MEC Positioning Server Selection for Low-Latency Terminal Location
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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 prolonged.
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 transmission via a user plane, reducing the transmission distance and duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a user plane channel as an intermediary communication path between the terminal and positioning functional entity. This allows positioning data to be transmitted through a dedicated data bearer rather than being forwarded through the control plane, thereby reducing latency while maintaining service reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication paths by separating control plane and user plane functions. The control plane handles signaling and setup, while the user plane handles actual positioning data transmission. This segmentation allows optimized routing for different types of traffic, reducing overall positioning latency.
2Length of moving object
If positioning server is selected based on terminal location, then transmission distance is shortened, but network element complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple positioning functional entities across different network locations before actual positioning requests arrive. When a positioning request is received, the system can quickly select the nearest pre-configured entity based on terminal location, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations and reducing both transmission distance and processing complexity.
Data Source
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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.