System and method for determining location of a device in a communication network

Abstract

Disclosed is a system (100) and a method (600) for determining location of a device (106) in a communication network. The system (100) receives a location request from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node (202). The system (100) further retrieves an Uplink Enhanced Cell Identity (UL-ECID) periodicity value in response to a determination that the location request comprises a select service identifier (ID). Thereafter, the system (100) receives one or more Enhanced Cell Identity (ECID) measurement reports based on the UL-ECID periodicity value. Each ECID measurement report comprises at least one ECID parametric value for at least one Information Element (IE) from one or more IEs associated with determination of the location of the device (106). Thereafter, the system (100) identifies a select ECID measurement report based on a priority algorithm.

Description

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

[0001] The embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of wireless communication networks. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and a method for determining location of a 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 because of 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] Smart communication devices have seen tremendous growth in past two decades. An accurate information of location of a smart communication device can be a game-changer as majority of smart communication devices rely on location information to make appropriate decisions. For example, an accurate location information can enhance the technology of smart autonomous vehicles. Similarly, an accurate location information of various smart devices cumulatively operating in an automated factory can enhance productivity and reduce production errors. Moreover, smart mobile devices such as smart phones can also benefit from an accurate and precise location information, as are being used for applications such as good’s delivery applications and position tracking applications, etc. The need to determine accurate location of the communication devices has become paramount due to its increasing use-cases in a variety of industries.

[0004] Presently, the challenge in determining accurate location of the communication device lies in complexity for acquisition of relevant data for accurate positioning of the communication device. Contemporary location tracking methods require multiple iterations to figure out the accurate and precise position of a communication device, which enhances the computational complexity and resources utilization, and thus makes the entire process inefficient. The processing latency increases with increase in use-cases, which degrades the throughput of the smart communication devices.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned challenges, there is a requirement of a technical solution to address the broader problem.SUMMARY

[0006] 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 some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for determining location of a device in a communication network is described. The method includes receiving, by a transceiver unit at a Location Management Function (LMF) node from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node, a location request for the device. The method further includes retrieving, by a processing unit at the LMF node, an Uplink Enhanced Cell Identity (UL-ECID) periodicity value in response to a determination that the location request comprises a select service identifier (ID). The LMF node maintains a correspondence of the UL-ECID periodicity value with the select service ID. Furthermore, the method includes receiving, by the transceiver unit from the AMF node, one or moreEnhanced Cell Identity (ECID) measurement reports based on the UL-ECID periodicity value. Each ECID measurement report of the one or more ECID measurement reports comprises at least one ECID parametric value for at least one Information Element (IE) from one or more IES associated with determination of the location of the device.

[0008] In some aspects of the present disclosure, prior to receiving the one or more ECID reports, the method includes transmitting, by the transceiver unit, by the transceiver unit, an ECID measurement initiation request comprising the UL-ECID periodicity value to the AMF node, wherein the one or more ECID measurement reports are received from the AMF node based on the UL-ECID periodicity value in the ECID measurement initiation request.

[0009] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the method further includes determining, by a priority engine, a priority score for each ECID measurement report of the one or more ECID measurement reports using a priority algorithm, based on the at least one IE in the ECID measurement report. Moreover, the method includes identifying, by the priority engine, a select ECID measurement report having a highest priority score amongst the one or more ECID measurement reports. Furthermore, the method includes determining, by the processing unit, the location of the device from the select ECID measurement report.

[0010] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the method further includes communicating, by the transceiver unit, information of the location of the device to the AMF node.

[0011] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more IEs comprise a network radio-angle of arrival (NR-AOA), a network radio-timing advance 2 (NR- TA2), a custom-TA2, and reference signal received power (RSRP).

[0012] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the priority algorithm determines the priority score for each ECID measurement report within an integer range between 1 and 10.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a system to determine a location of a device in a communication network is described. The system includes a transceiver unit at a Location Management Function (LMF) node and a processing unit at the LMF node communicatively coupled to each other. The transceiver unit is configured to receive a location request for the device from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node. The processing unit is configured to retrieve, in response to a determination that the location request comprises a select service identifier (ID), an Uplink Enhanced Cell Identity (UL- ECID) periodicity value. The LMF node maintains a correspondence of the UL- ECID periodicity value with the select service ID. Moreover, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive, from the AMF node, one or more Enhanced Cell Identity (ECID) measurement reports based on the UL-ECID periodicity value, wherein each ECID measurement report of the one or more ECID measurement reports comprises at least one ECID parametric value for at least one Information Element (IE) from one or more IES associated with determination of the location of the device.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] 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 disclosed herein. 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.FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary communication environment of a system to determine location of a device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components of a core network of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components of an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node of the core network, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components of a Location Management Function (LMF) node of the core network, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 5 is a process flow chart that depicts exchange of data between the AMF node and the LMF node, in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.FIG. 6 is a flow chart that depicts a method for determining the location of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS100 - System102 - Core Network104 - Nodes106 - Devices202 - Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node204 - Policy Control Function (PCF)206 - Equipment Identity Register (EIR)208 - Authentication Server Function (AUSF)210 - Unified Data Management (UDM) function214 - Short Message Service Function (SMSF)216 - Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF)220 - Session Management Function (SMF)222 - Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF)224 - Charging Function-Proxy Control (CHF -PC)226 - Network Exposure Function (NEF)228 - Service Transition Platform (STP)230 - Database Repair Assistant (DRA)232 - Binding Support Function (BSF)236 - Radio Access Network (RAN)238 - User Plane Function (UPF)240 - Data Network (DN) node242 - Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC)244 - Location Management Function (LMF) node246 - Location Services Client (LSC)300 - AMF Communication Interface302 - Console Host304 - AMF Data Processing Circuitry306 - AMF Memory307 - First Communication Bus308 - AMF Transceiver310 - Processing Engine312 - Report Generation Engine314 - Second Communication Bus316 - AMF Instructions Repository318 - Parameter Data Repository320 - Device Data Repository322 - Report Data Repository400 - LMF Communication Interface404 - LMF Data Processing Circuitry406 - LMF Memory407 - Third Communication Bus408 - Transceiver Unit410 - Processing Unit412 - Priority Engine416 - Fourth Communication Bus418 - Instructions Repository420 - Network Services Data Repository422 - Priority Score Repository424 - Location Data RepositoryDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] 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 embodiments disclosed 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] The following description contains specific information pertaining to embodiments in the present disclosure. The detailed description uses the phrases “in some embodiments” which may each refer to one or more or all of the same or different embodiments. 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” refers to one embodiment and the term, for example, “in one or more embodiments” refers to “at least one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments.”

[0018] 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.”

[0019] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The terminology and structure employed herein are for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and donot 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.

[0023] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a system and a method capable of determining most relevant measurement data corresponding to Enhanced Cell Identity (ECID) parameters of a communication network for determining an accurate location of a device. The most relevant measurement data is determined in a single iteration, and thus reduces the computational complexity as well as resource utilization at the communication network. Moreover, the system through the disclosed method provides accurate location detection with precision. The system majorly relies on operational communications and data processing by Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node and Location Management Function (LMF) node present in the communication network.

[0024] The AMF node receives an input to determine a location of a device. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the input may be provided by a third-party user (e.g., personnel associated with network administration, regularity emergency services, etc.) through a device (third-party) in the communication network to determine the location of another device in the communication network. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the user input may be provided by a first-party user through a device to determine own location. Based on the user input, the AMF node generates a location detection request for the LMF node. The LMF node determines a service Identifier (service ID) from the location detection request, and identifies the ECID parameters associated with the determined service ID. The LMF node further generates a measurement initiation request for the AMF node, based on which the AMF node generates various measurement reports containing ECID parameters for the device and sends them to the LMF node. The LMF node further selects one measurement report from the various measurement reports based on the ECID parameters of each report using a priority algorithm. Furthermore, the LMFnode derives location information from the selected report and send the location information to the device through the AMF node.

[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 through FIG. 6, 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 to limit 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.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary communication environment of a system 100 to determine a location of a device 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication environment of the system 100 includes a core network 102 coupled with a plurality of nodes including Node 104-1 through Node 104-N and 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).

[0027] 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”, and individually referred to as the “device 106”, hereinafter). In one aspect, the core network 102 may establish a secured communication between the one or more 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 devices 106 associated with the same node 104.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the core network 102 may effectively establish a secured communication between the device 106-1 and the device 106-2, where the device 106-1 and the 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 device 106-2 and the device 106-N with equal effectiveness, where the device 106-2 is coupled with the Node 104-1 and the device 106-N is coupled with the Node 104-N.

[0029] Examples of the devices 106 may include, but not limited to smart communication devices such as those associated with smart autonomous vehicles, automated factory parts / devices, smart communication devices such as smartphones and tablets, etc. In some aspects of the present disclosure, any device capable of communicating data / information with the Node(s) 104 may be included as the device 106. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include or otherwise cover all smart communication devices as the devices 106 without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] 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 a device 106 via a network coupled with a server. The core network 102 may pertain to 5thGeneration (5G) service-based architecture, specifically, related to 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), 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.

[0031] Although FIG. 1 illustrates one example of the system 100, various changes may be made to FIG. 1. For example, the system 100 may include any number of nodes 104 and devices 106 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.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components of the core network 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication system may include a device 106 (hereinafter also referred to as “User Equipment (UE) 106”), a Radio Access Network (RAN) 236 i.e., node 104 configured to communicate with an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node 202 (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as ‘AMF 202’), a Unified Data Management (UDM) function 210, a Network Exposure Function (NEF) 226, and a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) 242.

[0033] Further, the core network 102 includes a Policy Control Function (PCF) 204, an Equipment Identity Register (EIR) 206, an Authentication Server Function (AUSF) 208, a Short Message Service Function (SMSF) 214, a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) 216, a Session Management Function (SMF) 220, a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) 222, Charging Function-Proxy Control (CHF-PC) 224, Signal Transfer Point (STP) 228, a Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) 230, Binding Support Function (BSF) 232, a Location Management Function (LMF) node 244 (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as ‘LMF 244’), and Location Services Client (LSC) 246.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 device 106 and SMSF 214, session management messages transport between theone or more 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.

[0036] The PCF 204 is a network node capable of supporting policies to control network behavior, provide policy rules to control plane functions (e.g., to the SMF 220), access subscription information relevant to policy decisions, perform policy decisions, and / or perform other types of processes associated with policy enforcement.

[0037] 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. The UDM 210 may be a network element that is capable of maintaining subscription information for 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.

[0038] The SMSF 214 may be a network element capable of performing SMS services for the devices 106. The NSSF 216 includes one or more devices that select network slice instances for the 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.

[0039] The SMF 220 may be a network element that is capable of performing session establishment, session modification, and / or session release, perform IPaddress allocation and management, perform Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) functions, perform selection and control of a User Plane Function (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.

[0040] The NWDAF 222 may be a network element capable of collecting analytics information associated with the RAN 236 and / or the core network 102. The CHF- PC 224 may be a network element 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. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the RAN 236 may be configured to determine and store ECID parametric values of Information Elements (IES) associated with the location of the devices 106. Specifically, the IEs may include, but are not limited to, a network radio-angle of arrival (NR-AOA), a network radio-timing advance 2 (NR-TA2), a custom-TA2, and reference signal received power (RSRP).

[0041] 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.

[0042] The STP 228 may be a node configured to route signaling messages based a destination point code in core network 102. Specifically, the STP 228 acts a router that relays network messages between signaling end points and other signal transfer points in the core network 102.

[0043] The DRA 230 may be configured as a centralized diameter routing point, ensuring that diameter messages are directed to appropriate network elements (e.g., PCF 204, SMF 214, CHF-PC 224, BSF 232). The DRA 230 may further be configured for load balancing and ability to route traffic based on specific fields or policies, enhancing the efficiency of network operations.

[0044] The BSF 232 may be a network element capable of managing session bindings and subscriber contexts within the core network 102. 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 a Data Network (DN) node 240, 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 QoS handling in the user plane, perform uplink traffic verification, perform transport level packet marking, perform downlink packet buffering, forward an “end marker” to the RAN 236 (e.g., gNB), and / or perform other types of user plane processes.

[0045] The GMLC 242 is configured to provide location-based services within the 5G core network. The GMLC 242 facilitates the retrieval of mobile device location information, enabling services such as emergency call routing, location-based advertising, and asset tracking. The GMLC 242 may interface with location-based service applications and network elements to provide accurate location data while ensuring user privacy and compliance with regulatory requirements.

[0046] The LMF 244 may be a network element capable of managing subscriber location information within the core network 102. The LMF 244 may track the current location of mobile devices, handles location updates, and supports mobility management functions such as handover and roaming. The LMF 244 may interface with network elements such as the RAN 236, the AMF 202, and location-based service platforms to ensure seamless mobility management and location-based service provisioning for the subscribers.

[0047] The LCS 246 may be a network element capable of enabling provisions of location-based functionalities and applications within the core network 102. The LSC 246 may interface with application servers, service platforms, and / or subscriber devices to deliver personalized and context-aware location-based experiences.

[0048] Although FIG. 2 presents 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.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating components of the AMF 202, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The AMF 202 may include an AMF communication interface 300, a console host 302, AMF data processing circuitry 304, and an AMF memory 306. Components of the AMF 202 may be coupled to each other via a first communication bus 307.

[0050] The AMF communication interface 300 may be configured to enable the AMF 202 to communicate with various other entities of the system 100 via the network 102. Examples of the AMF communication interface 300 may include, but are not limited to, a MODEM, a network interface such as an Ethernet card, a communication port, and / or a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, an antenna, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, amplifier(s), a tuner, oscillator(s), a digital signal processor, a coderdecoder (CODEC) chipset, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, and a local buffer circuit. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the AMF communication interface 300 may include any device and / or apparatus capable ofproviding wireless or wired communications between the AMF 202 and various other entities of the system 100.

[0051] The console host 302 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or codes that may be configured to enable the AMF 202 to receive input(s) and / or present output(s). In some aspects of the present disclosure, the console host 302 may include suitable logic, instructions, and / or codes for executing various operations of one or more computer executable applications to host a console (not shown) on the device 106 for determination of the location of the device, by way of which a user can trigger the AMF 202 to request the precise determination of the location of the device 106. In some other aspects of the present disclosure, the console host 302 may provide a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for the AMF 202 for user interaction.

[0052] The AMF data processing circuitry 304 may include processor(s) (comprising data processing engines) configured with suitable logic, instructions, circuitry, interfaces, and / or codes for executing operations of various operations performed by the AMF 202. Specifically, the operations may correspond to reception of the ECID parametric values associated with the IE(s) from the RAN 236 and sharing them with the LMF 244 for determination of the location of device 106. Preferably, the ECID parametric values of the IE(s) may be received from the RAN 236 in the form of Enhanced Cell Identity (ECID) measurement report(s) based on an Uplink Enhanced Cell Identity (UL-ECID) periodicity value from the LMF 244. Examples of the AMF data processing circuitry 304 may include, but are not limited to, an Application Specific Integrated Chip (ASIC) processor, a RISC processor, a CISC processor, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and the like. According to an exemplary embodiment, the AMF data processing circuitry 304 may include an AMF transceiver 308 and a processing engine 310 coupled to each other by way of a second communication bus 314.

[0053] The AMF transceiver 308 may be configured to enable transfer of data from the AMF memory 306 to various engines of the AMF data processing circuitry 304. The AMF transceiver 308 may further be configured to receive a user input to determine the location of the device 106. Furthermore, the AMF transceiver 308 may be configured to receive a location request from a requesting device 106 based on the user input and send the location request to the LMF 244. Specifically, the location request may be generated in response to input(s) corresponding to a request for determining location information of a device 106. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the location request may be initiated by component(s) in the core network 102 (e.g., LSC 246) and shared with the LMF node 244. The location request specifies the target device 106 and the type of location information required, and the network then determines the location of the target device 106 using various positioning methods and returns the information to the requester device 106. Furthermore, the AMF transceiver 308 may be configured to receive an ECID measurement initiation request from the LMF 244 to initiate reception of the ECID measurement report(s) from the RAN 236.

[0054] Moreover, the AMF transceiver 308 may be configured to enable transfer of the data and / or instructions between various other components of the AMF data processing circuitry 304. Specifically, the AMF transceiver 308 may be configured to receive the ECID measurement report(s) of the IE(s) generated by the RAN 236 (e.g., gNB) and share the ECID measurement report(s) with the LMF 244. In some embodiments, the AMF transceiver 308 may further be configured to receive information of the location of the device 106 from the LMF 244 and render the information to the requesting device 106.

[0055] The processing engine 310 may be configured retrieve the UL-ECID periodicity value from the ECID measurement initiation request received from the LMF 244 by the AMF transceiver 308. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the UL-ECID periodicity value may correspond to a count of ECID reports to be received from the RAN 236 and shared with the LMF 244. In another aspect of thepresent disclosure, the UL-ECID periodicity value may correspond to a time duration for receiving the ECID measurement report(s) from the RAN 236 and sharing them with the LMF 244. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the processing engine 310 may further be configured to generate a notification to render information of the location of the device 106.

[0056] Various engines of the AMF data processing circuitry 304 are presented to illustrate the functionality driven by the AMF 202. It will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art that various engines in the AMF data processing circuitry 304 are for illustrative purposes and not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and / or software.

[0057] The AMF memory 306 may be configured to store logic, instructions, circuitry, interfaces, and / or codes of the AMF data processing circuitry 304 for executing various operations of the AMF 202. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and / or otherwise cover any type of the data associated with the AMF 202, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Examples of the AMF memory 306 may include but are not limited to, a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, a removable storage drive, a HDD, a solid-state memory, a magnetic storage drive, a PROM, an EPROM, and / or an EEPROM.

[0058] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the AMF memory 306 may be segregated into multiple repositories that may be configured to store a specific type of data. In the exemplary embodiment as presented through FIG. 2, the AMF memory 306 includes an AMF instructions repository 316, a parameter data repository 318, a device data repository 320, and a report data repository 322.

[0059] The AMF instructions repository 316 may be configured to store instructions and / or codes for operation(s) of various components of the AMF 202. The parameter data repository 318 may be configured to store the data received from the network elements by processing engine 310 corresponding to the IES. The device datarepository 320 may be configured to store data of the device(s) 106 in the communication network. The report data repository 322 may be configured to store the data corresponding to the ECID measurement report(s).

[0060] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the AMF instructions repository 316 may be configured to store computer program instructions corresponding to the operation(s) performed by various engines in the AMF data processing circuitry 304. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the AMF instructions repository 316 may be configured as a non-transitory storage medium. Examples of the AMF instructions repository 316 configured as the non-transitory storage medium includes hard drives, solid-state drives, flash drives, Compact Disk (CD), Digital Video Disk (DVD), and the like. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of non-transitory storage medium as the AMF instructions repository 316, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions stored in the AMF instructions repository 316 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 produce a machine, such that the computer program instructions which execute on the computer processor(s) or other programmable processing apparatus create means for implementing the function(s) specified.

[0061] It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the repositories in the AMF memory 306 are presented based on the functionality of the AMF 202 and are not limited to those disclosed. The AMF memory 306 may have any configuration, combination and / or count of repositories without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0062] Although FIG. 3 illustrates one example of the AMF 202, various changes may be made to FIG. 3, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the AMF 202 may include any number of components in addition to thoseshown in FIG. 3 without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, various components in FIG. 3 may be combined, further subdivided, or omitted and additional components may be added according to particular needs.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating components of the LMF 244, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Preferably, the LMF 244 may be configured with a Next Generation Location (LMF-NLo) interface responsible for location services in 5G wireless communication networks. The LMF 244 may utilize the LMF-NLo interface to provide services related to determination of the location of the device(s) 106. The LMF 244 may include LMF communication interface 400, LMF data processing circuitry 404, and LMF memory 406, coupled to each other via a third communication bus 407.

[0064] The LMF communication interface 400 may be configured to enable the LMF 244 to communicate with various other entities of the system 100 via the network 102. Examples of the LMF communication interface 400 may include, but are not limited to, a MODEM, a network interface such as an Ethernet card, a communication port, and / or a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, an antenna, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, amplifier(s), a tuner, oscillator(s), a digital signal processor, a coderdecoder (CODEC) chipset, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, and a local buffer circuit. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the LMF communication interface 400 may include any device and / or apparatus capable of providing wireless or wired communications between the LMF 244 and various other entities of the system 100.

[0065] The LMF data processing circuitry 404 may include processor(s) configured with suitable logic, instructions, circuitry, interfaces, and / or codes for executing operations of various operations performed by the LMF 244. Specifically, the operations may correspond to identification of a select ECID measurement report from multiple ECID measurement reports received from the AMF 202 based on theUL-ECID periodicity value. Moreover, the LMF data processing circuitry 404 may further perform operation(s) for determination of the location of the device 106 from the select ECID measurement report.

[0066] Examples of the LMF data processing circuitry 404 may include, but are not limited to, an Application Specific Integrated Chip (ASIC) processor, a RISC processor, a CISC processor, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and the like. According to an exemplary embodiment, the LMF data processing circuitry 404 may include a transceiver unit 408, a processing unit 410, and a priority engine 412, communicatively coupled to each other by way of a fourth communication bus 416.

[0067] The transceiver unit 408 may be configured to perform data exchange operation(s) associated with the determination of location of the device 106. The processing unit 410 may be configured to perform data processing operation(s) for the determination of the location of the device 106. The priority engine 412 may be configured to perform operation(s) corresponding to prioritization (or ranking) of ECID measurement report(s) and / or selection of a select ECID measurement report for determination of the location of the device 106.

[0068] In operation, the transceiver unit 408 may be configured to receive the location request from the AMF 202 to initiate determination of the location of the device 106. The processing unit 410 may be configured to determine whether the location request comprises a select service identifier (ID). In a scenario, when the processing unit 410 determines that the select service ID is absent in the location request, the processing unit 410 may instruct the transceiver unit 408 to notify the AMF 202 of the absence of the select service ID in the location request and may prohibit further operation(s) corresponding to the determination of the location of the device 106.

[0069] Preferably, the select service ID may be a specific value (e.g., 62) from multiple values corresponding to service(s). In some aspects of the presentdisclosure, the service(s) may correspond to a positioning technique of the LMF 244 where each service ID may correspond a types of positioning technique rendered through the LMF 244. Examples of types of positioning techniques may include, but are not limited to, Uplink Enhanced Cell Identity (UL-ECID) positioning with periodicity technique, Downlink ECID (DL-ECID) positioning technique, LPP (LTE Positioning Protocol) positioning technique, NR positioning protocols (NRPP) positioning technique, and HNSS positioning technique. The value of the service ID may correspond to a selection of one positioning technique from the multiple positioning techniques at the LMF 244. For example, a service ID equal to 61 may correspond to the DL-ECID, service ID equal to 62 may correspond to UL- ECID with periodicity, service ID equal to 63 may correspond to LPP, service ID equal to 64 may correspond to NRPP, and service ID equal to 65 corresponds to HNSS. Particularly, the select service ID corresponds to selection of the UL-ECID positioning with periodicity technique.

[0070] When the processing unit 410 determines a presence of the select service ID (i.e., corresponding to the UL-ECID positioning with periodicity technique), the processing unit 410 may retrieve a UL-ECID periodicity value from the LMF memory 406. The LMF memory 406 may be configured to store (or maintain) a correspondence of the UL-ECID periodicity value with the select service ID. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the UL-ECID periodicity value may be provided as a network service parameter by a location requesting user 106, that may be stored in the LMF memory 406. Preferably, the UL-ECID periodicity value may correspond to a count of ECID measurement report(s) to be received from the AMF 202 and / or a time duration for reception of the ECID measurement report(s) from the AMF 202.

[0071] Thereafter, the transceiver unit 408 may be configured to transmit an ECID measurement initiation request comprising the UL-ECID periodicity value to the AMF 202. The transceiver unit 408 may also be configured to receive the ECID measurement report(s) from the AMF 202 based on the UL-ECID periodicity value.Each ECID measurement report comprises ECID parametric value(s) for Information Element(s) (IES) associated with the determination of the location of the device 106. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the IEs may be parameters that the LMF 244 may utilize in determining the location of the device 106. Examples of the IEs may include, but are not limited to NR-AOA, NR-TA2, a custom-TA2, and RSRP. The processing unit 410 may also be configured to determine information of the location of the device 106 based on the ECID parametric value(s) for the IE(s) in each ECID measurement report.

[0072] The priority engine 412 may be provided with a priority algorithm that enables the priority engine 412 to determine a priority score for each ECID measurement report based on the IE(s) (i.e., measurement parameter(s)) present in each ECID measurement report. Particularly, the priority engine 412 may be configured to determine a priority score for each ECID measurement report using a priority algorithm. Moreover, the priority engine 412 may be configured to identify one ECID measurement report as the select ECID measurement report having a highest priority score, amongst the ECID measurement reports received from the AMF 202 in a time-frame specific to the UL-ECID periodicity value.

[0073] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the priority algorithm sets priority scores to different IEs based on their ECID parameters. For example, a priority score of ‘ 10’ is defined for a network radio-angle of arrival (NR-AOA), The priority score of ‘9’ corresponds to network radio-timing advance 2 (NR-TA2). The priority score of ‘8’ is assigned for a custom-TA2 IE configuration. The priority score is determined as ‘7’ for more than three reference signal received power (RSRP) entries in the ECID measurement report corresponding to Global Title (GT) cells. Moreover, the priority score is determined as ‘6’ for more than two reference signal received power (RSRP) entries in the ECID measurement report corresponding to Global Title (GT) cells. Furthermore, the priority score is determined as ‘5’ for one reference signal received power (RSRP) entries in the ECID measurement report corresponding to Global Title (GT) cell. Moreover, the priority score is determinedas ‘4’ for less than one (or more) NBr reference signal received power (RSRP) entries in the ECID measurement report. The priority score of ‘3’ and ‘2’ are reserved and the priority score of ‘ 1’ is assigned to an invalid serving RSRP. Typically, the priority algorithm determines priority scores of different IES between 1 and 10. Specifically, the priority score determined by the priority engine 412 is as presented in Table 1 below.Table 1

[0074] The processing unit 410 may be configured to determine the location of the device using the identified measurement report having the highest score received from the priority engine 412. The processing unit 410 may further be configured to1 generate a trigger signal to send the location of the device 106 to the AMF 202 through the transceiver unit 408.

[0075] Various components of the LMF data processing circuitry 404 are presented to illustrate the functionality driven by the LMF 244. It will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art that various engines in the LMF data processing circuitry 404 are for illustrative purposes and not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and / or software.

[0076] The LMF memory 406 may be configured to store data corresponding to the system 100. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the LMF memory 406 may be segregated into multiple repositories that may be configured to store a specific type of data. In the exemplary embodiment as presented through FIG. 4, the LMF memory 406 includes an instructions repository 418, a network service data repository 420, a priority score data repository 422, and a location data repository 424.

[0077] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the information of the service IDs associated with the various positioning techniques (i.e., location determination services) rendered through the LMF 244 may be stored as a linked list in the network service data repository 420 where each location determination service is linked with a specific value of service ID.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the instruction repository 418 may be configured to store instructions and / or codes for operation(s) of various components of the LMF 244. The network service data repository may be configured to contain the data corresponding to the service ID present in the request received from the AMF 202. The priority score data repository 422 may be configured to store the priority algorithm and the priority scores corresponding to each IES present in the ECID measurement reports. The location data repository 424 may be configured to store the data corresponding to the location of the device andthe IES having the highest priority score. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the repositories in the LMF memory 406 are presented based on the functionality of the LMF 244 and are not limited to those disclosed. The LMF memory 406 may have any configuration, combination and / or count of repositories without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0079] Although FIG. 4 illustrates one example of the LMF 244, various changes may be made to FIG. 4. Further, the LMF 244 may include any number of components in addition to those shown in FIG. 4, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, various components in FIG. 4 may be combined, further subdivided, or omitted and additional components may be added according to particular needs.

[0080] FIG. 5 is a process flow chart that depicts a process 500 of exchange of data between the AMF 202 and the LMF 244, in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The process is presented by way of steps 502 through 510 hereinbelow.

[0081] At step 502, the AMF 202 may transmit the location request to the LMF 244. In some aspects of the present disclosure, in response to the location request from the AMF 202, the LMF 244 determines whether the location request includes the select service ID. Specifically, the LMF 244 maintains specific service-ID configuration to process the UL-ECID periodicity value. The service ID may depict the type of location determination service to be rendered by the LMF 244. In a scenario, when the LMF 244 determines that the select service ID is absent in the location request, the functionality of the system 100 halts until next UL-ECID periodicity cycle. In another scenario, when the select service ID is present in the location request, the method 500 proceeds to block 504.

[0082] At step 504, LMF may retrieve the UL-ECID periodicity value corresponding to the select service ID. Moreover, the LMF 244 may generate atrigger signal (e.g., the measurement initiation request) for the AMF 202 comprising the UL-ECID periodicity value.

[0083] At step 506, to acknowledge the ECID measurement initiation request from the LMF 244, the AMF 202 may generate and send an ECID measurement initiation response to the LMF 244. The ECID measurement response may indicate initiation of the transmission of the ECID measurement report(s) from the AMF 244 to the LMF 244.

[0084] At step 508, the AMF 202 may send the ECID measurement report(s) based on the UL-ECID periodicity value to the LMF 244 for further operations. For example, when the UL-ECID periodicity value corresponds to ‘5’ ECID measurement reports, the AMF 202 may retrieve 5 ECID measurement reports from the RAN 236 (e.g., gNB) and render them to the LMF 244. In another example, when the UL-ECID periodicity value corresponds to a duration of 2 minutes, the AMF 202 may retrieve ECID measurement report(s) from the RAN 236 for 2 minutes and share them with the LMF 244 for further operations.

[0085] At step 510, the LMF 244 may determine the priority score for each ECID measurement report using the priority algorithm based on the IE(s) present in each measurement report. The priority algorithm sets priority scores to different IES based on their ECID parameters. Moreover, the LMF 244 may identify the select ECID measurement report from the ECID measurement reports having the highest priority score for determination of the location of the device 106. Furthermore, the LMF 244 may derive information of the location of the device 106 from the select ECID measurement report. Furthermore, the LMF 244 may communicate the information of the location of the device to the AMF 202, that may be rendered to the user.

[0086] FIG. 6 illustrates a process flow diagram depicting a method 600 for determining the location of the device 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] At block 602, the LMF 244 may receive the location request from the AMF 202.

[0088] At block 604, the LMF 244 may determine whether the select service ID (i.e., corresponding to the UL-ECID positioning with periodicity) is present or absent in the location request. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the LMF 244 may determine the type of location determination service from the location request. The LMF 244 may further retrieve the predefined service ID configuration data stored in the LMF memory 406 to determine whether the select service ID is present or absent in the location request. When the LMF determines that the service ID is absent in the location request, the method 600 proceeds to block 606. Else, when the LMF 244 determines that the service ID is present in the location request, the method 600 proceeds to block 608.

[0089] At block 606, the LMF 244 may notify the AMF 202 that the location request does not correspond to the UL-ECID positioning periodicity technique.

[0090] At block 608, the LMF 244 may retrieve (or obtain) the UL-ECID periodicity value from the location request from the LMF memory 406. The LMF 244 maintains the correspondence of the UL-ECID periodicity value with the select service ID.

[0091] At block 610, the LMF 244 may generate the trigger signal to initiate the AMF 202 for obtaining ECID measurement data from the AMF 202. Preferably, the LMF 244 may transmit the ECID measurement initiation request to the AMF node 202. The ECID measurement initiation comprises the UL-ECID periodicity value to manage the reception of the ECID measurement report(s) (i.e., the ECIDmeasurement report(s) are received from the AMF 202 based on the UL-ECID periodicity value in the ECID measurement initiation request).

[0092] At block 612, the LMF 244 may receive ECID measurement response from the AMF 202. The ECID measurement response may correspond to a starting point (or a reference of initiation) of reception of the ECID measurement reports from the AMF 202. Each ECID measurement report comprises the ECID parametric value(s) for IE(s).

[0093] At block 614, the LMF 244 may determine the priority score for each ECID measurement report using the priority algorithm based on the IE(s) in each ECID measurement report. Preferably, the priority algorithm may determine the priority score for each ECID measurement report within the integer range between 1 and 10.

[0094] At block 616, the LMF 244 may identifying the select ECID measurement report having the highest priority score, amongst the ECID measurement reports.

[0095] At block 618, the LMF 244 may determine the location of the device 106 from the select ECID measurement report based on the ECID parametric value(s) of the IE(s) in the select ECID measurement report.

[0096] At block 620, the LMF 244 may communicate the information of the location of the device to the AMF 202, to be rendered to the user.

[0097] Now, referring to the technical abilities and advantageous effect of the present disclosure, operational advantages that may be provided by one or more embodiments may include providing the system 100 and the method 600 for processing the UL-ECID periodicity using the select service ID to get relevant device location measurement data thereby utilizing it to get best result for ensuring precise location determination. A further advantage of the one or more embodiments disclosed herein may include comparatively analyzing multiple reports (i.e.,measurement parameters / information elements) and their sources (different vendors) in a single iteration for the determination of precise location, which helps to minimize the resource utilization and makes the process more efficient. As the disclosed system 100 provides a solution for precise location determination of the device 106 in a single iteration (i.e., with near-zero latency), the system is ideal for instantaneous (i.e., near real-time) applications. The system 100 also provides a noncomplex solution for precise location tracking due by limiting the count of ECID measurement reports to be analyzed in one iteration, which significantly reduces the computational cost.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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 variousapplications 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.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A method (600) for determining a location of a device (106) in a communication network, the method (600) comprising: receiving, by a transceiver unit (408) at a Location Management Function (LMF) node (244) from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node (202), a location request for the device (106); retrieving, by a processing unit (410) at the LMF node (244), an Uplink Enhanced Cell Identity (UL-ECID) periodicity value in response to a determination that the location request comprises a select service identifier (ID), wherein the LMF node (244) maintains a correspondence of the UL-ECID periodicity value with the select service ID; and receiving, by the transceiver unit (408) from the AMF node (202), one or more Enhanced Cell Identity (ECID) measurement reports based on the UL-ECID periodicity value, wherein each ECID measurement report of the one or more ECID measurement reports comprises at least one ECID parametric value for at least one Information Element (IE) from one or more IES associated with determination of the location of the device (106).

2. The method (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, prior to receiving the one or more ECID measurement reports, the method (600) comprises transmitting, by the transceiver unit (408), an ECID measurement initiation request comprising the UL-ECID periodicity value to the AMF node (202), wherein the one or more ECID measurement reports are received from the AMF node (202) based on the UL-ECID periodicity value in the ECID measurement initiation request.

3. The method (600) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises: determining, by a priority engine (412), a priority score for each ECID measurement report of the one or more ECID measurement reports using a priority algorithm, based on the at least one IE in the ECID measurement report;identifying, by the priority engine (412), a select ECID measurement report having a highest priority score amongst the one or more ECID measurement reports; and determining, by the processing unit (410) , the location of the device (106) from the select ECID measurement report.

4. The method (600) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises communicating, by the transceiver unit (408), information of the location of the device (106) to the AMF node (202).

5. The method (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more IES comprise a network radio-angle of arrival (NR-AOA), a network radio-timing advance 2 (NR-TA2), a custom-TA2, and reference signal received power (RSRP).

6. The method (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the priority algorithm determines the priority score for each ECID measurement report within an integer range between 1 and 10.

7. A system (100) to determine a location of a device in a communication network, the system (100) comprising: a transceiver unit (408) at a Location Management Function (LMF) node (244), configured to receive a location request for the device (106) from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node (202); and a processing unit (410) at the LMF node (244), configured to retrieve, in response to a determination that the location request comprises a select service identifier (ID), an Uplink Enhanced Cell Identity (UL-ECID) periodicity value, wherein the LMF node (244) maintains a correspondence of the UL-ECID periodicity value with the select service ID, wherein the transceiver unit (408) is further configured to receive, from the AMF node (202), one or more Enhanced Cell Identity (ECID) measurementreports based on the UL-ECID periodicity value, wherein each ECID measurement report of the one or more ECID measurement reports comprises at least one ECID parametric value for at least one Information Element (IE) from one or more IES associated with determination of the location of the device (106).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein, prior to receiving the one or more ECID measurement reports, the transceiver unit (408) is further configured to transmit an ECID measurement initiation request comprising the UL-ECID periodicity value to the AMF node (202), wherein the one or more ECID measurement reports are received from the AMF node (202) based on the UL-ECID periodicity value in the ECID measurement initiation request.

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, further comprises a priority engine (412) configured to: determine a priority score for each ECID measurement report of the one or more ECID measurement reports using a priority algorithm, based on the at least one IE in the ECID measurement report; and identify a select ECID measurement report having a highest priority score amongst the one or more ECID measurement reports, wherein the processing unit (410) determines the location of the device from the select ECID measurement report.

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the transceiver unit (408) is further configured to communicate information of the location of the device to the AMF node (202).

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more IEs comprise a network radio-angle of arrival (NR-AOA), a network radio-timing advance 2 (NR-TA2), a custom-TA2, and reference signal received power (RSRP).

12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the priority engine (412), using the priority algorithm, determines the priority score for each ECID measurement report within an integer range between 1 and 10.

13. A computer-program product for determining location of a 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) node (202), a location request for the device (106); retrieving an Uplink Enhanced Cell Identity (UL-ECID) periodicity value in response to a determination that the location request comprises a select service identifier (ID), wherein the LMF node (244) maintains a correspondence of the UL- ECID periodicity value with the select service ID; and receiving, from the AMF node (202), one or more Enhanced Cell Identity (ECID) measurement reports based on the UL-ECID periodicity value, wherein each ECID measurement report of the one or more ECID measurement reports comprises at least one ECID parametric value for at least one Information Element (IE) from one or more IES associated with determination of the location of the device (106).

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