Tracking Area Code Determination via Location Ranges
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G NR technology, the large coverage range of base stations makes it difficult for the network to distinguish the country of origin for user equipment (UE) using tracking area codes (TAC), as multiple UEs in different countries may receive the same TAC, leading to challenges in access strategy selection and location tracking.
Innovation Solution
The method involves sending indication information from base stations to user devices, which includes the range of application for tracking area codes, allowing user devices to determine their corresponding TAC based on received TACs and location information, thereby enabling the use of different TACs within the same cell coverage range and improving location accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single tracking area code is broadcast for the entire cell coverage range, then the base station coverage is maintained, but the network cannot distinguish the location of user equipment within the cell
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cell coverage range into multiple tracking area sub-ranges, each associated with a different tracking area code. The base station broadcasts multiple TACs along with indication information specifying the geographic range each TAC applies to. User equipment determines its location by matching its coordinates with the indicated ranges, enabling precise location tracking without increasing base station complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the cell coverage area are assigned different tracking area codes based on their geographic locations. Each TAC is associated with specific geographic coordinates or area boundaries, allowing the system to provide location-specific identification while maintaining overall cell coverage. This enables the network to distinguish UE location without requiring multiple base stations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple tracking area codes are broadcast for different locations within cell coverage, then location accuracy is improved, but the signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station pre-calculates and broadcasts indication information that defines the geographic ranges corresponding to each tracking area code before user equipment needs to determine its location. This indication information includes coordinate boundaries or area descriptors that allow UE to autonomously determine which TAC applies to its current location, eliminating the need for continuous network queries and reducing signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
User equipment autonomously determines its own tracking area code by comparing its location coordinates with the indication information received from the base station. The UE independently identifies which TAC range it falls into and uses that TAC for location reporting, without requiring network-side determination or additional signaling exchanges. This self-service approach minimizes signaling overhead while maintaining accurate location tracking.
3Measurement precision
If the base station broadcasts tracking area codes without location range indication, then the system is simple to operate, but user equipment cannot accurately determine which TAC applies to its location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a geographic dimension to the tracking area code system by broadcasting indication information that associates each TAC with specific geographic coordinates or area boundaries. This transforms the TAC selection from a blind random choice to a location-based deterministic determination. The indication information provides the spatial context needed for UE to accurately match its location with the appropriate TAC, enhancing determination accuracy without significantly complicating system operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for sending and determining a tracking area code (TAC), a device and a storage medium. The method for sending a TAC, applied to a base station device, including: sending indication information of the TAC, the indication information being used for indicating the range of application of at least one TAC.