Location Management in Multi-Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G networks with dual-SIM dual-standby (DSDS) UEs, the lack of location management function (LMF) in one network hinders accurate UE positioning, especially when UE intermittently connects or has poor signal quality, and networks without LMF cannot estimate UE location effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a location management function in one wireless network that utilizes resources from another network to obtain timing information and perform trilateration for UE location determination, even if the secondary network lacks LMF capabilities, by establishing inter-network links and leveraging pseudo-location management functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a network deploys only limited 5G core network functions (authentication, session management, user plane traffic handling), then network deployment complexity and cost are reduced, but location management capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a network without native LMF to perform location management by leveraging resources from another network. The first network's communication management resource controls location determination using timing information from the second network's base stations, making the first network universally capable of location management without deploying dedicated LMF infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where the first network's communication management resource acts as a mediator that coordinates with the second network's base stations. This mediator collects timing information from the second network and processes it to determine UE location, eliminating the need for direct LMF deployment in the first network.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a UE intermittently connects to a network or has poor signal quality, then network connectivity flexibility is improved, but UE location accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges location measurement resources from multiple networks to improve accuracy. By combining timing information from the second network's base stations with the first network's location management processing, the system achieves accurate UE positioning even when the UE has intermittent or poor connectivity to either individual network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the communication management resource continuously monitors timing information from the second network and adjusts location determination accordingly. This feedback loop maintains location accuracy despite intermittent UE connections or varying signal quality conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a network without LMF attempts to perform UE location determination, then location management functionality is achieved, but measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the second network's base stations as intermediary measurement resources. The first network's communication management resource leverages these external base stations to perform timing measurements, avoiding the need to build proprietary measurement infrastructure while simplifying the detection and measurement process through standardized inter-network interfaces.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances UE positioning accuracy by combining location information from multiple networks, enabling accurate location monitoring and determination even in scenarios where one network lacks full LMF capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The location management function is configured to produce the location information to include timing information associated with wireless communication between the second wireless network and the mobile communication device
Data Source
AI summary
According to one configuration, a multi-wireless communication system includes communication management hardware disposed in a first wireless network. The communication management hardware provides a mobile communication device first wireless access via a first wireless network in accordance with first subscriber identity information. The communication management hardware detects that the mobile communication device has second wireless access to a second wireless network in accordance with second subscriber identity information. To determine a location of the mobile communication device, the communication management hardware implements a location management function in the first wireless network. The location management function can be configured to produce the location information to include timing information associated with wireless communication between the second wireless network and the mobile communication device. The communication management hardware uses the timing information to determine the location of the mobile communication device.