Dynamic PRS Configuration for 5G Positioning Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downlink positioning reference signal (PRS) provisioning in 5G networks faces challenges in supporting high accuracy, low latency, and efficient network and device operations, particularly due to the transparent nature of the LTE Positioning Protocol and the lack of knowledge at the Location Management Function (LMF) about UE capabilities and current traffic conditions.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an apparatus and method where a user equipment (UE) sends a request to a network node for positioning reference signals, indicating its ability to receive them in either measurement gap-based or measurement gap-less modes. Based on this request, the network node determines and configures optimal PRS settings, which are then communicated back to the UE for measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement gaps are always used for positioning measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but positioning latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of measurement gap patterns based on UE capability indications and network conditions. The system can switch between measurement gap-based mode (for accuracy) and measurement gap-less mode (for latency reduction) depending on real-time conditions, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and positioning latency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement gap parameter from a fixed requirement to a configurable parameter based on UE capability indications. By detecting UE capability information and adjusting the measurement gap configuration accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between measurement accuracy and latency reduction
2Device complexity
If LMF operates with transparent LPP protocol, then protocol simplicity is maintained, but knowledge of UE capabilities and traffic conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback mechanisms where UEs provide capability indications to the network, and the network provides feedback configurations to UEs. This feedback loop enables the LMF to acquire UE capability information while maintaining protocol simplicity, resolving the contradiction between protocol transparency and information availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses UE capability indications as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the transparent LPP protocol and the LMF's positioning decisions. This intermediary allows information exchange without complicating the core protocol, enabling the LMF to know UE capabilities while maintaining protocol simplicity
3Reliability
If UE switches BWP for PRS measurement, then PRS reception capability is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables UEs to autonomously determine their PRS reception capability by evaluating their current BWP configuration and PRS requirements. The UE self-assesses whether BWP switching is necessary, reducing the complexity of network-controlled switching while maintaining reliable PRS reception capability
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with example embodiments of the invention there is at least a method and apparatus to perform at least sending, by a network device, information comprising a request for positioning reference signals from a network node of a communication network, wherein the request comprises information on an ability of the network device to receive one or more of the positioning reference signals in at least one of a measurement gap based mode or without a measurement gap based mode; and based on the request, receiving from the network node information comprising one or more sets of positioning reference signals. Further, to perform receiving, by a network node, from a network device of a communication network information comprising a request for positioning reference signals; based on the request, determining at least one configuration of positioning reference signal configurations, wherein the at least one configuration comprises one or more sets of positioning reference signals in at least one mode comprising a measurement gap based mode or without a measurement gap based mode for different ones of the positioning reference signals; and sending by the network node towards the network device information comprising the one or more sets of positioning reference signals.