FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
“SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING LOCATION OF A
USER EQUIPMENT (UE) IN A NETWORK ENVIRONMENT”
We, Jio Platforms Limited, an Indian National, of Office - 101, Saffron, Nr.
Centre Point, Panchwati 5 Rasta, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad - 380006, Gujarat,
India.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in
which it is to be performed.
2
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING LOCATION OF A USER
EQUIPMENT (UE) IN A NETWORK ENVIRONMENT
5 FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of
wireless communication systems. More particularly, embodiments of the present
disclosure relate to methods and systems for determining location of a user
10 equipment (UE) in a network environment.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The following description of the related art is intended to provide
15 background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may
include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the
present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section is used only
to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure,
and not an admission of the prior art.
20
[0003] Wireless communication technology has rapidly evolved over the
past few decades, with each generation bringing significant improvements and
advancements. The first generation of wireless communication technology was
based on analog technology and offered only voice services. However, with the
25 advent of the second-generation (2G) technology, digital communication and data
services became possible, and text messaging was introduced. 3G technology
marked the introduction of high-speed internet access, mobile video calling, and
location-based services. The fourth generation (4G) technology revolutionized
wireless communication with faster data speeds, better network coverage, and
30 improved security. Currently, the fifth generation (5G) technology is being
3
deployed, promising even faster data speeds, low latency, and the ability to connect
multiple devices simultaneously. With each generation, wireless communication
technology has become more advanced, sophisticated, and capable of delivering
more services to its users.
5
[0004] Accurate positioning of UE in a network environment has become
increasingly critical due to the growing demand for location-based services,
emergency services, and enhanced user experiences. Traditionally, positioning
methods in wireless networks have relied on techniques such as Global Navigation
10 Satellite System (GNSS), Cell ID-based positioning, and triangulation using signals
from multiple network cells. However, these methods have inherent limitations,
including a dependence on line-of-sight conditions, inconsistent levels of accuracy,
and an increased power consumption in mobile devices.
15 [0005] Enhanced Cell ID (ECID) positioning is one of the methods used to
determine the location of a UE in a cellular network. This method utilizes
information from the network, such as the Reference Signal Received Power
(RSRP) and Timing Advance (TA) values, to estimate the distance between the UE
and the serving network cell (gNB). While ECID provides an improvement over
20 basic Cell ID positioning by incorporating signal strength and timing information,
it still faces challenges in achieving high levels of accuracy, especially in
environments with dense network deployments and varied terrain.
[0006] Thus, there exists an imperative need in the art to develop a method
25 and a system determining location of a UE in a network environment.
SUMMARY
[0007] This section is provided to introduce certain aspects of the present
30 disclosure in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed
4
description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope
of the claimed subject matter.
[0008] An aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a method for
determining location of a 5 UE in a network environment. The method includes
receiving, at a transceiver unit of a network node a location request of the UE. The
method further includes processing, by a processing unit of the network node, a
plurality of network parameters received from at least one network cell based on
the location request. The method further includes determining, by the processing
10 unit of the network node, one or more locations of the UE based on each of the
processed plurality of network parameters. The method further includes calculating,
by the processing unit of the network node, one or more distances between the
determined one or more locations of the UE and the at least one network cell. The
method further includes calculating, by the processing unit of the network node, a
15 mean distance between the UE and the at least one network cell based on the
calculated one or more distances, to determine the location of the UE.
[0009] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the location request
is received from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).
20
[0010] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one
network cell comprises a serving cell.
[0011] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of
25 network parameters comprises at least a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP)
value and a Timing Advance (TA2) value.
[0012] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further
comprises processing, by the processing unit of the network node, an Enhanced Cell
30 ID (ECID) request for the UE and network cell measurements.
5
[0013] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the network node
is a Location Management Function (LMF) node.
[0014] Another aspect 5 of the present disclosure may relate to a system for
determining location of a UE in a network environment. The system comprises a
transceiver unit, configured to receive, at a network node, a location request of the
UE. The system further comprises a processing unit connected to at least the
transceiver unit. The processing unit is configured to process, at the network node,
10 a plurality of network parameters received from at least one network cell based on
the location request. The processing unit is further configured to determine, at the
network node, one or more locations of the UE based on each of the processed
plurality of network parameters. The processing unit is further configured to
calculate, at the network node, one or more distances between the determined one
15 or more locations of the UE and the at least one network cell. The processing unit
is further configured to calculate, at the network node, a mean distance between the
UE and the at least one network cell based on the calculated one or more distances,
to determine the location of the UE.
20 [0015] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a nontransitory
computer readable storage medium, storing instructions for determining
location of a UE in a network environment, the instructions including executable
code which, when executed by one or more units of a system, causes: a transceiver
unit, to receive, at a network node, a location request of the UE. The instructions
25 when executed further causes the processing unit to process, at the network node, a
plurality of network parameters received from at least one network cell based on
the location request. The instructions when executed further causes the processing
unit to determine, at the network node, one or more locations of the UE based on
each of the processed plurality of network parameters. The instructions when
30 executed further causes the processing unit to calculate one or more distances
6
between the determined one or more locations of the UE and the at least one
network cell. The instructions when executed further causes the processing unit to
calculate, at the network node, a mean distance between the UE and the at least one
network cell based on the calculated one or more distances, to determine the
5 location of the UE.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one
10 embodiment disclosed herein satisfies are listed herein below.
[0017] It is an object of the invention to accurately determine position of a user
equipment by utilizing serving cell information and neighbouring cell information.
15 [0018] Another object of the invention is to ensure better accuracy by utilizing
RSRP and TA2 values.
[0019] Yet another object of the invention is for enhancement in the Location
Mobility Function (LMF) where the Enhanced Cell ID (ECID) positioning method
20 is used in order to get measurements related with gNodeBs.
[0020] It is yet another object of the invention for the LMF to receive RSRP
and Timing Advance (TA2) values from gNB such that the LMF utilizes this
information to calculate the distance between UE and gNB based on RSRP as well
25 as TA2 separately.
[0021] It is also the object of the invention such that the LMF uses this
information to find the mean distance between the UE and gNB.
7
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and
constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the
disclosed methods and systems 5 in which like reference numerals refer to the same
parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not
necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the
principles of the present disclosure. Also, the embodiments shown in the figures are
not to be construed as limiting the disclosure, but the possible variants of the method
10 and system according to the disclosure are illustrated herein to highlight the
advantages of the disclosure. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
disclosure of such drawings includes disclosure of electrical components or
circuitry commonly used to implement such components.
15 [0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of 5th
generation core (5GC) network architecture.
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing device
upon which the features of the present disclosure may be implemented in
20 accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system for
determining location of a UE in a network environment, in accordance with
exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.
25
[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a method flow diagram for determining location of a
UE in a network environment, in accordance with exemplary implementations of
the present disclosure.
8
[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary process flow diagram for determining
location of a UE in a network environment, in accordance with exemplary
implementations of the present disclosure.
[0028] The foregoing 5 shall be more apparent from the following more detailed
description of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
10 [0029] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of
embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that
embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific
details. Several features described hereafter may each be used independently of one
15 another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not
address any of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the
problems discussed above.
[0030] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is
20 not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure.
Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those
skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary
embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the
function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope
25 of the disclosure as set forth.
[0031] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a
thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these
30 specific details. For example, circuits, systems, processes, and other components
9
may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the
embodiments in unnecessary detail.
[0032] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a
process which is depicted as a 5 flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a
structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the
operations as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in
parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged.
A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional
10 steps not included in a figure.
[0033] The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean
serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the
subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any
15 aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not
necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or
designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques
known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms
“includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed
20 description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive—in a manner
similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word—without precluding
any additional or other elements.
[0034] As used herein, a “processing unit” or “processor” or “operating
25 processor” includes one or more processors, wherein processor refers to any logic
circuitry for processing instructions. A processor may be a general-purpose
processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal
processor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in
association with a (Digital Signal Processing) DSP core, a controller, a
30 microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Field Programmable
10
Gate Array circuits, any other type of integrated circuits, etc. The processor may
perform signal coding data processing, input/output processing, and/or any other
functionality that enables the working of the system according to the present
disclosure. More specifically, the processor or processing unit is a hardware
5 processor.
[0035] As used herein, “a user equipment”, “a user device”, “a smart-userdevice”,
“a smart-device”, “an electronic device”, “a mobile device”, “a handheld
device”, “a wireless communication device”, “a mobile communication device”, “a
10 communication device” may be any electrical, electronic and/or computing device
or equipment, capable of implementing the features of the present disclosure. The
user equipment/device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, smart
phone, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant,
tablet computer, wearable device or any other computing device which is capable
15 of implementing the features of the present disclosure. Also, the user device may
contain at least one input means configured to receive an input from at least one of
a transceiver unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, a detection unit and any other
such unit(s) which are required to implement the features of the present disclosure.
20 [0036] As used herein, “storage unit” or “memory unit” refers to a machine or
computer-readable medium including any mechanism for storing information in a
form readable by a computer or similar machine. For example, a computer-readable
medium includes read-only memory (“ROM”), random access memory (“RAM”),
magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices or other
25 types of machine-accessible storage media. The storage unit stores at least the data
that may be required by one or more units of the system to perform their respective
functions.
[0037] As used herein “interface” or “user interface” refers to a shared
30 boundary across which two or more separate components of a system exchange
11
information or data. The interface may also refer to a set of rules or protocols that
define communication or interaction of one or more modules or one or more units
with each other, which also includes the methods, functions, or procedures that may
be called.
5
[0038] All modules, units, components used herein, unless explicitly excluded
herein, may be software modules or hardware processors, the processors being a
general-purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor,
a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more
10 microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller,
Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Array
circuits (FPGA), any other type of integrated circuits, etc.
[0039] As used herein the transceiver unit includes at least one receiver and at
15 least one transmitter configured respectively for receiving and transmitting data,
signals, information or a combination thereof between units/components within the
system and/or connected with the system.
[0040] As discussed in the background section, the current known solutions
20 have several shortcomings. The present disclosure aims to overcome the abovementioned
and other existing problems in this field of technology by providing a
method and system for determining a location of a UE in a network environment.
[0041] As used herein, Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) value refers
25 to a measure of the received power level in cell network such as but not limited to
cells of 4G network, 5G network or 6G network, but not limited to, other
communication network may also be possible. The greater the RSRP value, the
stronger the cellular signal.
12
[0042] As used herein, Timing Advance Type 2 (TA2) refers to a transmission
method to control the Uplink Transmission timing of Individual UE. It is applicable
to the following: physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), physical uplink control
channel (PUCCH) and sounding reference signal. The reason the timing advance
(TA 2) method is useful is because it 5 helps to ensure that transmission from all user
equipment (UEs) are synchronised when received by the eNodeB/gNodeB. The TA
value depends on the specific signal propagation delay for each UE, resulting in
unique TA values for different UEs.
10 [0043] As used herein, the Enhanced Cell ID (ECID) request Enhanced Cell
ID (E-CID) refers to positioning method which use additional UE and/or
Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) and/or NGRAN
radio resource radio resource measurements and other measurements to
improve the UE location estimate.
15
[0044] As used herein, Location Management Function (LMF) refers to a
network entity responsible for determining the geographic position of User
Equipment (UE) by processing location data, such as the Enhanced Cell ID (ECID),
Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), and Timing Advance (TA). The LMF
20 coordinates with other network components to accurately estimate the UE's
location, supporting services that require precise positioning information.
[0045] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
25
[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of 5th
generation core (5GC) network architecture, in accordance with exemplary
implementation of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the 5GC network
architecture [100] includes a UE [102], a radio access network (RAN) [104], an
30 Access And Mobility Management Function (AMF) [106], a Location Management
13
Function [106a], a Session Management Function (SMF) [108], a Service
Communication Proxy (SCP) [110], an Authentication Server Function (AUSF)
[112], a Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function
(NSSAAF) [114], a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) [116], a Network
Exposure 5 Function (NEF) [118], a Network Repository Function (NRF) [120], a
Policy Control Function (PCF) [122], a Unified Data Management (UDM) [124],
an application function (AF) [126], a User Plane Function (UPF) [128], a data
network (DN) [130], a Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GMLC) [132], Location
service client [134] wherein all the components are assumed to be connected to each
10 other in a manner as obvious to the person skilled in the art for implementing
features of the present disclosure.
[0047] Radio Access Network (RAN) [104] is the part of a mobile
telecommunications system that connects UE [102] to the core network (CN) and
15 provides access to different types of networks (e.g., 5G network). It consists of radio
base stations and the radio access technologies that enable wireless communication.
[0048] Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) [106] is a 5G core
network function responsible for managing access and mobility aspects, such as UE
20 registration, connection, and reachability. It also handles mobility management
procedures like handovers and paging.
[0049] Location Management Function (LMF) [106a] is a component within
the 5G Core Network architecture which is responsible for managing the location
25 of mobile devices within the network environment. Here, the mobile devices may
include, without limitations, smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, within the mobile
network. In an exemplary aspect, NL1 interface connects the LMF [106a] to the UE
[102]. Specifically, the NL1 interface is configured to provide a connection between
the LMF [106a] and the AMF [106], and via the AMF [106] to the UE [102].
30
14
[0050] Furthermore, the Location Management Function (LMF) [106a]
supports functionalities, such as but without being limited to, obtaining downlink
location measurements or a location estimate from the UE [102], obtaining uplink
location measurements from the NG RAN, obtaining non-UE associated assistance
data from the NG RAN, providing 5 broadcast assistance data to UEs and forwarding
associated ciphering keys to an AMF [106].
[0051] Session Management Function (SMF) [108] is a 5G core network
function responsible for managing session-related aspects, such as establishing,
10 modifying, and releasing sessions. It coordinates with the User Plane Function
(UPF) for data forwarding and handles IP address allocation and QoS enforcement.
[0052] Service Communication Proxy (SCP) [110] is a network function in the
5G core network that facilitates communication between other network functions
15 by providing a secure and efficient messaging service. It acts as a mediator for
service-based interfaces.
[0053] Authentication Server Function (AUSF) [112] is a network function in
the 5G core responsible for authenticating UEs during registration and providing
20 security services. It generates and verifies authentication vectors and tokens.
[0054] Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function
(NSSAAF) [114] is a network function that provides authentication and
authorization services specific to network slices. It ensures that UEs can access only
25 the slices for which they are authorized.
[0055] Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) [116] is a network function
responsible for selecting the appropriate network slice for a UE based on factors
such as subscription, requested services, and network policies.
30
15
[0056] Network Exposure Function (NEF) [118] is a network function that
exposes capabilities and services of the 5G network to external applications,
enabling integration with third-party services and applications.
[0057] Network Repository 5 Function (NRF) [120] is a network function that
acts as a central repository for information about available network functions and
services. It facilitates the discovery and dynamic registration of network functions.
[0058] Policy Control Function (PCF) [122] is a network function responsible
10 for policy control decisions, such as QoS, charging, and access control, based on
subscriber information and network policies.
[0059] Unified Data Management (UDM) [124] is a network function that
centralizes the management of subscriber data, including authentication,
15 authorization, and subscription information.
[0060] Application Function (AF) [126] is a network function that represents
external applications interfacing with the 5G core network to access network
capabilities and services.
20
[0061] User Plane Function (UPF) [128] is a network function responsible for
handling user data traffic, including packet routing, forwarding, and QoS
enforcement.
25 [0062] Data Network (DN) [130] refers to a network that provides data services
to UE in a telecommunications system. The data services may include but are not
limited to Internet services, private data network related services.
[0063] Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GMLC) [132] is the network entity
30 in the 5G Core Network (5GC) supporting Location Services (LCS). Within the
16
5GC, the GMLC offers services to the AMF, GMLC and NEF. As used herein,
Location services (LCS) are location-based services, with the goal of obtaining
information of where the mobile is (location information). With the standardization
of the format of the location information (latitude and longitude) the operators can
offer different types 5 of services. And these services can be used in several ways, as
for pricing, legal requirements such as intercept, location services, emergency call
services, among others.
[0064] Location services (LCS) client [134] is a software and/or hardware
10 entity that interacts with a LCS Server for the purpose of obtaining location
information for one or more Mobile Stations. LCS Clients subscribe to LCS in order
to obtain location information. LCS Clients may or may not interact with human
users. The LCS Client is responsible for formatting and presenting data and
managing the user interface.
15
[0065] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing device
[200] (also referred to herein as computer system [200]) upon which the features of
the present disclosure may be implemented in accordance with exemplary
implementation of the present disclosure. In an implementation, the computing
20 device [200] may also implement a method for utilising the system. In another
implementation, the computing device [200] itself implements the method for
determining a location of a UE in a network environment using one or more units
configured within the computing device [200], wherein said one or more units are
capable of implementing the features as disclosed in the present disclosure.
25
[0066] The computing device [200] may include a bus [202] or other
communication mechanism for communicating information, and a hardware
processor [204] coupled with bus [202] for processing information. The hardware
processor [204] may be, for example, a general-purpose microprocessor. The
30 computing device [200] may also include a main memory [206], such as a random17
access memory (RAM), or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus [202]
for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor [204]. The
main memory [206] also may be used for storing temporary variables or other
intermediate information during execution of the instructions to be executed by the
processor [204]. Such instructions, 5 when stored in non-transitory storage media
accessible to the processor [204], render the computing device [200] into a specialpurpose
machine that is customized to perform the operations specified in the
instructions. The computing device [200] further includes a read only memory
(ROM) [208] or other static storage device coupled to the bus [202] for storing static
10 information and instructions for the processor [204].
[0067] A storage device [210], such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or solidstate
drive is provided and coupled to the bus [202] for storing information and
instructions. The computing device [200] may be coupled via the bus [202] to a
15 display [212], such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), Liquid crystal Display (LCD),
Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, Organic LED (OLED) display, etc. for
displaying information to a computer user. An input device [214], including
alphanumeric and other keys, touch screen input means, etc. may be coupled to the
bus [202] for communicating information and command selections to the processor
20 [204]. Another type of user input device may be a cursor controller [216], such as
a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys, for communicating direction
information and command selections to the processor [204], and for controlling
cursor movement on the display [212]. This input device typically has two degrees
of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y), that allow
25 the device to specify positions in a plane.
[0068] The computing device [200] may implement the techniques described
herein using customized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware
and/or program logic which in combination with the computing device [200] causes
30 or programs the computing device [200] to be a special-purpose machine.
According to one implementation, the techniques herein are performed by the
18
computing device [200] in response to the processor [204] executing one or more
sequences of one or more instructions contained in the main memory [206]. Such
instructions may be read into the main memory [206] from another storage medium,
such as the storage device [210]. Execution of the sequences of instructions
contained in the main memory 5 [206] causes the processor [204] to perform the
process steps described herein. In alternative implementations of the present
disclosure, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with
software instructions.
10 [0069] The computing device [200] also may include a communication
interface [218] coupled to the bus [202]. The communication interface [218]
provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link [220] that is
connected to a local network [222]. For example, the communication interface
[218] may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem,
15 satellite modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a
corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, the communication
interface [218] may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data
communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also be
implemented. In any such implementation, the communication interface [218]
20 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital
data streams representing various types of information.
[0070] The computing device [200] can send messages and receive data,
including program code, through the network(s), the network link [220] and the
25 communication interface [218]. In the Internet example, a server [230] might
transmit a requested code for an application program through the Internet [228], the
ISP [226], the local network [222], host [224] and the communication interface
[218]. The received code may be executed by the processor [204] as it is received,
and/or stored in the storage device [210], or other non-volatile storage for later
30 execution.
19
[0071] The computing device [200] encompasses a wide range of electronic
devices capable of processing data and performing computations. Examples of
computing device [200] include, but are not limited only to, personal computers,
laptops, tablets, 5 smartphones, servers, and embedded systems. The devices may
operate independently or as part of a network and can perform a variety of tasks
such as data storage, retrieval, and analysis. Additionally, computing device [200]
may include peripheral devices, such as monitors, keyboards, and printers, as well
as integrated components within larger electronic systems, showcasing their
10 versatility in various technological applications.
[0072] Referring to FIG 3, an exemplary block diagram of a system [300] for
determining a location of a UE in a network environment, is shown, in accordance
with the exemplary implementations of the present disclosure. The system [300]
15 comprises at least one network node [300a], at least one transceiver unit [302], at
least one UE [102], at least one processing unit [304], at least one storage unit [306]
and at least one gNodeB [308]. Also, all of the components/ units of the system
[300] are assumed to be connected to each other unless otherwise indicated below.
As shown in the figures all units shown within the system should also be assumed
20 to be connected to each other. Also, in FIG. 3 only a few units are shown, however,
the system [300] may comprise multiple such units or the system [300] may
comprise any such numbers of said units, as required to implement the features of
the present disclosure. Further, in an implementation, the system [300] may be
present in a user device to implement the features of the present disclosure. The
25 system [300] may be a part of the user device / or may be independent of but in
communication with the user device (may also referred herein as a UE [102]). In
another implementation, the system [300] may reside in a server or a network entity.
In yet another implementation, the system [300] may reside partly in the server/
network entity and partly in the user device.
30
20
[0073] The system [300] is configured for determining a location of a UE in a
network environment, with the help of the interconnection between the
components/units of the system [300].
[0074] The system comprises 5 a transceiver unit [302] which is configured to
receive, at a network node [300a], a location request of the UE [102]. In an
exemplary aspect, the transceiver unit [302] receives a location request of the user
equipment for authorizing UE [102] to access network node services. In an
exemplary aspect, the location request may include a UE identifier such as but not
10 limited to an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), International Mobile
Equipment Identity (IMEI), Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) etc. The
network node [300a] is a LMF [106a]. In an exemplary aspect, LMF [106a] is
responsible for managing the location of user equipment such as smartphones,
tablets, IoT devices, within the mobile network. By tracking the current location of
15 these devices, the LMF [106a] ensures that calls, data transfers, and other services
are correctly routed to the appropriate location. In an exemplary aspect, the network
node [300a] is connected to a gNodeB [308]. In another aspect, the network node
[300a] receives measurement data from gNodeB [308] i.e. uplink measurements.
20 [0075] In an exemplary aspect, the LMF [106a] provides to the other network
functions (NFs) the location of the UE [102] in the form of service such as,
Nlmf_Location. As used herein, Nlmf_Location service allows an NF to request
location determination (including current geodetic and local location) for a target
UE [102] or to request periodic or triggered location for a target UE [102].
25 Furthermore, Nlmf_Location provides additional services such as
DetermineLocation service to provide the UE [102] location information to a
consumer NF; EventNotify service to notify the consumer NF of an event relating
to a target UE; CancelLocation service to enable the consumer NF to cancel an
ongoing periodic or triggered event for the target UE [102]; and
30 LocationContextTransfer service to enable the consumer NF to transfer location
context information for a periodic or a triggered event of the target UE [102], to the
21
LMF [106a]. It may be appreciated that, while above description provides some
exemplary services that the LMF provides, it is by no means a limit to location
related service that the LMF may provide, and all of the potential functionalities of
the LMF, as known by persons skilled in the art, may be considered to be within
5 the scope of the present disclosure.
[0076] In an exemplary aspect, DetermineLocation service retrieves UE [102]
location and further retrieves UE [102] location for 5G-MO-LR.
10 [0077] In an exemplary aspect, the location request is received from the AMF
[106]. The location request is received at the transceiver unit [302] from the access
and mobility management function (AMF) which is responsible for maintaining
data of UE [102] location within the network, managing mobility tracking area
updates of UE [102] and handling handovers between gNB network cells.
15
[0078] The system [300] further comprises a processing unit [304] connected
to at least the transceiver unit. The processing unit [304] is configured to process,
at the network node [300a], a plurality of network parameters received from at least
one network cell based on the location request. The network cell comprises a
20 serving cell. The network cells may be, for example, cells of 4G network, 5G
network or 6G network. The network cells are also referred to herein as cell tower,
radio access node, and base station. In an exemplary aspect, the processing unit
[304] processes plurality of network parameters from at least one serving cell and
at least one neighboring cell based on the location request that was received by the
25 transceiver unit [302]. The plurality of network parameters comprises at least a
Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) value and a Timing Advance (TA2)
value. In an exemplary aspect, the processing unit [304] processes network
parameters such as RSRP value that are received from at least one serving cell and
at least one neighbour cell. The processing unit [304] at the network node [300a],
30 then calculates the location of user equipment or an area where the UE [102] is
22
located using the processed RSRP value. In an exemplary aspect, the processing
unit [304] processes another network parameters such as the timing advance (TA2)
value that are received from at least one serving cell and at least one neighbour cell.
The LMF [106a] then calculates, using the processing unit [304] the location of user
5 equipment or an area where the UE [102] is located.
[0079] For example, when the network node receives data from the UE, it
might receive parameters like Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and
Timing Advance (TA) from nearby network cells. To process these parameters, the
10 processing unit [304] would analyse the RSRP to estimate how far the UE is located
from each tower based on signal strength and use the TA to further refine the
estimated location by calculating the time it takes for signals to travel between the
UE and the tower. By combining these processed parameters, the system can more
accurately pinpoint the UE's location.
15
[0080] The processing unit [304] is further configured to determine, at the
network node [300a], one or more locations of the UE [102] based on each of the
processed plurality of network parameters. In an exemplary aspect, the processing
unit [304] determines the one or more location of the UE [102] using the processed
20 network parameters such as RSRP value and TA2 value. The processed network
parameters are calculated separately and later analysed to determine the exact
location of the UE [102] in a network environment. After receiving and analysing
data such as Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and Timing Advance (TA2)
from the network's cells, the processing unit [304] utilizes these processed
25 parameters to accurately estimate the UE's location within a specific area. For
example, when the UE [102] is active within a network, the gNodeBs (gNBs)
serving the area transmit RSRP and TA2 values to the network node [300a]. The
processing unit [304] processes these parameters to calculate the distance from the
UE [102] to each gNB. By using these distance estimates, the processing unit [304]
30 can identify a location or an area where the UE [102] is likely situated. Further, if
the RSRP indicates that the UE [102] is closer to a particular gNB and the TA2
23
value supports this, the processing unit [304] will determine that the UE [102] is
within a specific radius of that gNB. It can further refine this location area by
considering the parameters from neighbouring gNBs, cross-referencing the distance
calculations to narrow down the possible location of the UE [102].
5
[0081] In an embodiment, the processing unit [304] can consider historical data
or patterns in the movement of the UE to predict its current location area more
accurately. For instance, if the UE has been moving in a certain direction and the
processed parameters align with this movement, the processing unit might adjust
10 the location area accordingly.
[0082] The processing unit [304] is further configured to calculate, at the
network node [300a], one or more distances between the determined one or more
locations of the UE [102] and the at least one network cell.
15
[0083] In an exemplary aspect, the processing unit [304] at the network node
[300a], calculates one or more distances between the determined one or more
locations of the UE [102] and the at least one network cell. The processing unit
[304] after determining one or more locations of the UE [102] based on the
20 processed plurality of network parameters like RSRP value and TA2 value,
calculates corresponding distances from the UE [102] to the at least one network
cell. In an embodiment, the at least one network cell is one that is serving the UE
[102].
25 [0084] The processing unit [304] is further configured to calculate, at the
network node [300a], a mean distance between the UE [102] and the at least one
network cell based on the calculated one or more distances of the UE [102] from
the processed plurality of network parameters like RSRP value and TA2 value. In
an embodiment, the mean value of the one or more calculated distances is used to
30 determine the location of the UE [102].
24
[0085] The processing unit [304] at network node [300a] calculates the mean
distance between the UE [102] and multiple network cells to determine the UE’s
[102] location within a defined location area. In an exemplary aspect, the processing
unit [304] after processing 5 network parameters like RSRP value and TA2 value,
calculates individual distances from the UE [102] to each serving cell and
neighbour cell. Then, the processing unit [304] takes an average of these distances
to obtain the mean distance to estimate the UE’s [102] location within the location
area of the network environment.
10
[0086] The processing unit [304] is further configured to process an Enhanced
Cell ID (ECID) request for the UE [102] and network cell measurements. In an
exemplary aspect, the processing unit [304] processes the ECID request by
measuring/calculating a round-trip time (RTT) between the network cells and the
15 UE [102]. Furthermore, the processing unit [304] processes network cell
measurements that include one or more serving cell measurements and one or more
neighbour cell measurements. Once the processing unit [304] has determined the
location area of the UE based on processed network parameters such as Reference
Signal Received Power (RSRP) and Timing Advance (TA2), it proceeds to
20 calculate the mean distance between the UE [102] and the network cells that are
contributing these parameters. The mean distance is essentially the average distance
from the UE to the various gNodeBs (gNBs) or cells that have been considered in
the initial location area determination. For example, if the UE [102] is within range
of three different gNBs, and the processing unit [304] has calculated individual
25 distances to each gNB based on the RSRP and TA2 values, the processing unit will
then compute the mean of these distances. Suppose the distances to the three gNBs
are 500 meters, 600 meters, and 550 meters. The processing unit calculates the mean
distance as (500 + 600 + 550) / 3 = 550 meters. This mean distance provides a more
stable and accurate estimate of the UE's position, as it balances the variations in
30 distance readings from different cells.
25
[0087] In an exemplary aspect, the processing unit [304] processes the
Enhanced Cell ID (ECID) request that includes downlink E-CID positioning
procedures to support E-CID related measurements obtained by the UE [102] and
provided to the LMF [106a] using LPP. The term "downlink" is intended to indicate
that from the LMF 5 [106a] perspective the involved measurements are provided by
the UE [102]; this set of procedures might also be considered as "UE [102] -assisted,
LMF [106a] -based ECID".
[0088] In an exemplary aspect, the processing unit [304] processes parameters
10 in the form of information related to network cells such as but not limited only to
LMF [106a] initiated location information transfer showing the location
information transfer operations for the E-CID method when the procedure is
initiated by the LMF [106a].
15 [0089] In an exemplary aspect, the processing unit [304] processes the
information that may be signalled from UE [102] to the LMF [106a]. The
information includes information such as but not limited only to Evolved Cell
Global Identifier (ECGI)/Physical Cell ID, E-UTRA Reference signal received
power (RSRP), E-UTRA Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) and UE E20
UTRA Rx – Tx time difference.
[0090] In an exemplary aspect, the processing unit [304] measurements related
to E-CID measurements obtained by the NG-RAN node and provided to the LMF
using NRPPa. The term "uplink" is intended to indicate that from the LMF point of
25 view, the involved measurements are provided by the NG-RAN node; this set of
procedures might also be considered as "NGRAN node-assisted E-CID".
[0091] In an exemplary aspect, the processing unit [304] processes LMF [106a]
initiated position measurement that shows the position measurement operations for
30 the uplink E-CID method when the procedure is initiated by the LMF [106a].
26
[0092] In an exemplary aspect, the processing unit [304] processes E-CID
measurement initiation procedure to allow the LMF [106a] to request the NG-RAN
node to report ECID measurements used by LMF [106a] to compute the location of
5 the UE [102].
[0093] In an exemplary aspect, the processing unit [304] processes E-CID
measurement report procedure is for the NG-RAN node to provide the E-CID
measurements for the UE [102] to the LMF [106a].
10
[0094] In an exemplary aspect, the processing unit [304] processes the E-CID
measurement result information element to provide the E-CID measurement result.
[0095] In an exemplary aspect, the storage unit [306] stores data related to the
15 calculated mean distance between the UE [102] that is further used to determine the
accurate UE’s [102] position in one or more locations.
[0096] The mean distance is useful in cases where the UE is equidistant from
multiple cells or when signal conditions are such that no single cell provides a clear
20 indication of proximity. By calculating the mean distance, the processing unit [304]
mitigates the effect of any anomalies or outliers in the distance data from individual
cells, leading to a more reliable location estimate. For example, if the UE [102] is
moving through a network area with varying signal strengths, the processing unit
[304] might calculate a mean distance using dynamic data. As the UE moves closer
25 to or farther from certain cells, the mean distance calculation will adapt, providing
a continuously updated and accurate location. This real-time adjustment is crucial
in applications like navigation or emergency response, where the exact location of
the UE must be tracked closely.
27
[0097] In an aspect, once the ECID data is processed by the network node,
particularly the Location Management Function (LMF), it is utilized in several key
steps to refine and finalize the UE's location.
[0098] After 5 processing the ECID data, which includes parameters like
Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and Timing Advance (TA2), the network
node uses this information to refine the UE's location area. The ECID processing
allows the system to pinpoint a more accurate location by combining signal strength
and timing information. This refined location area is the foundation for subsequent
10 calculations.
[0099] The processed ECID data is used to calculate the mean distance
between the UE and the network cells (gNodeBs). The processing unit at the
network node takes the individual distances derived from the ECID parameters and
15 computes an average, or mean, distance. This step is essential for smoothing out
anomalies and providing a balanced estimate of the UE’s distance from the cells,
which directly contributes to determining the UE’s precise location.
[0100] With the refined location area and mean distance calculated using the
20 processed ECID data, the system can perform more accurate triangulation. By using
distances from multiple cells, the network node can triangulate the position of the
UE within the refined location area. This step significantly improves the accuracy
of the location estimate, particularly in dense urban environments where multiple
cells contribute to the signal data.
25
[0101] As the UE moves, the ECID data is continuously updated and
processed to reflect changes in signal strength and timing. The processed data is
then used to dynamically adjust the location area and mean distance calculations,
ensuring that the system can track the UE’s position in real-time. This is particularly
28
useful for applications that require continuous monitoring, such as navigation or
emergency services.
[0102] The processed ECID data can also be integrated with other location
determination methods, such as GPS 5 or Wi-Fi-based positioning. By combining the
ECID with these other methods, the system can cross-verify location estimates,
increasing overall accuracy and reliability. For example, if GPS data is temporarily
unavailable or unreliable due to signal blockages, the processed ECID data can
provide a fallback method to maintain accurate location tracking.
10
[0103] Finally, all the information derived from the processed ECID data is
synthesized to produce a final, precise location estimate for the UE. This estimate
is then communicated to relevant network functions or applications, such as
emergency services, location-based services, or mobility management systems.
15
[0104] Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary method flow diagram [400] for
determining a location of a UE in a network environment in accordance with
exemplary implementations of the present disclosure is shown. In an
implementation the method [400] is performed by the system [300]. Further, in an
20 implementation, the system [300] may be present in a server device to implement
the features of the present disclosure. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the method [400]
starts at step [402].
[0105] At step 404, the method comprises receiving, at a transceiver unit [302]
25 of a network node [300a], a location request of the UE [102].
[0106] In an exemplary aspect, the transceiver unit [302] receives a location
request of the user equipment for authorizing UE [102] to access network node
services. In an exemplary aspect, the request may include a UE identifier such as
29
but not limited to an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), International
Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) etc.
[0107] The network node [300a] is a LMF [106a]. In an exemplary aspect,
LMF [106a] is 5 responsible to manage the location of user equipment such as
smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, within the mobile network. By tracking the
current location of these devices, the LMF [106a] ensures that calls, data transfers,
and other services are correctly routed to the appropriate location.
10 [0108] In an exemplary aspect, the location request is received from the AMF
[106]. The location request is received at the transceiver unit [302] from the AMF
[106] which is responsible for maintaining data of UE [102] location within the
network, managing mobility tracking area updates of UE [102] and handling
handovers between gNB network cells .
15
[0109] At step 406, the method [400] comprises processing, by a processing
unit [304] of the network node [300a], a plurality of network parameters received
from at least one network cell based on the location request. The network cell
comprises a serving cell. In an exemplary aspect, the processing unit [304]
20 processes plurality of network parameters from at least one serving cell and at least
one neighboring cell based on the location request that was received by the
transceiver unit [302].
[0110] In an exemplary aspect, the processing unit [304] processes another
25 network parameters such as the timing advance (TA2) value that are received from
at least one serving cell and at least one neighbour cell. The LMF [106a] then
calculates, using the processing unit [304] the location of user equipment or an area
where the UE [102] is located.
30
[0111] The processing unit [304] at the network node utilizes parameters like
RSRP value and TA2 to estimate the UE’s [102] location. By processing these
parameters, the processing unit [304] at the network node may assess distance from
the at least one serving cell and at least one neighbour cell, allowing for more
5 accurate location determination.
[0112] For example, when the network node receives measurement data from
the UE i.e. downlink measurements, it might receive parameters like Reference
Signal Received Power (RSRP) and Timing Advance (TA) from nearby network
10 cells . To process these parameters, the processing unit [304] would analyse the
RSRP to estimate how far the UE is located from each tower based on signal
strength and use the TA to further refine the estimated location by calculating the
time it takes for signals to travel between the UE and the tower. By combining these
processed parameters, the system can more accurately pinpoint the UE's location.
15 In an exemplary aspect, network node [300a] receives measurement data from
gNodeB [308] i.e. uplink measurements, it might receive parameters like Reference
Signal Received Power (RSRP) and Timing Advance (TA) from nearby network
cells.
20 [0113] At step 408, the method [400] comprises determining, by a processing
unit [304] of the network node [300a], one or more locations of the UE [102] based
on each of the processed plurality of network parameters.
[0114] In an exemplary, the processing unit [304] determines the one or more
25 location of the UE [102] using the processed network parameters such as RSRP
value and TA2 value. These processed network parameters are calculated separately
and later analysed to determine exact location of the UE [102] in a network
environment. After receiving and analysing data such as Reference Signal Received
Power (RSRP) and Timing Advance (TA2) from the network's cells, the processing
30 unit [304] utilizes these processed parameters to accurately estimate the UE's
31
location within a specific area. For example, when the UE [102] is active within a
network, the gNodeBs (gNBs) serving the area transmit RSRP and TA2 values to
the network node [300a]. The processing unit [304] processes these parameters to
calculate the distance from the UE [102] to each gNB. By using these distance
estimates, the processing unit 5 [304] can identify a location area where the UE [102]
is likely situated. Further, if the RSRP indicates that the UE [102] is closer to a
particular gNB and the TA2 value supports this, the processing unit [304] will
determine that the UE [102] is within a specific radius of that gNB. It can further
refine this location area by considering the parameters from neighbouring gNBs,
10 cross-referencing the distance calculations to narrow down the possible location of
the UE [102].
[0115] In an embodiment, the processing unit [304] can consider historical data
or patterns in the movement of the UE to predict its current location area more
15 accurately. For instance, if the UE has been moving in a certain direction and the
processed parameters align with this movement, the processing unit might adjust
the location area accordingly.
[0116] At step 410, the method [400] comprises calculating, by the processing
20 unit [304] of the network node [300a], one or more distances between the
determined one or more locations of the UE [102] and the at least one network cell.
[0117] In an exemplary aspect, the processing unit [304] at the network node
[300a], calculates one or more distances between the determined one or more
25 locations of the UE [102] and the at least one network cell. The processing unit
[304] after determining one or more location of the UE [102] based on the processed
plurality of network parameters like RSRP value and TA2 value, calculates
individual distances from the UE [102] to at least one network cell such as but not
limited only to each serving cell and neighbour cell.
30
32
[0118] At step 412, the method [400] comprises calculating, by the processing
unit [304] of the network node [300a], a mean distance between the UE [102] and
the at least one network cell based on the calculated one or more distances to
determine the location of the UE [102].
5
[0119] The processing unit [304] at network node [300a] calculates the mean
distance between the UE [102] and multiple network cells to determine the UE’s
[102] location within a defined location area. In an exemplary aspect, the processing
unit [304] after processing network parameters like RSRP value and TA2 value,
10 calculates individual distances from the UE [102] to each serving cell and
neighbour cell. Then, the processing unit [304] takes an average of these distances
to obtain the mean distance to estimate the UE’s [102] location within the location
area of the network environment.
15 [0120] The method [400] further comprises processing, by the processing unit
[304] of the network node [300a], an Enhanced Cell ID (ECID) request for the UE
[102] and network cell measurements. In an exemplary aspect, the processing unit
[304] processes the ECID request by measuring/calculating a round-trip time (RTT)
between the network cell and the UE [102]. Furthermore, the processing unit [304]
20 processes network cell measurements that include one or more serving cell
measurements and one or more neighbour cell measurements. Once the processing
unit [304] has determined the location area of the UE based on processed network
parameters such as Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and Timing Advance
(TA2), it proceeds to calculate the mean distance between the UE [102] and the
25 network cells that are contributing these parameters. The mean distance is
essentially the average distance from the UE to the various gNodeBs (gNBs) or
cells that have been considered in the initial location area determination. For
example, if the UE [102] is within range of three different gNBs, and the processing
unit [304] has calculated individual distances to each gNB based on the RSRP and
30 TA2 values, the processing unit will then compute the mean of these distances.
Suppose the distances to the three gNBs are 500 meters, 600 meters, and 550
33
meters. The processing unit calculates the mean distance as (500 + 600 + 550) / 3
= 550 meters. This mean distance provides a more stable and accurate estimate of
the UE's position, as it balances the variations in distance readings from different
cells.
5
[0121] The method [400] further comprises storing, by the storage unit [306]
at the network node [300a], data related to the calculated mean distance between
the UE [102] that is further used to determine the accurate UE’s position in one or
more locations.
10
[0122] The mean distance is useful in cases where the UE is equidistant from
multiple cells or when signal conditions are such that no single cell provides a clear
indication of proximity. By calculating the mean distance, the processing unit [304]
mitigates the effect of any anomalies or outliers in the distance data from individual
15 cells, leading to a more reliable location estimate. For example, if the UE [102] is
moving through a network area with varying signal strengths, the processing unit
[304] might calculate a mean distance using dynamic data. As the UE moves closer
to or farther from certain cells, the mean distance calculation will adapt, providing
a continuously updated and accurate location. This real-time adjustment is crucial
20 in applications like navigation or emergency response, where the exact location of
the UE must be tracked closely.
[0123] Thereafter, the method [400] terminates at step [414].
25 [0124] Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary process [500] flow diagram for
determining a location of a UE in a network environment, in accordance with
exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The process is
implemented on access and mobility management function (AMF) [106] and LMF
[106a].
30
34
[0125] At step S1, the process [500] includes sending, by the AMF [106], a
location request. In an exemplary aspect, the location request may include the
Enhanced Cell ID (ECID) request for UE [102].
[0126] At step S2, the process 5 [500] includes sending, by the AMF [106], and
gNodeB [308] measurements i.e., uplink measurements. In an exemplary aspect,
the AMF [106] is configured to provide the measurement about serving and
neighboring gNodeBs [308]. In an exemplary aspect, gNodeB [308] measurements
may include such as but not limited to Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP)
10 and Timing advance 2 (TA2) measurement. In an exemplary aspect the process
[500] includes sending, by the AMF [106], and UE measurements i.e., downlink
measurements.
[0127] At step S3, the process [500] includes receiving, at a LMF [106a], the
15 location request and gNB measurements (RSRP and TA2) in order to determine the
said requests and measurements. The process further comprises processing, at the
LMF [106a], the Enhanced Cell ID (ECID) request for UE [102].
[0128] At step S4, the process [500] includes calculating, at the LMF [106a],
20 the location of UE [102] or area of UE [102] based on Reference Signal Received
Power (RSRP) received from the serving gNodeB.
[0129] At step S5, the process [500] includes calculating, at the LMF [106a],
the location of UE [102] or area of UE [102] based on Timing Advance (TA2)
25 received from the serving gNodeB [308].
[0130] At step S6, the process [500] includes calculating, at the LMF [106a],
an accurate mean distance between UE and gNodeB [308], with the help of two
measurements.
30
35
[0131] At step S7, the process [500] includes sending, by the LMF [106a], a
location response back to the AMF [106]. In an exemplary aspect, the LMF [106a]
sends a location response to the AMF [106] and the AMF [106] retrieves UE
Location. This process allows a consumer NF to request the location information
(geodetic location and, optionally, 5 civic location) for a target UE or to activate
periodic or triggered deferred location for a target UE. In an exemplary aspect, UE
location includes location data various attributes such as but not limited only to
location estimate, accuracy fulfilment indicator, age of location estimate,
positioning data list, the GNSS positioning data list etc.
10
[0132] The present disclosure further discloses a user equipment (UE) [102].
The UE comprises a processor, wherein the processor is configured to receive a
location request from a network node [300a] for determining a location of the user
equipment (UE) [102] in a network environment, wherein the location is
15 determined based on receiving, at a transceiver unit [302] connected to at least the
network node [300a], a location response from the UE [102]; processing, by a
processing unit [304] connected to at least the transceiver unit [302], a plurality of
network parameters received from at least one network cell based on the location
response; determining, by the processing unit [304], one or more locations of the
20 UE [102] based on each of the processed plurality of network parameters;
calculating, by the processing unit [304], one or more distances between the
determined one or more locations of the UE [102] and the at least one network cell;
and calculating, by the processing unit [304], a mean distance between the UE
[102] and the at least one network cell based on the calculated one or more distances
25 to determine the location of the UE [102].
[0133] The present disclosure further discloses a non-transitory computer
readable storage medium storing instructions for determining a location of a UE in
a network environment, the instructions include executable code which, when
30 executed by one or more units of a system, causes: a transceiver unit [302], to
receive, at a network node [300a], a location request of the UE [102]. The
36
instructions when executed further causes the processing unit [304] to process, at
the network node [300a], a plurality of network parameters received from at least
one network cell based on the location request. The instructions when executed
further causes the processing unit [304] to determine, at the network node [300a],
one or more location of 5 the UE [102] based on each of the processed plurality of
network parameters. The instructions when executed further causes the processing
unit [304] to calculate, at the network node [300a], one or more distances between
the determined one or more locations of the UE [102] and the at least one network
cell. The instructions when executed further causes the processing unit [304] to
10 calculate, at the network node [300a], a mean distance between the UE [102] and
the at least one network cell based on the calculated one or more distances to
determine the location of the UE [102].
[0134] As is evident from the above, the present disclosure provides a
15 technically advanced solution for determining a location of a UE in a network
environment. The present solution determines the positioning of the approximate
location of UE while analysing Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) value
and Timing Advance (TA2) values from a serving cell information and the
neighbouring cell information. Furthermore, the present solution provides a
20 solution in which LMF is able to provide better location accuracy of the UE based
on the RSRP values and TA2 values compared to traditional positioning algorithm.
[0135] Further, in accordance with the present disclosure, it is to be
acknowledged that the functionality described for the various components/units can
25 be implemented interchangeably. While specific embodiments may disclose a
particular functionality of these units for clarity, it is recognized that various
configurations and combinations thereof are within the scope of the disclosure. The
functionality of specific units as disclosed in the disclosure should not be construed
as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Consequently, alternative
30 arrangements and substitutions of units, provided they achieve the intended
37
functionality described herein, are considered to be encompassed within the scope
of the present disclosure.
[0136] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the disclosed
implementations, it will be appreciated 5 that many implementations can be made and
that many changes can be made to the implementations without departing from the
principles of the present disclosure. These and other changes in the implementations
of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, whereby it is to
be understood that the foregoing descriptive matter to be implemented is illustrative
10 and non-limiting.

We Claim:

1. A method for determining a location of a user equipment (UE) in a network
environment, comprising:
- receiving, at a transceiver 5 unit [302] of a network node [300a], a location
request of the UE [102];
- processing, by a processing unit [304] of the network node [300a], a
plurality of network parameters received from at least one network cell
based on the location request;
- determining, by the processing unit [304] of the network node [300a], one
or more locations of the UE [102] based on each of the processed plurality
of network parameters;
- calculating, by the processing unit [304] of the network node [300a], one
or more distances between the determined one or more locations of the
UE [102] and the at least one network cell; and
- calculating, by the processing unit [304] of the network node [300a], a
mean distance between the UE [102] and the at least one network cell
based on the calculated one or more distances to determine the location
of the UE [102].

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the location request is received
from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) [106].

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one network cell
comprises a serving cell.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of network
parameters comprises at least a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP)
value and a Timing Advance (TA2) value.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method comprises
processing, by the processing unit [304] of the network node [300a], an
Enhanced Cell ID (ECID) request for the UE and network cell
measurements.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the network node [300a] is a
Location Management Function (LMF) node [106a].

7. A system for determining a location of a user equipment (UE) in a network
environment, the system comprising:
a transceiver unit [302], configured to:
 receive, at a network node [300a], a location request of the UE
[102];
a processing unit [304] connected to at least the transceiver unit, the
processing unit [304] is configured to:
 process, at the network node [300a], a plurality of network
parameters received from at least one network cell based on the
location request;
 determine, at the network node [300a], one or more locations of
the UE [102] based on each of the processed plurality of
network parameters; and
 calculate, at the network node [300a], one or more distances
between the determined one or more locations of the UE [102]
and the at least one network cell.
 calculate, at the network node [300a], a mean distance between
the UE [102] and the at least one network cell based on the
calculated one or more distances to determine the location of the
UE [102].

8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the location request is received
from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) [106].

9. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one network cell
comprises a serving cell.

10. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of network
parameters comprises at least a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP)
value and a Timing Advance (TA2) value.

11. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the processing unit is further
configured to process an Enhanced Cell ID (ECID) request for the UE and
network cell measurements.

12. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the network node [300a] is a
Location Management Function (LMF) node [106a].

13. A User Equipment (UE) [102] comprising a processor, wherein the
processor is configured to
- transmit a location request to a network node [300a] for determining a
location of a user equipment (UE) [102] in a network environment,
wherein for determining the location of the UE process steps comprise:
- receiving, at a transceiver unit [302] connected to at least the
network node [300a], a location request of the UE [102];
- processing, by a processing unit [304] connected to at least the
transceiver unit [302], a plurality of network parameters received
from at least one network cell based on the location request;
- determining, by the processing unit [304], one or more locations of
the UE [102] based on each of the processed plurality of network
parameters;

- calculating, by the processing unit [304], one or more distances
between the determined one or more locations of the UE [102] and
the at least one network cell; and
- calculating, by the processing unit [304], a mean distance between
the UE 5 [102] and the at least one network cell based on the calculated
one or more distances to determine the location of the UE [102].

Dated this 31st day of August 2023