RAN Node UE Location Verification via Positioning Procedures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately verifying the location of user equipment (UE) within the network, relying solely on UE-reported location information which may not be reliable, especially in scenarios like NR satellite access where regulatory requirements demand trusted and accurate location verification.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where the radio access network (RAN) node, access and mobility management function (AMF), or location management function (LMF) performs a separate positioning procedure to verify the UE's location, using RAN-based or server-based positioning methods, and communicates the verified location information back to the core network nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network relies solely on UE-reported location information, then the system complexity is reduced, but the location reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs positioning procedures in advance to obtain verified location information before it is needed for regulatory compliance or service delivery. The LMF or RAN node conducts positioning measurements and calculations proactively, storing the verified location data for future use, thus ensuring reliability without adding complexity to the on-demand verification process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning entity (LMF or RAN node) that acts as a mediator between the UE and the core network. This intermediary performs independent positioning measurements and provides verified location information to the AMF, eliminating the need for the core network to directly verify UE-reported locations while maintaining system reliability
2Measurement precision
If the network implements independent positioning verification procedures, then the location accuracy is improved, but the network signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning reference signals (PRS) are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: they enable both UE-based positioning measurements and network-based positioning measurements. The same PRS resources are used by both the UE and the network for independent verification, eliminating the need for separate signaling channels and reducing overall signaling overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the positioning verification function into existing RAN and core network operations. The LMF, which already exists for location services, is extended to perform verification functions, and RAN nodes are enhanced to conduct positioning measurements as part of their existing signal processing functions, thereby avoiding duplicate signaling infrastructure
3Reliability
If the network performs RAN-based positioning procedures to verify UE location, then the location trustworthiness is enhanced, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network maintains continuous positioning capability by performing measurements on ongoing positioning reference signals without interrupting normal communication. The LMF and RAN nodes continuously monitor PRS transmissions and update location information in real-time, ensuring that verification can be completed quickly when needed without requiring separate measurement campaigns
Solution Approach 2:
Positioning measurements and calculations are performed in advance and results are cached by the LMF and RAN nodes. When verification is required for regulatory compliance or service delivery, the pre-computed location information is immediately available, significantly reducing the time required compared to performing measurements from scratch
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are techniques for location verification. In an aspect, a radio access network (RAN) node receives a request from a core network node to verify a location of a user equipment (UE), performs a RAN-based positioning procedure with the UE to determine a verified location of the UE, and transmits a response to the core network node, the response including: measurements obtained by the UE during the RAN-based positioning procedure, measurements obtained by the RAN node during the RAN-based positioning procedure, the verified location of the UE, an indication that the location of the UE is verified, or any combination thereof.