5G Positioning Management with Local LMF for Lower Service Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G positioning network architecture experiences high overall delays in positioning services due to inefficient information transmission and processing procedures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Local Location Management Function (LLMF) within the Next Generation-Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) node and core network node to perform positioning measurements and transmit position information efficiently, utilizing algorithms and network elements to reduce latency and enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the LMF is located in the 5GC and follows the conventional positioning management procedure, then the positioning service can be provided, but the overall delay is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning management function by introducing a Local LMF (LLMF) within the gNB (base station) that operates independently from the central LMF in the 5GC. This segmentation allows positioning calculations to be performed locally at the access network level, eliminating the need for complex multi-hop signaling between AMF, LMF, and gNB, thereby significantly reducing positioning service delay while maintaining manageable system complexity through distributed architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the LLMF perform positioning measurements and calculations in advance or in real-time at the local gNB level, rather than waiting for centralized processing. The LLMF proactively acquires downlink reference signals, performs positioning measurements, and calculates position information locally, preparing positioning results before they are needed for final service delivery, thus reducing overall processing delay
2Loss of time
If the conventional positioning procedure AMF→LMF→AMF→RAN→UE is used, then positioning service can be completed, but transmission delay and processing delay are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning management functions by integrating the LLMF directly into the gNB architecture, combining the previously separate functions of the AMF, LMF, and gNB into a unified local positioning entity. This merging eliminates multiple interface transmissions (N1, N2, NLs) and reduces the number of processing hops, thereby significantly reducing transmission delay and processing delay while improving positioning service efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The LLMF performs self-service by autonomously executing positioning measurements, calculations, and position information generation within the gNB itself, without requiring continuous coordination with the central LMF or AMF. The local LMF independently acquires downlink reference signals, measures positioning parameters, and calculates position data, reducing dependency on centralized processing and minimizing transmission delays
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a positioning management method, a positioning management device, an NG-RAN node and a core network node. The positioning management method includes: receiving a positioning request message from the core network node; performing positioning measurement in accordance with the positioning request message, so as to acquire a positioning measurement result; and acquiring position information about a target UE in accordance with the positioning measurement result, and feeding the position information back to the core network node.