NEF Deferred Location Reporting for 5G IoT Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Location Service (LCS) in 5G and LTE networks is limited to cell-level accuracy, which is insufficient for precise tracking of terminal devices in sleep mode, particularly in Massive Machine Type Communication scenarios, where devices like smart meters or street lights need to be monitored for movement beyond a geographical fence.
Innovation Solution
The Network Exposure Function (NEF) entity facilitates the provision of Location Service by integrating with the Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) via the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) mobile location protocol, enabling deferred location reporting and requesting the current location of a terminal device only when it becomes reachable, thereby overcoming the limitations of cell-level accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cell-level location reporting is used, then the coverage area is large, but the location accuracy deteriorates to hundreds or thousands of meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple location determination approaches (cell-level monitoring event function and deferred location function) into a unified system. The NEF integrates both methods and selects the appropriate one based on device state, merging the broad coverage of cell-level reporting with the high accuracy of deferred location reporting to achieve both large coverage and precise location tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically switches between different location reporting methods based on device reachability. When devices are reachable, traditional cell-level monitoring is used; when devices are in sleep mode, deferred location reporting is activated. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high location accuracy across varying device states while preserving battery efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If continuous location monitoring is performed on sleeping devices, then location tracking is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring deferred location reporting parameters and geographic fence boundaries before devices enter sleep mode. The network side prepares the location reporting configuration in advance, so that when devices wake up and become reachable, location tracking can immediately resume with high accuracy without requiring continuous monitoring during sleep periods, thus conserving device energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the network side (NEF, AMF, GMLC) as an intermediary that performs location monitoring and reporting functions. Instead of requiring the sleeping device to continuously monitor and report its location, the network infrastructure performs these functions on behalf of the device, eliminating the need for device energy consumption during sleep mode while maintaining accurate location tracking capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If deferred location reporting is used, then energy saving is improved, but location accuracy deteriorates when devices are unreachable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network side continuously monitors device reachability status and automatically adjusts the location reporting method accordingly. When devices become reachable, the system receives feedback about device availability and switches from deferred location reporting to immediate location reporting, ensuring high location accuracy is restored without requiring continuous monitoring during unreachable periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adapts the location reporting strategy based on real-time device reachability. The system transitions between deferred location reporting (when devices are unreachable) and immediate location reporting (when devices are reachable), creating a dynamic system that optimizes both energy consumption and location accuracy according to device state rather than using a fixed approach.
4Measurement precision
If high accuracy location reporting is implemented, then location precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location reporting functionality into distinct components: cell-level monitoring event function, deferred location function, and a unified NEF that coordinates them. Each component handles specific aspects of location reporting, and the NEF selects the appropriate segment based on device state. This segmentation allows high accuracy location reporting to be achieved through coordinated use of multiple specialized functions rather than a single complex system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method (300) in a Network Exposure Function, NEF, entity for facilitating provision of Location Service, LCS. The method (300) includes: receiving (310) from an Application Function, AF, entity a monitoring event subscription message requesting for location reporting of a current location of a terminal device; transmitting (320) a monitoring event configuration request to configure location reporting on an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF, entity; receiving (330) from the AMF entity a monitoring event indication containing an indication of a cell in which the terminal device is currently located; transmitting (340) to an LCS node a request for the current location of the terminal device; receiving (350) from the LCS node the current location of the terminal device; and transmitting (360) to the AF entity a monitoring event subscription response message containing the current location of the terminal device.