Repeater-Aware Positioning Using PRS and Beam ID Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In telecommunication networks, the presence of invisible smart repeaters causes significant errors in user device position estimation due to their impact on beam direction and signal strength, leading to disruptions in network services.
Innovation Solution
A method involving network elements to assign transaction beam IDs to repeaters, generate a positioning reference relationship table, and adjust user device positions based on repeater locations using PRS IDs and beam IDs to accurately determine positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If smart repeaters are deployed to extend RF signal coverage, then the covered area is improved, but position estimation accuracy deteriorates due to invisible repeaters causing beam direction errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces positioning reference signals (PRS) as intermediaries to detect the presence of invisible smart repeaters. By transmitting PRS through potential repeater paths and analyzing the received signals at the network element, the system can identify when a repeater is present in the signal path. This intermediary signal allows the system to distinguish between direct user device transmissions and repeater-relayed transmissions, thereby resolving the position estimation accuracy problem while maintaining extended coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network element analyzes positioning reference signals received from user devices to detect repeater presence. The system feeds back this detection information to adjust position estimation calculations. By continuously monitoring PRS characteristics and comparing them against expected direct-path signals, the network can identify repeater-induced deviations and compensate for position estimation errors in real-time.
2Reliability
If smart repeaters are used to amplify weak RF signals, then network service availability is improved, but position estimation reliability deteriorates due to drastic beam direction changes
Solution Approach 1:
Positioning reference signals serve as intermediaries to detect repeater presence in the communication path. By transmitting PRS through the same path used for network services and analyzing the returned signals, the system can identify when invisible repeaters are affecting both service availability and position estimation. This allows the system to maintain reliable network services while simultaneously detecting and compensating for repeater-induced position estimation errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of invisible repeaters on position estimation into a beneficial detection mechanism. By analyzing characteristics of received positioning reference signals, the system can identify the presence of repeaters that were previously undetectable. This transforms the repeater's invisible interference into a detectable signal characteristic, allowing the system to compensate for position errors and maintain both service availability and estimation reliability.
3Device complexity
If traditional positioning methods are used without repeater detection, then system complexity is kept low, but position estimation accuracy deteriorates in environments with invisible repeaters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the positioning reference signal system multi-functional by using it for both normal positioning operations and repeater detection. The same PRS transmission and reception infrastructure serves dual purposes: determining user device positions and identifying invisible repeaters in the signal path. This universal approach allows the system to maintain low complexity while achieving accurate position estimation even in environments with smart repeaters.
Solution Approach 2:
Positioning reference signals act as intermediaries that enable the system to detect repeater presence without requiring separate detection infrastructure. By analyzing the characteristics of PRS signals that naturally traverse the communication path, the system can identify repeaters using existing positioning resources. This intermediary approach avoids adding significant system complexity while dramatically improving position estimation accuracy in repeater environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for enhanced positioning of a user device in a telecommunication network that includes one or more repeaters in a communication between a network element and the user device may be provided. The method may include assigning, by the network element, one or more transaction beam ID, each of the one or more transaction beam ID being associated with a respective repeater from the one or more repeaters in the telecommunication network; generating, by the network element, a positioning reference relationship table, the positioning reference relationship table including a relationship between a positioning reference signal ID and each of the one or more transaction beam ID, and receiving, by a core element, an adjusted position of the user device, the adjusted position of the user device being adjusted for a location of a specific repeater between the network element and the user device.