HeNB Location via LPP and Embedded UE
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home base stations, particularly those installed indoors, face challenges in accurate location determination due to limited satellite visibility, which complicates authorization and emergency services, as existing methods are prone to failure or inaccuracy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of techniques for configuring and locating Home evolved Node B (HeNB) using LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) messages and embedded UE functionality, allowing HeNBs to emulate UEs and communicate with location servers for precise positioning and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If home base stations are installed indoors to improve coverage and reduce load on macro-cellular networks, then radio coverage and network load balancing are improved, but location determination accuracy deteriorates due to limited satellite visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an embedded UE (User Equipment) as an intermediary within the HeNB to establish communication with the location server. This embedded UE acts as a mediator that enables the HeNB to participate in location determination procedures through standardized LPP messaging, bridging the gap between the indoor base station and the satellite-based positioning system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of UE functionality within the HeNB through an embedded UE. This embedded UE replicates the positioning capabilities and communication interfaces of a standard UE, allowing the HeNB to emulate UE behavior in location determination procedures without requiring physical satellite visibility.
2Ease of operation
If home base stations are flexibly deployed by users in an unplanned manner to ease installation and operation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of location determination deteriorates due to unauthorized or incorrect locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the location server receives location information from the HeNB via the embedded UE and can send authorization decisions back to the HeNB. This closed-loop feedback system allows the network to verify and control the operational authorization of flexibly deployed HeNBs based on their determined locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs location determination and authorization checks as a preliminary action before allowing the HeNB to operate. By determining the location of the HeNB and verifying its authorization to operate at that location in advance, the system prevents unauthorized operations while maintaining deployment flexibility.
3Device complexity
If existing location determination methods are used for indoor home base stations to maintain simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to failure or inaccuracy in indoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the HeNB multi-functional by embedding UE capabilities within it. The embedded UE enables theHeNB to perform both base station functions and UE positioning functions using the same standardized LPP interface, eliminating the need for separate complex indoor positioning systems while achieving accurate location determination.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for configuring a Home evolved Node B (HeNB) in a location server and positioning the HeNB are disclosed. In one aspect, location for a HeNB is supported based on LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) messages. The HeNB communicates LPP messages with a location server. These LPP messages are terminated at the HeNB instead of a UE. At least one location transaction for the HeNB can be performed to configure in the location server and/or locate the HeNB based on the LPP messages. In another aspect, location for a HeNB is supported based on an embedded UE in the HeNB. The HeNB establishes a location session with a location server based on an embedded UE ID, which is assigned to the HeNB and recognized by the location server as being for a HeNB instead of a UE. At least one location transaction for the HeNB is performed during the location session.