session establishment process and the PDU session modification process carry a user plane positioning indication identifier, which is used for indicating that a UE is positioned by means of a user plane; and on the basis of the PDU session, sending positioning information to the UPF network element. By using the present disclosure, a UE can be quickly and efficiently positioned by means of a user plane, without the need to establish an exclusive user plane channel between the UE and an LMF network element or update the existing network.

Description

Positioning method, device and communication system for user equipment UE

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese patent application number 202410210314.8, filed with the Patent Office of China on February 26, 2024, entitled “Positioning method, device and communication system for user equipment UE”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this disclosure. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a positioning method, device and communication system for user equipment (UE). Background Art

[0004] With the service-oriented development of RAN (Radio Access Network) nodes, the positioning information of UE (User Equipment) can be transmitted through the user plane.

[0005] Currently, in order to transmit the positioning information of the UE through the user plane, it is usually necessary to create a dedicated user plane channel between the UE and the LMF (Location Management Function) network element.

[0006] However, establishing a dedicated user plane channel between the UE and the LMF network element will significantly change the existing network, making network upgrades more difficult and making it difficult to quickly and efficiently locate the UE. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a positioning method, device and communication system for user equipment UE to address the above technical problems.

[0008] In a first aspect, a positioning method for a user equipment (UE) is provided. The method is applied to the UE and includes:

[0009] Initiate a protocol data unit PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with a user plane function UPF network element; wherein the PDU session establishment process and the PDU session modification process carry a user plane positioning indication identifier, and the user plane positioning indication identifier is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane;

[0010] Based on the PDU session, positioning information is sent to the UPF network element.

[0011] As an optional implementation manner, the initiating PDU session establishment process or PDU session modification process includes:

[0012] Receive the user plane location notification message sent by the session management function SMF network element;

[0013] Initiate the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process.

[0014] As an optional implementation manner, the initiating PDU session establishment process or PDU session modification process includes:

[0015] When it is detected that the event triggering condition or the event periodicity condition is met, the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process is initiated.

[0016] As an optional implementation manner, the sending positioning information to the UPF network element based on the PDU session includes:

[0017] Based on the PDU session, the positioning information is sent to the UPF network element through an event report.

[0018] As an optional implementation, the method further includes:

[0019] Receive the cancel user plane positioning message sent by the SMF network element;

[0020] Initiate a PDU session release procedure for the PDU session.

[0021] In a second aspect, a positioning method for a user equipment (UE) is provided. The method is applied to a user plane function (UPF) network element. The method includes:

[0022] Establishing a PDU session with the UE based on a UE-initiated protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment process or a PDU session modification process, wherein the PDU session is used to locate the UE through a user interface;

[0023] receiving, based on the PDU session, positioning information sent by the UE;

[0024] Send the positioning information to the positioning management function LMF network element.

[0025] As an optional implementation manner, the receiving, based on the PDU session, the positioning information sent by the UE includes:

[0026] receiving, based on the PDU session, positioning information sent by the UE through an event report;

[0027] The sending the positioning information to the LMF network element includes:

[0028] The positioning information is sent to the LMF network element through an event report.

[0029] As an optional implementation manner, the sending the positioning information to the LMF network element includes:

[0030] Sending the positioning information to the LMF network element through the session management function SMF network element;

[0031] Alternatively, based on the event report, the positioning information is sent to the LMF network element through the SMF network element.

[0032] As an optional implementation, the method further includes:

[0033] receiving the location information of the UE sent by the LMF network element;

[0034] The location information of the UE is sent to the Gateway Mobile Location Center GMLC network element through the SMF network element.

[0035] As an optional implementation manner, the receiving the location information of the UE sent by the LMF network element includes:

[0036] Receiving the location information of the UE sent by the LMF network element through an event notification;

[0037] The sending the location information of the UE to the GMLC network element through the SMF network element includes:

[0038] Based on the event notification, the location information of the UE is sent to the GMLC network element through the SMF network element.

[0039] As an optional implementation, the method includes:

[0040] Receive the cancel user plane positioning message sent by the SMF network element;

[0041] Forward the cancel user plane positioning message to the LMF network element.

[0042] In a third aspect, a method for positioning a user equipment (UE) is provided. The method is applied to a session management function (SMF) network element. The method includes:

[0043] Determine, from among the candidate LMF network elements, a target LMF network element for providing location calculation for the UE;

[0044] Receiving the location information of the UE sent by the target LMF network element or the user plane function UPF network element;

[0045] Send the location information of the UE to the Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) network element.

[0046] As an optional implementation manner, determining, among the candidate LMF network elements, a target LMF network element for providing location calculation for the UE includes:

[0047] Receiving a location information request message sent by a gateway mobile location center GMLC network element; wherein the location information request message carries a user plane positioning capability identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate that the UE is positioned by the user plane;

[0048] Among the candidate LMF network elements, determine the target LMF network element that provides location calculation for the UE.

[0049] As an optional implementation manner, after determining, in each of the candidate LMF network elements, the target LMF network element that provides location calculation for the UE, the method further includes:

[0050] Sending a positioning request message to the target LMF network element; wherein the positioning request message carries a user plane positioning request identifier, and the user plane positioning request identifier is used to indicate a request to locate the UE through the user plane;

[0051] Receiving a positioning response message sent by the target LMF network element; wherein the positioning response message carries a user plane positioning confirmation identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate confirmation of positioning the UE through the user plane;

[0052] Send a user plane positioning notification message to the UE; the user plane positioning notification message is used to instruct the UE to initiate a protocol data unit PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process, and establish a PDU session with the UPF network element, and the PDU session is used to locate the UE through the user plane.

[0053] As an optional implementation manner, the receiving the location information of the UE sent by the target LMF network element or the UPF network element includes:

[0054] Receiving the location information of the UE sent by the target LMF network element or the UPF network element through an event notification;

[0055] The sending the location information of the UE to the GMLC network element includes:

[0056] The location information of the UE is sent to the GMLC network element through event notification.

[0057] As an optional implementation, the method further includes:

[0058] receiving the positioning information of the UE sent by the UPF network element, and sending the positioning information of the UE to the target LMF network element;

[0059] Alternatively, receive the positioning information of the UE sent by the UPF network element through an event report, and send the positioning information of the UE to the target LMF network element through an event report.

[0060] As an optional implementation, the method further includes:

[0061] Receiving a location update response message sent by the GMLC network element;

[0062] Sending a position location response message to the UE; the position location response message is used to indicate that the external client and / or application function AF network element has received the position information of the UE.

[0063] As an optional implementation, the method further includes:

[0064] receiving a user plane positioning cancellation message sent by the GMLC network element;

[0065] Forwarding the cancel user plane positioning message to the UE and the UPF network element;

[0066] receiving a user plane positioning cancellation confirmation message sent by the UE;

[0067] Send the user plane positioning cancellation confirmation message to the GMLC network element.

[0068] In a fourth aspect, a method for positioning a user equipment (UE) is provided, the method being applied to a location management function (LMF) network element, the method comprising:

[0069] Receive UE positioning information sent by the user plane function UPF network element or the session management function SMF network element;

[0070] Based on the positioning information of the UE, determine the location information of the UE, and send the location information of the UE to the UPF network element or the SMF network element.

[0071] As an optional implementation manner, the receiving the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or the SMF network element includes:

[0072] Receiving the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or the SMF network element through an event report;

[0073] The sending the location information of the UE to the UPF network element or the SMF network element includes:

[0074] The location information and event type of the UE are sent to the UPF network element or the SMF network element through event notification.

[0075] As an optional implementation manner, before receiving the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or the SMF network element, the method further includes:

[0076] Receive a positioning request message sent by the SMF network element; wherein the positioning request message carries a user plane positioning request identifier, and the user plane positioning request identifier is used to represent the request for the UE to transmit positioning information through the user plane;

[0077] Send a positioning response message to the SMF network element; wherein, the positioning response message carries a user plane positioning confirmation identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to characterize and confirm that the UE transmits positioning information through the user plane.

[0078] As an optional implementation, the method further includes:

[0079] Receive the cancel user plane positioning message sent by the UPF and delete the positioning information corresponding to the UE.

[0080] In a fifth aspect, a method for positioning a user equipment (UE) is provided, the method being applied to a gateway mobile location center (GMLC) network element, the method comprising:

[0081] Receive a location service request message for the UE sent by an external client and / or an application function AF network element;

[0082] Sending a location information request message to a session management function (SMF) network element serving the UE; wherein the location information request message carries a user plane positioning capability identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane;

[0083] Receiving the location information of the UE sent by the SMF network element;

[0084] Send the location information of the UE to the external client and / or the AF network element.

[0085] As an optional implementation manner, the receiving the location information of the UE sent by the SMF network element includes receiving the location information of the UE sent by the SMF network element through an event notification.

[0086] As an optional implementation, the method further includes:

[0087] Receiving a user plane positioning cancellation message for the UE sent by an external client and / or an AF network element;

[0088] Send the cancel user plane positioning message to the SMF network element.

[0089] In a sixth aspect, a user equipment (UE) is provided, comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

[0090] The memory is used to store a computer program; the transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; and the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0091] Initiate a protocol data unit PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with a user plane function UPF network element; wherein the PDU session establishment process and the PDU session modification process carry a user plane positioning indication identifier, and the user plane positioning indication identifier is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane;

[0092] Based on the PDU session, positioning information is sent to the UPF network element.

[0093] As an optional implementation manner, the initiating PDU session establishment process or PDU session modification process includes:

[0094] Receive the user plane location notification message sent by the session management function SMF network element;

[0095] Initiate the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process.

[0096] As an optional implementation manner, the initiating PDU session establishment process or PDU session modification process includes:

[0097] When it is detected that the event triggering condition or the event periodicity condition is met, the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process is initiated.

[0098] As an optional implementation manner, the sending positioning information to the UPF network element based on the PDU session includes:

[0099] Based on the PDU session, the positioning information is sent to the UPF network element through an event report.

[0100] As an optional implementation manner, the processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0101] Receive the cancel user plane positioning message sent by the SMF network element;

[0102] Initiate a PDU session release procedure for the PDU session.

[0103] In a seventh aspect, a user plane function (UPF) network element is provided, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

[0104] The memory is used to store a computer program; the transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; and the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0105] Establishing a PDU session with the UE based on a UE-initiated protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment process or a PDU session modification process, wherein the PDU session is used to locate the UE through a user interface;

[0106] receiving, based on the PDU session, positioning information sent by the UE;

[0107] Send the positioning information to the positioning management function LMF network element.

[0108] As an optional implementation manner, the receiving, based on the PDU session, the positioning information sent by the UE includes:

[0109] receiving, based on the PDU session, positioning information sent by the UE through an event report;

[0110] The sending the positioning information to the LMF network element includes:

[0111] The positioning information is sent to the LMF network element through an event report.

[0112] As an optional implementation manner, the sending the positioning information to the LMF network element includes:

[0113] Sending the positioning information to the LMF network element through the session management function SMF network element;

[0114] Alternatively, based on the event report, the positioning information is sent to the LMF network element through the SMF network element.

[0115] As an optional implementation, the method further includes:

[0116] receiving the location information of the UE sent by the LMF network element;

[0117] The location information of the UE is sent to the Gateway Mobile Location Center GMLC network element through the SMF network element.

[0118] As an optional implementation manner, the receiving the location information of the UE sent by the LMF network element includes:

[0119] Receiving the location information of the UE sent by the LMF network element through an event notification;

[0120] The sending the location information of the UE to the GMLC network element through the SMF network element includes:

[0121] Based on the event notification, the location information of the UE is sent to the GMLC network element through the SMF network element.

[0122] As an optional implementation manner, the processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0123] Receive the cancel user plane positioning message sent by the SMF network element;

[0124] Forward the cancel user plane positioning message to the LMF network element.

[0125] In an eighth aspect, a session management function SMF network element is provided, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

[0126] The memory is used to store a computer program; the transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; and the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0127] Determine, from among the candidate LMF network elements, a target LMF network element for providing location calculation for the UE;

[0128] Receiving the location information of the UE sent by the target LMF network element or the user plane function UPF network element;

[0129] Send the location information of the UE to the Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) network element.

[0130] As an optional implementation manner, determining, among the candidate LMF network elements, a target LMF network element for providing location calculation for the UE includes:

[0131] Receiving a location information request message sent by a gateway mobile location center GMLC network element; wherein the location information request message carries a user plane positioning capability identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate that the UE is positioned by the user plane;

[0132] Among the candidate LMF network elements, determine the target LMF network element that provides location calculation for the UE.

[0133] As an optional implementation manner, after determining, in each of the candidate LMF network elements, the target LMF network element that provides position calculation for the UE, the processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0134] Sending a positioning request message to the target LMF network element; wherein the positioning request message carries a user plane positioning request identifier, and the user plane positioning request identifier is used to indicate a request to locate the UE through the user plane;

[0135] Receiving a positioning response message sent by the target LMF network element; wherein the positioning response message carries a user plane positioning confirmation identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate confirmation of positioning the UE through the user plane;

[0136] Send a user plane positioning notification message to the UE; the user plane positioning notification message is used to instruct the UE to initiate a protocol data unit PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process, and establish a PDU session with the UPF network element, and the PDU session is used to locate the UE through the user plane.

[0137] As an optional implementation manner, the receiving the location information of the UE sent by the target LMF network element or the UPF network element includes:

[0138] Receiving the location information of the UE sent by the target LMF network element or the UPF network element through an event notification;

[0139] The sending the location information of the UE to the GMLC network element includes:

[0140] The location information of the UE is sent to the GMLC network element through event notification.

[0141] As an optional implementation manner, the processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0142] receiving the positioning information of the UE sent by the UPF network element, and sending the positioning information of the UE to the target LMF network element;

[0143] Alternatively, receive the positioning information of the UE sent by the UPF network element through an event report, and send the positioning information of the UE to the target LMF network element through an event report.

[0144] As an optional implementation manner, the processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0145] Receiving a location update response message sent by the GMLC network element;

[0146] Sending a position location response message to the UE; the position location response message is used to indicate that the external client and / or application function AF network element has received the position information of the UE.

[0147] As an optional implementation manner, the processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0148] receiving a user plane positioning cancellation message sent by the GMLC network element;

[0149] Forwarding the cancel user plane positioning message to the UE and the UPF network element;

[0150] receiving a user plane positioning cancellation confirmation message sent by the UE;

[0151] Send the user plane positioning cancellation confirmation message to the GMLC network element.

[0152] In a ninth aspect, a location management function (LMF) network element is provided, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

[0153] The memory is used to store a computer program; the transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; and the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0154] Receive UE positioning information sent by the user plane function UPF network element or the session management function SMF network element;

[0155] Based on the positioning information of the UE, determine the location information of the UE, and send the location information of the UE to the UPF network element or the SMF network element.

[0156] As an optional implementation manner, the receiving the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or the SMF network element includes:

[0157] Receiving the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or the SMF network element through an event report;

[0158] The sending the location information of the UE to the UPF network element or the SMF network element includes:

[0159] The location information and event type of the UE are sent to the UPF network element or the SMF network element through event notification.

[0160] As an optional implementation manner, before receiving the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or the SMF network element, the processor is further used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0161] Receive a positioning request message sent by the SMF network element; wherein the positioning request message carries a user plane positioning request identifier, and the user plane positioning request identifier is used to represent the request for the UE to transmit positioning information through the user plane;

[0162] Send a positioning response message to the SMF network element; wherein, the positioning response message carries a user plane positioning confirmation identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to characterize and confirm that the UE transmits positioning information through the user plane.

[0163] As an optional implementation manner, the processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0164] Receive the cancel user plane positioning message sent by the UPF and delete the positioning information corresponding to the UE.

[0165] In a tenth aspect, a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) network element is provided, comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

[0166] The memory is used to store a computer program; the transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; and the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0167] Receive a location service request message for the UE sent by an external client and / or an application function AF network element;

[0168] Sending a location information request message to a session management function (SMF) network element serving the UE; wherein the location information request message carries a user plane positioning capability identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane;

[0169] Receiving the location information of the UE sent by the SMF network element;

[0170] Send the location information of the UE to the external client and / or the AF network element.

[0171] As an optional implementation manner, the receiving the location information of the UE sent by the SMF network element includes:

[0172] Receive the location information of the UE sent by the SMF network element through an event notification.

[0173] As an optional implementation manner, the processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0174] Receiving a user plane positioning cancellation message for the UE sent by an external client and / or an AF network element;

[0175] Send the cancel user plane positioning message to the SMF network element.

[0176] In an eleventh aspect, a positioning apparatus for a user equipment (UE) is provided, the apparatus being applied to the UE, the apparatus including:

[0177] An establishment unit is used to initiate a protocol data unit PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with a user plane function UPF network element; wherein the PDU session establishment process and the PDU session modification process carry a user plane positioning indication identifier, and the user plane positioning indication identifier is used to represent that the UE is positioned through the user plane;

[0178] A sending unit is used to send positioning information to the UPF network element based on the PDU session.

[0179] In a twelfth aspect, a positioning device for a user equipment UE is provided, the device being applied to a user plane function (UPF) network element, the device including:

[0180] An establishing unit, configured to establish a PDU session with the UE based on a UE-initiated protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment process or a PDU session modification process, wherein the PDU session is used to locate the UE through a user interface;

[0181] A first receiving unit, configured to receive positioning information sent by the UE based on the PDU session;

[0182] The first sending unit is used to send the positioning information to the positioning management function LMF network element.

[0183] In a thirteenth aspect, a positioning device for a user equipment (UE) is provided, the device being applied to a session management function (SMF) network element, the device including:

[0184] a determination unit, configured to determine, from among the candidate positioning management function LMF network elements, a target LMF network element for providing location calculation for the UE;

[0185] A first receiving unit is configured to receive the location information of the UE sent by the target LMF network element or the user plane function UPF network element;

[0186] The first sending unit is configured to send the location information of the UE to a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) network element.

[0187] In a fourteenth aspect, a positioning device for a user equipment (UE) is provided, the device being applied to a positioning management function (LMF) network element, the device including:

[0188] The first receiving unit is configured to receive the UE positioning information sent by the user plane function UPF network element or the session management function SMF network element;

[0189] The first sending unit is used to determine the location information of the UE based on the positioning information of the UE, and send the location information of the UE to the UPF network element or the SMF network element.

[0190] In a fifteenth aspect, a positioning device for a user equipment (UE) is provided, the device being applied to a gateway mobile location center (GMLC) network element, the device comprising:

[0191] A first receiving unit is configured to receive a location service request message for a UE sent by an external client and / or an application function AF network element;

[0192] A first sending unit is configured to send a location information request message to a session management function (SMF) network element serving the UE; wherein the location information request message carries a user plane positioning capability identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane;

[0193] A second receiving unit is configured to receive the location information of the UE sent by the SMF network element;

[0194] The second sending unit is configured to send the location information of the UE to the external client and / or the AF network element.

[0195] In the sixteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes a user equipment UE, a radio access network RAN ​​node, a user plane function UPF network element, a session management function SMF network element, a positioning management function LMF network element, a gateway mobile location center GMLC network element, an external client and / or an application function AF network element; the UE, the RAN node, the UPF network element, the SMF network element, the LMF network element, the GMLC network element, the external client and / or the AF network element perform the method steps described in the first to fifth aspects.

[0196] In the seventeenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method steps described in the first to fifth aspects are implemented.

[0197] The present disclosure provides a positioning method, device and communication system for user equipment (UE). The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure brings at least the following beneficial effects: there is no need to establish a dedicated user plane channel between the UE and the LMF network element. The UE only needs to establish a PDU session with the UPF network element to transmit positioning information through the user plane. Without upgrading the existing network, the positioning of the UE through the user plane can be achieved quickly and efficiently. In addition, the interaction anchor point between the RAN node and the core network is no longer the AMF network element, which is in line with the concept of RAN service.

[0198] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0199] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or related technologies, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or related technical descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0200] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a RAN service-oriented architecture provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0201] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a RAN service-oriented architecture provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0202] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a RAN service-oriented architecture provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0203] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a RAN service-oriented architecture provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0204] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a RAN service-oriented architecture provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0205] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a RAN service-oriented architecture provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0206] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of an NG-RAN architecture provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0207] FIG8 is a flowchart of a UE positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0208] FIG9 is a flowchart of a UE positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0209] FIG10 is a flowchart of a UE positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0210] FIG11 is a flowchart of a UE positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0211] FIG12 is a flowchart of a UE positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0212] FIG13 is a signaling interaction diagram of an example of an MT-LR positioning process provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0213] FIG14 is a signaling interaction diagram of an example of an MT-LR positioning process provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0214] FIG15 is a signaling interaction diagram of an example of a MO-LR positioning process provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0215] FIG16 is a signaling interaction diagram of an example of a MO-LR positioning process provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0216] FIG17 is a signaling interaction diagram of an example of a deferred MT-LR positioning process provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0217] FIG18 is a signaling interaction diagram of an example of canceling a location reporting event provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0218] FIG19 is a schematic structural diagram of a UE provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0219] FIG20 is a schematic structural diagram of a UPF network element provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0220] FIG21 is a schematic structural diagram of an SMF network element provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0221] FIG22 is a schematic structural diagram of an LMF network element provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0222] FIG23 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a GMLS network element provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0223] FIG24 is a schematic structural diagram of a positioning device for a UE provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0224] FIG25 is a schematic structural diagram of a positioning device for a UE provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0225] FIG26 is a schematic structural diagram of a positioning device for a UE provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0226] FIG27 is a schematic structural diagram of a positioning device for a UE provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0227] FIG28 is a schematic structural diagram of a UE positioning device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0228] In embodiments of the present invention, the term "and / or" describes the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0229] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "plurality" refers to two or more than two, and other quantifiers are similar thereto.

[0230] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0231] Traditional positioning methods or positioning service requests are handled through the control plane. The process is as follows: The AF (Application Function) network element or the LCS (Location Services) client (LCS Client) sends a location service request to the GMLS (Gateway Mobile Location Center) network element. The GMLS network element then sends a request to the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) network element to provide location information. The AMF network element selects the LMF network element that can locate the UE. The LMF network element initiates a positioning process to the UE, calculates the UE's location, and sends the UE's location information to the GMLC network element through the AMF network element. Finally, the GMLC network element sends the UE's location information to the AF network element or LCS Client. The above process involves a large amount of signaling interaction, which increases the location service delay and signaling overhead.

[0232] After the RAN (Radio Access Network) node becomes service-oriented, the anchor point between the RAN node and the core network is no longer the AMF network element. For example, the establishment of a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session for a UE can be initiated directly by the RAN node to the SMF (Session Management Function) network element.

[0233] Nokia Bell Labs described the RAN service-oriented architecture in its "Technology Innovations for 6G System Architecture White Paper" (see Figure 1). China Mobile described the RAN service-oriented architecture in its "6G Service-oriented RAN White Paper" as follows: (1) Service-oriented control plane interfaces enable direct cross-domain functional access (see Figure 2); (2) Service-oriented RAN control planes facilitate end-to-end process optimization (see Figure 3); (3) Service-oriented RAN user planes create an ultimate cross-layer transmission experience (see Figure 4); (4) RAN service-oriented upgrades deeply integrate new elements of DOICT (Data Operation Information and Communication Technologies) (see Figure 5); (5) Stimulate UE service capabilities to achieve end-to-end service capability sharing (see Figure 6).

[0234] As shown in Figure 7, the current NG-RAN (Next Generation Radio Access Network) node consists of a group of gNBs connected to the 5GC (5th Generation Core Network) via the NG interface. gNBs can support FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) mode, TDD (Time Division Duplex) mode, or dual-mode operation. gNBs can be interconnected via the Xn interface. A gNB can consist of a gNB-CU (Central Unit) and one or more gNB-DUs (Distributed Units). A gNB-CU and a gNB-DU are connected via the F1 interface. A gNB-DU is connected to only one gNB-CU. The CU is further divided into the CU-CP (Central Unit-Control Plane) and the CU-UP (Central Unit-User Plane).

[0235] The existing positioning process mainly includes: 5GC-MT-LR process for regulatory positioning services, 5GC-MT-LR (Mobile Terminated-Location Request) process for commercial positioning services, 5GC-MO-LR (Mobile Originated-Location Request) process, deferred 5GC-MT-LR process, AF or external LCS client cancellation of location reporting event, 5GC-NI-LR (Network Induced-Location Request) process, LMF change process, UE-assisted and UE-based positioning procedures are respectively shown in 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.2, 6.3.1, 6.3.3, 6.10.1, 6.4, and 6.11.1 of 23273. Currently, in order to realize the transmission of UE positioning information through the user plane, it is usually necessary to establish a dedicated user plane channel between the UE and the LMF network element. However, establishing a dedicated user plane channel between the UE and the LMF network element significantly changes the existing network, making network upgrades more difficult and hindering fast and efficient UE positioning. Furthermore, in the aforementioned method, the signaling exchange and establishment of a dedicated user plane channel still use the AMF network element as the anchor point for interaction between the RAN node and the core network, which is inconsistent with the concept of RAN service-oriented development.

[0236] The present disclosure provides a method for positioning a UE, as shown in FIG8 . The method is applied to the UE, and the processing process is as follows:

[0237] Step 801: Initiate a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with a UPF network element. The PDU session establishment process and the PDU session modification process carry a user plane positioning indicator, which is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane.

[0238] During implementation, in order to realize positioning of the UE through the user plane, the UE may initiate a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with the UPF network element. Among them, the UE may carry a user plane positioning indication identifier in the PDU session establishment process and the PDU session modification process, and the user plane positioning indication identifier is used to represent positioning of the UE through the user plane. It should be noted that in the MT-LR positioning process, the UE actively initiates the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process; in the MO-LR positioning process, the UE responds to the user plane positioning notification message sent by the SMF network element and initiates the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process; in the deferred MT-LR positioning process, the UE initiates the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process when it detects that the event trigger condition or the event periodicity condition is met.

[0239] Step 802: Send positioning information to the UPF network element based on the PDU session.

[0240] In implementation, after the UE establishes a PDU session with the UPF network element, positioning information can be sent to the UPF network element via the user plane based on the PDU session. This positioning information may include positioning method, positioning time, positioning accuracy, etc. This eliminates the need to establish a dedicated user plane channel between the UE and the LMF network element. Instead, the UE only needs to establish a PDU session with the UPF network element to transmit positioning information via the user plane. This allows for fast and efficient user-plane positioning of the UE without upgrading the existing network. Furthermore, the interaction anchor point between the RAN node and the core network is no longer the AMF network element, which aligns with the concept of RAN service-orientedness.

[0241] As an optional implementation, in the MO-LR positioning process, in the above step 801, the process of UE initiating a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process is: the UE receives the user plane positioning notification message sent by the SMF network element, and initiates a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process.

[0242] In practice, in the MO-LR positioning process, since the positioning process is initiated by the external client and / or AF network element, after the SMF network element receives the location service request message sent by the external client and / or AF network element through the GMLC network element, it will send a user plane positioning notification message to the UE through the RAN node. Accordingly, after receiving the user plane positioning notification message sent by the SMF network element, the UE can respond to the user plane positioning notification message and initiate a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with the UPF network element.

[0243] It should be noted that: When the UE is in the connected state, the SMF network element can directly send a user plane location notification message to the UE. When the UE is in the idle state, after the SMF network element receives the location service request message sent by the GMLC network element, it can initiate a paging request to return the UE to the connected state. It can also send a location service request message to the AMF network element based on the existing paging mechanism, and the AMF network element will initiate paging to return the UE to the connected state.

[0244] As an optional implementation, in the deferred MT-LR positioning process, in the above step 801, the process of the UE initiating the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process is: when the UE detects that the event trigger condition or the event periodicity condition is met, the UE initiates the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process.

[0245] In implementation, in the deferred MT-LR positioning process, the UE will monitor in real time whether the event triggering condition or the event periodic condition occurs. When the UE detects that the event triggering condition or the event periodic condition occurs, the UE initiates the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with the UPF network element.

[0246] As an optional implementation, in the deferred MT-LR positioning process, in the above step 802, the processing process of the UE sending positioning information to the UPF network element based on the PDU session is: the UE sends positioning information to the UPF network element through an event report based on the PDU session.

[0247] In practice, during the deferred MT-LR positioning process, after the UE establishes a PDU session with the UPF network element, it can send an event report to the UPF network element. The event report carries the UE's positioning information and the event type (such as a normal event, a time interval exceeding the maximum reporting time interval, etc.).

[0248] As an optional implementation method, for the AF or external LCS client canceling the reporting location event, the UE can also perform the following steps: the UE receives the cancellation user plane positioning message sent by the SMF network element and initiates the PDU session release process for the PDU session.

[0249] In implementation, when the AF or external LCS client cancels the location reporting event, the AF network element and / or the external client sends a location service cancel location message to the SMF network element via the GMLC network element. After receiving the location service cancel location message, the SMF network element sends a cancel user plane location message to the UE. Correspondingly, after receiving the cancel user plane location message sent by the SMF network element, the UE can respond to the cancel user plane location message and initiate a PDU session release process for the PDU session.

[0250] The present disclosure also provides a UE positioning method, as shown in FIG9 . The method is applied to a UPF network element, and the processing process is as follows:

[0251] Step 901: Based on the PDU session establishment process or PDU session modification process initiated by the UE, a PDU session is established with the UE. The PDU session is used to locate the UE through the user interface.

[0252] During implementation, in order to locate the UE through the user plane, the UE needs to initiate a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with the UPF network element. The UE may carry a user plane positioning indicator in the PDU session establishment process and the PDU session modification process, and the user plane positioning indicator is used to indicate that the UE is being positioned through the user plane. Accordingly, the UPF network element establishes a PDU session with the UE based on the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process initiated by the UE. The PDU session is used to locate the UE through the user plane.

[0253] Step 902: Receive positioning information sent by the UE based on the PDU session.

[0254] In implementation, after the UE establishes a PDU session with the UPF network element, it can send positioning information to the UPF network element through the user plane based on the PDU session. Correspondingly, the UPF network element can receive the positioning information sent by the UE through the user plane based on the PDU session.

[0255] Step 903: Send positioning information to the LMF network element.

[0256] During implementation, after receiving the positioning information sent by the UE via the user plane, the UPF network element can send the positioning information to the LMF network element providing positioning services for the UE, so that the LMF network element can calculate the UE's location information based on the UE's positioning information. In this way, there is no need to establish a dedicated user plane channel between the UE and the LMF network element. The UE only needs to establish a PDU session with the UPF network element to transmit the positioning information via the user plane. This allows for fast and efficient user-plane positioning of the UE without upgrading the existing network. In addition, the interaction anchor point between the RAN node and the core network is no longer the AMF network element, which is in line with the concept of RAN service-oriented.

[0257] As an optional implementation, in the deferred MT-LR positioning process, in step 902, the process of the UPF network element receiving the positioning information sent by the UE based on the PDU session is as follows: the UPF network element receives the positioning information sent by the UE via an event report based on the PDU session. Correspondingly, in step 903, the process of the UPF network element sending the positioning information to the LMF network element is as follows: the positioning information is sent to the LMF network element via an event report.

[0258] During implementation, in the deferred MT-LR positioning process, after the UE establishes a PDU session with the UPF network element, it can send an event report to the UPF network element. The event report carries the UE's positioning information and event type (such as normal events, time intervals exceeding the maximum reporting time interval, etc.). Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the positioning information sent by the UE through the event report based on the PDU session. Similarly, in the deferred MT-LR positioning process, the UPF network element sends an event report to the LMF network element. The event report carries the UE's positioning information and event type (such as normal events, time intervals exceeding the maximum reporting time interval, etc.).

[0259] As an optional implementation, in the MT-LR positioning process, the MO-LR positioning process, and the deferred MT-LR positioning process, in step 903, the UPF network element sends the positioning information to the LMF network element as follows: the UPF network element sends the positioning information to the LMF network element via the SMF network element. Alternatively, the UPF network element sends the positioning information to the LMF network element via the SMF network element based on an event report.

[0260] In implementation, in addition to directly sending positioning information to the LMF network element during the MT-LR positioning process, the MO-LR positioning process, and the deferred MT-LR positioning process, the UPF network element can also send positioning information to the LMF network element via the SMF network element during the MT-LR positioning process and the MO-LR positioning process. Furthermore, in the deferred MT-LR positioning process, the UPF network element can also send positioning information to the LMF network element via the SMF network element based on event reports.

[0261] As an optional implementation, in the MT-LR positioning process and the MO-LR positioning process, when the UPF network element directly sends positioning information to the LMF network element, the LMF network element directly sends the UE location information to the UPF network element. Accordingly, the UPF network element performs the following steps: the UPF network element receives the UE location information sent by the LMF network element, and sends the UE location information to the GMLC network element through the SMF network element.

[0262] In practice, during the MT-LR and MO-LR positioning procedures, if the UPF network element directly sends positioning information to the LMF network element, the LMF network element will also directly send the UE's location information to the UPF network element after calculating the UE's location information. After receiving the UE's location information from the LMF network element, the UPF network element can send the UE's location information to the SMF network element. Subsequently, the SMF network element sends the UE's location information to the GMLC network element.

[0263] As an optional implementation method, in the deferred MT-LR positioning process, when the UPF network element directly sends positioning information to the LMF network element through an event report, the LMF network element will directly send the UE's location information to the UPF network element through an event notification. Accordingly, the processing procedure of the UPF network element receiving the UE's location information sent by the LMF network element is: the UPF network element receives the UE's location information sent by the LMF network element through an event notification. Similarly, the processing procedure of the UPF network element sending the UE's location information to the GMLC network element through the SMF network element is: the UPF network element sends the UE's location information to the GMLC network element through the SMF network element based on the event notification.

[0264] In practice, during the deferred MT-LR positioning process, if the UPF network element sends positioning information directly to the LMF network element via an event report, the LMF network element will also send the UE's location information directly to the UPF network element via an event notification after calculating the UE's location information. After the UPF network element receives the UE's location information from the LMF network element via an event notification, it can further send the UE's location information to the SMF network element via an event notification. Subsequently, the SMF network element sends the UE's location information to the GMLC network element via an event notification.

[0265] As an optional implementation method, for the AF or external LCS client canceling the reporting location event, the UPF network element can also perform the following steps: the UPF network element receives the cancellation user plane positioning message sent by the SMF network element, and forwards the cancellation user plane positioning message to the LMF network element.

[0266] In implementation, for an event in which the AF or an external LCS client cancels reporting of location, the AF network element and / or the external client sends a location service cancellation positioning message to the SMF network element through the GMLC network element. After receiving the location service cancellation positioning message, the SMF network element sends a user plane positioning cancellation message to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, after receiving the user plane positioning cancellation message sent by the SMF network element, the UPF network element can forward the user plane positioning cancellation message to the LMF network element. Subsequently, the LMF network element can delete the UE's positioning information upon receiving the user plane positioning cancellation message.

[0267] The present disclosure provides a UE positioning method, as shown in FIG10 . The method is applied to an SMF network element, and the processing process is as follows:

[0268] Step 1001: Determine a target LMF network element that provides location calculation for a UE among candidate LMF network elements.

[0269] In implementation, in the MT-LR positioning process, MO-LR positioning process and deferred MT-LR positioning process, the SMF network element needs to select an LMF network element (i.e., target LMF network element) that provides location calculation for the UE from among the candidate LMF network elements. The target LMF network element is an LMF network element that supports positioning of the UE through the user face.

[0270] Step 1002: Receive the UE location information sent by the target LMF network element or UPF network element.

[0271] During implementation, in the MT-LR positioning process, the MO-LR positioning process, and the deferred MT-LR positioning process, in the case where the UPF network element directly sends the UE's positioning information to the target LMF network element, the target LMF network element can calculate the UE's location information based on the UE's positioning information, and then send the UE's location information to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element can send the UE's location information to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element receives the UE's location information sent by the UPF network element. In the case where the UPF network element sends the UE's positioning information to the target LMF network element via the SMF network element, the target LMF network element can calculate the UE's location information based on the UE's positioning information, and then send the UE's location information directly to the SMF network element. Thus, the SMF network element receives the UE's location information sent by the target LMF network element.

[0272] Step 1003: Send the UE location information to the GMLC network element.

[0273] In implementation, after receiving the UE's location information, the SMF network element may send the UE's location information to the GMLC network element. It should be noted that if the GMLC network element is divided into a V-GMLC network element and an H-GMLC network element, the SMF network element sends the UE's location information to the V-GMLC network element. The V-GMLC network element sends the UE's location information to the H-GMLC network element.

[0274] As an optional implementation, in the MO-LR positioning process, in step 1001, the SMF network element determines, from among the candidate LMF network elements, a target LMF network element for providing location calculation for the UE. The SMF network element receives a location information request message from the GMLC network element. The location information request message carries a user plane positioning capability identifier, which indicates that the UE is being positioned via the user plane. The SMF network element determines, from among the candidate LMF network elements, a target LMF network element for providing location calculation for the UE.

[0275] In practice, in the MO-LR positioning process, since the positioning process is initiated by an external client and / or AF network element, the SMF network element can receive a location service request message sent by the external client and / or AF network element via the GMLC network element. The location information request message carries a user plane positioning capability identifier, which is used to indicate that the UE is being positioned via the user plane. The SMF network element then responds to the location information request message and determines, from among the candidate LMF network elements, the target LMF network element that will provide the UE with location calculation.

[0276] As an optional implementation, in the MT-LR positioning process, after the SMF network element determines the target LMF network element that provides position calculation for the UE among the candidate LMF network elements, the SMF network element further performs the following steps:

[0277] Step 1: Send a positioning request message to the target LMF network element. The positioning request message carries a user plane positioning request identifier, which is used to indicate a request to locate the UE via the user plane.

[0278] In implementation, in the MT-LR positioning process, the SMF network element responds to the location information request message. After determining the target LMF network element that provides location calculation for the UE among the candidate LMF network elements, the SMF network element can send a positioning request message to the target LMF network element to request the target LMF network element to locate the UE through the user plane. The positioning request message carries a user plane positioning request identifier, which is used to indicate a request to locate the UE through the user plane.

[0279] Step 2: The SMF network element receives a positioning response message sent by the target LMF network element. The positioning response message carries a user plane positioning confirmation identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate confirmation of positioning of the UE through the user plane.

[0280] In practice, during the MT-LR positioning process, if the target LMF network element confirms that the UE is positioned via the user plane, a positioning response message may be sent to the SMF network element. The positioning response message carries a user plane positioning confirmation flag, and the user plane positioning capability flag is used to indicate confirmation of positioning the UE via the user plane. Accordingly, the SMF network element receives the positioning response message sent by the target LMF network element.

[0281] Step 3: The SMF network element sends a user plane location notification message to the UE. The user plane location notification message is used to instruct the UE to initiate a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with the UPF network element. The PDU session is used to locate the UE through the user plane.

[0282] In implementation, during the MT-LR positioning process, the SMF network element responds to the positioning response message and sends a user plane positioning notification message to the UE through the RAN node. The user plane positioning notification message is used to instruct the UE to initiate a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with the UPF network element. The PDU session is used to locate the UE through the user plane.

[0283] As an optional implementation, in the deferred MT-LR positioning process, in step 1002, the process of the SMF network element receiving the UE location information sent by the target LMF network element or UPF network element is as follows: the SMF network element receives the UE location information sent by the target LMF network element or UPF network element via an event notification. Correspondingly, the process of the SMF network element sending the UE location information to the GMLC network element is as follows: the SMF network element sends the UE location information to the GMLC network element via an event notification.

[0284] In implementation, in the deferred MT-LR positioning process, the target LMF network element or UPF network element sends the UE location information to the SMF network element through an event notification. Correspondingly, after receiving the UE location information sent by the target LMF network element or UPF network element through the event notification, the SMF network element can send the UE location information to the GMLC network element through the event notification.

[0285] As an optional implementation, in the MT-LR positioning process, the MO-LR positioning process, and the deferred MT-LR positioning process, the UPF network element may send the UE's positioning information to the target LMF network element through the SMF network element. Accordingly, the SMF network element may perform the following steps: the SMF network element receives the UE's positioning information sent by the UPF network element, and sends the UE's positioning information to the target LMF network element. Alternatively, the SMF network element receives the UE's positioning information sent by the UPF network element through an event report, and sends the UE's positioning information to the target LMF network element through the event report.

[0286] During implementation, in the MT-LR positioning process, the MO-LR positioning process, and the deferred MT-LR positioning process, the UPF network element sends positioning information directly to the LMF network element. In the MT-LR positioning process and the MO-LR positioning process, the UPF network element can send the UE's positioning information to the SMF network element. Accordingly, the SMF network element receives the UE's positioning information sent by the UPF network element, and sends the UE's positioning information to the target LMF network element. In the deferred MT-LR positioning process, the UPF network element can also send the UE's positioning information to the SMF network element based on the event report. Accordingly, the SMF network element receives the UE's positioning information sent by the UPF network element through the event report, and sends the UE's positioning information to the target LMF network element through the event report.

[0287] As an optional implementation, in the MO-LR positioning process, the AF network element and / or the external client can confirm the received UE location information from the UE through the SMF network element. The processing performed by the SMF network element is as follows:

[0288] Step 1: Receive a location update response message sent by the GMLC network element.

[0289] In practice, in the MO-LR positioning process, since positioning of the UE through the user interface is initiated by the UE, after the AF network element and / or the external client receives the UE's location information, it can send a location update response message to the SMF network element through the GMLC network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element can receive the location update response message sent by the GMLC network element.

[0290] Step 2: Send a location positioning response message to the UE, wherein the location positioning response message is used to indicate that the external client and / or the AF network element has received the location information of the UE.

[0291] In implementation, after receiving the Position Location Response message, the SMF network element may send a Position Location Response message to the UE. The Position Location Response message indicates that the external client and / or AF network element has received the UE's location information. Thus, in the MO-LR positioning process, upon receiving the Position Location Response message, the UE can determine that the external client and / or AF network element has received the UE's location information.

[0292] As an optional implementation method, for the AF or external LCS client canceling the reporting location event, the SMF network element can also perform the following steps: the SMF network element receives the user plane positioning cancellation message sent by the GMLC network element, forwards the user plane positioning cancellation message to the UE and UPF network element, receives the user plane positioning cancellation confirmation message sent by the UE, and sends the user plane positioning cancellation confirmation message to the GMLC network element.

[0293] During implementation, for an event in which the AF or an external LCS client cancels reporting of location, the AF network element and / or the external client sends a location service cancellation positioning message to the SMF network element through the GMLC network element. After receiving the location service cancellation positioning message, the SMF network element sends a user plane positioning cancellation message to the UE and the UPF network element. Accordingly, after the UE receives the user plane positioning cancellation message sent by the SMF network element, it can respond to the user plane positioning cancellation message and initiate a PDU session release process for the PDU session. Afterwards, the UE sends a user plane positioning cancellation confirmation message to the SMF network element. After receiving the user plane positioning cancellation confirmation message sent by the UE, the SMF network element sends a user plane positioning cancellation confirmation message to the GMLC network element, so that the GMLC network element sends a user plane positioning cancellation confirmation message to the AF network element and / or the external client, informing the AF network element and / or the external client that the UE has canceled user name positioning. After receiving the user plane positioning cancellation message sent by the SMF network element, the UPF network element can forward the user plane positioning cancellation message to the LMF network element. The subsequent LMF network element can delete the UE's positioning information after receiving the user plane positioning cancellation message.

[0294] The present disclosure provides a UE positioning method, as shown in FIG11 . The method is applied to an LMF network element, and the processing process is as follows:

[0295] Step 1101: Receive the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or the SMF network element.

[0296] In implementation, in the MT-LR positioning procedure, the MO-LR positioning procedure, and the deferred MT-LR positioning procedure, if the UPF network element directly sends the UE positioning information to the LMF network element that provides positioning services for the UE, the LMF network element can receive the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element. If the UPF network element sends the UE positioning information to the LMF network element that provides positioning services for the UE through the SMF network element, the LMF network element can receive the UE positioning information sent by the SMF network element.

[0297] Step 1102: Determine the UE's location information based on the UE's positioning information, and send the UE's location information to the UPF network element or SMF network element.

[0298] In implementation, in the MT-LR positioning process and the MO-LR positioning process, if the UPF network element directly sends the UE's positioning information to the LMF network element, the LMF network element can calculate the UE's location information based on the UE's positioning information and then send the UE's location information to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element can send the UE's location information to the SMF network element. If the UPF network element sends the UE's positioning information to the LMF network element via the SMF network element, the LMF network element can calculate the UE's location information based on the UE's positioning information and then send the UE's location information directly to the SMF network element.

[0299] As an optional implementation, in the deferred MT-LR positioning process, the processing process of the LMF network element receiving the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or the SMF network element is as follows: the LMF network element receives the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or the SMF network element through an event report. Correspondingly, the processing process of the LMF network element sending the UE location information to the UPF network element or the SMF network element is as follows: the LMF network element sends the UE location information and event type to the UPF network element or the SMF network element through an event notification.

[0300] In implementation, in the deferred MT-LR positioning process, in the case where the UPF network element directly sends the UE's positioning information to the LMF network element through an event report, the LMF network element calculates the UE's location information based on the UE's positioning information and can send the UE's location information to the UPF network element through an event notification. In the case where the UPF network element sends the UE's positioning information to the LMF network element through the SMF network element based on the event report, the LMF network element calculates the UE's location information based on the UE's positioning information and can directly send the UE's location information to the SMF network element through an event notification.

[0301] As an optional implementation manner, in the MT-LR positioning process, before the LMF network element receives the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or the SMF network element, the LMF network element further performs the following steps:

[0302] Step 1: Receive a positioning request message sent by an SMF network element. The positioning request message carries a user plane positioning request identifier, which is used to indicate that the UE is requested to transmit positioning information via the user plane.

[0303] In implementation, in the MT-LR positioning process, the SMF network element responds to the location information request message. After determining the LMF network element that provides location calculation for the UE among the candidate LMF network elements (that is, before receiving the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or the SMF network element), the SMF network element can send a positioning request message to the LMF network element to request the LMF network element to locate the UE through the user plane. Among them, the positioning request message carries a user plane positioning request identifier, which is used to represent the request to locate the UE through the user plane.

[0304] Step 2: Send a positioning response message to the SMF network element. The positioning response message carries a user plane positioning confirmation identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate and confirm that the UE transmits positioning information through the user plane.

[0305] During implementation, in the MT-LR positioning process, if the LMF network element confirms that the UE is positioned via the user plane, a positioning response message may be sent to the SMF network element. The positioning response message carries a user plane positioning confirmation identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate confirmation that the UE is positioned via the user plane. Accordingly, the SMF network element responds to the positioning response message and sends a user plane positioning notification message to the UE via the RAN node. The user plane positioning notification message is used to instruct the UE to initiate a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with the UPF network element. The PDU session is used to locate the UE via the user plane.

[0306] As an optional implementation method, for the AF or external LCS client canceling the reporting location event, the LMF network element can also perform the following steps: the LMF network element receives the user plane positioning cancellation message sent by the UPF and deletes the positioning information corresponding to the UE.

[0307] During implementation, for an event in which the AF or external LCS client cancels the reporting of a location, the AF network element and / or the external client sends a location service cancellation positioning message to the SMF network element through the GMLC network element. After receiving the location service cancellation positioning message, the SMF network element sends a user plane positioning cancellation message to the UE and the UPF network element. After receiving the user plane positioning cancellation message sent by the SMF network element, the UPF network element can forward the user plane positioning cancellation message to the LMF network element. Correspondingly, the LMF network element receives the user plane positioning cancellation message sent by the UPF and deletes the positioning information corresponding to the UE.

[0308] The present disclosure provides a method for positioning a UE, as shown in FIG12 . The method is applied to a GMLC network element, and the processing process is as follows:

[0309] Step 1201: Receive a location service request message for a UE sent by an external client and / or an AF network element.

[0310] In implementation, in the MT-LR positioning process and the deferred MT-LR positioning process, the external client can send a location service request message for the UE to the GMLC network element, or the AF network element can send a location service request message for the UE to the GMLC network element through the NEF (Network Exposure Function) network element. The location service request message carries the UE's GPSI (Generic Public Subscription Identifier) ​​or pseudonym. Accordingly, after the GMLC network element receives the location service request message for the UE sent by the external client, it can query the UE's SUPI (Subscription Permanent Identifier) ​​from the UDM (Unified Data Management) network element based on the UE's GPSI or pseudonym, and further query the SMF network element serving the UE.

[0311] Step 1202: Send a location information request message to the SMF network element serving the UE. The location information request message carries a user plane positioning capability identifier, which is used to indicate that the UE is positioned via the user plane.

[0312] During implementation, after the GMLC network element queries the SMF network element serving the UE, it can send a location information request message to the SMF network element serving the UE. The location information request message carries a user plane positioning capability identifier, which is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane. It should be noted that in the deferred MT-LR positioning process, if the SMF network element supports the deferred MT-LR positioning process, the SMF network element can send a location service response message to the external client and / or AF network element through the GMLC network element. The location service response message is used to indicate that the SMF network element supports the deferred MT-LR positioning process.

[0313] Step 1203: Receive the UE location information sent by the SMF network element.

[0314] In the MT-LR positioning process, MO-LR positioning process and deferred MT-LR positioning process, after the SMF network element receives the UE location information sent by the LMF network element or the UPF network element, it can send the UE location information to the GMLC network element. Correspondingly, the GMLC network element can receive the UE location information sent by the SMF network element.

[0315] Step 1204: Send the UE location information to the external client and / or AF network element.

[0316] During implementation, after the GMLC network element receives the UE location information sent by the SMF network element, it can send the UE location information to the external client and / or to the AF network element through the NEF network element.

[0317] As an optional implementation, in the deferred MT-LR positioning process, in the above step 1203, the processing process of the GMLC network element receiving the UE location information sent by the SMF network element is: the GMLC network element receives the UE location information sent by the SMF network element through event notification.

[0318] In implementation, in the deferred MT-LR positioning process, the SMF network element sends the UE location information to the GMLC network element through an event notification. Correspondingly, after receiving the UE location information sent by the SMF network element through the event notification, the GMLC network element can send the UE location information to the external client and / or to the AF network element through the NEF network element based on the event notification.

[0319] As an optional implementation manner, for the AF or external LCS client canceling the location reporting event, the GMLC network element may further perform the following steps:

[0320] Step 1: Receive a user plane positioning cancellation message for the UE sent by an external client and / or an AF network element.

[0321] In implementation, for an event in which the AF or external LCS client cancels reporting of location, the AF network element and / or the external client may send a location service cancellation positioning message for the UE to the GMLC network element. Correspondingly, the GMLC network element may receive the location service cancellation positioning message for the UE sent by the external client and / or the AF network element.

[0322] Step 2: Send a message to cancel user plane positioning to the SMF network element.

[0323] In implementation, after the GMLC network element receives a location service cancellation message for the UE sent by the external client and / or the AF network element, it can send a user plane positioning cancellation message to the SMF network element. The subsequent processing of the SMF network element is described in detail in the introduction of the SMF network element above and will not be repeated here.

[0324] In the first embodiment, the present disclosure provides an example of an MT-LR positioning process, as shown in FIG13 . The processing process is as follows:

[0325] Step 1301: The external client sends a location service request message for the UE to the GMLC network element, wherein the location service request message carries the GPSI or pseudonym of the UE.

[0326] In step 1302, the GMLC network element queries the UE's SUPI and the SMF network element serving the UE from the UDM network element based on the UE's GPSI or pseudonym, and sends a location information request message to the SMF network element. The location information request message carries a user plane positioning capability identifier, which indicates that the UE can be positioned via the user plane.

[0327] Step 1303: The SMF network element determines, from among the candidate LMF network elements, a target LMF network element that provides location calculation for the UE.

[0328] Step 1304: The SMF network element sends a positioning request message to the target LMF network element. The positioning request message carries a user plane positioning request identifier, which is used to indicate a request to locate the UE via the user plane.

[0329] Step 1305: The target LMF network element sends a positioning response message to the SMF network element. The positioning response message carries a user plane positioning confirmation flag, and the user plane positioning capability flag is used to indicate confirmation of positioning of the UE via the user plane.

[0330] In step 1306, the SMF network element sends a user plane location notification message to the UE via the NG-RAN node. The user plane location notification message is used to instruct the UE to initiate a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with the UPF network element. The PDU session is used to locate the UE via the user plane.

[0331] In step 1307, the UE initiates a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with the UPF network element. The PDU session establishment process and the PDU session modification process carry a user plane positioning indicator, which is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane.

[0332] In step 1308, the UPF network element receives the positioning information sent by the UE based on the PDU session, and sends a positioning information request message to the target LMF network element, wherein the positioning information request message carries the positioning information of the UE.

[0333] Step 1309: The target LMF network element determines the UE's location information based on the UE's location information and sends a location information response message to the UPF network element. The location information response message carries the UE's location information.

[0334] Step 1310: The UPF network element sends a location information response message to the SMF network element, wherein the location information response message carries the UE's location information.

[0335] Step 1311: The SMF network element sends a location information response message to the GMLC network element, wherein the location information response message carries the UE's location information.

[0336] Step 1312: The GMLC network element sends a location information response message to the external client, wherein the location information response message carries the UE's location information.

[0337] In the second embodiment, the present disclosure provides an example of an MT-LR positioning process, as shown in FIG14 . The processing process is as follows:

[0338] Step 1401: The external client sends a location service request message for the UE to the GMLC network element, wherein the location service request message carries the GPSI or pseudonym of the UE.

[0339] In step 1402, the GMLC network element queries the UE's SUPI and the SMF network element serving the UE from the UDM network element based on the UE's GPSI or pseudonym, and sends a location information request message to the SMF network element. The location information request message carries a user plane positioning capability identifier, which indicates that the UE can be positioned via the user plane.

[0340] Step 1403: The SMF network element determines, from among the candidate LMF network elements, a target LMF network element that provides location calculation for the UE.

[0341] Step 1404: The SMF network element sends a positioning request message to the target LMF network element. The positioning request message carries a user plane positioning request identifier, which is used to indicate a request to locate the UE via the user plane.

[0342] Step 1405: The target LMF network element sends a positioning response message to the SMF network element. The positioning response message carries a user plane positioning confirmation flag, and the user plane positioning capability flag is used to indicate confirmation of positioning of the UE via the user plane.

[0343] Step 1406: The SMF network element sends a user plane location notification message to the UE. The user plane location notification message is used to instruct the UE to initiate a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with the UPF network element. The PDU session is used to locate the UE through the user plane.

[0344] In step 1407, the UE initiates a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with the UPF network element. The PDU session establishment process and the PDU session modification process carry a user plane positioning indicator, which is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane.

[0345] In step 1408, the UPF network element receives the positioning information sent by the UE based on the PDU session, and sends a positioning information request message to the SMF network element, wherein the positioning information request message carries the positioning information of the UE.

[0346] Step 1409: The SMF network element sends a positioning information response message to the UPF network element, wherein the positioning information response message is used to indicate that the SMF network element has received the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element.

[0347] In step 1410, the SMF network element sends a location information request message to the target LMF network element through the NG-RAN node. The location information request message carries the UE's positioning information.

[0348] Step 1411: The target LMF network element determines the location information of the UE based on the location information of the UE and sends a location information response message to the SMF network element. The location information response message carries the location information of the UE.

[0349] Step 1412: The SMF network element sends a location information response message to the GMLC network element, wherein the location information response message carries the UE's location information.

[0350] Step 1413: The GMLC network element sends a location information response message to the external client, wherein the location information response message carries the UE's location information.

[0351] In the third embodiment, the present disclosure provides an example of a MO-LR positioning process, as shown in FIG15 , and the processing process is as follows:

[0352] Step 1501: The UE initiates a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with the UPF network element. The PDU session establishment process and the PDU session modification process carry a user plane positioning indicator, which is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane.

[0353] Step 1502: The SMF network element determines, from among the candidate LMF network elements, a target LMF network element that provides location calculation for the UE.

[0354] Step 1503: The UPF network element receives the positioning information sent by the UE based on the PDU session, and sends a positioning information request message to the target LMF network element, wherein the positioning information request message carries the positioning information of the UE.

[0355] Step 1504: The target LMF network element sends a positioning information response message to the UPF network element. The positioning information response message is used to indicate that the target LMF network element has received the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element.

[0356] Step 1505: The target LMF network element determines the location information of the UE based on the location information of the UE and sends a location information response message to the SMF network element. The location information response message carries the location information of the UE.

[0357] Step 1506: The SMF network element sends a location update request message to the V-GMLC network element, wherein the location update request message carries the location information of the UE.

[0358] Step 1507: The V-GMLC network element sends a location update request message to the H-GMLC network element, wherein the location update request message carries the location information of the UE.

[0359] Step 1508: The H-GMLC network element sends a location update request message to the external client, wherein the location update request message carries the location information of the UE.

[0360] Step 1509: The external client sends a location update response message to the H-GMLC network element.

[0361] Step 1510: The H-GMLC network element sends a location update response message to the V-GMLC network element.

[0362] Step 1511, the V-GMLC network element sends a location update response message to the SMF network element.

[0363] Step 1512: The SMF network element sends a location update response message to the UE through the NG-RAN node.

[0364] In the fourth embodiment, the present disclosure provides an example of a MO-LR positioning process, as shown in FIG16 , and the processing process is as follows:

[0365] Step 1601: The UE initiates a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with the UPF network element. The PDU session establishment process and the PDU session modification process carry a user plane positioning indicator, which is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane.

[0366] Step 1602: The SMF network element determines, among the candidate LMF network elements, a target LMF network element that provides location calculation for the UE.

[0367] In step 1603, the UPF network element receives the positioning information sent by the UE based on the PDU session, and sends a positioning information request message to the SMF network element, wherein the positioning information request message carries the positioning information of the UE.

[0368] Step 1604: The SMF network element sends a positioning information response message to the UPF network element. The positioning information response message is used to indicate that the SMF network element has received the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element.

[0369] Step 1605: The SMF network element sends a positioning information request message to the target LMF network element, wherein the positioning information request message carries the positioning information of the UE.

[0370] Step 1606: The target LMF network element determines the location information of the UE based on the location information of the UE and sends a location information response message to the SMF network element. The location information response message carries the location information of the UE.

[0371] Step 1607: The SMF network element sends a location update request message to the V-GMLC network element, wherein the location update request message carries the UE's location information.

[0372] Step 1608: The V-GMLC network element sends a location update request message to the H-GMLC network element, wherein the location update request message carries the location information of the UE.

[0373] Step 1609: The H-GMLC network element sends a location update request message to the external client, wherein the location update request message carries the location information of the UE.

[0374] Step 1610: The external client sends a location update response message to the H-GMLC network element.

[0375] Step 1611: The H-GMLC network element sends a location update response message to the V-GMLC network element.

[0376] Step 1612: The V-GMLC network element sends a location update response message to the SMF network element.

[0377] Step 1613: The SMF network element sends a location update response message to the UE through the NG-RAN node.

[0378] In the fifth embodiment, the present disclosure provides an example of a deferred MT-LR positioning process, as shown in FIG17 . The processing process is as follows:

[0379] In step 1701, upon detecting that an event trigger condition or event periodicity condition is met, the UE initiates a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with the UPF network element. The PDU session establishment process and the PDU session modification process carry a user plane positioning indicator, which is used to indicate that the UE is being positioned via the user plane.

[0380] Step 1702: The UPF network element receives the positioning information sent by the UE based on the PDU session, and sends the positioning information of the UE to the target LMF network element through an event report.

[0381] Step 1703: The target LMF network element determines the UE's location information based on the UE's positioning information, and sends the UE's location information to the UPF network element through an event notification.

[0382] Step 1704: The UPF network element sends the UE location information to the SMF network element through event notification.

[0383] Step 1705: The SMF network element sends the UE location information to the GMLC network element through event notification.

[0384] Step 1706: The GMLC network element sends the UE location information to the external client via event notification.

[0385] In a sixth embodiment, the present disclosure provides an example of an AF or an external LCS client canceling a location reporting event, as shown in FIG18 . The processing process is as follows:

[0386] Step 1801: The external client sends a user plane positioning cancellation message for the UE to the GMLC network element.

[0387] Step 1802: The GMLC network element sends a user plane positioning cancellation message to the SMF network element.

[0388] Step 1803: The SMF network element sends a user plane positioning cancellation message to the UE through the NG-RAN node.

[0389] Step 1804: The SMF network element sends a message to cancel user plane positioning to the UPF network element.

[0390] Step 1805: The UE initiates a PDU session release procedure for the PDU session.

[0391] Step 1806: The UPF network element sends a message to cancel user plane positioning to the LMF network element.

[0392] Step 1807: The LMF network element deletes the positioning information corresponding to the UE.

[0393] Step 1808: The UE sends a user plane positioning cancellation confirmation message to the SMF network element.

[0394] Step 1809: The SMF network element sends a user plane positioning cancellation confirmation message to the GMLC network element.

[0395] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a UE positioning method. There is no need to establish a dedicated user plane channel between the UE and the LMF network element. The UE only needs to establish a PDU session with the UPF network element to transmit positioning information through the user plane. Without upgrading the existing network, the UE can be positioned quickly and efficiently through the user plane. In addition, the interaction anchor point between the RAN node and the core network is no longer the AMF network element, which is in line with the concept of RAN service.

[0396] It can be understood that the same / similar parts between the various embodiments of the above method in this specification can be referred to each other, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. For related parts, please refer to the description of other method embodiments.

[0397] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a UE, as shown in FIG19 , including a memory 1910 , a transceiver 1920 , and a processor 1930 ;

[0398] The memory 1910 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1920 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1930; and the processor 1930 is used to read the computer program in the memory 1910 and perform the following operations:

[0399] Initiate a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with the UPF network element; wherein the PDU session establishment process and the PDU session modification process carry a user plane positioning indication identifier, and the user plane positioning indication identifier is used to represent the positioning of the UE through the user plane;

[0400] Based on the PDU session, the positioning information is sent to the UPF network element.

[0401] As an optional implementation, initiating a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process includes:

[0402] Receive user plane location notification message sent by SMF network element;

[0403] Initiate the PDU session establishment process or PDU session modification process.

[0404] As an optional implementation, initiating a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process includes:

[0405] When it is detected that the event triggering condition or event periodicity condition is met, a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process is initiated.

[0406] As an optional implementation, based on the PDU session, the positioning information is sent to the UPF network element, including:

[0407] Based on the PDU session, the positioning information is sent to the UPF network element through event reporting.

[0408] As an optional implementation manner, the processor 1930 is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0409] Receive the cancel user plane positioning message sent by the SMF network element;

[0410] Initiate the PDU session release procedure for the PDU session.

[0411] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a UPF network element, as shown in FIG20 , including a memory 2010 , a transceiver 2020 , and a processor 2030 ;

[0412] The memory 2010 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 2020 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 2030; and the processor 2030 is used to read the computer program in the memory 2010 and perform the following operations:

[0413] Based on the PDU session establishment process or PDU session modification process initiated by the UE, a PDU session is established with the UE. The PDU session is used to locate the UE through the user face.

[0414] Receive positioning information sent by UE based on PDU session;

[0415] Send positioning information to the LMF network element.

[0416] As an optional implementation manner, receiving positioning information sent by the UE based on the PDU session includes:

[0417] Based on the PDU session, receive the positioning information sent by the UE through the event report;

[0418] Send positioning information to the LMF network element, including:

[0419] Send positioning information to LMF network elements through event reports.

[0420] As an optional implementation manner, sending positioning information to the LMF network element includes:

[0421] Send positioning information to LMF network elements through SMF network elements;

[0422] Alternatively, based on the event report, positioning information is sent to the LMF network element through the SMF network element.

[0423] As an optional implementation, the method further includes:

[0424] Receive UE location information sent by the LMF network element;

[0425] The UE location information is sent to the GMLC network element through the SMF network element.

[0426] As an optional implementation manner, receiving the UE location information sent by the LMF network element includes:

[0427] Receive the UE location information sent by the LMF network element through event notification;

[0428] The UE location information is sent to the GMLC network element through the SMF network element, including:

[0429] Based on event notification, the UE location information is sent to the GMLC network element through the SMF network element.

[0430] As an optional implementation manner, the processor 2030 is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0431] Receive the cancel user plane positioning message sent by the SMF network element;

[0432] Forward the user plane positioning cancellation message to the LMF network element.

[0433] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an SMF network element, as shown in FIG21 , including a memory 2110 , a transceiver 2120 , and a processor 2130 ;

[0434] The memory 2110 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 2120 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 2130; and the processor 2130 is used to read the computer program in the memory 2110 and perform the following operations:

[0435] Determine, from among the candidate LMF network elements, a target LMF network element that provides location calculation for the UE;

[0436] Receive UE location information sent by the target LMF network element or UPF network element;

[0437] Send the UE location information to the GMLC network element.

[0438] As an optional implementation manner, determining, among the candidate LMF network elements, a target LMF network element for providing location calculation for the UE includes:

[0439] Receive a location information request message sent by a GMLC network element; wherein the location information request message carries a user plane positioning capability identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane;

[0440] Among the candidate LMF network elements, a target LMF network element is determined to provide location calculation for the UE.

[0441] As an optional implementation manner, after determining, among the candidate LMF network elements, the target LMF network element that provides location calculation for the UE, the processor 2130 is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0442] Send a positioning request message to the target LMF network element; wherein the positioning request message carries a user plane positioning request identifier, which is used to indicate a request for positioning of the UE through the user plane;

[0443] Receive a positioning response message sent by the target LMF network element; wherein the positioning response message carries a user plane positioning confirmation identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate confirmation of positioning of the UE through the user plane;

[0444] Send a user plane positioning notification message to the UE; the user plane positioning notification message is used to instruct the UE to initiate a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process, and establish a PDU session with the UPF network element. The PDU session is used to locate the UE through the user plane.

[0445] As an optional implementation manner, receiving the UE location information sent by the target LMF network element or the UPF network element includes:

[0446] Receive the UE location information sent by the target LMF network element or UPF network element through event notification;

[0447] Send UE location information to the GMLC network element, including:

[0448] The UE location information is sent to the GMLC network element through event notification.

[0449] As an optional implementation, the processor 2130 is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0450] Receive the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element, and send the UE positioning information to the target LMF network element;

[0451] Alternatively, receive the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element through an event report, and send the UE positioning information to the target LMF network element through an event report.

[0452] As an optional implementation, the processor 2130 is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0453] Receive a location update response message sent by a GMLC network element;

[0454] Send a location positioning response message to the UE; the location positioning response message is used to indicate that the external client and / or AF network element has received the UE's location information.

[0455] As an optional implementation manner, the processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0456] Receive a user plane positioning cancellation message sent by the GMLC network element;

[0457] Forward the user plane positioning cancellation message to the UE and UPF network element;

[0458] receiving a user plane positioning cancellation confirmation message sent by the UE;

[0459] Send a user plane positioning cancellation confirmation message to the GMLC network element.

[0460] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a LMF network element, as shown in FIG22 , including a memory 2210 , a transceiver 2220 , and a processor 2230 ;

[0461] The memory 2210 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 2220 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 2230; and the processor 2230 is used to read the computer program in the memory 2210 and perform the following operations:

[0462] Receive UE positioning information sent by UPF network element or SMF network element;

[0463] Based on the UE's positioning information, determine the UE's location information and send the UE's location information to the UPF network element or SMF network element.

[0464] As an optional implementation manner, receiving the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or the SMF network element includes:

[0465] Receive UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or SMF network element through event reporting;

[0466] Sending UE location information to the UPF network element or SMF network element includes:

[0467] The UE location information and event type are sent to the UPF network element or SMF network element through event notification.

[0468] As an optional implementation manner, before receiving the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or the SMF network element, the processor 2230 is further used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0469] Receive a positioning request message sent by an SMF network element; wherein the positioning request message carries a user plane positioning request identifier, which is used to indicate that the UE is requested to transmit positioning information through the user plane;

[0470] Send a positioning response message to the SMF network element; wherein, the positioning response message carries a user plane positioning confirmation identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to characterize and confirm that the UE transmits positioning information through the user plane.

[0471] As an optional implementation, the processor 2230 is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0472] Receive the cancel user plane positioning message sent by UPF and delete the positioning information corresponding to the UE.

[0473] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a GMLC network element, as shown in FIG23 , including a memory 2310 , a transceiver 2320 , and a processor 2330 ;

[0474] The memory 2310 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 2320 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 2330; and the processor 2330 is used to read the computer program in the memory 2310 and perform the following operations:

[0475] Receive a location service request message for the UE sent by an external client and / or an AF network element;

[0476] Send a location information request message to the SMF network element serving the UE; wherein the location information request message carries a user plane positioning capability identifier, which is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane;

[0477] Receive UE location information sent by the SMF network element;

[0478] Send the UE's location information to the external client and / or AF network element.

[0479] As an optional implementation manner, receiving the UE location information sent by the SMF network element includes:

[0480] Receive the UE location information sent by the SMF network element through event notification.

[0481] As an optional implementation, the processor 2330 is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0482] Receiving a user plane positioning cancellation message for the UE sent by an external client and / or an AF network element;

[0483] Send a cancel user plane positioning message to the SMF network element.

[0484] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a positioning device for a UE, as shown in FIG24 . The device is applied to the UE and includes:

[0485] An establishing unit 2410 is configured to initiate a protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with a user plane function (UPF) network element; wherein the PDU session establishment process and the PDU session modification process carry a user plane positioning indication identifier, and the user plane positioning indication identifier is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane;

[0486] The sending unit 2420 is used to send positioning information to the UPF network element based on the PDU session.

[0487] As an optional implementation, a unit is established for:

[0488] Receive the user plane location notification message sent by the session management function SMF network element;

[0489] Initiate the PDU session establishment process or PDU session modification process.

[0490] As an optional implementation, a unit is established for:

[0491] When it is detected that the event triggering condition or event periodicity condition is met, a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process is initiated.

[0492] As an optional implementation manner, the sending unit 2420 is configured to:

[0493] Based on the PDU session, the positioning information is sent to the UPF network element through event reporting.

[0494] As an optional embodiment, the device further includes:

[0495] A receiving unit, configured to receive a user plane positioning cancellation message sent by an SMF network element;

[0496] The release unit is used to initiate a PDU session release process for the PDU session.

[0497] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a UE positioning device, as shown in FIG25 , which is applied to a UPF network element and includes:

[0498] An establishing unit 2510 is configured to establish a PDU session with the UE based on a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process initiated by the UE, wherein the PDU session is used to locate the UE through the user interface;

[0499] The first receiving unit 2520 is configured to receive positioning information sent by the UE based on the PDU session;

[0500] The first sending unit 2530 is used to send positioning information to the LMF network element.

[0501] As an optional implementation manner, the first receiving unit 2520 is configured to:

[0502] Based on the PDU session, receive the positioning information sent by the UE through the event report;

[0503] The first sending unit 2530 is configured to:

[0504] Send positioning information to LMF network elements through event reports.

[0505] As an optional implementation manner, the first sending unit 2530 is configured to:

[0506] Send positioning information to LMF network elements through SMF network elements;

[0507] Alternatively, based on the event report, positioning information is sent to the LMF network element through the SMF network element.

[0508] As an optional embodiment, the device further includes:

[0509] A second receiving unit is configured to receive the UE location information sent by the LMF network element;

[0510] The second sending unit is used to send the UE location information to the GMLC network element through the SMF network element.

[0511] As an optional implementation manner, the second receiving unit is configured to:

[0512] Receive the UE location information sent by the LMF network element through event notification;

[0513] The second sending unit is configured to:

[0514] Based on event notification, the UE location information is sent to the GMLC network element through the SMF network element.

[0515] As an optional embodiment, the device includes:

[0516] The third receiving unit is used to receive a user plane positioning cancellation message sent by the SMF network element;

[0517] The third sending unit is used to forward the user plane positioning cancellation message to the LMF network element.

[0518] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a UE positioning device, as shown in FIG26 , which is applied to an SMF network element and includes:

[0519] The determining unit 2610 is configured to determine, from among the candidate LMF network elements, a target LMF network element for providing location calculation for the UE;

[0520] The first receiving unit 2620 is configured to receive the UE location information sent by the target LMF network element or the UPF network element;

[0521] The first sending unit 2630 is configured to send the UE location information to the GMLC network element.

[0522] As an optional implementation manner, the determining unit 2610 is configured to:

[0523] Receive a location information request message sent by a GMLC network element; wherein the location information request message carries a user plane positioning capability identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane;

[0524] Among the candidate LMF network elements, a target LMF network element is determined to provide location calculation for the UE.

[0525] As an optional embodiment, the device further includes:

[0526] The second sending unit is used to send a positioning request message to the target LMF network element; wherein the positioning request message carries a user plane positioning request identifier, and the user plane positioning request identifier is used to indicate a request to locate the UE through the user plane;

[0527] The second receiving unit is configured to receive a positioning response message sent by a target LMF network element; wherein the positioning response message carries a user plane positioning confirmation identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate confirmation of positioning of the UE through the user plane;

[0528] The third sending unit is used to send a user plane positioning notification message to the UE; the user plane positioning notification message is used to instruct the UE to initiate a PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process, and establish a PDU session with the UPF network element. The PDU session is used to locate the UE through the user plane.

[0529] As an optional implementation manner, the first receiving unit 2620 is configured to:

[0530] Receive the UE location information sent by the target LMF network element or UPF network element through event notification;

[0531] The first sending unit 2630 is configured to:

[0532] The UE location information is sent to the GMLC network element through event notification.

[0533] As an optional embodiment, the device further includes:

[0534] The third receiving unit is used to receive the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element and send the UE positioning information to the target LMF network element; or, receive the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element through an event report, and send the UE positioning information to the target LMF network element through an event report.

[0535] As an optional embodiment, the device further includes:

[0536] A fourth receiving unit, configured to receive a location update response message sent by the GMLC network element;

[0537] The fourth sending unit is configured to send a position location response message to the UE; the position location response message is used to indicate that the external client and / or the AF network element has received the UE's position information.

[0538] As an optional embodiment, the device further includes:

[0539] A fifth receiving unit, configured to receive a user plane positioning cancellation message sent by the GMLC network element;

[0540] A fifth sending unit, configured to forward a user plane positioning cancellation message to the UE and the UPF network element;

[0541] A sixth receiving unit, configured to receive a user plane positioning cancellation confirmation message sent by the UE;

[0542] The sixth sending unit is used to send a user plane positioning cancellation confirmation message to the GMLC network element.

[0543] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a UE positioning device, as shown in FIG27 . The device is applied to a LMF network element and includes:

[0544] The first receiving unit 2710 is configured to receive UE positioning information sent by a UPF network element or an SMF network element;

[0545] The first sending unit 2720 is used to determine the UE's location information based on the UE's positioning information, and send the UE's location information to the UPF network element or the SMF network element.

[0546] As an optional implementation manner, the first receiving unit 2710 is configured to:

[0547] Receive UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or SMF network element through event reporting;

[0548] The first sending unit 2720 is configured to:

[0549] The UE location information and event type are sent to the UPF network element or SMF network element through event notification.

[0550] As an optional implementation manner, before receiving the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or the SMF network element, the apparatus further includes:

[0551] The second receiving unit is configured to receive a positioning request message sent by the SMF network element; wherein the positioning request message carries a user plane positioning request identifier, and the user plane positioning request identifier is used to indicate that the UE is requested to transmit positioning information through the user plane;

[0552] The second sending unit is used to send a positioning response message to the SMF network element; wherein the positioning response message carries a user plane positioning confirmation identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate and confirm that the UE transmits positioning information through the user plane.

[0553] As an optional embodiment, the device further includes:

[0554] The third receiving unit is used to receive the cancel user plane positioning message sent by the UPF and delete the positioning information corresponding to the UE.

[0555] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a UE positioning device, as shown in FIG28 , which is applied to a GMLC network element and includes:

[0556] The first receiving unit 2810 is configured to receive a location service request message for the UE sent by an external client and / or an AF network element;

[0557] The first sending unit 2820 is configured to send a location information request message to the SMF network element serving the UE; wherein the location information request message carries a user plane positioning capability identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane;

[0558] The second receiving unit 2830 is configured to receive the UE location information sent by the SMF network element;

[0559] The second sending unit 2840 is configured to send the UE location information to an external client and / or an AF network element.

[0560] As an optional implementation manner, the second receiving unit 2830 is configured to:

[0561] Receive the UE location information sent by the SMF network element through event notification.

[0562] As an optional embodiment, the device further includes:

[0563] A third receiving unit is configured to receive a user plane positioning cancellation message for the UE sent by an external client and / or an AF network element;

[0564] The third sending unit is used to send a cancel user plane positioning message to the SMF network element.

[0565] It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of the present disclosure is schematic and is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The aforementioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional units.

[0566] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present disclosure, or the part that contributes to the relevant technology, or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes a number of instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0567] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned device provided by the embodiment of the present invention can implement all the method steps implemented by the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects that are the same as the method embodiment in this embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0568] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication system, which includes a UE, a RAN node, a UPF network element, an SMF network element, an LMF network element, a GMLC network element, an external client and / or an AF network element; the UE, the RAN node, the UPF network element, the SMF network element, the LMF network element, the GMLC network element, the external client and / or the AF network element execute the steps of the above-mentioned UE positioning method.

[0569] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the above-mentioned UE positioning method are implemented.

[0570] The processor-readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device that can be accessed by the processor, including but not limited to magnetic storage (such as floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical disks (MO)), optical storage (such as CDs, DVDs, BDs, HVDs, etc.), and semiconductor storage (such as ROMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, non-volatile memories (NAND FLASH), solid-state drives (SSDs)), etc.

[0571] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present disclosure may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Furthermore, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage and optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0572] The present disclosure is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the processes and / or boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These computer-executable instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce a device for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0573] These processor-executable instructions may also be stored in a processor-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory produce a product including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0574] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present disclosure fall within the scope of the claims of the present disclosure and their equivalents, the present disclosure is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for positioning a user equipment UE, wherein: The method is applied to a UE, and includes: Initiate a protocol data unit PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with a user plane function UPF network element; wherein the PDU session establishment process and the PDU session modification process carry a user plane positioning indication identifier, and the user plane positioning indication identifier is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane; Based on the PDU session, positioning information is sent to the UPF network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The initiation of the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process includes: Receive the user plane location notification message sent by the session management function SMF network element; Initiate the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The initiation of the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process includes: When it is detected that the event triggering condition or the event periodicity condition is met, the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process is initiated.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The sending positioning information to the UPF network element based on the PDU session includes: Based on the PDU session, the positioning information is sent to the UPF network element through an event report.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further comprises: Receive the cancel user plane positioning message sent by the SMF network element; Initiate a PDU session release procedure for the PDU session.

6. A method for positioning a user equipment UE, wherein: The method is applied to a user plane function (UPF) network element, and the method includes: Establishing a PDU session with the UE based on a UE-initiated protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment process or a PDU session modification process, wherein the PDU session is used to locate the UE through a user interface; receiving, based on the PDU session, positioning information sent by the UE; Send the positioning information to the positioning management function LMF network element.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The receiving, based on the PDU session, the positioning information sent by the UE, includes: receiving, based on the PDU session, positioning information sent by the UE through an event report; The sending the positioning information to the LMF network element includes: The positioning information is sent to the LMF network element through an event report.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The sending the positioning information to the LMF network element includes: Sending the positioning information to the LMF network element through the session management function SMF network element; Alternatively, based on the event report, the positioning information is sent to the LMF network element through the SMF network element.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The method further comprises: receiving the location information of the UE sent by the LMF network element; The location information of the UE is sent to the Gateway Mobile Location Center GMLC network element through the SMF network element.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The receiving the location information of the UE sent by the LMF network element includes: Receiving the location information of the UE sent by the LMF network element through an event notification; The sending the location information of the UE to the GMLC network element through the SMF network element includes: Based on the event notification, the location information of the UE is sent to the GMLC network element through the SMF network element.

11. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The method comprises: Receive the cancel user plane positioning message sent by the SMF network element; Forward the cancel user plane positioning message to the LMF network element.

12. A method for positioning a user equipment UE, wherein: The method is applied to a session management function (SMF) network element, and includes: Determine, from among the candidate LMF network elements, a target LMF network element for providing location calculation for the UE; Receiving the location information of the UE sent by the target LMF network element or the user plane function UPF network element; Send the location information of the UE to the Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) network element.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The determining, from among the candidate LMF network elements, a target LMF network element that provides location calculation for the UE includes: Receiving a location information request message sent by a gateway mobile location center GMLC network element; wherein the location information request message carries a user plane positioning capability identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate that the UE is positioned by the user plane; Among the candidate LMF network elements, determine the target LMF network element that provides location calculation for the UE.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein After determining, among the candidate LMF network elements, the target LMF network element for providing location calculation for the UE, the method further includes: Sending a positioning request message to the target LMF network element; wherein the positioning request message carries a user plane positioning request identifier, and the user plane positioning request identifier is used to indicate a request to locate the UE through the user plane; Receiving a positioning response message sent by the target LMF network element; wherein the positioning response message carries a user plane positioning confirmation identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate confirmation of positioning the UE through the user plane; Send a user plane positioning notification message to the UE; the user plane positioning notification message is used to instruct the UE to initiate a protocol data unit PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process, and establish a PDU session with the UPF network element, and the PDU session is used to locate the UE through the user plane.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The receiving the location information of the UE sent by the target LMF network element or the UPF network element includes: Receiving the location information of the UE sent by the target LMF network element or the UPF network element through an event notification; The sending the location information of the UE to the GMLC network element includes: The location information of the UE is sent to the GMLC network element through event notification.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The method further comprises: receiving the positioning information of the UE sent by the UPF network element, and sending the positioning information of the UE to the target LMF network element; Alternatively, receive the positioning information of the UE sent by the UPF network element through an event report, and send the positioning information of the UE to the target LMF network element through an event report.

17. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The method further comprises: Receiving a location update response message sent by the GMLC network element; Sending a position location response message to the UE; the position location response message is used to indicate that the external client and / or application function AF network element has received the position information of the UE.

18. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The method further comprises: receiving a user plane positioning cancellation message sent by the GMLC network element; Forwarding the cancel user plane positioning message to the UE and the UPF network element; receiving a user plane positioning cancellation confirmation message sent by the UE; Send the user plane positioning cancellation confirmation message to the GMLC network element.

19. A method for positioning a user equipment UE, wherein: The method is applied to a location management function (LMF) network element, and the method includes: Receive UE positioning information sent by the user plane function UPF network element or the session management function SMF network element; Based on the positioning information of the UE, determine the location information of the UE, and send the location information of the UE to the UPF network element or the SMF network element.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The receiving the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or the SMF network element includes: Receiving the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or the SMF network element through an event report; The sending the location information of the UE to the UPF network element or the SMF network element includes: The location information and event type of the UE are sent to the UPF network element or the SMF network element through event notification.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein Before receiving the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or the SMF network element, the method further includes: Receive a positioning request message sent by the SMF network element; wherein the positioning request message carries a user plane positioning request identifier, and the user plane positioning request identifier is used to represent the request for the UE to transmit positioning information through the user plane; Send a positioning response message to the SMF network element; wherein, the positioning response message carries a user plane positioning confirmation identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to characterize and confirm that the UE transmits positioning information through the user plane.

22. The method according to claim 19, wherein The method further comprises: Receive the cancel user plane positioning message sent by the UPF and delete the positioning information corresponding to the UE.

23. A method for positioning a user equipment UE, wherein: The method is applied to a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) network element, and the method includes: Receive a location service request message for the UE sent by an external client and / or an application function AF network element; Sending a location information request message to a session management function (SMF) network element serving the UE; wherein the location information request message carries a user plane positioning capability identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane; Receiving the location information of the UE sent by the SMF network element; Send the location information of the UE to the external client and / or the AF network element.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein The receiving of the location information of the UE sent by the SMF network element includes: Receive the location information of the UE sent by the SMF network element through an event notification.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein The method further comprises: Receiving a user plane positioning cancellation message for the UE sent by an external client and / or an AF network element; Send the cancel user plane positioning message to the SMF network element.

26. A user equipment UE, wherein: including memory, transceiver and processor; The memory is used to store a computer program; the transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; and the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Initiate a protocol data unit PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with a user plane function UPF network element; wherein the PDU session establishment process and the PDU session modification process carry a user plane positioning indication identifier, and the user plane positioning indication identifier is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane; Based on the PDU session, positioning information is sent to the UPF network element.

27. The UE according to claim 26, wherein: The initiation of the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process includes: Receive the user plane location notification message sent by the session management function SMF network element; Initiate the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process.

28. The UE according to claim 26, wherein: The initiation of the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process includes: When it is detected that the event triggering condition or the event periodicity condition is met, the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process is initiated.

29. The UE according to claim 28, wherein: The sending positioning information to the UPF network element based on the PDU session includes: Based on the PDU session, the positioning information is sent to the UPF network element through an event report.

30. The UE according to claim 26, wherein The processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Receive the cancel user plane positioning message sent by the SMF network element; Initiate a PDU session release procedure for the PDU session.

31. A user plane function UPF network element, wherein: including memory, transceiver and processor; The memory is used to store a computer program; the transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; and the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Establishing a PDU session with the UE based on a UE-initiated protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment process or a PDU session modification process, wherein the PDU session is used to locate the UE through a user interface; receiving, based on the PDU session, positioning information sent by the UE; Send the positioning information to the positioning management function LMF network element.

32. The UPF network element according to claim 31, wherein: The receiving, based on the PDU session, the positioning information sent by the UE, includes: receiving, based on the PDU session, positioning information sent by the UE through an event report; The sending the positioning information to the LMF network element includes: The positioning information is sent to the LMF network element through an event report.

33. The UPF network element according to claim 31 or 32, wherein: The sending the positioning information to the LMF network element includes: Sending the positioning information to the LMF network element through the session management function SMF network element; Alternatively, based on the event report, the positioning information is sent to the LMF network element through the SMF network element.

34. The UPF network element according to claim 31, wherein: The method further comprises: receiving the location information of the UE sent by the LMF network element; The location information of the UE is sent to the Gateway Mobile Location Center GMLC network element through the SMF network element.

35. The UPF network element according to claim 34, wherein: The receiving the location information of the UE sent by the LMF network element includes: Receiving the location information of the UE sent by the LMF network element through an event notification; The sending the location information of the UE to the GMLC network element through the SMF network element includes: Based on the event notification, the location information of the UE is sent to the GMLC network element through the SMF network element.

36. The UPF network element according to claim 31, wherein: The processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Receive the cancel user plane positioning message sent by the SMF network element; Forward the cancel user plane positioning message to the LMF network element.

37. A session management function SMF network element, wherein: including memory, transceiver and processor; The memory is used to store a computer program; the transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; and the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Determine, from among the candidate LMF network elements, a target LMF network element for providing location calculation for the UE; Receiving the location information of the UE sent by the target LMF network element or the user plane function UPF network element; Send the location information of the UE to the Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) network element.

38. The SMF network element according to claim 37, wherein: The determining, from among the candidate LMF network elements, a target LMF network element that provides location calculation for the UE includes: Receiving a location information request message sent by a gateway mobile location center GMLC network element; wherein the location information request message carries a user plane positioning capability identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate that the UE is positioned by the user plane; Among the candidate LMF network elements, determine the target LMF network element that provides location calculation for the UE.

39. The SMF network element according to claim 38, wherein: After determining, among the candidate LMF network elements, the target LMF network element that provides location calculation for the UE, the processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Sending a positioning request message to the target LMF network element; wherein the positioning request message carries a user plane positioning request identifier, and the user plane positioning request identifier is used to indicate a request to locate the UE through the user plane; Receiving a positioning response message sent by the target LMF network element; wherein the positioning response message carries a user plane positioning confirmation identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate confirmation of positioning the UE through the user plane; Send a user plane positioning notification message to the UE; the user plane positioning notification message is used to instruct the UE to initiate a protocol data unit PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process, and establish a PDU session with the UPF network element, and the PDU session is used to locate the UE through the user plane.

40. The SMF network element according to claim 37, wherein: The receiving the location information of the UE sent by the target LMF network element or the UPF network element includes: Receiving the location information of the UE sent by the target LMF network element or the UPF network element through an event notification; The sending the location information of the UE to the GMLC network element includes: The location information of the UE is sent to the GMLC network element through event notification.

41. The SMF network element according to claim 37, wherein: The processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: receiving the positioning information of the UE sent by the UPF network element, and sending the positioning information of the UE to the target LMF network element; Alternatively, receive the positioning information of the UE sent by the UPF network element through an event report, and send the positioning information of the UE to the target LMF network element through an event report.

42. The SMF network element according to claim 37, wherein: The processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Receiving a location update response message sent by the GMLC network element; Sending a position location response message to the UE; the position location response message is used to indicate that the external client and / or application function AF network element has received the position information of the UE.

43. The SMF network element according to claim 37, wherein: The processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: receiving a user plane positioning cancellation message sent by the GMLC network element; Forwarding the cancel user plane positioning message to the UE and the UPF network element; receiving a user plane positioning cancellation confirmation message sent by the UE; Send the user plane positioning cancellation confirmation message to the GMLC network element.

44. A location management function LMF network element, wherein: including memory, transceiver and processor; The memory is used to store a computer program; the transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; and the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Receive UE positioning information sent by the user plane function UPF network element or the session management function SMF network element; Based on the positioning information of the UE, determine the location information of the UE, and send the location information of the UE to the UPF network element or the SMF network element.

45. The LMF network element according to claim 44, wherein: The receiving the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or the SMF network element includes: Receiving the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or the SMF network element through an event report; The sending the location information of the UE to the UPF network element or the SMF network element includes: The location information and event type of the UE are sent to the UPF network element or the SMF network element through event notification.

46. ​​The LMF network element according to claim 44, wherein: Before receiving the UE positioning information sent by the UPF network element or the SMF network element, the processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Receive a positioning request message sent by the SMF network element; wherein the positioning request message carries a user plane positioning request identifier, and the user plane positioning request identifier is used to represent the request for the UE to transmit positioning information through the user plane; Send a positioning response message to the SMF network element; wherein, the positioning response message carries a user plane positioning confirmation identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to characterize and confirm that the UE transmits positioning information through the user plane.

47. The LMF network element according to claim 44, wherein: The processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Receive the cancel user plane positioning message sent by the UPF and delete the positioning information corresponding to the UE.

48. A Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) network element, wherein: including memory, transceiver and processor; The memory is used to store a computer program; the transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; and the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Receive a location service request message for the UE sent by an external client and / or an application function AF network element; Sending a location information request message to a session management function (SMF) network element serving the UE; wherein the location information request message carries a user plane positioning capability identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane; Receiving the location information of the UE sent by the SMF network element; Send the location information of the UE to the external client and / or the AF network element.

49. The GMLC network element according to claim 48, wherein: The receiving the location information of the UE sent by the SMF network element includes: Receive the location information of the UE sent by the SMF network element through an event notification.

50. The GMLC network element according to claim 49, wherein: The processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Receiving a user plane positioning cancellation message for the UE sent by an external client and / or an AF network element; Send the cancel user plane positioning message to the SMF network element.

51. A positioning device for a user equipment UE, wherein: The device is applied to a UE, and includes: An establishment unit is used to initiate a protocol data unit PDU session establishment process or a PDU session modification process to establish a PDU session with a user plane function UPF network element; wherein the PDU session establishment process and the PDU session modification process carry a user plane positioning indication identifier, and the user plane positioning indication identifier is used to represent that the UE is positioned through the user plane; A sending unit is used to send positioning information to the UPF network element based on the PDU session.

52. A positioning device for a user equipment UE, wherein: The device is applied to a user plane function UPF network element, and the device includes: An establishing unit, configured to establish a PDU session with the UE based on a UE-initiated protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment process or a PDU session modification process, wherein the PDU session is used to locate the UE through a user interface; A first receiving unit, configured to receive positioning information sent by the UE based on the PDU session; The first sending unit is used to send the positioning information to the positioning management function LMF network element.

53. A positioning device for a user equipment UE, wherein: The device is applied to a session management function SMF network element, and the device includes: a determination unit, configured to determine, from among the candidate positioning management function LMF network elements, a target LMF network element for providing location calculation for the UE; A first receiving unit is configured to receive the location information of the UE sent by the target LMF network element or the user plane function UPF network element; The first sending unit is configured to send the location information of the UE to a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) network element.

54. A positioning device for a user equipment UE, wherein: The device is applied to a location management function LMF network element, and the device includes: The first receiving unit is configured to receive the UE positioning information sent by the user plane function UPF network element or the session management function SMF network element; The first sending unit is used to determine the location information of the UE based on the positioning information of the UE, and send the location information of the UE to the UPF network element or the SMF network element.

55. A positioning device for a user equipment UE, wherein: The device is applied to a gateway mobile location center (GMLC) network element, and includes: A first receiving unit is configured to receive a location service request message for a UE sent by an external client and / or an application function AF network element; A first sending unit is configured to send a location information request message to a session management function (SMF) network element serving the UE; wherein the location information request message carries a user plane positioning capability identifier, and the user plane positioning capability identifier is used to indicate that the UE is positioned through the user plane; A second receiving unit is configured to receive the location information of the UE sent by the SMF network element; The second sending unit is configured to send the location information of the UE to the external client and / or the AF network element.

56. A communication system, wherein: The communication system includes a user equipment UE, a radio access network RAN ​​node, a user plane function UPF network element, a session management function SMF network element, a positioning management function LMF network element, a gateway mobile location center GMLC network element, an external client and / or an application function AF network element; the UE, the RAN node, the UPF network element, the SMF network element, the LMF network element, the GMLC network element, the external client and / or the AF network element perform the method steps described in any one of claims 1 to 5, or 6 to 11, or 12 to 18, or 19 to 22, or 23 to 25.

57. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method steps of any one of claims 1 to 5, or 6 to 11, or 12 to 18, or 19 to 22, or 23 to 25 are implemented.

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