Base Station DU Uplink Positioning Without Separate LMUs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G wireless communication systems face complexity and inefficiency in uplink positioning due to the need for separate Location Measurement Units (LMUs) and dedicated interfaces like SLmAP, which increase standardization and deployment efforts.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution integrates uplink signal measurements within the distributed units of base stations, utilizing existing protocols like F1 application protocol and NRPPa, hiding LMUs behind DUs to simplify the architecture and reduce the need for additional interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate Location Measurement Units (LMUs) and dedicated interfaces like SLmAP are used for uplink positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the Location Measurement Unit (LMU) functionality into the Distributed Unit (DU) of the base station. The DU now performs uplink signal measurements (such as time of arrival, angle of arrival, and signal strength) that were previously handled by separate LMUs. This integration eliminates the need for dedicated LMU hardware and the SLmAP interface, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the DU's existing measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The Distributed Unit (DU) is designed to perform multiple functions including both traditional base station operations and uplink positioning measurements. By making the DU universal and capable of handling both communication and positioning tasks, the patent eliminates the need for specialized LMU hardware. The DU can perform various measurements (RTOA, AOD, AOA, signal power) using its existing signal processing capabilities, thus achieving multi-functionality without increasing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If separate LMUs and dedicated protocols are implemented, then reliability of positioning measurements is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the positioning measurement functionality into the existing DU infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate LMU hardware deployment. The DU already has the necessary signal processing capabilities to perform reliable uplink measurements, so integrating this function reduces manufacturing and deployment complexity while maintaining measurement reliability through proven DU performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The Distributed Unit (DU) performs uplink positioning measurements using its own existing signal processing capabilities without requiring external LMU hardware or dedicated measurement interfaces. The DU self-services the positioning measurement function by utilizing its inherent ability to receive and analyze uplink signals from user equipment, thereby simplifying deployment while ensuring reliable measurements through its established signal processing chain.
3Ease of manufacture
If integrated measurement approach is used within distributed units, then ease of manufacture is improved, but quantity of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges positioning measurement reporting into the existing F1 interface between the DU and Centralized Unit (CU). Instead of creating a separate dedicated interface for positioning data, the measurement results (RTOA, AOD, AOA, signal power) are transported using existing F1 Application Protocol messages. This approach simplifies the overall architecture by eliminating redundant interfaces while managing protocol overhead through efficient reuse of established communication mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for providing, to at least one distributed unit of a base station from a centralised unit of the base station, an indication to cause at least one measurement relating to an uplink signal from a user equipment to be performed, receiving an indication of a result of the at least one measurement from the at least one distributed unit and providing an indication of the result of the at least one measurement to a location management function.