RAN Location Derivation via Downlink Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication network mechanisms for determining user device location in crowded environments, such as sports stadiums and shopping malls, are not scalable and require significant equipment expenditures, impacting network signaling capacity and user equipment performance.
Innovation Solution
Deriving user device location information by exploiting existing voice and/or data capabilities within the Radio Access Network (RAN) layer of 4G or 3G wireless networks, and offering this information via an application programming interface (API) to network optimization and service providers, without affecting user equipment or base stations, and without requiring new messages within the core network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standardized location services architecture (3GPP 23.271) and corresponding E-UTRAN capabilities are used to determine UE location, then location information can be obtained through multiple techniques (GNSS, Network Assisted GPS, Cell ID, OTDOA), but enormous equipment expenditures are required and location related messages increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location determination function from the complex standardized location services architecture and implements it directly within the eNodeB using existing downlink signaling resources. This eliminates the need for separate location servers and complex inter-network messaging, reducing equipment expenditures while maintaining location measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The eNodeB is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it continues to provide standard downlink communications while also determining UE location using the same downlink signals. This multi-functionality approach avoids adding dedicated location determination equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity and equipment costs
2Productivity
If location related messages are increased to support multiple UEs in crowded environments, then location information can be obtained for more devices, but network signaling capacity is impacted and user equipment performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The eNodeB determines location information for multiple UEs autonomously using existing downlink signaling resources without requiring additional uplink messages from UEs or complex coordination with other network elements. This self-service approach minimizes signaling overhead and energy consumption while supporting multiple devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses existing downlink signaling resources that are already being transmitted for communications purposes to also carry location determination information. This partial reuse of existing resources provides location information for multiple UEs without requiring excessive additional signaling capacity, thereby avoiding impact on network performance and UE energy consumption
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatus and mechanisms for deriving user device location information by exploiting existing voice and/or data capabilities within the Radio Access Network (RAN) layer of a 4G or 3G wireless network, and offering the derived user device location information to network optimization functions, application and/or service providers via an application programming interface (API).