5G Location Solution Coexistence via Handover Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G Core Network location solutions, such as Solution A and Solution B, lack standardization, making it difficult for wireless network operators to migrate between them or support both simultaneously, especially for emergency calls and handovers between nodes supporting different location solutions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing common protocols and procedures between Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) and Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) for Solution A, and between GMLC and Location Management Function (LMF) for Solution B, allowing for the coexistence of both solutions in the same network with minimal restrictions and ensuring continuity of location services during handovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two different location solutions (Solution A and Solution B) are standardized for 3GPP, then location service coverage and flexibility are improved, but standardization complexity and network migration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a common handover indication mechanism that works across both Solution A (AMF-based) and Solution B (LMF-based) location architectures. The handover indication format and processing logic are standardized to be solution-agnostic, allowing a single implementation to support multiple location solutions without requiring separate standardization tracks for each solution type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary handover indication message that mediates between different location solutions during handover scenarios. This indication serves as a universal intermediary that carries essential handover information without being tied to specific solution details, enabling seamless interaction between Solution A and Solution B nodes through a common interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a network operator migrates from one location solution to another, then operational flexibility is improved, but network stability and service continuity during migration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing standardized handover indication procedures before migration scenarios occur. The handover indication format, message structure, and processing rules are pre-defined and standardized, so that when migration or handover between solutions is needed, the network nodes can immediately apply the predetermined rules without ad-hoc configuration, ensuring service continuity during transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic operation by allowing network nodes to adaptively process handover indications based on their supported location solutions. The standardized indication mechanism dynamically accommodates different solution types (AMF-based or LMF-based) without requiring static, solution-specific configurations, allowing operators to flexibly migrate between solutions while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If handover between network nodes supporting different location solutions is enabled, then network resilience is improved, but handover complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by standardizing the handover indication message format and processing logic to be uniform across Solution A and Solution B. Instead of creating complex, solution-specific handover procedures, the patent uses a homogeneous indication structure that simplifies the handover process while enabling cross-solution handovers, thereby improving resilience without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If common protocols between GMLC-AMF for Solution A and GMLC-LMF for Solution B are implemented, then ease of deployment is improved, but implementation precision and solution-specific optimization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the handover indication functionality into a standardized common layer that handles universal handover scenarios, while allowing solution-specific implementations to handle optimization details. This segmentation enables common protocols to be deployed easily while preserving the ability to optimize for specific solutions when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and techniques are described for supporting different location solutions in a wireless network (e.g. a 5G network) in which two different location solutions coexist in the same wireless network, and where a network operator may migrate network support from one location solution to the other. For location support of emergency calls, handover of an emergency call can be supported from a network node (e.g. an AMF) that supports one location solution to a network node (e.g. another AMF) that supports the other location solution. The handover may be supported by transferring indications of the handover between network nodes (e.g. including a GMLC, AMF and/or an LMF) to enable reconfiguration of location support for the emergency call at an LRF and GMLC from one location solution to the other.