Base Station-Initiated Terminal Positioning via AMF
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G NR positioning technologies in non-terrestrial networks (NTN) lack the ability for a base station to initiate a terminal positioning request, making it difficult to verify the reliability of location information reported by terminals.
Innovation Solution
A method for a network device to transmit a request message to an AMF or LMF network element, requesting terminal positioning or location information, enabling the base station to initiate a positioning request through the AMF or LMF.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal initiates positioning request using existing LCS procedures, then the positioning function can be activated, but the base station cannot initiate positioning requests to verify location information reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the AMF as an intermediary network element that enables the base station to initiate positioning requests. The base station sends positioning request messages to the AMF, which then forwards them to the LMF for terminal positioning. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing the base station with positioning initiation capability while maintaining the existing LCS procedure framework for reliable location information verification.
2Reliability
If the base station can initiate positioning requests, then location information reliability can be verified, but the network architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality to the AMF, which already serves as the access and mobility management function. By adding positioning request forwarding capability to the AMF, the system enables base station-initiated positioning without requiring a completely new architectural component. The AMF handles both its existing mobility management functions and the new positioning request relay function, thereby reducing overall system complexity compared to adding a dedicated positioning initiation component.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal positioning request method is performed by a network device. The method includes: transmitting a request message to an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element or a location management function (LMF) network element, wherein the request message makes a request to perform at least one of positioning a terminal or obtaining location information of the terminal.