Network Node Wireless Device Positioning Capability Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks experience latency issues in positioning due to the need for multiple hops to relay positioning capabilities from a wireless device to a positioning server via positioning protocols, which can lead to increased latency and congestion in the backhaul network.
Innovation Solution
A method where a wireless device proactively transmits its positioning capability to a network node, such as an Access and Mobility Function (AMF), which stores this information and can then retrieve and forward it with positioning requests to a positioning server, reducing the need for direct communication with the wireless device and thus minimizing latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If positioning capability is transmitted via positioning protocol (LPP/NRPP) through multiple hops, then positioning server receives accurate capability information, but positioning latency increases and backhaul network congestion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless device proactively transmits its positioning capability information to the network node in advance, before any positioning request is generated. This preliminary action stores the capability data at the network node, eliminating the need for subsequent capability retrieval when positioning requests occur, thus reducing positioning latency while maintaining capability accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning capability information is extracted from the positioning protocol messaging path and transmitted separately through a different protocol (e.g., NAS message or registration procedure message). This extraction removes the capability transfer from the critical positioning request path, reducing latency without sacrificing capability information accuracy
2Loss of information
If positioning capability is retrieved from wireless device via positioning protocol, then capability information is obtained, but multiple hops and protocol overhead increase network congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The network node utilizes existing multi-functional messaging paths (such as NAS messages or registration procedure messages) to transport positioning capability information. These messages serve multiple purposes including device identification, network registration, and capability transfer, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated positioning protocol messages and reducing overall network complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The network node acts as an intermediary that receives and stores positioning capability information from the wireless device. This intermediary approach allows the capability data to be cached and readily available when positioning requests occur, eliminating repeated protocol exchanges and reducing the complexity of real-time capability retrieval through multiple hops
Data Source
AI summary
A network node (16) is configured for use in a wireless communication network (10). The network node (16) receives one or more positioning capabilities (18) of a wireless device (12), and stores the one or more positioning capabilities (18) in storage (24) that is at or accessible to the network node (16). After storing the one or more positioning capabilities (18) of the wireless device (12), the network node (16) receives a positioning request (28) for the wireless device (12). Responsive to receiving the positioning request (28), the network node (16) retrieves the one or more positioning capabilities (18) of the wireless device (12) from the storage (24), and sends, to a positioning server (20) in the wireless communication network (10), a message that comprises the positioning request (28) and that includes the one or more positioning capabilities (18) retrieved from the storage (24). The wireless device operates thus proactively, by rendering available the wireless device positioning capability at the network node before the positioning request is received and allowing the network node to reply in a reduced time.