Radio Network Node Positioning Data Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP systems lack the scalability and efficiency to collect and process positioning data for large-scale, continuous network-based UE positioning in radio communications networks, particularly for Minimization of Drive Test (MDT) measurements, which are essential for advanced network optimization and performance observation.
Innovation Solution
Integrating an LPP protocol proxy functionality into radio network nodes to associate and send positioning data directly with trace records to network management nodes, allowing for efficient collection and processing of positioning measurements without relying on positioning nodes, thereby enabling more advanced network optimization and performance observation use cases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If positioning nodes are used to collect positioning data in current 3GPP systems, then positioning measurements can be obtained, but the system lacks scalability and efficiency for large-scale continuous network-based UE positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network management node as an intermediary that collects positioning data directly from radio network nodes (eNodeBs) rather than through traditional positioning nodes. This mediator approach allows the system to handle large-scale continuous positioning efficiently by centralizing the collection process at the network management level, which can process and correlate positioning information from multiple sources without the complexity of deploying and coordinating numerous positioning nodes throughout the network.
2Ease of operation
If traditional trace concepts are used where network management nodes send configuration to network nodes, then trace information can be collected, but the process is inefficient for positioning data collection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional trace activation approach by having radio network nodes autonomously send positioning data to the network management node without waiting for configuration requests. Instead of the network management node sending trace activation commands to collect positioning information, the system allows radio network nodes to proactively report positioning measurements (such as UE Rx-Tx time difference and RSRP) to the network management node, significantly reducing the time required for data collection and simplifying the operational process.
3Quantity of substance
If positioning data is collected through existing signaling flows, then some positioning information can be obtained, but comprehensive positioning measurements cannot be collected efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the network management node a universal collection point for all types of positioning data from multiple radio network nodes. The network management node is designed to handle various positioning measurements (UE Rx-Tx time difference, RSRP, and other signal strength measurements) from different eNodeBs through a single standardized interface. This multi-functional approach allows comprehensive positioning data collection without requiring separate specialized systems for each measurement type, thereby increasing the quantity of positioning data while avoiding additional infrastructure complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method in a radio network node is disclosed for handling positioning data in a radio communications network, which radio network node serves a user equipment in a cell. The radio network node obtains positioning data from the user equipment, which positioning data is associated with a positioning measurement for positioning the user equipment. The radio network node associates the obtained positioning data with an on-going trace session of the user equipment. The radio network node then sends a trace record to a network management node, which trace record includes information associated with the positioning data.