WLAN Positioning via SUPL Intermediary Access Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless local area networks (WLANs) face challenges in determining the location of terminals and access points, especially when the locations of transmitters are unknown or uncertain, and there is a need for efficient positioning methods that can support multiple wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) techniques, which enable terminals to measure and send signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, and round trip delay information to a SUPL Location Platform, allowing for the determination of location estimates for both terminals and access points across various wireless networks, including WLANs, WWANs, and WMANs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional WLAN positioning methods are used, then positioning can be performed in WLANs, but positioning accuracy deteriorates when transmitter locations are unknown or uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an access point as an intermediary element that receives signals from multiple terminals and relays measurement information to a location server. The access point acts as a trusted mediator that can provide reference signal information and facilitate measurements even when the access point's own location is initially unknown, thereby enabling positioning in uncertain transmitter location scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by having terminals perform measurements of reference signals transmitted by access points before the actual positioning calculation. The location server pre-processes measurement information from multiple terminals and prepares positioning data in advance, which improves accuracy even when transmitter locations are uncertain
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple positioning methods are implemented to improve location determination, then positioning versatility increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal positioning framework based on SUPL that can handle multiple positioning methods (signal strength-based, time-based, hybrid) through a common architecture. The location server and measurement procedures are designed to be method-agnostic, allowing the same system infrastructure to support different positioning techniques without requiring separate dedicated systems for each method
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables flexibility by allowing dynamic selection and adjustment of positioning parameters such as measurement types (signal strength, time of arrival, round trip time), number of reference signals, and processing methods. The system can adapt parameters based on available resources, accuracy requirements, and network conditions, achieving versatility through parameter configuration rather than structural complexity
3Measurement precision
If signal strength and timing measurements are collected from multiple terminals, then positioning accuracy improves, but information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential positioning-relevant information from terminal measurements, such as reference signal received power (RSRP), time of arrival (TOA), and round trip time (RTT). The location server selectively processes only the necessary measurement data required for positioning calculations, filtering out unnecessary information and reducing processing requirements while maintaining accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques to support positioning for access points and terminals in WLANs and other wireless networks are described. In one aspect, WLAN positioning is supported with Secure User Plane Location (SUPL). A terminal obtains measurements for an access point in a WLAN and/or receives measurements made by the access point for the terminal. The terminal determines WLAN AP information for the access point and/or the terminal based on the measurements and sends the WLAN AP information to a SUPL Location Platform (SLP). The SLP determines a location estimate for the terminal based on the WLAN AP information. In another aspect, the terminal receives supported network information from the SLP. The terminal obtains network measurement information (e.g., measurements) for a radio access network and determines which particular network measurement information to send based on the supported network information. The terminal sends network measurement information permitted by the supported network information to the SLP.