Positioning Function Entity Interface for RAN Delay Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network architectures that support positioning services, there is a delay in obtaining the position of a User Equipment (UE) due to the need for all positioning messages to be transmitted through an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity and processed by a core network before reaching an application server close to the Radio Access Network (RAN) node.
Innovation Solution
An information transmission method and apparatus that configure an interface between a positioning function entity and a RAN device, allowing the positioning function entity to directly request and receive position-related information from the RAN device, thereby reducing positioning delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If positioning messages are transmitted through the core network (AMF entity), then positioning service coverage is ensured, but positioning delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning message transmission path into two parts: control plane messages still go through the core network (AMF) to ensure service coverage and management, while user plane positioning data messages are transmitted directly between the positioning function entity and RAN device through a newly defined interface, avoiding core network routing delay
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new interface as an intermediary communication channel between the positioning function entity and RAN device. This interface enables direct positioning data transmission without requiring messages to route through the core network, thus reducing delay while maintaining service coverage
2Extent of automation
If positioning messages route through the core network, then centralized control is maintained, but transmission distance increases causing delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides messaging into control plane (through core network for centralized control) and user plane (direct transmission for speed). Positioning data messages use the direct interface while maintaining core network control over the positioning function entity, achieving both centralized control and reduced delay
3Ease of operation
If all positioning messages go through AMF entity, then message routing is simplified, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments message handling responsibilities: the AMF continues to handle control plane messaging, while the new interface handles user plane positioning data. This segmentation reduces the processing burden on the AMF and distributes complexity to specialized components
Solution Approach 2:
The new interface acts as an intermediary that simplifies the AMF's workload by directly handling positioning data transmission between positioning function entity and RAN, reducing the AMF's processing complexity while maintaining routing simplicity through standardized protocols
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an information transmission method, an information transmission apparatus, and a device, so as to solve the problem in the related art where there is a delay when obtaining a position of a UE. The method is applied to a positioning function entity with an interface between the positioning function entity and an RAN device. The method includes: transmitting, by the positioning function entity, a first request message to the RAN device through the interface, where the first request message is used to request position-related information; and, receiving, by the positioning function entity, a first response message in response to the first request message from the RAN device.