LCS Client in 5G RAN for Secure UE Location Access

The patent introduces the LCS client as an intermediary component within the NG RAN node that mediates between the need for location information and privacy/security requirements. The LCS client generates location requests, receives location information from the AMF, and provides it to application functions only when authorized, thus acting as a controlled intermediary that enables network performance improvement while maintaining security through authorization checks and controlled information exposure.

The patent implements a mechanism where the LCS client requests location information selectively rather than continuously. The system determines whether location information is actually needed based on operational requirements such as handover decisions, power control needs, or beam management requirements. This partial action approach requests location data only when necessary, obtaining accurate position data when needed while minimizing unnecessary signaling overhead during normal operation.

The patent implements a universal location request mechanism where the LCS client can request multiple location parameters (position, velocity, altitude) through a single standardized NGAP message interface. The system is designed to handle various combinations of location parameters uniformly, allowing comprehensive UE context acquisition for advanced applications like 3D positioning or velocity-based handover while maintaining message structure simplicity through the standardized multi-functional request format.