RRU Positioning via UE Location Reporting and ToA
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for accurately determining the location of a remote radio unit (RRU) in a wireless communications network, such as adding a built-in positioning module, are costly and impractical for large quantities of existing RRUs, especially when the RRU is far from the baseband processing unit.
Innovation Solution
A positioning method where a base station sends indication information to user equipment (UEs) with a minimization of drive-test function to periodically report location information, and calculates the RRU's location using time-of-arrival measurement values from multiple UEs, without the need for additional hardware on the RRU.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a built-in positioning module is added to the RRU, then the positioning accuracy of the RRU is improved, but the hardware complexity and cost increase sharply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces user equipment (UE) as an intermediary to assist in positioning the RRU. The UE collects location information and ToA measurement values, which are then used by the base station to calculate the RRU's position. This intermediary approach enables accurate positioning without modifying the RRU's hardware structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding positioning functionality directly to the RRU, the patent uses existing UEs that already have positioning capabilities to create a virtual positioning system. The UEs copy the positioning function needed for the RRU, eliminating the need for additional hardware in the RRU while achieving the same positioning objective.
2Measurement precision
If a built-in positioning module is added to the RRU, then the positioning accuracy of the RRU is improved, but the cost increases sharply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the self-service capability of existing UEs to perform positioning functions. The UEs autonomously collect location information and measurement data, eliminating the need for the network operator to invest in additional positioning hardware for each RRU. This significantly reduces manufacturing and deployment costs while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing UEs serve multiple functions: they act as both communication devices and positioning sensors for the RRU. By utilizing the universal capability of UEs to perform both data transmission and positioning measurements, the system avoids the need for dedicated positioning hardware, thereby reducing costs.
3Measurement precision
If a built-in positioning module is added to the RRU, then the positioning accuracy of the RRU is improved, but the applicability to existing RRUs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the RRU to add positioning capabilities, the patent inverts the approach by having the UE (the receiving end) perform the positioning measurements and provide data back to calculate the RRU's position. This inversion makes the solution compatible with existing RRUs without any hardware modifications, while still achieving accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the UE and base station processing as an intermediary layer between the RRU and the positioning function. This intermediary approach allows existing RRUs to be positioned accurately without modification, as the positioning intelligence is placed in the network infrastructure rather than in the RRU itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning method includes: sending, by a base station, indication information to a plurality of UEs, where the plurality of UEs have an MDT function in a cell covered by a to-be-positioned RRU, and the indication information is used to indicate the plurality of UEs to periodically report location information; obtaining, by the base station within each of at least one time period, time-of-arrival ToA measurement values of N UEs, where the N UEs are some UEs that report the location information in the plurality of UEs, N≥1, and N is an integer; and calculating, by the base station, a location of the to-be-positioned RRU based on M ToA measurement values obtained within the at least one time period and M pieces of location information that are in the received location information and that respectively correspond to the M ToA measurement values, where M≥3, and M is an integer.