MEC Positioning Server Selection to Cut Terminal Location Latency

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing 5G and 4G evolved packet core networks experience increased positioning latency due to data exchange between terminals and positioning functional entities being forwarded through a control plane channel, which is inefficient and lengthy.

Innovation Solution

A MEC-based positioning method that utilizes a first network element to determine a positioning server close to the terminal and facilitates data exchange via a user plane, reducing transmission distance and duration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data exchange between terminal and positioning functional entity is forwarded through control plane channel, then positioning service can be provided, but positioning latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning service availabilityVSAvoidpositioning latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the positioning data transmission path by separating control plane signaling (through AMF) from user plane data (through UPF). The positioning request and response are segmented into control signaling components and data components, allowing parallel transmission through different planes to reduce overall latency while maintaining service reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The UPF network element acts as an intermediary for positioning data transmission between the terminal and positioning functional entity. It receives positioning data from the terminal via radio access network and forwards it to the positioning functional entity, creating a dedicated data path that bypasses the control plane bottleneck while ensuring reliable delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If positioning data is transmitted through AMF network element, then positioning functionality is maintained, but transmission distance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning functionalityVSAvoidtransmission distance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new transmission dimension by utilizing the user plane as a separate channel from the control plane. This dimensional separation allows positioning data to traverse a more direct path through the UPF network element, reducing transmission distance while the control plane maintains positioning functionality through signaling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts positioning data transmission from the control plane pathway and places it in the user plane. By taking out the data transmission function from AMF and assigning it to UPF, the system eliminates the unnecessary detour through the control plane, thereby reducing transmission distance while preserving positioning functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If positioning request and measurement data are forwarded by AMF, then core network positioning service is provided, but transmission duration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecore network positioning serviceVSAvoidtransmission duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the positioning message flow into control plane signaling (positioning request/response) and user plane data (measurement data). This segmentation allows simultaneous processing in parallel channels, reducing the total transmission duration while the control plane ensures core network positioning service reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The user plane provides a continuous, dedicated data transmission path for positioning measurements between terminal and positioning functional entity. This continuous action pathway eliminates interruptions and re-routing that occur in the control plane, thereby reducing transmission duration while maintaining service reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4135351B1MEC-based locating method and device and wireless communication system

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

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AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide a MEC-based positioning method, a device, and a wireless communication system, to shorten a positioning latency of a terminal. The method includes: A first network element receives first positioning request information sent by a positioning requester, where the first positioning request information is used to request to position a terminal, and the first positioning request information carries identification information of the terminal. The first network element determines, based on the first positioning request information, a positioning functional entity for positioning the terminal, where the positioning functional entity is a positioning server. The first network element obtains second positioning request information based on the first positioning request information, and sends the second positioning request information to the positioning server. After receiving the second positioning request information, the positioning server sends measurement request information to the terminal via a user plane, to request the terminal to report measurement data. Then, the positioning server positions the terminal based on the measurement data reported by the terminal via the user plane.