AMF LMF Selection for UE Positioning Capability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks face challenges in supporting Location Management Function (LMF) in Radio Access Network (RAN), particularly due to differences in LMF capabilities between Rel-16 UEs and the need for seamless positioning procedures.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a method where the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) selects the LMF based on the User Equipment's (UE) capability to support LMF in RAN, and notifies the UE whether to perform positioning procedures using LMF in RAN or LMF after AMF.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If LMF in RAN is used for positioning, then positioning efficiency is improved, but compatibility with Rel-16 UEs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The UE transmits its capability information indicating support for LMF in RAN before the positioning procedure is initiated. This preliminary action allows the network to select an appropriate LMF (either LMF in RAN or LMF after AMF) based on the UE's capabilities, ensuring both positioning efficiency for capable devices and compatibility for Rel-16 UEs that do not support LMF in RAN
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between two different LMF deployment options (LMF in RAN or LMF after AMF) based on real-time UE capability information. This dynamic adaptation allows the network to optimize positioning efficiency for advanced UEs while maintaining backward compatibility with Rel-16 UEs through capability-based differentiation
2Measurement precision
If LMF selection is based on UE capability, then positioning procedure accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AMF acts as an intermediary that receives UE capability information, selects the appropriate LMF based on these capabilities, and coordinates the positioning procedure. This intermediary approach ensures accurate positioning by matching UE capabilities with appropriate LMF types while centralizing the complexity management in the core network rather than distributing it across multiple network elements
3Reliability
If seamless positioning is implemented across different LMF types, then service continuity is improved, but information loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE transmits capability information about LMF in RAN support before the positioning procedure begins. This preliminary transmission of capability information ensures that the network has all necessary information to select the appropriate LMF type, preventing any information loss and enabling seamless positioning service continuity across different LMF deployments
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to selecting a Local Management Function (LMF) in a wireless communication network, a next generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) acquires a capability from a user equipment (UE), the capability indicating whether the UE is capable of supporting LMF in Radio Access Network (RAN). An access and mobility management function (AMF) is then notified whether the UE is capable of supporting LMF in RAN. An LMF selection is then received from the AMF. Then a response is transmitted to the UE based on the received LMF selection, the response indicating whether a positioning procedure to be carried out by the UE is based on LMF in RAN. In this manner, the capabilities of the UE are taken into consideration when selecting an LMF for a positioning procedure.