Cross-RAT Positioning Reference Signal Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning technologies in wireless networks, such as LTE and 5G, are not designed to support devices served by one RAT measuring positioning reference signals from another RAT, especially in scenarios like carrier aggregation or dual connectivity, leading to inefficiencies in positioning accuracy and session continuity.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device sends information to a location server about monitored cells and measurement capabilities across different radio access technologies (RATs), receiving positioning reference signal configuration information to identify suitable signals for measurement, enabling accurate positioning even across multiple RATs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current positioning technologies (LTE/5G) are used for devices served by one RAT measuring positioning reference signals from another RAT, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the system reliability deteriorates due to lack of support for carrier aggregation and dual connectivity scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The location server is enhanced to provide universal positioning support across multiple RATs (LTE, NR, E-UTRAN, NG-RAN). The system can now serve a device with a first RAT (e.g., NR) while measuring positioning reference signals from base stations of a second RAT (e.g., LTE), and vice versa. This multi-functional capability resolves the contradiction by making the positioning system universally applicable to cross-RAT scenarios including carrier aggregation and dual connectivity, thereby maintaining session continuity while achieving positioning accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a device is served by one RAT and measures positioning reference signals from another RAT, then positioning capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to multi-RAT measurement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The location server acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of multi-RAT positioning. It provides assistance information to the device that includes configuration for measuring positioning reference signals from base stations of a different RAT than the serving cell. The location server consolidates the complexity of coordinating measurements across multiple RATs, frequency layers, and cell types (serving and non-serving), thereby enhancing device positioning capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If positioning reference signal configuration is provided for cross-RAT measurements, then positioning accuracy is improved, but information management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning reference signal configuration information is segmented into distinct components that can be independently managed and processed. The location server provides assistance information that includes configuration for measuring positioning reference signals from base stations of a second RAT, separate from the serving cell configuration. This segmentation allows the device to process cross-RAT measurement configuration independently, improving positioning accuracy while managing information complexity through structured, modular configuration data.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless device adapted for operation according to two or more radio access technologies, RATs, obtains positioning reference signal configuration information by sending (602), to a location server, a request for assistance, the request for assistance comprising information about a cell serving the wireless device according to a first RAT. The wireless device receives (604), in response to the request for assistance, positioning reference signal configuration information, the positioning reference signal configuration information identifying one or more signals transmitted according to a second RAT, for measurement by the wireless device. The wireless device measures (606) at least one of the identified one or more signals and may report the measurements and/or estimate a location for the wireless device based on the measurements.