Positioning Server Message Routing via Network Area Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently routing positioning protocol messages across network nodes, particularly in identifying and communicating with base stations through intermediate network nodes and gateways, which can lead to delays and inefficiencies in determining device positions.
Innovation Solution
A positioning server uses a mapping of network area identifiers to base station identifiers to route messages effectively, allowing for the inclusion of network area identifiers in messages to identify intermediate nodes and gateways, ensuring messages are delivered to the correct base stations, even when not associated with a specific device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If positioning messages are routed through intermediate network nodes and gateways, then messages can reach base stations that are not directly accessible, but routing delays and network complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate network nodes and gateways as mediators to route positioning messages between positioning servers and base stations. These intermediaries enable indirect routing paths, allowing messages to reach base stations that are not directly accessible from positioning servers, thereby improving adaptability while managing the complexity of indirect routing paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing path is segmented into multiple independent hops: positioning server → intermediate network node → gateway → base station. Each segment operates independently, allowing messages to traverse complex network topologies through manageable steps. This segmentation enables versatile routing while localizing delays to specific segments rather than the entire path.
2Measurement precision
If network area identifiers are included in positioning messages, then correct base station identification is improved, but message size and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses network area identifiers as simplified copies or references to base station identities rather than transmitting full base station identification data. This copying approach enables accurate base station identification through compact identifier references, improving precision while reducing message size and processing requirements compared to using complete identification data.
3Area of stationary object
If positioning messages are routed through multiple network nodes, then coverage area is extended, but number of routing steps and network load increase
Solution Approach 1:
Intermediate network nodes and gateways act as mediators that extend positioning service coverage to remote base stations. These intermediaries enable positioning messages to traverse extended network paths, reaching base stations beyond direct server coverage while managing network load through distributed routing intelligence at each intermediary node.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary routing decisions at intermediate network nodes, where routing paths are determined in advance based on network area identifiers. This preliminary action at intermediaries reduces real-time routing complexity and improves efficiency by pre-establishing optimal paths through the extended network topology.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are provided that facilitate routing of messages of a positioning protocol, such as long term evolution (LTE) positioning protocol annex (LPPa). A positioning server can determine a network area identifier of one or more messages based at least in part on an identifier of a base station associated with the one or more messages. Based at least in part on the network area identifier, the positioning server can provide the one or more messages to an intermediate network node corresponding to the one or more base stations, such as a mobility management entity (MME). MME can similarly provide the one or more messages to an optional gateway between it and the one or more base stations based at least in part on receiving the network area identifier in the one or more messages. In addition, a base station can update positioning information with the positioning server.