MEC Positioning via User Plane to Cut 5G Location Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 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
Implementing a mobile edge computing (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 mediator allows positioning data to bypass the control plane channel, reducing latency while maintaining service availability. The user plane acts as a dedicated shortcut for positioning traffic, separating it from general control signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication paths by separating positioning data transmission from general control plane signaling. By creating a dedicated user plane channel specifically for positioning traffic, the system divides the communication workload, allowing positioning operations to proceed independently without being bottlenecked by control plane processing.
2Length of moving object
If positioning server is deployed close to terminal via MEC, then transmission distance is shortened, but network architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies MEC technology to deploy positioning servers in a new dimension - at the network edge rather than in centralized core network locations. This spatial repositioning brings the positioning server physically closer to terminals, shortening transmission distance. The edge computing infrastructure provides a new deployment dimension that balances proximity benefits with manageable complexity through standardized MEC frameworks.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provide a MEC-based positioning method, a device, and a wireless communication system. The method includes: A first network element receives first positioning request information for requesting 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.