Preamble-Based Location Determination in 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G communications, the current method of locating terminal devices using sounding reference signals (SRS) is inaccurate, which is not sufficient for the higher accuracy requirements of 5G.
Innovation Solution
A preamble-based locating method where a location management function network element indicates a random access channel resource to a terminal device, allowing it to send a preamble to both the serving network device and neighboring-cell network devices, enabling multiple network devices to measure the terminal device's location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single network device uses SRS to locate the terminal device, then the locating process is simple, but the location accuracy is insufficient for 5G requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locating function by having multiple network devices (gNBs) independently measure the terminal device's location using random access channels, then combines their measurements at a location management function network element. This segmentation allows each device to perform simple measurements while achieving accurate overall location determination through multi-device collaboration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a location management function network element as an intermediary that coordinates the random access channel resource allocation, collects measurement information from multiple network devices, and determines the final terminal device location. This intermediary manages the complexity of multi-device coordination while enabling accurate location measurement.
2Measurement precision
If multiple network devices are used to measure terminal device location, then location accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the random access channel serve multiple functions: it enables terminal devices to access network devices while simultaneously serving as a measurement resource for location determination by multiple network devices. This multi-functionality allows location measurement without requiring separate dedicated measurement resources, reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables network devices to autonomously perform location measurements using the random access channels they already receive from terminal devices. Each network device independently measures the terminal's location based on the received random access signals, eliminating the need for complex centralized measurement coordination while improving location accuracy through multiple independent measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
A preamble-based locating method and a device are provided. The method includes: a location management function network element receives first indication information from a first network device, wherein the first indication information indicates a first random access channel resource; sends second indication information to a terminal device, wherein the second indication information indicates a second random access channel resource, and the second indication information further indicates the terminal device to send a preamble to the first network device and a second network device; sends a location information request to the first network device and each second network device; the location management function network element receives measurement information from both the first network device and each second network device; and the location management function network element determines a location of the terminal device based on the measurement information.