System and method for estimating a location of a target device in a communication network

Abstract

Disclosed is a system (300) and a method (500) for estimating a location of a target device in a communication network (100). The method comprises receiving a request comprising data for estimating a location of the target device including a service ID associated with the request from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) (202). Further, a first location estimation procedure is selected from a plurality of pre-defined location estimation procedures based on the service Id. A first measurement initiation request for measuring a first set of positioning parameters is initiated to the AMF (202). In response to first measurement initiation request, a first response is received from the AMF (202). Upon a determination that the first response includes the error message, the location of the target device is estimated based on information obtained via a selection of a second location estimation procedure. The location is sent to the AMF.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING A LOCATION OF ATARGET DEVICE IN A COMMUNICATION NETWORKTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of communication networks and systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and a method for location estimation of a target device in a communication network.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The subject matter disclosed in the background section should not be assumed or construed to be prior art merely due to its mention in the background section. Similarly, any problem statement mentioned in the background section or its association with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed or construed to have been previously recognized in the prior art.

[0003] In modern communications networks, efficiency and accuracy of locationbased services are crucial for maintaining optimal network performance. To this end, for adopting network resources and services to evolving requirements, dynamic needs of location-based requests need to be addressed. Heretofore, conventional methods for managing the location-based requests associated with the network elements have not been successful since the same relied on static configurations and lacked robust mechanisms for real time updates, leading to inefficiencies and potential disruptions in service.

[0004] To this end, accurate and reliable location estimation processes are essential for a variety of applications including location-based services. However, conventional location estimation process faces significant limitations that hinder their effectiveness and reliability owing to the inherent complexity associated with different techniques. The conventional location estimation process is often restricted by non-availability of parameters or inconsistent data associated with a positioningtechnique, each with distinct operational requirements and performance characteristics. This complexity leads to inconsistent results, making it challenging for users to achieve the desired level of accuracy and reliability.

[0005] Additionally, the conventional location estimation process tends to be heavily reliant on specific Quality of Service (QoS) parameters such as accuracy, latency, response time, and reliability. However, when a positioning technique is selected only on the basis of the QoS parameters, there remains no distinction between Location Services (LCS) clients and a common positioning technique may be selected based on an accuracy level of a location service request irrespective of the LCS client. For instance, a first positioning technique may be utilized for a high accuracy location service request, a second positioning technique may be utilized for a medium accuracy location service request, and a third positioning technique may be utilized for a low accuracy location service request. In case of failure of the selected positioning procedure, the location service request may not be fulfilled.

[0006] Another significant drawback of the conventional location estimation process is their limited fallback capabilities, leaving users vulnerable to service interruptions or inaccuracies when a positioning technique fails. This lack of redundancy can be detrimental, particularly in critical applications where precise location information is vital.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned challenges associated with the conventional positioning methods, there is a need for a system and a method that optimizes the location estimation process.SUMMARY

[0008] The following embodiments present a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed invention. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key / critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present someconcepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0009] In an embodiment, disclosed herein is a method for estimating a location of a target device in a communication network. The method comprises receiving, by a transceiver module from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a request comprising a data for estimating a location of the target device including a service Identifier (Id) associated with the request. Further, the method comprises selecting, by a processing module, a first location procedure from a plurality of location estimation procedures in an order of priority based on the service Id. Furthermore, the method comprises initiating, by the processing module using the transceiver module, a first measurement initiation request to the AMF, for measuring a first set of positioning parameters corresponding to the first location estimation procedure. The method further comprises receiving, by the processing module using the transceiver module from the AMF, a first response corresponding to the first measurement initiation request. Further, the method includes determining, by the processing module, whether the first response includes an error message or information corresponding to the first set of positioning parameters. Upon a determination that the first response includes the error message, the method comprises estimating, by the processing module, the location of the target device based on information corresponding to a second set of positioning parameters obtained via a selection of a second location estimation procedure from the plurality of location estimation procedures. Thereafter, the method comprises sending, by the transceiver module, the location of the target device to the AMF.

[0010] In one aspect, for estimating the location of the target device, the method comprises selecting, by the processing module upon determination that the first response includes the error message, a second location estimation procedure among the plurality of location estimation procedures in the order of priority. Further, the method comprises, initiating, by the processing module using the transceiver module, a second measurement initiation request to the AMF for measuring the second set of positioning parameters corresponding to the second locationestimation procedure. Furthermore, the method comprises receiving, by the processing module using the transceiver module from the AMF, a second response corresponding to the second measurement initiation request. The second response includes the information corresponding to the second set of positioning parameters.

[0011] In one aspect, the order of priority corresponds to an order of the plurality of location estimation procedures. The order of priority is set based on the service Id.

[0012] In one aspect, the order of priority is set based on an accuracy of each of the plurality of location estimation procedures.

[0013] In one aspect, the plurality of location estimation procedures includes one or more of Enhanced Cell ID (ECID), Assisted Global Positioning System (A-GPS) (UE based), AGPS (UE assisted), Autonomous GPS / GANSS, Enhanced Observed Time Difference (E-OTD), Cell Identifier (Id) based positioning, Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA), Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UTDOA), Angle of Departure (AoD), and Multi Round Trip Time (RTT).

[0014] In one aspect, the error message indicates that one or more of values of the first set of positioning parameters are missing at one of the AMF or one or more nodes serving the target device.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, disclosed is a system for estimating a location of a target device in a communication network. The system comprises a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is configured to receive, from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a request comprising data for estimating a location of the target device and a service Identifier (Id) associated with the request. The processing module is configured to select a first location estimation procedure among a plurality of location estimation procedures in an order of priority based on the service Id. Further, the processing module is configured to initiate, using the transceiver module, a first measurement initiation request to the AMF for measuring a first setof positioning parameters corresponding to the first location estimation procedure. Furthermore, the processing module is configured to receive, using the transceiver module from the AMF, a first response corresponding to the first measurement initiation request. The processing module is then configured to determine whether the first response includes an error message or information corresponding to the first set of positioning parameters. Upon a determination that the first response includes the error message, the processing module is configured to estimate the location of the target device based on information corresponding to a second set of positioning parameters obtained via a selection of a second location estimation procedure from the plurality of location estimation procedures. The transceiver module is further configured to send the location of the target device to the AMF.

[0016] In one aspect, for estimating the location of the target device, the processing module is configured to select, upon determination that the first response includes the error message, a second location estimation procedure among the plurality of location estimation procedures in the order of priority. Further, the processing module is configured to initiate, using the transceiver module, a second measurement initiation request to the AMF for measuring the second set of positioning parameters corresponding to the second location estimation procedure. Furthermore, the processing module is configured to receive, using the transceiver module from the AMF, a second response corresponding to the second measurement initiation request, wherein the second response includes information corresponding to the second set of positioning parameters.

[0017] In one aspect, the order of priority corresponds to an order of the plurality of location estimation procedures. The order of priority is set based on the service Id.

[0018] In one aspect, the order of priority is set based on an accuracy of each of the plurality of location estimation procedures.

[0019] In one aspect, the plurality of location estimation procedures includes one or more of Enhanced Cell ID (ECID), Assisted Global Positioning System (A-GPS)(UE based), AGPS (UE assisted), Autonomous GPS / GANSS, Enhanced Observed Time Difference (E-OTD), Cell Identifier (Id) based positioning, Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA), Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UTDOA), Angle of Departure (AoD), and Multi Round Trip Time (RTT).

[0020] In one aspect, the error message indicates that one or more of values of the first set of positioning parameters are missing at one of the AMF or one or more nodes serving the target device.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, disclosed herein is a computer program product comprising computer-executable instructions that are stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium and that, when executed by at least one processor performs operations comprising receiving, from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a request comprising data for estimating a location of the target device and a service Identifier (Id) associated with the request. Further, the operations comprise selecting a first location estimation procedure from a plurality of location estimation procedures in an order of priority based on the service Id. Furthermore, the operations comprise initiating a first measurement initiation request to the AMF for measuring a first set of positioning parameters corresponding to the first location estimation procedure. The operations comprise receiving, from the AMF, a first response corresponding to the first measurement initiation request. Further, the operations comprise determining whether the first response includes an error message or information corresponding to the first set of positioning parameters. Upon a determination that the first response includes the error message, the operations comprise estimating the location of the target device based on information corresponding to a second set of positioning parameters obtained via a selection of a second location estimation procedure from the plurality of location estimation procedures. Thereafter, the operations comprise sending the location of the target device to the AMF.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Various embodiments disclosed herein will become better understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings constitute a part of the present disclosure and illustrate certain non-limiting embodiments of inventive concepts. Further, components and elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. For the purpose of consistency and ease of understanding, similar components and elements are annotated by reference numerals in the exemplary drawings.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment of a communication network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram depicting components of a core network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates an operational flow diagram depicting a flow of information between components of a communication system for estimating location of a target device in the communication network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram depicting a system architecture of a Location Management Function (LMF), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method for location estimation of a target device in the communication network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Inventive concepts of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which examples of one or more embodiments of inventive concepts are shown. Inventive concepts may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Further, the one or more embodimentsdisclosed herein are provided to describe the inventive concept thoroughly and completely, and to fully convey the scope of each of the present inventive concepts to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, it should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are not mutually exclusive concepts. Accordingly, one or more components from one embodiment may be tacitly assumed to be present or used in any other embodiment.

[0029] The following description presents various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments disclosed herein are presented as teaching examples and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein, but may be modified, omitted, or expanded upon without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] The following description contains specific information pertaining to embodiments in the present disclosure. The detailed description uses the phrases “in some embodiments” or “some implementations” which may each refer to one or more or all of the same or different embodiments or implementations. The term “some” as used herein is defined as “one, or more than one, or all.” Accordingly, the terms “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would all fall under the definition of “some.” In view of the same, the terms, for example, “in an embodiment” or “in an implementation” refers to one embodiment or one implementation and the term, for example, “in one or more embodiments” refers to “at least one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments ”. Further, the term, for example, “in one or more implementations” refers to “at least one implementation, or more than one implementation, or all implementations.

[0031] The term “comprising,” when utilized, means “including, but not necessarily limited to;” it specifically indicates open-ended inclusion in the so-described one or more listed features, elements in a combination, unless otherwise stated with limiting language. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,”“have,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term“comprising.”

[0032] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features.

[0033] The description provided herein discloses exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, the foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing any of the exemplary embodiments. Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it may be understood by one of the ordinary skilled in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details.

[0034] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein the description, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural forms unless the context of the invention indicates otherwise.

[0035] The terminology and structure employed herein are for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and do not limit, restrict, or reduce the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and / or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art.

[0036] In the disclosure, various embodiments are described using terms used in some communication standards (e.g., 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), xRadio Access Network (xRAN), and Open-Radio Access Network (O-RAN)), but these are merely examples for description. Various embodiments of the disclosure may also be easily modified and applied to other communication systems.

[0037] In order to facilitate an understanding of the disclosed invention, a number of terms are defined below.

[0038] Location estimation procedures correspond to procedures utilized by entities of the communication network, the target device or both together to determine a geographical location of the target device. The location estimation procedures may define how a plurality of positioning parameters such as a time, an angle, and a signal strength are processed for estimating the location of the target device.

[0039] Quality of Service (QoS) in the field of telecommunications can be defined as a set of specific requirements provided by a network to users, which are necessary in order to achieve the required functionality of an application (service). In the present context, the QoS requirements may indicate how accurately, timely, and reliably the location information may be delivered form the communication network to a requesting network entity.

[0040] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and a method for optimizing location estimation process in a communication network. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and a method for location estimation of a target device based on a service utilized by a user. Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and a method for a flexible location estimation process that is also vendor-agnostic.

[0041] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, discussed below, and the one or more embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way tolimit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device.

[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment of a communication network 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the communication network 100 includes a core network 102 coupled with a plurality of nodes including Node 104-1 through Node 104-N. The core network 102 is configured to facilitate a secured communication among the plurality of nodes (collectively referred to as the “nodes 104”, and individually referred to as the “node 104”, hereinafter).

[0043] In an embodiment, each of the nodes are configured to be coupled with one or more devices 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4, through 106-(N-l), 106-N (collectively referred to as the “devices 106”, individually referred to as the “device 106” and “alternatively referred to as User Equipment (UEs) 106” or user devices 106, hereinafter). In one aspect, the core network 102 may establish a secured communication between the one or more user devices 106 associated with the plurality of nodes 104. In another aspect, the core network 102 may establish a secured communication between the one or more user devices 106 associated with a same node among the plurality of nodes 104.

[0044] In one embodiment, the core network 102 may effectively establish a secured communication between the user device 106-1 and the user device 106-2, where the user device 106-1 and the user device 106-2 both are coupled with the Node 104-1. In another embodiment, the core network 102 may establish a secured communication between the user device 106-2 and the user device 106-N, where the user device 106-2 is coupled with the Node 104-1 and the user device 106-N is coupled with the Node 104-N.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the core network 102 (also, referred to as network 102, herein) may be configured as an application server and may be communicably operational or may be integrated with the user device 106 via anetwork coupled with a server. The core network 102 may pertain to 5G servicebased architecture and may be configured to interconnect distinct networks associated with the architecture. Therefore, the core network 102 may provide a path for the exchange of information between one or more of the networks, and corresponding subnetworks.

[0046] In one embodiment, the nodes 104 may be categorized based on a type of network operations hosted by the nodes 104. The communication network 100 may utilize the plurality of nodes 104 of same type i.e. nodes carrying out same network operations and of different types i.e. nodes carrying out different network operations. In one aspect, the nodes 104 of the same type and the different types manufactured by different vendors are utilized in the communication network 100.

[0047] The term “node 104” may refer to any component (or collection of components) configured to provide wireless access to a network. Examples of the node 104 may include, but not limited to, a Transmit Point (TP), a Transmit-Receive Point (TRP), an Evolved Base Station (eNodeB or eNB), a 5G / NR base station (gNB), a macrocell, a femtocell, a Wi-Fi Access Point (AP), or other wirelessly enabled devices. The nodes 104 may provide wireless access to the network in accordance with wireless communication protocols, e.g., 5G / NR 3GPP New Radio interface / access (NR), LTE, LTE-A, High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Wi-Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac, etc. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include, or otherwise cover, any technology (known or later developed) bearing same or similar characteristics as of the above-mentioned BS, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. For the sake of convenience, the terms “nodes” and “gNBs” are used interchangeably in the present disclosure to refer to network infrastructure components that provide wireless access to remote terminals.

[0048] The nodes 104 provides wireless broadband access to the network to the devices 106 within a serving region of the node 104. The devices 106 may correspond to, but is not limited to, any of mobile devices, tablets, or portable devices utilized by subscribers or users to access services provided by the corenetwork 102. The term device 106 may refer to any component such as “mobile station,” “subscriber station,” “remote terminal,” “wireless terminal,” “receiver terminal.”

[0049] The core network 102 may support a plurality of positioning protocols and location estimation procedures between the nodes 104 and the UE 106, for locating a target device among the devices 106. The plurality of location estimation procedures may include, but is not limited to, Enhanced Cell ID (ECID), Assisted Global Positioning System (A-GPS) (UE based), AGPS (UE assisted), Autonomous GPS / GANSS, Enhanced Observed Time Difference (E-OTD), Cell Identifier (Id) based positioning, Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA), Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UTDOA), Angle of Departure (AoD), and Multi Round Trip Time (RTT).

[0050] Although FIG. 1 illustrates one example of the communication network 100, various changes may be made to FIG. 1. For example, the communication network 100 may include any number of nodes and user devices in any suitable arrangement, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, various components in FIG. 1 may be combined, further subdivided, or omitted and additional components may be added according to particular needs.

[0051] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram depicting components of the core network 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the core network 102 connects the user devices 106 to a Radio Access Network (RAN) 236 including the plurality of nodes 104. The user devices 106 are configured to communicate with a plurality of network elements of the core network 102.

[0052] The plurality of network elements of the core network 102 includes an Access and Mobility Management Function node 202 (alternatively referred to as AMF 202), a Policy Control Function node 204 (alternatively referred to as PCF 204), an Equipment Identity Register node 206 (alternatively referred to as EIR 206), an Authentication Server Function node 208 (alternatively referred to as AUSF208), a Unified Data Management function 210 (alternatively referred to as UDM 210), a Subscriber Profile Repository node 212 (alternatively referred to as SPR 212), a Short Message Service Function node 214 (alternatively referred to as SMSF 214), a Network Slice Selection Function node 216 (alternatively referred to as NSSF 216), a Location Management Function node 218 (alternatively referred to as LMF 218), a Session Management Function node 220 (alternatively referred to as SMF 220), a Network Data Analytics Function node 222 (alternatively referred to as NWDAF 222), a Charging Function-Protocol converter node 224 (alternatively referred to as CHF -PC 224), a Network Exposure Function node 226 (alternatively referred to as NEF 226), a Signaling Transfer Point node 228 (alternatively referred to as STP 228), a Diameter Routing Agent node 230 (alternatively referred to as DRA 230), a Binding Support Function node 232 (alternatively referred to as BSF 232), a Gateway Mobile Location Center node 234 (alternatively referred to as GMLC 234), a User Plane Function node 238, and a Location Services client (alternatively referred to as LCS clients 240) .

[0053] The components depicted in FIG. 2 may be implemented as dedicated hardware components or as virtualized functions implemented on top of a common shared physical infrastructure using Software-Defined Networking (SDN). For example, an SDN controller may implement one or more of the components of FIG. 2 using an adapter implementing a Virtual Network Function (VNF) virtual machine, an event driven serverless architecture interface, and / or another type of SDN architecture.

[0054] The AMF 202 may be a network element that is capable of performing registration management, connection management, reachability management, mobility management, lawful intercepts, SMS transport between the one or more user device 106 and SMSF 214, session management messages transport between the one or more user device 106 and the SMF 220, access authentication and authorization, location services management, functionality to support non-3GPP access networks, and / or other types of management processes.

[0055] The PCF 204 is a network node capable of supporting policies to control network behavior, provides policy rules to control plane functions (e.g., to the SMF 220), access subscription information relevant to policy decisions, performs policy decisions, and / or performs other types of processes associated with policy enforcement.

[0056] The EIR 206 may correspond to an independent network component that may help telecom operators in protecting the telecom networks. The EIR 206 can aid in protecting a network by providing a mechanism to restrict malicious user terminals or devices in the network. The AUSF 208 may be a network element that is capable of performing authentication.

[0057] The UDM 210 may be a network element that is capable of maintaining subscription information for user devices 106, manage subscriptions, generate authentication credentials, handle user identification, perform access authorization based on subscription data, perform network function registration management, maintain service and / or session continuity by maintaining assignment of the SMF 220 for ongoing sessions, support SMS delivery, support lawful intercept functionality, and / or perform other processes associated with managing user data.

[0058] The SPR 212 corresponds to a centralized repository for storing subscriber profile information, service entitlements, and policy rules within the network. The SMSF 214 may be a network element that is capable of performing SMS services for the user devices 106. The NSSF 216 includes one or more devices that select network slice instances for the user devices 106. By providing network slicing, the NSSF 216 allows an operator to deploy multiple substantially independent end-to- end networks potentially with the same infrastructure.

[0059] The LMF 218 may be a network element that is capable of managing subscriber location information within the core network 102. The LMF 218 may track the current location of mobile devices, handles location updates, and supports mobility management functions such as handover and roaming. The LMF 218 also supports location determination for a target device 106 and obtains downlinklocation measurements or location estimates from the devices 106. The LMF 218 also obtains uplink location measurements from the RAN 236. The LMF 218 may interface with network elements such as the RAN 236, the AMF 202, and locationbased service platforms to ensure seamless mobility management and locationbased service provisioning for the subscribers.

[0060] The SMF 220 may be a network element that is capable of performing session establishment, session modification, and / or session release, perform IP address allocation and management, perform Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) functions, perform selection and control of the UPF 238, configure traffic steering at the UPF 238 to guide the traffic to the correct destinations, terminate interfaces toward the PCF 204, perform lawful intercepts, charge data collection, support charging interfaces, control and coordinate of charging data collection, terminate session management parts of NAS messages, perform downlink data notification, manage roaming functionality, and / or perform other types of control plane processes for managing user plane data.

[0061] The NWDAF 222 may be a network element that is capable of collecting analytics information associated with RAN and / or the core network 102. The CHF- PC 224 may be a network element that is capable of controlling and managing charging-related operations within the network. The CHF -PC 224 coordinates communication between a CHF, the PCF 204, and session management entities to ensure accurate and timely charging of subscriber services. The CHF PC 224 resides at the edge of the 4G and 5G networks. The CHF-PC 224 acts as a protocol converter for interactions with the existing 4G network diameter protocol-based online charging system to convert an HTTP / 2 message received from SMF and PCF in 5G network, to diameter messages before forwarding them to the online charging system and vice versa. The CHF-PC 224 has a highly scalable cluster which supports conversion for credit control (Gy / N40) and spending limit information (Sy / N28) exchange.

[0062] The NEF 226 may be a network element that is capable of exposing capabilities and events to other NFs, including third party NFs, AFs, edge computing NFs, and / or other types of NFs. The STP 228 corresponds to a centralized system responsible for managing the transition of network services between multi-RATs.

[0063] The DRA 230 may be a network element that provides real-time routing capabilities to ensure that messages are routed among the correct elements in the network. The BSF 232 may be a network element that is capable of managing session bindings and subscriber contexts within the core network 102.

[0064] The GMLC 234 is a critical network element configured to provide locationbased services within the 5G core network. The GMLC 234 facilitates the retrieval of mobile device location information, enabling services such as emergency call routing, location-based advertising, and asset tracking. The GMLC 234 may interface with location-based service applications and network elements to provide accurate location data while ensuring user privacy and compliance with regulatory requirements. The GMLC 234 may serve as a gateway for location-based queries and requests.

[0065] The LCS client 240 may be a network element that is capable of enabling provisions of location-based functionalities and applications within the core network 102. The LCS client 240 may interface with application servers, service platforms, and subscriber devices to deliver personalized and context-aware location-based experiences.

[0066] The UPF 238 may be a network element that is capable of maintaining an anchor point for intra / inter-RAT mobility, maintain an external Protocol Data Unit (PDU) point of interconnect to Data Network (DN) 242, perform packet routing and forwarding, perform the user plane part of policy rule enforcement, perform packet inspection, perform lawful intercept, perform traffic usage reporting, perform Quality of Service (QoS) handling in the user plane, perform uplink traffic verification, perform transport level packet marking, perform downlink packetbuffering, forward an “end marker” to the RAN 236 (e.g., gNB), and / or perform other types of user plane processes.

[0067] Although FIG. 2 shows exemplary components of core network 102, in other implementations, the core network 102 may include fewer components, different components, differently arranged components, or additional components than depicted in FIG. 2. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components of the core network 102 may perform functions described as being performed by one or more other components of the core network 102.

[0068] FIG. 3 illustrates an operational flow diagram depicting a flow of information between components of a communication system for estimating a location of the target device in the communication network 100 location estimation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the communication system 300 as shown in FIG. 3 is for illustration only. However, the communication system 300 may come in a wide variety of configurations, and FIG. 3 does not limit the scope of the present disclosure to any particular implementation of the communication system 300.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 3, the communication system 300 (alternatively referred to as the system 300) includes the AMF 202 and the LMF 218. The LMF 218 may interact with the AMF 202 over an LMF_NLo interface. The AMF 202 receives a plurality of location estimation requests (alternatively referred to as location determination request) from at least one of the devices 106, one or more target devices (alternatively referred to as target user device) among the devices 106, and the nodes 104. The location estimation requests may include one or more positioning parameters for estimating a location of the target devices 106. At the AMF 202, along with the location estimation request, one or more of Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, privacy settings, and service Identifier (Id) associated with the target devices 106 are stored. The QoS requirements may include a horizontal and vertical accuracy of the estimated location, a response time to obtain the estimated location, and velocity of the target device.

[0070] The service Id may correspond to a unique identifier associated with a type of location service requested by a LCS clients 240 or to the type of LCS clients 240 requesting the location service. The type of location service may include, but not limited to, emergency services, delivery tracking services, lawful interception services, network optimization services, location-based charging services, and operator services. In one embodiment, the service Ids may be denoted by a numerical value ranging from 64 to 100. Corresponding to each service ID, different authorization, privacy, and access control checks may be applied. The service Id may be configurable by the communication network 100 based on a user requirement.

[0071] The LCS clients 240 are entities that request location information of the target device. The LCS clients 240 may have different purposes, such as emergency services, commercial applications, or legal interception. For example, the LCS client 240 such as a Lawful Intercept Management (LIM) client is responsible for initiating and managing location-based requests for lawful interception purposes. The LIM client may utilize a high accuracy service for determining the location of the target devices 106 to support various legally required or sanctioned services. The LIM client may provide accurate and reliable location information to authorized parties, including emergency services, network operators, and service providers. In another example, a food delivery application requesting location of a user may have a service Id as a “commercial location application.

[0072] At first step, the AMF 202 transfers a request associated with the location determination request (alternatively referred to as “location estimation request”) to the LMF 218. The request may comprise data for estimating a location of the target device location estimation such as a service id associated with the location estimation request. Upon receiving the data, the LMF 218 determines whether the service Id is received in the data associated with the location estimation request. A plurality of location estimation procedures to be utilized for location estimation of the target device is pre-defined in the LMF 218.

[0073] Based on the service Id, an order of priority is assigned to each location estimation procedure among the plurality of location estimation procedures for determining the location of the target device. The order of priority corresponds to an order of the plurality of pre-defined location estimation procedures. The order of priority may be assigned by a network management team based on the service Id, in accordance with user requirement. In one embodiment, the order of priority may be assigned based on an accuracy of the plurality of the location estimation procedure required by the user. The accuracy of the plurality of the location estimation procedures may be stored at the LMF 218. In another embodiment, the network management team may change the priorities of the plurality of the location estimation procedures corresponding to the service Id. In yet another embodiment, the network management team may assign the priorities of the plurality of the location estimation procedures corresponding to a new service Id.

[0074] Upon determination that the service Id is received, the LMF 218 is triggered to select a first location estimation procedure from the plurality of location estimation procedures in the order of priority based on the service Id. The first location estimation procedure may be a primary location estimation procedure to be utilized having a first priority among the plurality of location estimation procedures from the order of priority. When the first location estimation procedure is selected, at second step, first measurement initiation request is shared by the LMF 218 to the AMF 202 for measuring a first set of positioning parameters corresponding to the first location estimation procedure.

[0075] In response to the first measurement initiation request, at third step, the AMF 202 sends a first response corresponding to the sent first measurement initiation request. In one scenario, the first response may include values of the first set of positioning parameters for determining location of the target device in accordance with the first location estimation procedure. Based on the values of the first set of positioning parameters, the LMF 218 calculates the location of the target device and sends a response including the location of the target device to the AMF 202.

[0076] In another scenario, in response to the first initiation request, the first response may include a first error message to the LMF 218. The first error message may be generated when the one or more of values of the first set of positioning parameters are missing at one of the AMF 202 or one or more nodes serving the target device, there is an error in the positioning protocol, or there is an error generated by the node 104 corresponding to the first location estimation procedure.

[0077] The LMF 218 determines whether the first response of the first initiation request includes the first error message. When the LMF 218 determines that the first error message is received, the LMF 218 is configured to select a second location estimation procedure. The second location estimation procedure may be second in the order of priority assigned among the plurality of location estimation procedures. The second order of priority may be lesser in value than the first order of priority.

[0078] The AMF 202 may send a second measurement request to the AMF 202 for measuring a second set of positioning parameters corresponding to the second location estimation procedure. In response to the second measurement request, the AMF 202 may send values of the second set of positioning parameters for determining the location of the target device. In another scenario, in response to the second measurement request, the AMF 202 may send a second error message to the LMF 218, corresponding to the second location estimation procedure. The second error message may be generated when the one or more of values of the second set of positioning parameters are missing at one of the AMF 202 or one or more nodes serving the target device, there is an error in the positioning protocol, or there is an error generated by the node 104 corresponding to the second location estimation procedure.

[0079] Similarly, when the LMF 218 determines that the second error message is received, the LMF 218 is configured to select a third location estimation procedure. The third location estimation procedure may be third in order of priority assigned among the plurality of location estimation procedures. The third order of priority may be lesser in value than the second order of priority.

[0080] The LMF 218 may continue to utilize the plurality of location estimation procedures based on the order of priority corresponding to the service Id. As a result, the location estimation process is optimized, and at fourth step, the location of the target device is determined and reported to the AMF 202.

[0081] In one embodiment, the service Ids may be denoted by a numerical value ranging from 64 to 100. Corresponding to the service Ids, a list of the plurality of location estimation procedures is set and the order of priority is assigned for execution of the location estimation procedures. As described above, the plurality of location estimation procedures including, but not limited to, Uplink (UL) ECID, Downlink (DL) ECID, AGPS (UE based), AGPS (UE assisted), Autonomous GPS / GANSS, E-OTD, Cell Id based positioning, Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA), Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UTDOA), Angle of Departure (AoD), and Multi Round Trip Time (RTT), may be assigned the order of priority. A non-limiting example of location estimation procedures in a decreasing order of priority corresponding to various service Ids are described below in an exemplary Table 1 :Table 1

[0082] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram depicting a system architecture 400 of the LMF 218, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the server 400 as shown in FIG. 4 is for illustration only. However, the LMF 218 may come in a wide variety of configurations, and FIG. 4 does not limit the scope of the present disclosure to any particular implementation of the LMF 218.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 4, the LMF node 218 includes one or more processors 402 (hereinafter may also be referred to as “processor 402” or “at least one processor 402”), a memory 404, a communication interface 406, a database 408, and a plurality of module(s) 410 (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “module(s) 410”). Components of the LMF 218 are communicatively coupled to each other via a communication bus 412.

[0084] The processor 402 may include processing circuitry, logic, interface(s), and / or code(s), and may be configured to communicate with the memory 404, the communication interface 406, the database 408, and the modules 410 via the communication bus 412. Examples of the communication bus 412 may include, but are not limited to, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) / PCI Extended (PCI- X) bus, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), Universal Serial Bus (USB), and a Front Side Bus (FSB). Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of coupling means present or related to later developed technologies, that may be configured to connect the processor 402 to the other subsystems of the LMF 218, as the communication bus 412, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0085] The processor 402 may include one or a plurality of processors, including a general-purpose processor, such as, for example, and without limitation, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application Processor (AP), a dedicated processor, a graphics-only processing unit such as a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) or the like, a programmable logic device, or any combination thereof.

[0086] In an embodiment, the module(s) 410 may be implemented as a combination of hardware and software programming (for example, programmable instructions) to implement one or more functionalities of the LMF 218. In non-limiting examples, described herein, such combinations of hardware and software programming may be implemented in several different ways, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. The module(s) 410 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or codes. For example, the programming for the module(s) 410 maybe processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and the hardware for the module(s) 410 may comprise a processing resource (for example, one or more processors), to execute such instructions. In an embodiment, the module(s) 410 may be combined to a single module or each module of the module(s) 410 may be further subdivided into different modules.

[0087] In the present examples, the machine-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement the module(s) 410. In such examples, the LMF 218 may also comprise the machine- readable storage medium storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium may be separate but accessible to the LMF 218 and the processing resource. In other examples, the module(s) 410 may be implemented using an electronic circuitry.

[0088] In one or more embodiments, the module(s) 410 may include one or more modules such as a transceiver module 410-1 and a processing module 410-2. Each of the module(s) 410 is communicatively coupled with each other.

[0089] The processor 402 may include various processing circuitry and communicate with the memory 404, and the communication interface 406 via the communication bus 412. The processor 404 is configured to execute instructions 404-1 (hereinafter also referred to as “a set of instructions 404-1”) stored in the memory 404 and to perform various processes. The processor 402 may also include a plurality of processing engines i.e., information processing units for controlling overall operation of LMF 218. For example, the processor 402 is configured to execute programs and other processes stored in the memory 404. The processor 402 is further configured to move data into or out of the memory 404 as required by an execution process.

[0090] In an aspect, the processor 402, using the transceiver module 410-1, is configured to receive from the AMF 202, a request comprising data for estimating a location of the target device including a service Identifier (Id) associated with the request. The transceiver module 410-1 may receive incoming RF signals, such assignals transmitted by the nodes 104 and the devices 106 in the communication network. The transceiver module 410-1 may down-convert the incoming RF signals to generate the IF or baseband signals which may be sent to the receiver processing circuitry. The transceiver module 410-1 may transmit the processed baseband signals to the processor 402 for further processing. The transceiver module 410-1 may receive analog or digital data from the processor 402 and may encode, multiplex, and / or digitize the outgoing baseband data to generate processed baseband or IF signals. The transceiver module 410-1 may further process the outgoing processed baseband or IF signals from the transmit processing circuitry and up-converts the baseband or IF signals to RF signals that may be transmitted to the devices 106 and the nodes 104.

[0091] The memory 404 stores the set of instructions 404-1 required by the processor 402 for controlling its overall operations. A part of the memory 404 may include a Random Access Memory (RAM), a cache memory, or a Read Only Memory (ROM). The memory 404 may include non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements may include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, floppy discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memories. In addition, the memory 404 may, in some examples, be considered a non-transitory storage medium. The "non-transitory" storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. However, the term "non- transitory" should not be interpreted as the memory 404 is non-movable. In some examples, the memory 404 may be configured to store larger amounts of information. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium may store data that can, over time, change (e.g., in RAM or cache). The memory 404 may be an internal storage unit or an external storage unit of the LMF 218, cloud storage, or any other type of external storage. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include or otherwise cover any data storage medium as ‘the memory 404’, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0092] The communication interface 406 may manage communications with the nodes 104 and the UE 106. For example, the communication interface 406 may manage the reception of the values of the plurality of positioning parameters from the AMF 202. The communication interface 406 may include an electronic circuit specific to a standard that enables wired or wireless communication. The communication interface 406 is configured for communicating with external devices via one or more networks.

[0093] The LMF 218 may further include a storage medium for storing the measurement report including values of the plurality of the positioning parameters. Storage medium may generally be one or more of, without limitation, disk drives, hard-disk arrays, solid state storage devices, Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices, tape libraries or other magnetic, non-tape storage devices, and optical media storage devices. In an embodiment, the storage medium may be integrated outside of the LMF 218.

[0094] The database 408 is configured to store the pre-defined plurality of location estimation procedures and the order of priority based on the service Id of the plurality of location estimation procedures. The database is also configured to store the information received in response to measurement request as received from the AMF 202 such as a measurement report including values of the plurality of the positioning parameters corresponding to each of the location estimation procedures. In one embodiment, the database 408 may be implemented as a centralized database, Relational Database Management System (RDBMS), Non-Relational Database Management System, and Hierarchical Database Management System, and Network Database Management System. In another embodiment, the database 408 may also be an in-memory database including a distributed in-memory data storage of the LMF 218.

[0095] In an aspect, the processor 402, using the processing module 410-2, is configured to select the first location estimation procedure from the plurality of location estimation procedures in the order of priority based on the service Id. Theorder of priority corresponds to the order of the plurality of pre-defined location estimation procedures. The order of priority may be set based on the service Id. The processor 402, using the processing module 410-2, is configured to initiate via the transceiver module 410-1, to the AMF 202, the first measurement initiation request for measuring the first set of positioning parameters corresponding to the first location estimation procedure. Further, the processor 402, using the processing module 410-2, is configured to receive from the AMF 202 via the transceiver module 410-1, a first response corresponding to the first measurement initiation request.

[0096] Furthermore, the processor 402, using the processing module 410-2 is configured to determine whether the first response includes a first error message or information corresponding to a first set of positioning parameters. The first error message may indicate that one or more of values of the first set of positioning parameters are missing at one of the AMF 202 or one or more nodes serving the target device. Upon a determination that the first response includes the first error message, the processor 402, using the processing module 410-2, is configured to estimate the location of the target device based on information corresponding to a second set of positioning parameters obtained via a selection of a second location estimation procedure from the plurality of pre-defined location estimation procedures.

[0097] The processor 402, using the processing module 410-2, selects the second location estimation procedure among the plurality of location estimation procedures in the order of priority. The processor 402, using the processing module 410-2, is configured to initiate to the AMF 202, the second measurement initiation request for measuring the second set of positioning parameters corresponding to the second location estimation procedure. Further, the processor 402, using the processing module 410-2, is configured to receive from the AMF 202 via the transceiver module 410-1, the second response corresponding to the second measurement initiation request including information corresponding to the second set of positioning parameters. The processor 402, using the processing module 410-2 isconfigured to determine whether the second response includes a second error message or information corresponding to the second set of positioning parameters. Upon determination that the second response includes the information corresponding to the second set of positioning parameters, the processor 402, using the processing module 410-2, is configured to determine the location of the target device based on the information corresponding to the second set of positioning parameters and send, using the transceiver module 410-1, the location of the target device to the AMF 202.

[0098] In a scenario, when the second response includes a second error message, the processor 402, using the processing module 410-2, selects a third location estimation procedure among the plurality of location estimation procedures in the order of priority, and in a similar manner, determines whether a third response includes a third error message or information corresponding to the third set of positioning parameters. Upon determination that the third response includes the information corresponding to the second set of positioning parameters, the processor 402, using the processing module 410-2, is configured to determine the location of the target device based on the information corresponding to the second set of positioning parameters and send, using the transceiver module 410-1, the location of the target device to the AMF 202.

[0099] However, upon determination that the third response includes the third error message, the processor 402, using the processing module 410-2, selects an nthlocation estimation procedure among the plurality of location estimation procedures in the order of priority, where n denotes a total number of the pre-defined plurality of location estimation procedures. The nthlocation estimation procedure among the plurality of location estimation procedures in the order of priority may be selected when one or more of the plurality of location estimation procedures fail. The failure of the one or more of the plurality of location estimation procedures are indicated by an error message received in the corresponding response of the one or more of the plurality of location estimation procedures.

[0100] Although FIG. 4 illustrates one example of LMF 218, various changes may be made to FIG. 4. For example, the LMF 218 may include any number of components in addition to the components shown in FIG. 4. Further, various components in FIG. 4 may be combined, further subdivided, or omitted, and additional components may be added according to particular needs.

[0101] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method 500 for optimizing location estimation process in the communication network 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 500 comprises a series of operations indicated by steps 502 through 522. Although method 500 shows example blocks of steps 502 to 522, in some embodiments, the method 500 may include additional steps, fewer steps or steps in different order than those depicted in FIG. 5. In other embodiments, the steps 502-522 may be combined or may be performed in parallel.

[0102] At step 502, the processor 402, using the transceiver module 410-1, receives from the AMF 202, a request comprising data for estimating a location of the target device among the user devices 106. The data may further comprise the service Identifier (Id) associated with the request.

[0103] At step 504, the processor 402, using the processing module 410-2, determines whether the service Id is received with the request associated with the request. When the processing module 410-2 determines that the service Id is not received, the method 500 terminates and the processing module 410-2 determines the location of the target device based on the QoS parameters.

[0104] When the processing module 410-2 determines that service Id is received, the processing module 410-2 is triggered to select, at step 506, based on the service Id, the first location estimation procedure among the plurality of location estimation procedures. The first location estimation procedure is selected based on the order of priority assigned to each location estimation procedure among the plurality of location estimation procedures associated with the service Id.

[0105] At step 508, the processor 402 is configured to initiate, by the processing module 410-2 using the transceiver module 410-1 to the AMF 202, the first measurement initiation request for measuring the first set of positioning parameters corresponding to the first location estimation procedure.

[0106] Upon initiating the first measurement initiation request, the LMF 218 is configured to receive, at step 510, the first response corresponding to the first measurement initiation request from the AMF 202. The first response may include information corresponding to either values of the first set positioning parameters required for implementing the first location estimation procedure or an error message corresponding to the first location estimation procedure.

[0107] At step 512, the processor 402, using the processing module 410-2, determines whether the first response corresponding to the first location estimation procedure includes the error message or the information corresponding to a first set of positioning parameters. When the processing module 410-2 determines that the first response includes the values of the first set of positioning parameters, the processing module 410-2, at step 514, determines the location of the target device by executing the first location estimation procedure based on the values of the first set positioning parameters. When the processing module 410-2 determines that the first response includes the error message, the method 500 proceeds to step 516.

[0108] At step 516, based on the determination that the first response includes the error message, the processing module 410-2 selects the second set of positioning parameters corresponding to the second location estimation procedure, corresponding to the pre-defined order of priority associated with the service Id.

[0109] At step 518, the processor 402, using the processing module 410-2 is configured to initiate via the transceiver module 410-1 to the AMF 202, a second measurement initiation request for measuring a second set of positioning parameters corresponding to the second location estimation procedure. Upon receiving the second measurement initiation request, the AMF 202 is configured to send a secondresponse corresponding to the second measurement initiation request to the LMF 218.

[0110] At step 520, based on receiving the information corresponding to the second set of positioning parameters in the second response, the processor 402, using the processing module 410-2 determines the location of the target device based on the information corresponding to the second set of positioning parameters obtained via a selection of the second location estimation procedure from the plurality of predefined location estimation procedures. Thereafter, at step 522, the LMF 218 sends the location of the target device to the AMF 202.

[0111] Now, referring to the technical abilities and advantageous effect of the present disclosure, the embodiments disclosed herein provides a system and a method of optimizing location estimation process that significantly increases success rate of determining location of the target device. Furthermore, the system and the method disclosed herein are customizable by the network operations team as per the service Id, indicating the user requirement. The disclosed system and the method allow the network operator to set the order of priority of the plurality of predefined location estimation procedures based on the accuracy of the plurality of predefined location estimation procedures and the service Id. Furthermore, assigning the order of priority of the plurality of pre-defined location estimation procedures based on the service Id further helps the network functions to identify the LCS client requesting the location and the location is provided with an accuracy level defined corresponding to the service Id. Thus, the disclosed system and the method provides a reliable method for providing location information in response to the request based on an accuracy level of the service.

[0112] Another noteworthy advantage of the disclosed system and the method is that a fallback mechanism is provided to rely on the plurality of location estimation procedures for estimating the location of target device in case one or more of the plurality of location estimation procedures fail. The disclosed system and the method offers a robust mechanism for location estimation as the location of thetarget device is estimated based on a location estimation procedure utilizing a specific set of positioning parameters, and in case of unavailability of one or more positioning parameters from the specific set of positioning parameters, the system and the method may utilize a next best location estimation procedure with available set of positioning parameters to fulfil the request.

[0113] Yet another advantage of the disclosed system and the method is that in case of a failure of a location estimation procedure of the plurality of location estimation procedures, the location estimation request may be fulfilled without the need to send another request by the AMF 202 to the LMF 218. The disclosed system and the method thus make the communication network 100 immune to service failures or interruptions and also saves network resources by saving unwarranted transactions between the AMF 202 and the LMF 218.

[0114] Embodiments of the present technology may be described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations of methods and systems according to embodiments of the technology, and / or procedures, algorithms, steps, operations, formulae, or other computational depictions, which may also be implemented as computer program products. In this regard, each block or step of the flowchart, and combinations of blocks (and / or steps) in the flowchart, as well as any procedure, algorithm, step, operation, formula, or computational depiction can be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, and / or software including one or more computer program instructions embodied in computer-readable program code. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be executed by one or more computer processors, including without limitation a general -purpose computer or special purpose computer, or other programmable processing apparatus to perform a group of operations comprising the operations or blocks described in connection with the disclosed methods.

[0115] Further, these computer program instructions, such as embodied in computer-readable program code, may also be stored in one or more computer- readable memory or memory devices (for example, the memory 404) that can directa computer processor or other programmable processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory or memory devices produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function specified in the block(s) of the flowchart(s).

[0116] It will further be appreciated that the term “computer program instructions” as used herein refer to one or more instructions that can be executed by the one or more processors (for example, the processor 402) to perform one or more functions as described herein. The instructions may also be stored remotely such as on a server, or all or a portion of the instructions can be stored locally and remotely.

[0117] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methodology described herein in the present disclosure may be carried out in other specific ways than those set forth herein in the above disclosed embodiments without departing from essential characteristics and features of the present invention. The above-described embodiments are therefore to be construed in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0118] The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Any combination of the above features and functionalities may be used in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0119] In the present disclosure, each of the embodiments has been described with reference to numerous specific details which may vary from embodiment to embodiment. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments disclosed herein may reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others may, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and,therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be comprehended within the meaning of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and is not limited in scope.LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0120] The following list is provided for convenience and in support of the drawing figures and as part of the text of the specification, which describe innovations by reference to multiple items. Items not listed here may nonetheless be part of a given embodiment. For better legibility of the text, a given reference number is recited near some, but not all, recitations of the referenced item in the text. The same reference number may be used with reference to different examples or different instances of a given item. The list of reference numerals is:100 - Communication network102 - Core network104 - Plurality of nodes106 - Devices202 - Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node204 - Policy Control Function (PCF) node206 - Equipment Identity Register (EIR) node208 - Authentication Server Function (AUSF) node210 - Unified Data Management (UDM) function node212 - Subscriber Profile Repository (SPR) node214 - Short Message Service Function (SMSF) node216 - Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) node218 - Location Management Function (LMF) node220 - Session Management Function (SMF) node222 - Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) node224 - Charging Function-Proxy Control (CHF -PC) node226 - Network Exposure Function (NEF) node228 - Signaling Transfer Point (STP) node230 - Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) node232 - Binding Support Function (BSF) node234 - Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) node 238 - User Plane Function (UPF) node240 - Location Services (LCS) client node300 - Communication system402 - Processor(s)404 - Memory 406 - Communication interface408 - Database410 - Module(s)410-1 - Transceiver Module410-2 - Processing Module 412 - Communication bus500 - Method for estimating a location of the target device in the communication network502-522 - Operational steps of method 500

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A method (500) for estimating a location of a target device in a communication network, the method (500) comprising: receiving, by a transceiver module (410-1) from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) (202), a request comprising data for estimating a location of the target device including a service Identifier (Id) associated with the request; selecting, by a processing module (410-2), a first location estimation procedure from a plurality of location estimation procedures in an order of priority based on the service Id; initiating, by the processing module (410-2) using the transceiver module (410-1) a first measurement initiation request to the AMF (202), for measuring a first set of positioning parameters corresponding to the first location estimation procedure; receiving, by the processing module (410-2) using the transceiver module (410-1) from the AMF (202), a first response corresponding to the first measurement initiation request; determining, by the processing module (410-2), whether the first response includes an error message or information corresponding to the first set of positioning parameters; estimating, by the processing module (410-2) upon a determination that the first response includes the error message, the location of the target device based on information corresponding to a second set of positioning parameters obtained via a selection of a second location estimation procedure from the plurality of location estimation procedures; and sending, by the transceiver module (410-1), the location of the target device to the AMF (202).

2. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein for estimating the location of the target device, the method comprises:selecting, by the processing module (410-2) upon determination that the first response includes the error message, a second location estimation procedure among the plurality of location estimation procedures in the order of priority; initiating, by the processing module (410-2) using the transceiver module (410-1), a second measurement initiation request to the AMF (202) for measuring the second set of positioning parameters corresponding to the second location estimation procedure; and receiving, by the processing module (410-2) using the transceiver module (410-1) from the AMF (202), a second response corresponding to the second measurement initiation request, wherein the second response includes the information corresponding to the second set of positioning parameters.

3. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the order of priority corresponds to an order of the plurality of location estimation procedures, and wherein the order of priority is set based on the service Id.

4. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the order of priority is set based on an accuracy of each of the plurality of location estimation procedures.

5. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of location estimation procedures includes one or more of Enhanced Cell ID (ECID), Assisted Global Positioning System (A-GPS) (UE based), AGPS (UE assisted), Autonomous GPS / GANSS, Enhanced Observed Time Difference (E-OTD), Cell Identifier (Id) based positioning, Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA), Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UTDOA), Angle of Departure (AoD), and Multi Round Trip Time (RTT).

6. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the error message indicates that one or more of values of the first set of positioning parameters are missing at one of the AMF (202) or one or more nodes serving the target device.

7. A system (300) for estimating a location of a target device in a communication network, the system (300) comprising:a transceiver module (410-1) configured to receive, from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) (202), a request comprising data for estimating a location of the target device and a service Identifier (Id) associated with the request; a processing module (410-2) configured to: select a first location estimation procedure among a plurality of location estimation procedures in an order of priority based on the service Id; initiate, using the transceiver module (410-1), a first measurement initiation request to the AMF (202) for measuring a first set of positioning parameters corresponding to the first location estimation procedure; receive, using the transceiver module (410-1) from the AMF (202), a first response corresponding to the first measurement initiation request; determine whether the first response includes an error message or information corresponding to the first set of positioning parameters; and estimate, upon a determination that the first response includes the error message, the location of the target device based on information corresponding to a second set of positioning parameters obtained via a selection of a second location estimation procedure from the plurality of location estimation procedures, and wherein the transceiver module (410-1) is further configured to send the location of the target device to the AMF (202).

8. The system (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein for estimating the location of the target device, the processing module (410-2) is configured to: select, upon determination that the first response includes the error message, a second location estimation procedure among the plurality of location estimation procedures in the order of priority; initiate, using the transceiver module (410-1), a second measurement initiation request to the AMF (202) for measuring the second set of positioning parameters corresponding to the second location estimation procedure; receive, using the transceiver module (410-1) from the AMF (202), a second response corresponding to the second measurement initiation request,wherein the second response includes information corresponding to the second set of positioning parameters.

9. The system (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the order of priority corresponds to an order of the plurality of location estimation procedures, and wherein the order of priority is set based on the service Id.

10. The system (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the order of priority is set based on an accuracy of each of the plurality of location estimation procedures.

11. The system (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of location estimation procedures includes one or more of Enhanced Cell ID (ECID), Assisted Global Positioning System (A-GPS) (UE based), AGPS (UE assisted), Autonomous GPS / GANSS, Enhanced Observed Time Difference (E-OTD), Cell Identifier (Id) based positioning, Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA), Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UTDOA), Angle of Departure (AoD), and Multi Round Trip Time (RTT).

12. The system (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the error message indicates that one or more of values of the first set of positioning parameters are missing at one of the AMF (202) or one or more nodes serving the target device.

13. A computer program product for estimating a location of a target device in a communication network, the computer program product comprising computerexecutable instructions that are stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium and that, when executed by at least one processor performs operations comprising: receiving, from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a request comprising data for estimating a location of the target device and a service Identifier (Id) associated with the request; selecting a first location estimation procedure from a plurality of location estimation procedures in an order of priority based on the service Id;initiating, to the AMF, a first measurement initiation request for measuring a first set of positioning parameters corresponding to the first location estimation procedure; receiving, from the AMF, a first response corresponding to the first measurement initiation request; determining whether the first response includes an error message or information corresponding to the first set of positioning parameters; estimating, upon a determination that the first response includes the error message, the location of the target device based on information corresponding to a second set of positioning parameters obtained via a selection of a second location estimation procedure from the plurality of location estimation procedures; and sending the location of the target device to the AMF.

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