RAN Positioning Measurement Handover After UE Connection Resume
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently continuing positioning procedures for user equipment (UE) that transitions from an inactive state to a connected state in a different network node, leading to energy inefficiencies and increased latency.
Innovation Solution
Implement methods for a second radio access network (RAN) node to retrieve and continue positioning measurements from a first RAN node, including configuring UL positioning signals based on previously stored measurements, reducing redundant measurements and signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE transitions from inactive state to connected state in a different network node, then the positioning procedure can be continued, but energy is wasted and latency increases due to redundant measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The first network node performs positioning measurements on the UE before the UE transitions to inactive state. These preliminary measurements are stored and later retrieved by the second network node, eliminating the need for redundant measurements when the UE reactivates, thus saving energy while maintaining positioning continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning measurement results from the first network node are copied and transferred to the second network node. This copying mechanism allows the second node to continue the positioning procedure using existing measurement data rather than performing new measurements, reducing energy consumption and latency
2Reliability
If the UE transitions from inactive state to connected state in a different network node, then the positioning procedure can be continued, but positioning latency increases due to redundant measurements
Solution Approach 1:
Positioning measurements are performed in advance by the first network node before the UE enters inactive state. The measurement results are stored and made available for retrieval, so when the UE reactivates at the second network node, the positioning procedure can continue immediately without waiting for new measurements, thus reducing latency
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement results are copied from the first network node to the second network node through signaling. This copying process enables the second node to have immediate access to positioning data, eliminating the time required to perform redundant measurements and reducing overall positioning latency
3Reliability
If the UE transitions from inactive state to connected state in a different network node, then the positioning procedure can be continued, but network signaling increases due to measurement retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
Only the essential positioning measurement results are extracted and transferred from the first network node to the second network node. By selecting only the necessary data elements for positioning continuity rather than transferring all UE context information, the signaling overhead is minimized while maintaining positioning procedure integrity
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include methods for a second radio access network (RAN) node configured to support positioning of user equipment (UEs) in the RAN. Such methods include receiving, from a UE, a request to resume the UE's connection to the RAN that is currently suspended. The request includes a first indication that UE had an ongoing positioning procedure with a first RAN node before the UE's connection to the RAN was suspended, and/or a second indication that the UE reported positioning measurements to the first RAN node before the UE's connection was suspended. Such methods include retrieving, from the first RAN node, positioning measurements made by the first RAN node during the positioning procedure and continuing the positioning procedure for the UE while the UE is connected to the RAN via the second RAN node. Other embodiments include complementary methods for the UE, the first RAN node, and a positioning node.