Edge LMF UL-TDOA Positioning for Lower Core Signaling Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing UL-TDOA positioning method in 5G networks imposes significant signaling overhead and latency on the core network's AMF due to the need for interactions via the NRPPa protocol with the RAN, which is inefficient for edge-deployed GMLC and LMF elements.
Innovation Solution
Enhancing edge-deployed LMF to support transmission of NRPPa messages using the NGAP protocol, allowing direct communication with the RAN via the NG-C interface, thereby reducing signaling overhead and latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the LMF interacts with the RAN through the AMF using the NRPPa protocol for UL-TDOA positioning, then positioning functionality is achieved, but signaling overhead on the core network increases and positioning latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the NRPPa messaging function from the core network AMF and relocates it to the edge network element. This allows the LMF to directly exchange positioning messages with the RAN at the edge, eliminating the need for messages to traverse through the core network AMF, thereby reducing positioning latency while maintaining positioning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new communication dimension by enabling direct LMF-RAN interaction at the network edge, bypassing the traditional hierarchical path through the core network. This dimensional change in communication architecture allows positioning signals to take a shorter path, reducing latency without sacrificing reliability.
2Reliability
If the LMF interacts with the RAN through the AMF using the NRPPa protocol for UL-TDOA positioning, then positioning functionality is achieved, but signaling overhead on the core network increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the NRPPa messaging function from the core network AMF and relocates it to the edge network element. This extraction removes the source of excessive signaling overhead from the core network, allowing positioning messages to be exchanged locally at the edge without burdening the core network with unnecessary message traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the positioning signaling traffic from the core network by deploying the NRPPa messaging capability at the network edge. This segmentation separates positioning-related signaling from core network signaling, allowing the core network to focus on essential functions while the edge handles positioning-specific communications, thereby reducing overall core network signaling overhead.
3Adaptability or versatility
If edge-deployed GMLC and LMF interact according to 3GPP protocols through the core network, then standard compliance is maintained, but positioning efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by allowing the edge-deployed LMF to selectively use different interaction modes: it can follow standard 3GPP protocols when needed while also enabling optimized direct communication with the RAN for positioning-specific operations. This dynamic approach maintains standard compliance for general functions while improving efficiency for positioning tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the protocol compliance requirements by applying standard 3GPP protocols to GMLC-LMF interaction while using optimized direct messaging for LMF-RAN positioning communication. This segmentation allows the system to maintain standard compliance where required while achieving higher efficiency in positioning-specific operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a positioning method, a device, and a storage medium. The positioning method applied by a first network element includes receiving a positioning determination request carrying a first identifier and sent by a second network element, where the first identifier is configured to indicate the identifier of a to-be-measured terminal corresponding to a radio access network; and performing uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA) positioning on the to-be-measured terminal based on the first identifier and a serving base station.