RRU Positioning via Reference Signal Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of obtaining accurate location information for remote radio units (RRUs) in wireless communications networks due to interference from weak GPS signals and the need for external antennas, which increases positioning costs.
Innovation Solution
An RRU positioning method that uses existing network element devices by exchanging reference signals between RRU units to calculate delay values and determine location information without adding external or internal positioning devices, thereby reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a GPS module is built in the RRU to obtain location information, then positioning functionality is achieved, but GPS signal weakness and high RRU transmit power cause interference that affects GPS receiving sensitivity and increases positioning costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a base station as an intermediary device to perform positioning calculations. Instead of relying on the RRU's built-in GPS module which is affected by interference, the base station receives signal strength information from multiple RRUs and calculates their locations using path loss models. This mediator approach eliminates the direct impact of RRU transmit power interference on GPS reception while still achieving accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS-based positioning mechanism with a signal-strength-based positioning mechanism. Instead of using GPS satellites and radio signal triangulation which is vulnerable to interference from high-power RRU transmissions, the system uses downlink signal strength measurements and path loss calculations to determine RRU locations, substituting a more robust method that is not affected by the same interference issues.
2Measurement precision
If an external antenna is added to the RRU to improve GPS signal reception, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base station acts as an intermediary that centralizes the positioning computation function. Instead of equipping each RRU with complex GPS reception hardware and signal processing capabilities, the positioning function is moved to the base station which has better computational resources and is not affected by RRU transmit interference. This reduces device complexity at the RRU level while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station performs multiple functions including signal routing, power management, and positioning calculations. By consolidating the positioning function at the base station level rather than requiring it at each RRU, the system achieves multi-functionality at a centralized location, reducing the need for additional specialized hardware at individual RRU units and thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If GPS and external antennas are added to achieve accurate positioning, then location information is obtained, but positioning costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The base station uses existing downlink signals that it already transmits to user equipment for their intended purpose. These same signals are utilized for positioning calculations, allowing the system to serve dual purposes: normal communication and positioning. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated positioning hardware or external antennas, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The downlink signals transmitted by the base station serve multiple functions: they provide normal communication service to user equipment and simultaneously serve as reference signals for positioning calculations. This multi-functional use of existing infrastructure eliminates the need for additional dedicated positioning hardware, reducing overall system cost while achieving accurate location information.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose an RRU positioning method and a related apparatus thereof, to position an RRU by using an existing network element device without adding external and internal positioning devices of the RRU, thereby reducing RRU positioning costs. The method in the embodiments of this application includes: receiving, by a first RRU, a first reference signal sent by a second RRU, where the first RRU is a to-be-positioned RRU, and the second RRU is an RRU at a known location; determining, by the first RRU, a first delay value based on the first reference signal; and reporting, by the first RRU, the first delay value to an upper-layer network element, so that the upper-layer network element performs location resolving processing based on the first delay value, to obtain location