EP4515993A1

EP4515993A1 - Positioning technique

Info

Publication number: EP4515993A1
Application number: EP23723877.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ali Nader; Rui Fan; Philipp BRUHN; Sina MALEKI
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson AB
Current assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson AB
Priority date: 2022-04-29
Filing date: 2023-04-28
Publication date: 2025-03-05
Also published as: WO2023209208A1

Abstract

A technique for supporting positioning of radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) is described. As to a method aspect of the technique performed by a first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) of a radio access network, RAN (910), the method (500) comprises or initiates a step of sending (502) one or more capability messages (1002) before and/or while the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability for positioning radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030). The one or more capability messages (1002) are indicative of at least one of the energy saving mode of the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) and the positioning capability of the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) in the energy saving mode.

Description

Positioning Technique

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a positioning technique. More specifically, and without limitation, methods and devices are provided for positioning radio devices in a radio access network.

Background

A radio network node in a radio access network (RAN) provides radio access, e.g. according to a radio access technology (RAT) defined by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), when the radio network node is in an active mode (i.e., turned on, also referred to as awake). The radio access node may be a so- called gNB for fifth generation New Radio (NR) as the RAT. The radio network node may be turned off (i.e., switch to an energy saving mode, also referred to as a sleeping state) at low or no traffic.

Herein, the RAN may be a cellular RAN. Each radio network node may serve (e.g., provide radio access in) one or more cells. In this context, the radio network node may be in an energy saving mode with respect to at least one of its cells.

However, when there is traffic or a specific service such as positioning, which an awake gNB or cell cannot serve efficiently on its own, it is necessary to turn on one or more neighboring sleeping gNBs or cells again. In current solutions, an awake gNB or any other node in a network (NW) comprising or serving the RAN may either turn on all neighboring sleeping gNBs just for the sake of conducting the requested positioning service (which is quite wasteful in terms of energy) or try to perform the positioning service without waking other nodes at the cost of poorer service outcome (e.g., less positioning accuracy).

Summary

Accordingly, there is a need for a positioning technique so that a sleeping radio network node (e.g., a gNB or a cell) can aid in performing a positioning service with improved quality and/or reduced energy requirement. As to a first network node method aspect, a method performed by a first radio network node of a radio access network (RAN) is provided. The method comprises or initiates a step of sending one or more capability messages before and/or while the first radio network node is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability for positioning radio devices. The one or more capability messages is or are indicative of at least one of

- the energy saving mode of the first radio network node (e.g., with positioning capability) and

- the positioning capability of the first radio network node (e.g., in the energy saving mode).

By sending the one or more capability messages, at least some embodiments of the first radio network node announce their positioning capability, e.g. to aid in the positioning of the radio devices, while the first radio network node is in the energy saving mode.

The energy saving mode with positioning capability (e.g., the positioning capability of the first radio network node in the energy saving mode) may be defined as a mode of any RAN node (e.g., of the first radio network node) in which positioning capability is operable and/or possible and/or enabled and/or performed.

Based on the one or more capability messages before and/or while the first radio network node is in the energy saving mode with positioning capability, at least some embodiments of the first radio network node can assist in the positioning of the radio devices without the need of fully waking up the first radio network node for the sole purpose of the positioning of the radio devices. For example, the positioning of at least one of the radio devices may be performed using one or more embodiments of the first radio network node in the vicinity of the radio device or one or more embodiments of the first radio network node that are neighboring radio network nodes of a second radio network node serving the radio device.

For example, one or more capability messages may be sent before the first radio network node enters the energy saving mode or upon entering the energy saving mode with positioning capability.

The first radio network node may transmit and/or receive reference signals (RSs) for the positioning of the radio devices in the energy saving mode with positioning capability. The energy saving mode may also be referred to as sleeping mode or dormant mode of the first radio network node. For example, the first radio network node may not provide radio access (e.g., not full cell functionality) in the energy saving mode. Alternatively or in addition, the energy saving mode with positioning capability may also be referred to as positioning period.

In an embodiment, the first radio network node may comprise and/or may serve one or multiple cells. Alternatively or in addition, the first radio network node comprises and/or may serve one or multiple transmission and reception points (TRPs). Alternatively or in addition, the first radio network node comprises and/or may serve one or multiple distributed units (DUs). Optionally, at least one of the multiple cells, the multiple TRPs, and the multiple DUs may be in the energy saving mode with positioning capability.

The first radio network node in the energy saving mode (e.g., with or without positioning capability) may encompass that at least one of the multiple cells, the multiple TRPs, and the multiple DUs of the first radio network node is in the energy saving mode (e.g., with and without positioning capability, respectively).

The one or more capability messages may be cell-specific or TRP-specific or DU- specific. For example, different capability messages may be transmitted for different cells or different TRPs or different DUs of the first radio network node. Alternatively or in addition, the one or more capability messages may be indicative of the at least one of the multiple cells, the multiple TRPs, and the multiple DUs that is in the energy saving mode with positioning capability.

The first radio network node may comprise a central unit (CU) and the one or multiple DUs. The first method aspect may be performed by the CU.

In the energy saving mode, the first radio network node may not provide radio access (e.g., not full cell functionality) in each cell or TRP or DU of the first radio network node. The radio access (e.g., the cell functionality) may be reduced or suspended or restricted with respect to at least one or each of the one or multiple cells, or the one or multiple TRPs, or the one or multiple DUs served by the first radio network node. The one or more capability messages may be indicative of the energy saving mode with the positioning capability for a particular cell or TRP or DU of the first radio network node.

The first radio network node may be configured to switch between at least two or all of: an active mode (e.g., in which the first radio network node provides full cell functionality, particularly radio access, to radio devices); the energy saving mode with positioning capability; and an energy saving mode without positioning capability (e.g., a deactivated mode). The deactivated mode may also be referred to as fully asleep.

The first radio network node being in the energy saving mode with positioning capability may also be referred to as the first radio network node being capable of aiding in the positioning of the radio devices. Alternatively or in addition, the positioning of the radio devices may also be referred to as positioning services. Alternatively or in addition, the active mode may include the positioning capability (e.g., upon request and/or depending on configuration of the first radio network node). Herein, any "mode" of the first radio network node may also be referred as a "state" of the first radio network node.

In an embodiment, the first radio network node may provide radio access in an active mode before and/or after being in the energy saving mode. Alternatively or in addition, the first radio network node may refrain from providing radio access in the energy saving mode and/or refrains from responding to a random access preamble in the energy saving mode and/or does not allow the radio devices or a group of the radio devices to camp on the first radio network node or on the at least one of the multiple cells of the first radio network node in the energy saving mode and/or refrains from transmitting essential system information in the energy saving mode.

In the energy saving mode with positioning capability, the first radio network node (or a cell or a TRP or a DU of the first radio network node) may be operative as a transmission point (TP) that provides only reference signals for the positioning of radio devices (e.g., a PRS-only TP) in the downlink (DL) and/or the first radio network node (or a cell or a TRP or a DU of the first radio network node) may be operative as a reception point (RP) that receives only reference signals for the positioning of radio devices (e.g., a SRS-only RP) in the uplink (UL).

The first radio network node in the active mode may encompass that at least one of the multiple cells, the multiple TRPs, and the multiple DUs of the first radio network node is in the active mode.

At least one or each of the active mode and the energy saving mode may relate to (e.g., may relate only to) one or more or all cells or one or more or all TRPs or one or more or all DUs of the first radio network node. For example, a particular cell or TRP or DU of the first radio network node may provide radio access in the active mode, and the same cell or TRP or DU of the first radio network node may refrain from providing radio access in the energy saving mode. Furthermore, in the energy saving mode with positioning capability, the same cell or TRP or DU of the first radio network node may transmit and/or receive the RSs for the positioning.

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise or initiate, in the energy saving mode with positioning capability, a step of transmitting downlink reference signals (DL RSs) to at least one of the radio devices. Alternatively or in addition, the method may further comprise or initiate, in the energy saving mode with positioning capability, a step of receiving uplink reference signals (UL RSs) from at least one of the radio devices.

One or more cells or one or more TRPs or one or more DUs of the first radio network node may transmit the DL RSs to at least one of the radio devices for the positioning. Alternatively or in addition, one or more cells or one or more TRPs or one or more DUs of the first radio network node may receive the UL RSs from at least one of the radio devices for the positioning.

The receiving of UL RSs (e.g., sounding RSs) may comprise reporting the received UL RSs, or a positioning quantity computed based on the received UL RSs, e.g. to the second radio network node (e.g., to the radio network node serving the respective radio device) and/or to the service node. The reporting may also be referred to as UL RS report handling (e.g., SRS report handling).

In an embodiment, the one or more capability messages may be indicative of (or the method may further comprise or initiate a step of receiving a configuration message indicative of) a start time, a duration, an end time, and/or a periodicity for the transmitting of the DL RSs. Alternatively or in addition, the one or more capability messages may be indicative of (or the method may further comprise or initiate a step of receiving a configuration message indicative of) time resources, frequency resources, a bandwidth, spatial resources, a beam, and/or a density in the time domain and/or the frequency domain for the transmitting of the DL RSs. Alternatively or in addition, the one or more capability messages may be indicative of (or the method may further comprise or initiate a step of receiving a configuration message indicative of) a cell, a transmission point (TP), a TRP, and/or at least one of the radio devices for the transmitting of the DL RSs. Alternatively or in addition, the one or more capability messages may be indicative of (or the method may further comprise or initiate the step of receiving a configuration message indicative of) an output power level for the transmitting of the DL RSs. Alternatively or in addition, the one or more capability messages may be indicative of (or the method may further comprise or initiate a step of receiving a configuration message indicative of) a start time, a duration, an end time, and/or a periodicity for the receiving of the UL RSs. Alternatively or in addition, the one or more capability messages may be indicative of (or the method may further comprise or initiate a step of receiving a configuration message indicative of) time resources, frequency resources, a bandwidth, spatial resources, a beam, and/or a density in the time domain and/or the frequency domain for the receiving of the UL RSs. Alternatively or in addition, the one or more capability messages may be indicative of (or the method further comprising or initiating a step of receiving a configuration message indicative of) a cell, a reception point (RP), a TRP, and/or at least one of the radio devices for the receiving of the UL RSs. Alternatively or in addition, the one or more capability messages may be indicative of (or the method may further comprise or initiate a step of receiving a configuration message indicative of) an output power level configured (or to be configured) at the at least one radio device for the UL RSs.

Herein, a list of type A, B, and/or C or a list of type at least one of A, B, and C may encompass any one of A, B, and C, or any subset thereof, or the combination thereof.

The time resources may be periodic or aperiodic.

The configuration message may be received from a service node (e.g., a positioning service node). The service node may be any node involved in, or responsible for, the positioning of the radio devices, e.g., a CN node of a core network (CN) and/or a maintenance node. Alternatively or in addition, the configuration message may be received in the active mode of the first radio network node and/or before (entering) the energy saving mode (with or without positioning capability).

In an embodiment, the transmitted DL RSs and/or the received UL RSs may trigger or enable at least one of the radio devices and/or the first radio network node to compute a positioning quantity. Optionally, the transmitted DL RSs and/or the received UL RSs may trigger computing at least one of: a timing advance (TA), a round-trip may time (RTT), a time of arrival (ToA), an angle of arrival (AoA), an angle of departure (AoD), a time difference of arrival (TDoA), a channel state of a radio channel between at least one of the radio devices and the first radio network node, a reference signal received power (RSRP), and a reference signal received quality (RSRQ).

The above-mentioned quantities may be referred to as (e.g., relative) positions or positioning quantities. For example, receiving UL RSs may comprise measuring, based on the received UL RSs, at least one of the channel state, the RSRP, the RSRQ, or any of the above-mentioned quantities.

The first radio network node may perform any one of the above-mentioned computation (i.e., may compute any of the above-mentioned quantities) for the positioning of the radio devices. Alternatively or in addition, at least one of the one or more capability messages and the configuration message may be indicative of any one of the above-mentioned computation (i.e., any of the above-mentioned quantities) for the positioning of the radio devices.

In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more capability messages and the configuration message may be indicative of at least one of the positioning quantities.

In an embodiment, the DL RSs may comprise a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS). Alternatively or in addition, the DL RSs may comprise a synchronization signal block, i.e., a synchronization/physical broadcast (PBCH) block (or SSB). Alternatively or in addition, the DL RSs may comprise a positioning RS (PRS).

In an embodiment, the SSB may be cell defining or non-cell defining, optionally according to the configuration message.

Alternatively or in addition (e.g., in case the SSB is cell defining), the configuration message may be indicative of whether or not the first radio network node allows the radio devices or a group of the radio devices to camp on the first radio network node (or the at least one of the multiple cells of the first radio network node) in the energy saving mode. Alternatively or in addition, the first radio network node may determine whether or not to allow the radio devices (or a group of the radio devices) to camp on the first radio network node (or the at least one of the multiple cells of the first radio network node) in the energy saving mode

In an embodiment, the UL RSs may comprise a sounding RS (SRS). Alternatively or in addition, the UL RSs may comprise a random access preamble (RAP). The one or more capability messages may be indicative of a type (e.g., any one of the above-mentioned types) of the (e.g., UL and/or DL) RSs that are used or will be used or can be used for the positioning of the radio devices by the first radio network node. Alternatively or in addition, the configuration message may be indicative of a type (e.g., any one of the above-mentioned types) of the (e.g., UL and/or DL) RSs to be used for the positioning of the radio devices.

In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more capability messages and the configuration message may be indicative of the type of UL RSs and/or DL RSs.

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise or initiate a step of receiving a control message indicative of a request for the positioning in the energy saving mode.

According to an alternative first network node method aspect (i.e., an independent aspect, which may be combined with any feature or step of any one of the dependent claims of the first network node method aspect, with or without the independent claim of the first network node method aspect), a method performed by a first radio network node of a radio access network (RAN) is provided. The method comprises or initiates the step of receiving a control message indicative of a request for positioning of radio devices in an energy saving mode (i.e., for an or the energy saving mode with positioning capability).

In any aspect, the control message may request the first radio network node to perform the positioning in the energy saving mode (i.e., to switch to the energy saving mode with positioning capability), e.g. temporarily.

In any aspect, the control message (e.g., received from the maintenance node, particularly the 0AM node, or received from the CN node, particularly the LMF) may trigger the positioning in the energy saving mode (i.e., trigger switching to the energy saving mode with positioning capability). Alternatively or in addition, the RSs for the positioning (e.g., the type of RSs and/or any of the resources for the RSs mentioned above in the context of the configuration message) may be used according to the control message or the configuration message (e.g., as a message separate from and/or received prior to the configuration message).

In any aspect, the control message may comprise the configuration message. For example, the control message may be indicative of the time and/or frequency resources, the start time, the duration, the periodicity, the cell, the TP, the RP, the TRP, the DU, the beam and/or at least one of the radio devices for the transmitting of the DL RSs or for the receiving of the UL RSs. Alternatively or in addition, the control message may be indicative of any one of the above computation or positioning quantities for the positioning of the radio devices. Alternatively or in addition, the control message may be indicative of any one of the above types of (e.g., UL and/or DL) RSs to be used for the positioning of the radio devices.

In any first network node method aspect, the control message may be received in response to the sending of the capability message (or one of the capability messages). Alternatively or in addition, the control message may be received in the energy saving mode with positioning capability.

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise or initiate a step of sending a response message in response to at least one of the configuration message and the control message. Optionally, the response message may be indicative of at least one of an acknowledgment of at least one of the configuration message and the control message (optionally an acknowledgement of a part of the configuration message or the control message), a rejection of at least one of the configuration message and the control message (optionally a rejection of a part of the configuration message or the control message), a modification or further specification relative to at least one of the configuration message and the control message, the type of the transmitted DL RSs (optionally including CSI-RS, SSB, and PRS), the type of the received UL RSs (optionally including SRS and RAP), the positioning quantity computed in the energy saving mode, the cell, the reception point (RP) the TRP, and/or at least one of the radio devices for the receiving of the UL RSs, the cell, the transmission point (RP) the TRP, and/or at least one of the radio devices for the transmitting of the DL RSs, the time resource, the frequency resources, and/or the spatial resources used for the transmitting of the DL RSs and/or the receiving of the UL RSs.

The response message may be indicative of a modification (e.g., a change) or a further specification (e.g., a restriction) relative to the configuration message and/or the control message. For example, the configuration message or the control message may be indicative of RSs or resources, and the response message may be indicative of a proper subset of the indicated RSs or resources used (or that will be used) by the first radio network node.

In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more capability messages may be sent to and/or the configuration message may be received from and/or the control message may be received from and/or the response message may be sent to a service node. Optionally, the service node may comprise a CN node of a core network (CN) serving the RAN, a maintenance node serving or monitoring the RAN and/or the CN, and a node involved in or responsible for the positioning of the radio devices.

The CN may be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC). Alternatively or in addition, the CN node may comprise a location management function (LMF) and/or an access mobility function, e.g., a mobility management entity (MME) according to Long Term Evolution (LTE) or an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) according to Fifth Generation New Radio (5G NR).

The at least one of the one or more capability messages may be indicative of the energy saving mode. The at least one of the one or more capability messages being sent to at least one node involved in the positioning (e.g., to the CN node and/or the maintenance node) may imply that the indicated energy saving mode includes the positioning capability of the first radio network node during the energy saving mode.

In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more capability messages may be sent to and/or the configuration message may be received from and/or the control message may be received from and/or the response message may be sent to at least one second radio network node of the RAN.

The first radio network node may be spaced apart from each of the at least one second radio network node. Alternatively or in addition, a coverage area of the first radio network node may overlap with a coverage area of the at least one second radio network node. The coverage area may be the area covered by the respective radio network node (e.g., by one or more or all cells, or one or more or all TRPs, or one or more or all DUs of the respective radio network node). More specifically, the coverage area may be the area in which the respective radio network node (e.g., one or more or all cells, or one or more or all TRPs, or one or more or all DUs of the respective radio network node) provide radio access in the active mode and/or in which the respective radio network node (e.g., one or more or all cells, or one or more or all TRPs, or one or more or all DUs of the respective radio network node) transmit and/or receive the RSs for the positioning.

The at least one of the one or more capability messages may be indicative of the positioning capability. The at least one of the one or more capability messages being sent to at least one second radio network node of the RAN (e.g., to a eNB or a gNB) may imply that the first radio network node is in, or will enter, the energy saving mode with the positioning capability.

The first radio network node and the at least one second radio network node may be connected through a backhaul network or a fronthaul network. Alternatively or in addition, the first radio network node and the at least one second radio network node may be connected through an X2 interface (e.g., between eNBs) according to 3GPP LTE or an Xn interface (e.g., between gNBs) or an Fl interface (e.g., between central unit, CU, and distributed unit, DU) according to 3GPP Fifth Generation New Radio (5G NR).

In an embodiment, the at least one second radio network node may be a neighboring radio network node of the first radio network node. Alternatively or in addition, the at least one second radio network node may be a serving radio network node serving at least one of the radio devices.

At least two of the capability messages may be sent to at least two second radio network nodes of the RAN, respectively. Alternatively or in addition, each of the at least one or two second radio network nodes of the RAN (e.g., eNB or gNB) may be a neighboring node of the first radio network node. For example, at least one of the one or more capability messages may be sent to each neighboring radio network node (as a second radio network node) of the first radio network node.

Alternatively or in addition, (e.g., each of) the at least one second radio network node may be a serving node of the above-mentioned at least one of the radio devices.

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise or initiate a step of switching from an active mode of the first radio network node to the energy saving mode with positioning capability of the first radio network node. Alternatively or in addition, the method may further comprise or initiate a step of switching from an energy saving mode without positioning capability of the first radio network node to the energy saving mode with positioning capability of the first radio network node.

One or more cells or one or more TRPs or one or more DUs of the first radio network node may be switched from the active mode to the energy saving mode with positioning capability. Alternatively or in addition, one or more cells or one or more TRPs or one or more DUs of the first radio network node may be switched from the energy saving mode without positioning capability to the energy saving mode with positioning capability.

In an embodiment, the first radio network node may switch from the active mode to the energy saving mode with positioning capability or from the energy saving mode without positioning capability of the first radio network node to the energy saving mode with positioning capability upon receiving a or the control message indicative of a request for the positioning.

In an embodiment, the first radio network node may switch from the active mode to the energy saving mode with positioning capability upon determining that data traffic with the radio devices served by the first radio network node is, or is predicted to be, less than a predefined throughput threshold or a predefined volume. Alternatively or in addition, the first radio network node may switch from the active mode to the energy saving mode with positioning capability upon determining that a number of radio devices served by the first radio network node is below (i.e., less than) a predefined device threshold.

The data traffic may be predicted based on a pattern of the data traffic or based on a type of service (e.g., an application) underlying (e.g., associated with) the data traffic. Alternatively or in addition, the data traffic may be predicted based on a status of a data buffer comprising data pending for transmission at the first radio network node and/or at one of the radio devices. For example, the status of the data buffer may be reported by the at least one of the radio devices.

The switching may be determined for one or more or all cells, or one or more or all TRPs, or one or more or all DUs of the first radio network node. For example one of the multiple cells or multiple TRPs or multiple DUs of the first radio network node may be switched from the active mode to the energy saving mode with positioning capability upon determining that at least one of: data traffic with the radio devices served by the respective cell or TRP or DU is, or is predicted to be, less than a predefined throughput threshold; and a number of radio devices served by the respective cell or TRP or DU is below (i.e., less than) a predefined device threshold.

As to a second network node method aspect, a method performed by a second radio network node of a radio access network (RAN) is provided. The method comprises or initiates a step of sending, to one or more first radio network nodes of the RAN, a control message indicative of a request for positioning of radio devices in an energy saving mode (e.g., a request for an energy saving mode with positioning capability) of the respective first radio network node. By sending the control message to the first radio network nodes, at least some embodiments of the second radio network node control the first radio network nodes to perform (e.g., aid in) the positioning of the radio devices, while the first radio network nodes are in the energy saving mode. For example, the controlled first radio network nodes may act as transmission points (TPs) exclusively for transmitting the DL RSs for the positioning (e.g., positioning RSs, PRSs) and/or as reception points (RPs) exclusively for receiving the UL RSs for the positioning (e.g., sounding RSs, SRSs).

Any one of the one or more first radio network nodes being in the energy saving mode with positioning capability may encompass that at least one of one or multiple cells, one or multiple TRPs, and one or multiple DUs of the respective first radio network node is in the energy saving mode with positioning capability.

The control message may comprise any feature disclosed in the context of the first network node method aspect, e.g., any feature (e.g., indication) disclosed for the configuration message.

In an embodiment, the second radio network node may serve at least one or each of the radio devices.

The first and/or the second radio network node may be a base station according to Long Term Evolution (LTE), e.g., an evolved Node B (eNB) or a base station according to Fifth Generation New Radio (5G NR), e.g., a fifth generation Node B (gNB).

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise or initiate a step of receiving one or more capability messages from the one or more first radio network nodes, e.g., before and/or while the respective first radio network node is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability for the positioning of the radio devices. The one or more capability messages may be indicative of at least one of the energy saving mode of the respective first radio network node and the positioning capability of the respective first radio network node in the energy saving mode. Alternatively or in addition, the control message may be sent in response to the received capability message.

As to an alternative second network node method aspect (i.e., an independent method aspect, which may be combined with any feature or step of any one of the dependent claims of the second network node method aspect, with or without the independent claim of the second network node method aspect), a method performed by a second radio network node of a radio access network (RAN) is provided. The method comprises or initiates a step of receiving one or more capability messages from one or more first radio network nodes of the RAN, e.g., before and/or while the respective first radio network node is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability for positioning radio devices. The one or more capability messages is or are indicative of at least one of the energy saving mode of the respective first radio network node and the positioning capability of the respective first radio network node in the energy saving mode.

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise or initiate a step of transmitting a radio device configuration message to at least one or each of the radio devices, the radio device configuration message configuring the respective radio device to receive downlink reference signals (DL RSs) from the one or more first radio network nodes and/or to transmit uplink reference signals (UL RSs) to the one or more first radio network nodes. Optionally, the radio device configuration message may be a radio resource control (RRC) message.

The radio device configuration message may be indicative of at least one of resources for the RSs, a type of the RSs, and positioning quantities for the positioning.

In an embodiment, the radio device configuration message may be indicative of a start time, a duration, an end time, and/or a periodicity for the receiving of the DL RSs. Alternatively or in addition, the radio device configuration message may be indicative of time resources, frequency resources, a bandwidth, spatial resources, a beam, and/or a density in the time domain and/or the frequency domain for the receiving of the DL RSs. Alternatively or in addition, the radio device configuration message may be indicative of a cell, a transmission point (TP) and/or a transmission and reception point (TRP) from which the DL RSs are to be received. Alternatively or in addition, the radio device configuration message may be indicative of an output power level configured, or to be configured, at the one or more first radio network node for the DL RSs. Alternatively or in addition, the radio device configuration message may be indicative of a start time, a duration, an end time, and/or a periodicity for the transmitting of the UL RSs. Alternatively or in addition, the radio device configuration message may be indicative of time resources, frequency resources, a bandwidth, spatial resources, a beam, and/or a density in the time domain and/or the frequency domain for the transmitting of the UL RSs. Alternatively or in addition, the radio device configuration message may be indicative of a cell, a reception point (RP) and/or a transmission and reception point (TRP) to which the UL RSs are to be transmitted. Alternatively or in addition, the radio device configuration message may be indicative of an output power level for the transmitting of the UL RSs.

In an embodiment, the radio device configuration message may configure the respective radio device to compute and/or report a positioning quantity based on the received DL RSs. Optionally, the configuration message may configure the respective radio device to compute and/or report to at least one of a timing may advance (TA), a round-trip time (RTT), a time of arrival (ToA), an angle of arrival (AoA), an angle of departure (AoD), a time difference of arrival (TDoA), a channel state of a radio channel (e.g., between at least one of the radio devices and the first radio network node), a reference signal received power (RSRP), and a reference signal received quality (RSRQ).

In an embodiment, the radio device configuration message may be indicative of a type of the DL RSs. Optionally, the type of the DL RSs may comprise at least one of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), a synchronization signal block or synchronization or physical broadcast (PBCH) block (SSB), and a positioning RS (PRS).

In an embodiment, the radio device configuration message may be indicative of (e.g., whether) the SSB being cell defining or non-cell defining.

In an embodiment, the radio device configuration message may be indicative of a type of the UL RSs, optionally the type of the UL RSs comprising a sounding RS (SRS). Alternatively or in addition, the radio device configuration message may be indicative of a type of the UL RSs, optionally the type of the UL RSs comprising a random access preamble (RAP).

An embodiment of the (e.g., alternative) second network node method aspect may further comprise any feature or step disclosed in the first network node method aspect, or a feature or step corresponding thereto. That is, the second method aspect may further comprise any feature and/or any step disclosed in the context of the first method aspect, or a feature and/or step corresponding thereto, e.g., a receiver counterpart to a sender feature or step, or a sender counterpart to a receiver feature or step.

For example, the second network node method aspect may further comprise or initiate a step of sending (which may be referred to by reference sign 604) a configuration message (which may be referred to by reference sign 1004) to at least one or each of the one or more first radio network nodes, e.g. corresponding to the disclosure of the first network node method aspect. Alternatively or in addition, the second network node method aspect may further comprise or initiate a step of receiving (which may be referred to by reference sign 607) a response message (which may be referred to by reference sign 1007) in response to at least one of the configuration message and the control message, e.g. corresponding to the disclosure of the first network node method aspect.

As to a radio device method aspect, a method performed by a radio device for positioning the radio device is provided. The method comprises or initiates a step of receiving a radio device configuration message configuring the radio device to receive downlink reference signals (DL RSs) from one or more first radio network nodes of a radio access network (RAN) and/or to transmit uplink reference signals (UL RSs) to the one or more first radio network nodes of the RAN for the positioning of the radio device. The DL RSs are received and/or the UL RS are transmitted while the one or more first radio network nodes is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability.

By receiving the radio device configuration message, embodiments of the radio device can perform (e.g., aid in) the positioning of the radio device by exchanging RSs with the first radio network nodes while the first radio network nodes are in the energy saving mode. Thus, the positioning can be improved by virtue of the number of additional first radio network nodes (e.g., in addition to the second radio network node which may serve the radio device) and/or the proximity of at least one of the first radio network nodes requiring less energy than conventionally activated first radio network nodes.

In an embodiment, the radio device configuration message may be received from a second radio network node of the RAN. Alternatively or in addition, the radio device configuration message may be a radio resource control (RRC) message.

In an embodiment, the radio device configuration message may be received from a service node serving a RAN or the RAN (e.g., as mentioned above). Alternatively or in addition, the radio device configuration message may be a non-access stratum (NAS) message.

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise or initiate, while at least one or each of the one or more first radio network nodes may be in the energy saving mode with positioning capability, a step of receiving downlink reference signals (DL RSs) from the at least one or each of the one or more first radio network nodes. Alternatively or in addition, the method may further comprise or initiate, while at least one or each of the one or more first radio network nodes may be in the energy saving mode with positioning capability, a step of transmitting uplink reference signals (UL RSs) to the at least one or each of the one or more first radio network nodes.

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise or initiate, before and/or after at least one of the one or more first radio network nodes is in the energy saving mode (or while at least one of the one or more first radio network nodes is in an active mode), the radio device camping on the respective first radio network node or on one or multiple cells of the first radio network node or the radio device performing a random access procedure with the respective first radio network node or one or multiple cells of the first radio network node. Alternatively or in addition, the method may further comprise or initiate, while at least one of the one or more first radio network nodes is in the energy saving mode, the radio device refraining from a random access to the at least one of the one or more first radio network nodes or failing to receive essential system information from the at least one of the one or more first radio network nodes.

Any embodiment of the radio device method aspect may further comprise any feature or step disclosed in the first network node method aspect and/or the second network node method aspect and/or the below service node method aspect, or a feature or step corresponding thereto. That is, the third (i.e., radio device) method aspect may further comprise any feature and/or any step disclosed in the context of the first, second and/or fourth method aspect, or a feature and/or step corresponding thereto, e.g., a radio device counterpart to a radio network node feature or step or a service node feature or step.

As to a service node method aspect, a method performed by a service node (e.g., for serving a radio access network (RAN)) is provided. The method comprises or initiates a step of sending, to one or more first radio network nodes of the RAN, a control message indicative of a request for positioning of radio devices in an energy saving mode (e.g., a request for an energy saving mode with positioning capability) of the respective first radio network node.

By sending the control message to the first radio network nodes, at least some embodiments of the service node control the first radio network nodes to perform (e.g., aid in) the positioning of the radio devices, while the first radio network nodes are in the energy saving mode. For example, the controlled first radio network nodes may act as transmission points (TPs) exclusively for transmitting the DL RSs for the positioning (e.g., positioning RSs, PRSs) and/or as reception points (RPs) exclusively for receiving the UL RSs for the positioning (e.g., sounding RSs, SRSs). Thus, the positioning can be improved at the discretion of the serving node with less energy consumptions as compared to conventional first radio network nodes being in the active mode.

In an embodiment, the service node may be a CN node of a core network (CN) serving the RAN. Alternatively or in addition, the service node may be a maintenance node serving or monitoring the RAN and/or the CN. Alternatively or in addition, the service node may be a node involved in or responsible for the positioning of the radio devices.

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise or initiate a step of receiving one or more capability messages from the one or more first radio network nodes before and/or while the respective first radio network node may be in an energy saving mode with positioning capability for the positioning of the radio devices. The one or more capability messages may be indicative of at least one of the energy saving mode of the respective first radio network node and the positioning capability of the respective first radio network node in the energy saving mode. Optionally, the control message may be sent in response to the received capability message.

As to an alternative service node method aspect (i.e., an independent method aspect, which may be combined with any feature or step of any one of the dependent claims of the service node method aspect, with or without the independent claim of the service node method aspect), a method performed by a service node for serving a radio access network (RAN) is provided. The method comprises or initiates a step of receiving one or more capability messages from one or more first radio network nodes of the RAN before and/or while the respective first radio network node is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability for positioning radio devices. The one or more capability messages is or are indicative of at least one of the energy saving mode of the respective first radio network node and the positioning capability of the respective first radio network node in the energy saving mode.

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise or initiate a step of sending a radio device configuration message to at least one or each of the radio devices. The radio device configuration message may configure the respective radio device to receive downlink reference signals (DL RSs) from the one or more first radio network nodes and/or to transmit uplink reference signals (UL RSs) to the one or more first radio network nodes. Optionally, the radio device configuration message may be a non-access stratum (NAS) message.

In an embodiment of the (e.g., alternative) service node method aspect, the method may further comprise any feature or step disclosed in the first network node method aspect and/or the second network node method aspect and/or the radio device method aspect, or a feature or step corresponding thereto. That is, the fourth method aspect may further comprise any feature and/or any step disclosed in the context of the first and/or second and/or third method aspect, or a feature and/or step corresponding thereto, e.g., an operation, administration or management counterpart to a radio network feature or step.

For example, the service network node method aspect may further comprise or initiate a step of sending (which may be referred to by reference sign 704) a configuration message (which may be referred to by reference sign 1004) to at least one or each of the one or more first radio network nodes, e.g. corresponding to the disclosure of the first or second network node method aspect. Alternatively or in addition, the service node method aspect may further comprise or initiate a step of receiving (which may be referred to by reference sign 707) a response message (which may be referred to by reference sign 1007) in response to at least one of the configuration message and the control message, e.g. corresponding to the disclosure of the first or second method network node method aspect.

As to another device aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product comprises program code portions for performing any one of the steps of any one of the four method aspects disclosed herein when the computer program product is executed by one or more computing devices. The computer program product may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer program product may also be provided for download, e.g., via the radio network, the RAN, the Internet and/or the host computer.

Alternatively, or in addition, the method may be encoded in a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and/or an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or the functionality may be provided for download by means of a hardware description language.

As to a first network node aspect, a first radio network node of a radio access network (RAN) is provided. The first radio network node comprises memory operable to store instructions and processing circuitry (e.g., at least one processor and a memory) operable to execute the instructions, such that the first radio network node is operable to send one or more capability messages before and/or while the first radio network node is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability for positioning radio devices, the one or more capability messages being indicative of at least one of the energy saving mode of the first radio network node and the positioning capability of the first radio network node in the energy saving mode.

Any embodiment of the first network node aspect may be further operable to perform any one of the steps of the first network node method aspect.

As to another first network node aspect, a first radio network node of a radio access network (RAN) is provided. The first radio network node is configured to send one or more capability messages before and/or while the first radio network node is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability for positioning radio devices, the one or more capability messages being indicative of at least one of the energy saving mode of the first radio network node and the positioning capability of the first radio network node in the energy saving mode.

Any embodiment of the other first network node aspect may be further configured to perform any one of the steps of the first network node method aspect.

As to a second network node aspect, a second radio network node of a radio access network (RAN) is provided. The second radio network node comprises memory operable to store instructions and processing circuitry (e.g., at least one processor and a memory) operable to execute the instructions, such that the second radio network node is operable to send, to one or more first radio network nodes of the RAN, a control message indicative of a request for positioning of radio devices in an energy saving mode of the respective first radio network node. Any embodiment of the second network node may be further operable to perform any one of the steps of the second network node method aspect.

As to another second network node aspect, a second radio network node of a radio access network (RAN) is provided. The second radio network node is configured to send, to one or more first radio network nodes of the RAN, a control message indicative of a request for positioning of radio devices in an energy saving mode of the respective first radio network node.

Any embodiment of the other second network node aspect may be further configured to perform the steps of the second network node method aspect.

As to a radio device aspect, a radio device is provided. The radio device comprises memory operable to store instructions and processing circuitry (e.g., at least one processor and a memory) operable to execute the instructions, such that the radio device is operable to receive a radio device configuration message. The radio device configuration message configures the radio device to receive downlink reference signals (DL RSs) from one or more first radio network nodes of a radio access network (RAN) and/or to transmit uplink reference signals (UL RSs) to the one or more first radio network nodes of the RAN for the positioning of the radio device while the one or more first radio network nodes is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability.

Any embodiment of the radio device may be further operable to perform the steps of the radio device method aspect.

As to another radio device aspect, a radio device is provided. The radio device is configured to receive a radio device configuration message. The radio device configuration message configures the radio device to receive downlink reference signals (DL RSs) from one or more first radio network nodes of a radio access network (RAN) and/or to transmit uplink reference signals (UL RSs) to the one or more first radio network nodes of the RAN for the positioning of the radio device while the one or more first radio network nodes is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability.

Any embodiment of the other radio device aspect may further be configured to perform the steps of the radio device method aspect.

As to a service node aspect, a service node for serving a radio access network (RAN) is provided. The service node comprises memory operable to store instructions and processing circuitry (e.g., at least one processor and a memory) operable to execute the instructions, such that the service node is operable to send, to one or more first radio network nodes of the RAN, a control message indicative of a request for positioning of radio devices in an energy saving mode of the respective first radio network node.

Any embodiment of the service node may be further operable to perform any one of the steps of the service node method aspect.

As to another service node aspect, a service node for serving a radio access network (RAN) is provided. The service node is configured to send, to one or more first radio network nodes of the RAN, a control message indicative of a request for positioning of radio devices in an energy saving mode of the respective first radio network node.

Any embodiment of the other service node aspect may further be configures to perform the steps of the service node method aspect.

As to a system aspect, a communication system (e.g., including the service node) is provided. The communication system includes a host computer (e.g., the service node) comprising processing circuitry (e.g., at least one processor and a memory) configure to provide user data. The host computer may further comprise a communication interface configured to forward or receive the user data to or from a cellular network (e.g., the RAN and/or the first or second radio network node) for transmission to or reception from the radio devices (e.g. UEs).

A processing circuitry of the cellular network may be configured to execute any one of the steps of the first and/or second method aspects. Alternatively or in addition, the UE comprises a radio interface and processing circuitry, which is configured to execute any one of the steps of the fourth method aspect.

The host computer may comprise a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular radio network (or an ad hoc radio network) for transmission to a user equipment (UE). The UE may comprise a radio interface and processing circuitry (e.g., at least one processor and a memory). The processing circuitry of the UE may be configured to execute the steps of any one of radio device method aspect.

The cellular network may include one or more embodiments of the first and/or second radio network nodes (e.g., base stations) configured for radio communication with the UE and/or to provide a data link between the UE and the host computer using the first and/or second method aspects. An embodiment of the communication system comprises the UE. In an embodiment, the radio network may further comprise one or more base stations configured to communicate with the UE. In an embodiment, the base station may comprise processing circuitry (e.g., at least one processor and a memory), which is configured to execute the steps of first network node aspect and/or the second network node aspect.

In an embodiment, the processing circuitry of the host computer may be configured to execute a host application, thereby providing the user data. Alternatively or in addition, the processing circuitry of the UE may be configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

Any aspect of the technique may be implemented by a method for energy efficient positioning. Alternatively or in addition, any aspect of the technique may be implemented by a communication method (e.g., a communication protocol) and/or a control mechanism of a positioning technique.

Without limitation, for example in a 3GPP implementation, any "radio device" may be a user equipment (UE), any "radio network node" may be a evolved Node B (eNB) or a next generation Node B (gNB), and/or any "service node" may be a node for operation, administration and maintenance (0AM).

The technique may be applied in the context of 3GPP New Radio (NR), e.g. to improve positioning accuracy and/or reduce power consumption.

The technique may be implemented in accordance with a 3GPP specification, e.g., for 3GPP release 17 or 18 or later. Alternatively or in addition, the technique may be implemented for 3GPP LTE or 3GPP NR, e.g. according to a modification of the 3GPP document TS 38.413, version 17.0.0; 3GPP document TS 38.473, version 17.0.0; 3GPP document TS 37.355, version 17.0.0; 3GPP document TS 38.305, version 17.0.0; 3GPP document TS 38.455, version 17.0.0; or release 18 or later of any one of these documents.

The radio device and/or the one or more first radio network node and/or the second radio network node and/or the service node may form, or may be part of, a radio network, e.g., according to the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) or according to the standard family IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi). The first method aspect, the second method aspect, the third method aspect, and fourth method aspect may be performed by one or more embodiments of the first radio network node, the second radio network node, the service node, and the radio device, respectively.

The RAN may comprise one or more radio network nodes (e.g., base stations), e.g., performing the first and/or second method aspects. Alternatively or in addition, the radio network may be a vehicular, ad hoc and/or mesh network comprising two or more radio devices (e.g., vehicles such as cars), e.g., to be positioned (e.g., the location of which is to be determined).

Any of the radio devices may be a 3GPP user equipment (UE) or a Wi-Fi station (STA). The radio device may be a mobile or portable station, a device for machinetype communication (MTC), a device for narrowband Internet of Things (NB-loT) or a combination thereof. Examples for the UE and the mobile station include a mobile phone, a tablet computer and a self-driving vehicle. Examples for the portable station include a laptop computer and a television set. Examples for the MTC device or the NB-loT device include robots, sensors and/or actuators, e.g., in manufacturing, automotive communication and home automation. The MTC device or the NB-loT device may be implemented in a manufacturing plant, household appliances and consumer electronics.

Whenever referring to the RAN, the RAN may be implemented by one or more base stations. The radio device may be wirelessly connected or connectable (e.g., according to a radio resource control, RRC, state or active mode) with the second radio network node, i.e., with at least one base station of the RAN.

The first and/or second radio network nodes (e.g., base stations) may encompass any station that is configured to provide radio access to any of the radio devices in the active mode and/or that refrains from providing radio access in the energy saving mode. The radio network nodes may also be referred to as base station, cell, transmission and reception points (TRPs), radio access nodes or access points (APs). The second radio network node and/or the radio device may provide a data link to a host computer (e.g., the service node) providing the user data to the radio device or gathering user data from the radio device.

Examples for the first and/or second radio network node (e.g., base station) may include a 3G base station or Node B (NB), 4G base station or eNodeB (eNB), a 5G base station or gNodeB (gNB), a Wi-Fi AP, and a network controller (e.g., according to Bluetooth, ZigBee or Z-Wave). The RAN may be implemented according to the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) and/or 3GPP New Radio (NR).

Any aspect of the technique may be implemented on a Physical Layer (PHY), a Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and/or a Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer of a protocol stack for the radio communication.

Herein, referring to a protocol of a layer may also refer to the corresponding layer in the protocol stack. Vice versa, referring to a layer of the protocol stack may also refer to the corresponding protocol of the layer. Any protocol may be implemented by a corresponding method.

Any one of the devices, the first radio network node (e.g., a first base station), the second radio network node (e.g., a second base station), the service node (e.g., the host computer), the communication system or any node or station for embodying the technique may further include any feature disclosed in the context of the method aspect, and vice versa. Particularly, any one of the units and modules disclosed herein may be configured to perform or initiate one or more of the steps of the method aspect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Further details of embodiments of the technique are described with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a device for supporting positioning at a first radio network node;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a device for supporting positioning at a second radio network node;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a device for supporting positioning at a service node; Fig. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a device for supporting positioning at a radio device;

Fig. 5 shows a flowchart for a method of supporting positioning, which method may be implementable by a first radio network node;

Fig. 6 shows a flowchart for a method of supporting positioning, which method may be implementable by a second radio network node;

Fig. 7 shows a flowchart for a method of supporting positioning, which method may be implementable by a service node;

Fig. 8 shows a flowchart for a method of supporting positioning, which method may be implementable by a radio device;

Fig. 9 schematically illustrates a first example of a radio network comprising embodiments of the devices of Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4 for performing the methods of Figs. 5, 6, 7, and 8, respectively;

Fig. 10 schematically illustrates a first example signaling diagram resulting from embodiments of the devices of Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4 performing the methods of Figs. 5, 6, 7, and 8, respectively;

Fig. 11 schematically illustrates a second example signaling diagram resulting from embodiments of the devices of Figs. 1 and 2 performing the methods of Figs. 5 and 6, respectively;

Fig. 12 schematically illustrates a third example signaling diagram resulting from embodiments of the devices of Figs. 1 and 2 performing the methods of Figs. 5 and 6, respectively;

Fig. 13 schematically illustrates a fourth example signaling diagram resulting from embodiments of the devices of Figs. 1 and 2 performing the methods of Figs. 5 and 6, respectively;

Fig. 14 schematically illustrates a fifth example signaling diagram resulting from embodiments of the devices of Figs. 1 and 2 performing the methods of Figs. 5 and 6, respectively; Fig. 15 shows a schematic block diagram of a first radio network node embodying the device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 16 shows a schematic block diagram of a second radio network node embodying the device of Fig. 2;

Fig. 17 shows a schematic block diagram of a service node embodying the device of Fig. 3;

Fig. 18 shows a schematic block diagram of a radio device embodying the device of Fig. 4;

Fig. 19 schematically illustrates an example telecommunication network connected via an intermediate network to a host computer;

Fig. 20 shows a generalized block diagram of a host computer communicating via a base station or radio device functioning as a gateway with a user equipment over a partially wireless connection; and

Figs. 21 and 22 show flowcharts for methods implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station or radio device functioning as a gateway and a user equipment.

Detailed Description

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as a specific network environment in order to provide a thorough understanding of the technique disclosed herein. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the technique may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. Moreover, while the following embodiments are primarily described for a New Radio (NR) or 5G implementation, it is readily apparent that the technique described herein may also be implemented for any other radio communication technique, including a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) implementation according to the standard family IEEE 802.11, 3GPP LTE (e.g., LTE-Advanced or a related radio access technique such as MulteFire), for Bluetooth according to the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), particularly Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth Mesh Networking and Bluetooth broadcasting, for Z-Wave according to the Z-Wave Alliance or for ZigBee based on IEEE 802.15.4.

Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the functions, steps, units and modules explained herein may be implemented using software functioning in conjunction with a programmed microprocessor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) or a general purpose computer, e.g., including an Advanced RISC Machine (ARM). It will also be appreciated that, while the following embodiments are primarily described in context with methods and devices, the invention may also be embodied in a computer program product as well as in a system comprising at least one computer processor and memory coupled to the at least one processor, wherein the memory is encoded with one or more programs that may perform the functions and steps or implement the units and modules disclosed herein.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a device for supporting positioning of radio devices. The device is generically referred to by reference sign 100.

The device 100 comprises a capability message sending module 102 that sends one or more capability messages before and/or while a first radio network node is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability for positioning radio devices. The one or more capability messages are indicative of at least one of the energy saving mode of the first radio network node and the positioning capability of the first radio network node in the energy saving mode.

The capability message may be sent from the first radio network node to the second radio network node, e.g. multiple capability messages may be sent from the first radio network node to multiple second radio network nodes, respectively.

Optionally, the device 100 comprises a configuration message receiving module 104 that receives a configuration message indicative of resources for transmitting DL RSs to the first radio network node and/or receiving UL RSs from the first radio network node for the positioning of the radio devices while the first radio network node is in the energy saving mode.

Any of the modules of the device 100 may be implemented by units configured to provide the corresponding functionality. The device 100 may also be referred to as, or may be embodied by, the first radio network node (or briefly: first gNB). The first radio network node 100 and the second radio network node may be in communication. The second radio network node may be embodied by the below device 200.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a device for supporting positioning of radio devices. The device is generically referred to by reference sign 200.

The device 200 comprises a control message sending module 206 that sends, to one or more first radio network nodes of a RAN, a control message indicative of a request for positioning of radio devices in an energy saving mode of the respective first radio network node.

The control message may be sent from the second radio network node to the first radio network node, e.g. multiple control messages may be sent from the second radio network node to multiple first radio network nodes, respectively.

Optionally, the device 200 comprises a capability message receiving module 202 that receives one or more capability messages from the one or more first radio network nodes before and/or while the respective first radio network node is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability for the positioning of the radio devices. The one or more capability messages are indicative of at least one of the energy saving mode of the respective first radio network node and the positioning capability of the respective first radio network node in the energy saving mode.

Any of the modules of the device 200 may be implemented by units configured to provide the corresponding functionality.

The device 200 may also be referred to as, or may be embodied by, the second radio network node (or briefly: second gNB). The second radio network node 200 and the first radio network node may be in communication. The first radio network node may be embodied by the above device 100.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a device for supporting positioning of radio devices. The device is generically referred to by reference sign 300. The device 300 comprises a control message sending module 306 that sends, to one or more first radio network nodes of a RAN, a control message indicative of a request for positioning of radio devices in an energy saving mode of the respective first radio network node.

The control message may be sent from the service node to the first radio network node, e.g. multiple control messages may be sent from the service node to multiple first radio network nodes, respectively.

Optionally, the device 300 comprises a capability message receiving module 302 that receives one or more capability messages from the one or more first radio network nodes before and/or while the respective first radio network node is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability for the positioning of the radio devices. The one or more capability messages are indicative of at least one of the energy saving mode of the respective first radio network node and the positioning capability of the respective first radio network node in the energy saving mode.

Any of the modules of the device 300 may be implemented by units configured to provide the corresponding functionality.

The device 300 may also be referred to as, or may be embodied by, the service node (or briefly: 0AM node). The service node 300 and the first radio network node may be in communication. The first radio network node may be embodied by the above device 100.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a device for supporting positioning of radio devices. The device is generically referred to by reference sign 400.

The device 400 comprises a radio device configuration message receiving module 408 that receives a radio device configuration message configuring the radio device to receive DL RSs from one or more first radio network nodes of a RAN and/or to transmit UL RSs to the one or more first radio network nodes of the RAN for the positioning of the radio device while the one or more first radio network nodes is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability. The radio device configuration message may be received from the service node or the second radio network node at the radio device, e.g. multiple radio device configuration messages may be received from multiple service nodes and/or multiple second radio network nodes, respectively.

Optionally, the device 400 comprises reference signal modules 410 and/or 412 that exchange RSs with the first radio network node (e.g., that receives DL RSs and/or transmits UL RSs, respectively) for the positioning of the radio device.

Any of the modules of the device 400 may be implemented by units configured to provide the corresponding functionality.

The device 400 may also be referred to as, or may be embodied by, the radio device (or briefly: UE). The radio device 400 and the first radio network node may be in radio communication, e.g. at least or exclusively for the exchanging of the RSs for the positioning. The first radio network node may be embodied by the above device 100.

Fig. 5 shows an example flowchart for a method 500 according to the first network node method aspect. The method 500 comprises the step 502 indicated in Fig. 5, and optionally the step 504.

The method 500 may be performed by the device 100. For example, the modules 102 and 104 may perform the steps 502 and 504, respectively.

Fig. 6 shows an example flowchart for a method 600 according to the second network node method aspect. The method 600 comprises the step 606 indicated in Fig. 6, and optionally the step 602.

The method 600 may be performed by the device 200. For example, the modules 202 and 206 may perform the steps 602 and 606, respectively.

Fig. 7 shows an example flowchart for a method 700 according to the service node method aspect. The method 700 comprises the step 706 indicated in Fig. 7, and optionally the step 702.

The method 500 may be performed by the device 300. For example, the modules 302 and 306 may perform the steps 702 and 706, respectively. Fig. 8 shows an example flowchart for a method 800 according to the radio device method aspect. The method 800 comprises the step 808 indicated in Fig. 8, and optionally the steps 810 and/or 812.

The method 800 may be performed by the device 400. For example, the modules 408, 410, and 412 may perform the steps 808, 810, and 812, respectively.

In any aspect, the technique may be applied to uplink (UL) RSs, downlink (DL) RSs or RSs in direct communications between radio devices, e.g., device-to-device (D2D) communications or sidelink (SL) communications.

Any radio network node 100 or 200 (e.g., base station) may be a station providing radio access, may be part of a radio access network (RAN) and/or may be a node connected to the RAN for controlling the radio access. For example, the base station may be an access point, for example a Wi-Fi access point.

Furthermore, any of the radio devices 400 may be a mobile or portable station and/or any radio device wirelessly connectable to a radio network node (e.g., a base station) of the RAN, or to another radio device. For example, the radio device may be a user equipment (UE), a device for machine-type communication (MTC) or a device for (e.g., narrowband) Internet of Things (loT). Two or more radio devices may be configured to wirelessly connect to each other, e.g., in an ad hoc radio network or via a 3GPP SL connection.

Fig. 9 schematically illustrates an example of a 5G system comprising a 5G RAN 910 and a 5G core network (CN, 5GC) 920.

Herein below, for concreteness and not limitation, the first and second radio network node 100 and 200 are referred to as gNBs 100 and 200. The radio device 400 is referred to as a UE 400. The service node may be an operation administration and maintenance (0AM) node 300 (e.g., outside of the CN 920) or an access and mobility management function (AFM) 922 or a location management function (LMF) 300.

Each of the gNBs 100 and 200 may be associated at least one cell 101 and 201, respectively. The first radio network node 100 and/or the radio device 400 may comprise at least one of the following features or steps for the positioning, e.g. when operating according to 5G NR (briefly: 5G) as the RAT.

3GPP has defined positioning functionality, for 4G or LTE as well as for 5G, that can be used by the UE 400 and/or the RAN 910 and/or the radio network node 100 and/or 200 for the positioning, i.e., for determining the geographic position and/or velocity of the UE 400 based on radio signals (herein referred to as reference signals).

The position information may be requested (e.g., by means of the control message) by, and/or reported (e.g., by means of the response message) to, a client (e.g., an application) associated with the UE 400, or by a client within or attached to the core network (e.g., the service server 300). This functionality can be used for commercial reasons, emergency calls, public safety, etc.

The position of a UE 400 can be derived via measurements carried out by the UE 400 and/or the RAN 910 (e.g., the first radio network node 100) based on reference signals (RSs) transmitted from the RAN 910 (e.g., the first radio network node 100), the UE 400, and/or various satellite systems.

The focus of the present disclosure is on the RAN-internal reference signals, e.g. including a downlink positioning reference signals (DL PRS) provided by the gNB 100 and/or 200, and an uplink sounding reference signals (UL SRS) provided by the UE 400 for positioning. These reference signals (RSs) may be used for a round-trip time (RTT), Angle of Arrival/Departure, and Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) measurements as examples of positioning quantities or results or the positioning, optionally involving multiple cells 201 and/or transmission- and reception points (TRP, RP) and/or beams.

These measurements and associated procedures are handled by the Location Management Function (LMF), as an example of the service node 300, in the core network of a 5G system 900. For example, in downlink (DL), the LMF 300 configures the gNBs 100 and/or 200 and/or TRPs with PRS characteristics (e.g., in the step 704) and provides the configuration 1004 of the gNBs and/or TRPs and corresponding measurement configurations 1008 to the UEs 400 (e.g., in the step 708. In uplink (UL), the gNBs 100 and/or 200 configure the UE 400 with SRS configuration. Other positioning methods such as Enhanced Cell ID (E-CID) also exist in which the measurements are based on UEs measurement of RSRP and/or RSRQ on SSB and CSI-RS of the various cells.

Any aspect of the technique may use the current 3GPP specifications related to positioning (e.g., the 3GPP document, TS 38.305, version 16.7.0) and/or at least one of the following definitions:

Transmission Point (TP): A set of geographically co-located transmit antennas (e.g. antenna array (with one or more antenna elements)) for one cell, part of one cell or one DL-PRS-only TP. Transmission Points can include base station (ng-eNB or gNB) antennas, remote radio heads, a remote antenna of a base station, an antenna of a DL-PRS-only TP, etc. One cell can include one or multiple transmission points. For a homogeneous deployment, each transmission point may correspond to one cell.

Reception Point (RP): A set of geographically co-located receive antennas (e.g. antenna array (with one or more antenna elements)) for one cell, part of one cell or one UL-SRS-only RP. Reception Points can include base station (ng-eNB or gNB) antennas, remote radio heads, a remote antenna of a base station, an antenna of a UL-SRS-only RP, etc. One cell can include one or multiple reception points. For a homogeneous deployment, each reception point may correspond to one cell.

PRS-only TP: A TP which only transmits PRS, DL-PRS signals and is not associated with a cell.

SRS-only RP: An RP which only receives UL-SRS signals and is not associated with a cell.

A gNB 100 or 200 node may control (i.e., serve) several TRPs or TPs, such as remote radio heads (RRHs), or DL-PRS-only TP and/or UL-SRS-only RP.

For example, the gNB 100 may act as DL-PRS-only TP and/or UL-SRS-only RP in the energy saving mode with positioning capability.

Any one of the first gNB 100 and the second gNB 200 may implement at least one of the following features for network (e.g., RAN) energy efficiency.

5G NR has been expected to improve network energy efficiency to a lean design, i.e. no Cell-specific Reference Signals (CRS), and the SSB periodicity is by default 20 ms. However, NR in the current implementation might consume more energy compared to LTE, partly due to greater bandwidths (BWs), shorter transmission time intervals (TTIs) and massive number of antennas. This is still evident even at times when cells and beams are lightly loaded or serve no traffic or no users (e.g., no UEs 400) at all. One basic method for saving network energy is to simply turn off a gNB 100 or cell of the gNB 100 completely when it is seen or predicted that there is no traffic or even no user in the cell.

Any embodiment of a cell of the first gNB 100 may use a procedure for informing neighbors about at least one of activation (e.g., after the energy saving mode), deactivation (e.g., for initiating the energy saving mode), and/or configuration (e.g., for the step 504).

Clause 8.4.2 of the 3GPP document TS 38.423, e.g. version 17.0.0, describes a Configuration Update procedure for an NG-RAN node (i.e., a radio network node for NR), which may be used or modified by the gNBs 100 and 200. The Configuration Update procedure allows an NG-RAN node 200 to transmit to a neighboring NG-RAN node 100 an update of configuration information that is essential for the two NG-RAN nodes 100 and 200 to interoperate correctly, e.g. over the Xn-C interface.

The NG-RAN node Configuration Update procedure may use a non-UE-associated signaling. Alternatively or in addition, the step 504 and/or 506 may use a modification of Configuration Update as the configuration message 1004 or the control message 1006.

The configuration may be successful, an example of such an operation is schematically illustrated in the signaling diagram 1000 of Fig. 11. The configuration update 1004 from the NG-RAN node (i.e., gNB) 200 is successfully received 504 and applied at the gNB 100.

The first NG-RAN node initiates the procedure by sending a NG-RAN NODE CONFIGURATION UPDATE message to a second NG-RAN node. Upon receipt of this message, the second NG-RAN node should update the configuration data associated to the first NG-RAN node that it has stored locally.

The NG-RAN NODE CONFIGURATION UPDATE message may comprise a list of served NR cells to update, or a list of served E-UTRA cells to update, or both, which may comprise a Served Cells NR To Modify IE and Served Cells E-UTRA To Modify IE, respectively.

If the Deactivation Indication IE is comprised in the Served Cells NR To Modify IE, it indicates that the corresponding cell was switched off for NW energy saving. Analogously, if the Deactivation Indication IE is comprised in the Served Cells E- UTRA To Modify IE, it indicates that the corresponding cell was switched off for NW energy saving.

Fig. 12 schematically illustrates an unsuccessful operation of a NG-RAN node 200 sending a Configuration Update 1004 to a first gNB 100.

If the NG-RAN node 100 (i.e., the first gNB 100) cannot accept the update 1004, it should respond with a NG-RAN NODE CONFIGURATION UPDATE FAILURE message and with an appropriate cause value.

Further details may be implemented according to 3GPP document TS 38.423, e.g. version 17.0.0.

Any aspect may implement a cell activation procedure, e.g., at the end of the energy saving mode.

Clause 8.4.3 of the 3GPP document TS 38.423, e.g. version 17.0.0, describes this procedure. The Cell Activation procedure enables an NG-RAN node to request a neighboring NG-RAN node to switch on one or more cells, which have been reported as turned off for NW energy saving at an earlier point in time.

The Cell Activation procedure uses non-UE-associated signaling.

Fig. 13 schematically illustrates a Cell Activation, e.g. after energy saving mode.

As shown in Fig. 13, a first NG-RAN node initiates the procedure by sending a CELL ACTIVATION REQUEST message to a second NG-RAN node. Upon receipt of this message, the second NG-RAN node should switch on the cell(s) indicated in the CELL ACTIVATION REQUEST message and afterwards indicate in a CELL ACTIVATION RESPONSE message to the first NG-RAN node for which cell(s) the request was fulfilled. There may be an interaction (or inter-dependence) with NG-RAN Configuration Update procedure: If the second NG-RAN node turns on one or more cells upon receipt of a CELL ACTIVATION REQUEST message from the first NG-RAN node, and if the second NG-RAN node afterwards responds to said request via a CELL ACTIVATION RESPONSE message, the second NG-RAN node shall not send a NG- RAN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message to inform the first NG-RAN node about cell activation state change(s).

Fig. 14 schematically illustrates an unsuccessful Cell Activation.

If the first gNB 100 cannot turn on any of the cells indicated in the CELL ACTIVATION REQUEST message sent by the second gNB 200, it shall respond with a CELL ACTIVATION FAILURE message with an appropriate cause value.

For further details may be implemented according to the 3GPP document TS 38.423, e.g. version 17.0.0.

Any aspect of the technique may implement a CELL ACTIVATION REQUEST, e.g., at the end of the energy saving of the first gNB 100.

Before and/or after the energy saving mode, the first radio network node 100 may be in an active mode. The active mode may be initiated by the second radio network node 200 transmitting a message indicative of a cell activation request, e.g., the message defined in Clause 9.1.3.7 of the 3GPP document TS 38.423, e.g. version 17.0.0.

The message for the activation (e.g., for switching the first radio network node to the active mode) may be sent by the NG-RAN node 1 (e.g., the second radio network node 200) to a peer NG-RAN node 2 (e.g., the first radio network node 100), e.g. to request one or more previously switched-off cells to be re-activated.

The message for switching to the active mode may be transmitted in a direction from an NG-RAN node 1 to an NG-RAN node 2. Alternatively or in addition, the message for switching to the active mode may comprise at least one of the following indications (e.g., information elements, IE):

As an independent embodiment of a further specification of any one of the four aspects, the present disclosure may aim to enable provision of positioning services relevant for multi-gNB or multi-cell or multi-TRP or multi-RP use cases such as TOA (e.g., OTDOA, round trip time based RTT based positioning) or alike in conjunction with cells that are operating in energy saving mode (also: sleep). Upon entering an energy saving mode, the gNB 100 informs other nodes, e.g. including other gNBs 200 (e.g. one or each neighbor gNB) and/or a service node 300, e.g. LMF in CN, or AMF in CN) whether it can still aid in the positioning procedures in DL or UL methods respectively. I.e., the sleeping gNB 100, while not providing full cell functionality to the UEs in the area, can still during the sleep period (i.e., during the energy saving mode with positioning capability) act as if it was a PRS-only transmission point (TP) in the DL and/or act as an SRS-only reception point (RP). As such, there will not be a need for fully waking up multiple cells and/or gNBs 100 just for the sake of an ongoing positioning service. In summary, this technique may comprises a method that enables a RAN node 100 (e.g., gNB) to dynamically change its role in a RAN910 with respect to a positioning service from and/or to the states/roles "fully functional" (awake an operating as a normal cell), or PRS/SRS-only node, or "fully asleep". The role/state change is announced to other nodes within or external to the network in need of such information and involved in positioning service. The role/state can be changed by the node itself, or another node can request the role/state change if the node supports it. As such, an otherwise sleeping cell can, during the positioning service, transmit one or more reference signals, e.g., CSI-RS and/or SSB, and/or PRS, temporarily at a specified time and/or for a specified period (e.g., according to the configuration message 1004 and/or the control message).

Similarly, an otherwise sleeping cell can, upon request in the step 506, receive at least one reference signal, e.g., SRS, in the step 810 and enable positioning-related calculations, temporarily at a specified time and/or for a specified period.

Alternatively or in addition to any of the above-mentioned embodiments, any aspect may comprise at least some of the following features.

Any aspect, e.g., in the first or second network node method aspect, may perform at least one of the following steps or may comprise at least one of the following features in a network node.

Feature 1. A first node (gNB), which is capable of aiding in positioning services, dynamically informs other nodes involved in positioning services (e.g., 0AM node, CN node) when it, or at least one of its cells/TRPs, enters and/or exits sleep mode.

Feature 2. A first node (gNB), which is capable of aiding in positioning services while in energy saving mode (asleep), dynamically informs other nodes whether it, or at least one of its cells/TRPs, can assist the positioning service.

Feature 3. Any one of above feature and the first node (gNB), which is capable of aiding in positioning services while in energy saving mode (asleep), dynamically informs other nodes how it, or at least one of its cells/TRPs, can assist the positioning service, e.g., that it, or at least one of its cells/TRPs, is able to provide SSB, and/or CSI-RS, and or PRS, and/or participate in SRS reception and positioning-related calculations.

Feature 4. A second node, which is responsible for a positioning service, requests the above first type of nodes (gNBs), which are in sleep mode, to temporarily transmit one or more reference signals relevant for positioning services at some specific time instances and/or participate in a positioning method, including handling of SRS transmissions of UEs in uplink for positioning calculation, optionally indicating at least one cell/TRP.

Feature 5. Any one of above feature, and the one or more reference signals (RSs) requested 506 are further specified by the second node 100 to be one or more of all SSBs of a first node (gNB 100), a subset of all SSBs of a first node (gNB 100), and/or one or more CSI-RS signals of a first node (gNB 100) and/or one or more PRSs of a first gNB 100.

Feature 6. Any one of above feature, and the set of reference signals (RSs) can be requested 502 by the second node 200 to be transmitted with specific characteristics, such as at a certain output power level, with a certain density, BW, periodicity, etc.

Feature 7. Any one of above feature, and the set of SSBs can be specified by the second node 200 to be cell-defining or non-cell-defining.

Feature 8. Any one of above feature, and in case the reference signals are celldefining SSBs, the second node may ask a first node (gNB) to operate in a mode in which it does not allow all/some UEs to camp on that first node (gNB), or the corresponding cell, during the positioning period.

Feature 9. Any one of above feature, and in case the reference signals are celldefining SSBs, a first node (gNB 100) may itself decide to operate in a mode in which it does not allow all and/or some UEs 400 to camp on that first node (gNB), or the corresponding cell, during the positioning period (i.e., in the energy saving mode).

Feature 10. Any one of above feature, and the second node 200 can ask a first node (gNB 100) to transmit said reference signals and/or participate in positioning procedure (e.g. SRS handling) on specific time and/or frequency resources, including whether the transmission is aperiodic (one-shot) or periodic, including for a specific time window.

Feature 11. Any one of above feature, and a first node (and gNB 100) confirms or commits or rejects to participate in the positioning procedure (e.g., by a response message), transmit the same, or a subset, and/or another set of reference signals over the same or other specific time/frequency resources.

Feature 12. Any one of above feature, and a second or a third node (e.g. a CN node 300 or a RAN node 200) informs in the step a UE 400 about the configuration 608 or 1008 related to the resources and over which time and frequency resources one or more first nodes (gNB 100) will transmit the one or more reference signals.

Feature 13. Any one of above feature, and a first node (gNB 100) transmits 510 one or more reference signals over the agreed time and frequency resources and/or assists in the SRS report handling.

Feature 14. Any one of above feature, and a first node (gNB) 100 may operate in a mode in which it does not allow all and/or some UEs 400 to camp on it while providing reference signals for the purpose of the technique. E.g., the cell may be set to barred, reserved for operators, reserved for other use, not transmitting essential system information, reserved for positioning services, or alike during this period.

Alternatively or in addition to any of the above-mentioned embodiments, any aspect, particularly the fourth method aspect, may comprise at least one of the following features or steps:

Item 1. The UE 400 receives 808 a configuration 1008 from a second radio network node 200 and/or a third node (e.g., the service node 300, such as LMF or another gNB, etc.) including information about what type of resources and over which time and frequency resources one or more first nodes (gNBs 100) will transmit the one or more reference signals. Item 2. Item 1, and the UE 400 may also be informed that it is prohibited to camp on any first node (gNB 100)₇ or corresponding cell, for a period of time, e.g., a back-off timer, or while the positioning service is ongoing. Based on this information, the UE 400 refrains from camping and/or accessing the one or more cells of any first radio network node 100.

Item 3. Item 1 or 2, and the UE 400 performs positioning measurements on the reference signals 1010 of one or more first radio network nodes (gNBs 100) at the specific time instance and frequency resources informed by the second/third node (e.g. LMF 300, gNB 200, etc.).

Item 4. Item 1, 2, or 3, and the UE 400 sends back the measurement results to the second/third node (LMF 300, gNB 200, etc.).

Any aspect of the technique may be implemented, optionally in combination with any of the above-mentioned items and/or the below listed embodiments, according to any one of the following detailed embodiments.

In one detailed embodiment, the LMF 300 manages the support of different location services for target UEs, including positioning of UEs and delivery of assistance data to UEs 400. The LMF 300 may interact with the serving gNB 200 or serving ng-eNB 200 for a target UE 400 in order to obtain position measurements for the UE 400, including uplink measurements made by an NG-RAN 910 and downlink measurements made by the UE 400 that were provided to an NG-RAN 910 as part of other functions such as for support of mobility, e.g., handover. The LMF 300 may interact with a target UE 400 in order to deliver assistance data if requested for a particular location service, or to obtain a location estimate if that was requested.

In one detailed embodiment, throughout the subject technique, the characteristics and/or configuration of reference signals (such as details of PRS and/or SRS and/or SSB and/or CSI-RS configuration) exchanged between the nodes 100, 200, 300, and/or 400 may reuse existing specifications and/or signaling, e.g., as specified in the 3GPP document TS 38.305, version 17.0.0. Alternatively or in addition, other types of RS, e.g., new types of PRS and/or SRS and/or SSB and/or CSI-RS are not excluded. The new types can be developed, particularly to serve the purposes of the disclosed methods 500, 600, 700, and/or 800 of the subject technique. In one aspect, the gNB 100 that enters a "sleeping" state (i.e., the energy saving mode with or without positioning capability) informs other 0AM nodes 300 and/or CN nodes 300 such as an LMF 300 involved in positioning services, e.g. whether the gNB 100 can or cannot provide or assist positioning services despite being in said state (i.e., the energy saving state).

In one detailed embodiment of the first method or device aspect, the sleeping gNB 100 informs the other nodes 200 and/or 300 about which type of positioning services or assistance it can provide while sleeping. For example, the gNB 100 may inform whether it can provide SSB, and/or CSI-RS, and/or PRS, and/or participate in SRS reception and handling/reporting. As such, the other nodes 200 and/or 300 can thus initiate the relevant positioning procedures, for example relying on PRS provisioning from the neighboring cells and/or gNBs, despite that those cells and/or gNBs are in sleep mode (or otherwise inactive) for user traffic services.

In one aspect, e.g. related to the above aspect, the gNB 100 puts one or more or all its cells and/or TRPs into a sleeping state.

In one detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the gNB 100 informs the other nodes whether and/or how it can provide positioning services or assistance for each sleeping cell/TRP. In one related embodiment, the "whether and/or how" may be the same for one or more or all cells and/or TRPs and provided along with a list of those cells and/or TRPs (e.g., as a list of cell IDs).

In one aspect, the "sleeping" cell and/or TRP or gNB 100 may be able to provide or assist the positioning service (e.g., provide one or more SSBs and/or CSI-RSs and/or PRSs) without admitting UEs 400 to the corresponding cell.

In one aspect, Cell ID based positioning methods (e.g., E-CID) will be enabled as a sleeping gNB 100 can be invoked to transmit SSBs while in sleep mode (without admitting UEs to the corresponding one or more cells and/or TRPs) for the sake of (i.e., to aid) a positioning procedure.

The sleeping cell and/or gNB 100 may, while transmitting SSBs, set the cell status in system information to e.g., "barred", "reserved for operator use", "reserved for other use", "reserved for future use", or a new status will be introduced such as "reserved for positioning" or alike, so that the UEs do not attempt to access the cell. These cells can be triggered to transmit the SSBs for a while (e.g., 1-2 seconds) ahead of E-CID measurement initiation procedure, so that a UE has had time to measure them before the procedure.

In one aspect, the sleeping cell of the gNB 100 only transmits a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and/or a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), but not a master information block (MIB) and/or a physical broadcast channel (PBCH). Therefore, a UE 400 just measures signal strength of the reference signal without considering to camp on such sleeping cell.

In one aspect, the sleeping gNB 100 itself informs directly the LMF 300 that it can transmit PRS, and/or can handle SRS for positioning (i.e., perform SRS reception and reporting), and/or can provide SSB and/or CSI-RS while in an energy saving state (i.e., while asleep). The gNB 100 may specify such information for one or more or all its cells and/or TRPs, optionally inducing one or more indications (e.g., cell IDs) for said cells and/or TRPs.

In another aspect, e.g. related to the above aspect, the sleeping gNB 100 informs another CN node 300 (e.g., an AMF 300) or/and 0AM node 300 or any other external node, which then informs LMF 300 of one or more sleeping cells and/or TRPs and its (or their) capability while asleep.

In one aspect, the sleeping gNB informs another gNB (e.g. neighbor) that it, or one or more of its cells/TRPs, is/are acting as a PRS- and/or SRS-only cell/TRP. The gNB that received the information then directly informs LMF or indirectly via CN node (e.g., AMF) or 0AM node or any other external node which informs LMF about the PRS/SRS-only cells/TRPs that is going to be hosted by it.

In one aspect, the positioning responsible node (e.g., a neighbor gNB 200) may provide information to the UEs 400 involved in positioning that a neighbor cell (e.g., of the gNB 100) provides positioning related reference signals, potentially informing UEs that this gNB (or at least one of the cells and/or TRPs of the first gNB) is only a PRS/SRS-only gNB or cell and/or TRP and/or not used for camping.

In one aspect, the LMF 300 activates the PRS and/or SSB/CSI-RS provision in the relevant node (currently acting as PRS/SRS-only nodes) when a positioning service is imminent, for example when the positioning service is to be initiated by the network (e.g., the RAN 910) itself, or initiated by the UE 400, or based on positioning assistance data requested by the UE 400. In a detailed embodiment, the LMF 300 configures 708 the UE 400 with a corresponding PRS configuration 1008 if the sleeping cell and/or TRP supports PRS provision and, furthermore, if it supports SSB and/or CSI-RS provision. The LMF 300, UE 400 and said sleeping nodes 100 perform relevant positioning service e.g., SRS based, or PRS based, or Cell ID based depending on capability of the UE and relevant nodes.

In all aspects, to conserve energy throughout the network (e.g., the RAN 910), one or multiple gNBs 100 or cells and/or TRPs may be put to sleep. Later, when a positioning service is desired with assistance from multiple gNBs or cells/TRPs and it becomes necessary to wake up the sleeping gNB(s) or cell(s)/TRP(s), they are woken up partially as PRS and/or SRS and/or SSB-only gNBs or cells and/or TRPs to provide positioning reference signals to complete the service.

In a detailed embodiment, gNBs 100 typically use multiple reference signals transmitted in various directions when turned on. For example, a gNB 100 may be configured to transmit multiple SSB beams (e.g., up to 8 in frequency range 1, FR1) covering different areas of its cell when turned on. However, not all these beam transmissions may be necessary for a specific UEs 400 involved in the one or more positioning measurements. Therefore, in one aspect of the technique, the node responsible for positioning may ask a positioning-assisting gNB 100 for specific reference signals (e.g., specific SSBs, CSI-RSs, or PRSs in specific beams) in one or more of the gNB's cells and/or TRPs to be transmitted 510 during the measurement period.

The responsible node may have knowledge of which specific reference signals, e.g., which specific SSBs, are useful based on O&M manual configurations or more optimally and automated based on earlier learnings. The learning could for example be based on that the responsible node involved in positioning (e.g. LMF 300) stores/remembers from which area the measurement results/reports from the UEs 400 were received and which reference signals from which other sleeping gNBs it contained, what was the UE 400 perceived and/or measured power level of those reference signals, and what was the characteristics and/or configuration of the reference signals at that point in time; i.e., which type of reference signals, output power level, time-frequency resources was configured for the reference signals. I.e., the responsible node remembers the whereabouts of the UE at the time of report including the report contents and a reference signal configuration of the sleeping gNB 100.

Said area in which the measurement was received at the time of measurement report can be identified by a beam of a gNB 100 currently used by the UE 400 (e.g. SSB), and/or a coverage level of the UE 400 within cell and/or beam of a gNB, and/or a timing advance value of the UE 400, and/or an angle of arrival of the report, and/or geographical position (e.g., if a positioning service such as OTDOA, satellite-based or alike is ongoing) of the UE 400 at the time of report.

After a period of such learning, the responsible node 200 or 300 depending on whereabouts of the one or more UEs 400, asks only the relevant second/third/... sleeping gNBs 100 (e.g., those gNBs 100 or cells and/or TRPs that turned out to be (most) useful and/or beneficial for the positioning service at previous times) for reference signal transmissions and or SRS handling.

Potentially the responsible node 200 or 300 asks for specific reference signals with specific characteristics based on earlier learning (e.g., a specific SSB/PRS/CSI-RS with specific output power good enough for the positioning service). It shall be understood that such learning process can be ongoing every now and then to make sure that the knowledge of the first node is up to date. For example, once a week, the responsible node may during the positioning service ask for transmission of all reference signals at highest output level and based on UE measurement report update the earlier learnings. In summary, the responsible node may ask one or more second/third/... sleeping gNBs to transmit one or more of all SSBs, a subset of all SSBs, one or more CSI-RS signals, and or PRS signals.

The assisting gNB 100 can provide the configuration of current such RSs or optionally some additional configurations that it can handle but are not necessarily configured when the cell is ON, or so called off time configurations. As such the positioning responsible node (e.g., gNB) can also ask the assisting gNB to transmit the earlier said RSs from the off time configurations.

In one embodiment, the assisting gNB can inform the UE, e.g., through SI broadcast that there are additional sleeping cells which can transmit positioning related RSs. Additionally, this gNB 100 can provide the configuration of time and frequency resources over which the UE can request the assisting gNB to increase the number of positioning related RSs particularly from sleeping cells. The UE can also ask specifically which sleeping cells, in case it is aware of them (e.g., based on RRM measurements) or their location.

In one embodiment, in order for it to be optimal from a positioning perspective, the positioning responsible node (e.g., gNB 100, or LMF 300) only asks the assisting gNB, i.e., the sleeping gNB 100 to transmit 510 said RSs 1010 according to the methods and mechanisms disclosed herein, if the assisting gNB 100 is in a geographically different location or can transmit the RS in a different configuration, e.g., a different, beam, channel, direction, and so on.

In one aspect, the responsible node coordinates the transmission/reception of positioning reference signal from neighboring sleeping node in a stepwise manner. The responsible node may request transmission/reception of positioning reference from only a subset of all neighboring nodes (e.g. only one or two) according to required positioning accuracy in a coordinated way and based on earlier learnings about which second nodes have shown to be sufficient with respect to required accuracy to activate for positioning handling. For example, initially just one sleeping node is requested to transmit/receive positioning reference signal. If the positioning accuracy is satisfied, the procedure is ended. Otherwise, the serving node may request more sleeping nodes to be involved in the positioning procedure. This stepwise approach may further reduce the power consumption for the network 900 (e.g., RAN 910 and/or UEs 400).

As mentioned earlier, during the reference signal provision period, UEs may start camping and connecting to the reference signal providing gNBs once they are turned on temporarily due to better perceived coverage, resulting in excessive signaling and handing over the UEs back to neighboring gNB before the sleeping gNBs can be completely turned off again. To remedy this issue, in one aspect of the subject technique, it is desired to make the sleeping gNB "non-campable" during such reference signal provision period. In one aspect the set of SSBs can be specified to be non-cell defining, i.e., such that they are not detected by idle/inactive mode UEs for camping (for example by not being provided on the synch raster, or not containing RMSI configuration).

In one detailed embodiment, the transmissions of "non-campable" reference signals can be requested by the first node over the interfaces. In another embodiment, this is a choice of the sleeping gNB, or pre-specified in the specification. In another aspect, even though "campable" reference signals (e.g., cell-defining SSBs) are transmitted, the sleeping gNB may operate in a mode in which it does not allow all/some UEs to camp on that gNB during the reference signal provision period. This can be achieved by one or more of examples including not transmitting essential system information (e.g., MIB, SI Bl, or alike), or transmitting essential system information but setting the cell status in system information to e.g., "barred", "reserved for operator use", "reserved for other use", "reserved for future use" or alike. Similarly, this behavior may either be requested by the first node, or be decided by the sleeping gNB, or be pre-specified in the specification.

Fig. 15 shows a schematic block diagram for an embodiment of the device 100. The device 100 comprises processing circuitry, e.g., one or more processors 1504 for performing the method 500 and memory 1506 coupled to the processors 1504.

For example, the memory 1506 may be encoded with instructions that implement at least one of the modules 102 and 104.

The one or more processors 1504 may be a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, microcode and/or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other components of the device 100, such as the memory 1506, first radio network node functionality. For example, the one or more processors 1504 may execute instructions stored in the memory 1506. Such functionality may include providing various features and steps discussed herein, including any of the benefits disclosed herein. The expression "the device being operative to perform an action" may denote the device 100 being configured to perform the action.

As schematically illustrated in Fig. 15, the device 100 may be embodied by a first radio network node 1500, e.g., functioning as a first gNB. The first radio network node 1500 comprises a radio interface 1502 coupled to the device 100 for radio communication with one or more stations, e.g., functioning as a second radio network node 200 and/or a UE 400.

Fig. 16 shows a schematic block diagram for an embodiment of the device 200. The device 200 comprises processing circuitry, e.g., one or more processors 1604 for performing the method 600 and memory 1606 coupled to the processors 1604. For example, the memory 1606 may be encoded with instructions that implement at least one of the modules 202 and 206.

The one or more processors 1604 may be a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, microcode and/or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other components of the device 200, such as the memory 1606, second radio network node functionality. For example, the one or more processors 1604 may execute instructions stored in the memory 1606. Such functionality may include providing various features and steps discussed herein, including any of the benefits disclosed herein. The expression "the device being operative to perform an action" may denote the device 200 being configured to perform the action.

As schematically illustrated in Fig. 16, the device 200 may be embodied by a second radio network node 1600, e.g., functioning as a second gNB. The receiving station 1600 comprises a radio interface 1602 coupled to the device 200 for radio communication with one or more stations, e.g., functioning as a first radio network node 100 and/or UE 400.

Fig. 17 shows a schematic block diagram for an embodiment of the device 300. The device 100 comprises processing circuitry, e.g., one or more processors 1704 for performing the method 700 and memory 1706 coupled to the processors 1704.

For example, the memory 1706 may be encoded with instructions that implement at least one of the modules 302 and 306.

The one or more processors 1704 may be a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, microcode and/or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other components of the device 100, such as the memory 1706, service node functionality. For example, the one or more processors 1704 may execute instructions stored in the memory 1706. Such functionality may include providing various features and steps discussed herein, including any of the benefits disclosed herein. The expression "the device being operative to perform an action" may denote the device 100 being configured to perform the action. As schematically illustrated in Fig. 17, the device 300 may be embodied by a service node 1700, e.g., functioning as an 0AM or LMF. The service node 1700 comprises a radio interface 1702 coupled to the device 100 for radio communication with one or more stations, e.g., functioning as a first and/or second radio network node 100 or 200 or a UE 400.

Fig. 18 shows a schematic block diagram for an embodiment of the device 400. The device 400 comprises processing circuitry, e.g., one or more processors 1804 for performing the method 400 and memory 1806 coupled to the processors 1804.

For example, the memory 1806 may be encoded with instructions that implement at least one of the modules 408, 410, and 412.

The one or more processors 1804 may be a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, microcode and/or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other components of the device 200, such as the memory 1806, radio device functionality. For example, the one or more processors 1804 may execute instructions stored in the memory 1806. Such functionality may include providing various features and steps discussed herein, including any of the benefits disclosed herein. The expression "the device being operative to perform an action" may denote the device 200 being configured to perform the action.

As schematically illustrated in Fig. 18, the device 200 may be embodied by a radio device 1800, e.g., functioning as a UE. The receiving station 1800 comprises a radio interface 1802 coupled to the device 400 for radio communication with one or more stations, e.g., functioning as a first and/or second radio network node 100 or 200 (e.g., base stations) or a service node 300 (e.g., 0AM or LMF).

With reference to Fig. 19, in accordance with an embodiment, a communication system 1900 includes a telecommunication network 1910, such as a 3GPP-type cellular network, which comprises an access network 1911, such as a radio access network, and a core network 1914. The access network 1911 comprises a plurality of base stations 1912a, 1912b, 1912c, such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 1913a, 1913b, 1913c. Each base station 1912a, 1912b, 1912c is connectable to the core network 1914 over a wired or wireless connection 1915. A first user equipment (UE) 1991 located in coverage area 1913c is configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, the corresponding base station 1912c. A second UE 1992 in coverage area 1913a is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding base station 1912a. While a plurality of UEs 1991, 1992 are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a sole UE is in the coverage area or where a sole UE is connecting to the corresponding base station 1912.

Any of the base stations 1912 may perform the method 500 and/or 600. Alternatively or in addition, any of the UEs 1991, 1992 may embody the device 400 and/or perform the method 800.

The telecommunication network 1910 is itself connected to a host computer 1930, which may be embodied in the hardware and/or software of a standalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server or as processing resources in a server farm. The host computer 1930 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. The connections 1921, 1922 between the telecommunication network 1910 and the host computer 1930 may extend directly from the core network 1914 to the host computer 1930 or may go via an optional intermediate network 1920. The intermediate network 1920 may be one of, or a combination of more than one of, a public, private or hosted network; the intermediate network 1920, if any, may be a backbone network or the Internet; in particular, the intermediate network 1920 may comprise two or more sub-networks (not shown).

The communication system 1900 of Fig. 19 as a whole enables connectivity between one of the connected UEs 1991, 1992 and the host computer 1930. The connectivity may be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 1950. The host computer 1930 and the connected UEs 1991, 1992 are configured to communicate data and/or signaling via the OTT connection 1950, using the access network 1911, the core network 1914, any intermediate network 1920 and possible further infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. The OTT connection 1950 may be transparent in the sense that the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection 1950 passes are unaware of routing of uplink and downlink communications. For example, a base station 1912 need not be informed about the past routing of an incoming downlink communication with data originating from a host computer 1930 to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to a connected UE 1991. Similarly, the base station 1912 need not be aware of the future routing of an outgoing uplink communication originating from the UE 1991 towards the host computer 1930.

By virtue of the method 800 being performed by any one of the UEs 1991 or 1992 and/or the methods 500 and/or 600 being performed by any one of the base stations 1912, the performance or range of the OTT connection 1950 can be improved, e.g., in terms of increased positioning accuracy and/or battery lifetime. More specifically, the host computer 1930 may indicate to the RAN 910 or the radio network nodes 100 and/or 200 or the radio device 400 (e.g., on an application layer) a trigger for performing the positioning and/or any one of the methods 500, 600, 700, and 800, e.g. when a position of the UE is needed by the application.

Example implementations, in accordance with an embodiment of the UE, base station and host computer discussed in the preceding paragraphs, will now be described with reference to Fig. 20. In a communication system 2000, a host computer 2010 comprises hardware 2015 including a communication interface 2016 configured to set up and maintain a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of the communication system 2000. The host computer 2010 further comprises processing circuitry 2018, which may have storage and/or processing capabilities. In particular, the processing circuitry 2018 may comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The host computer 2010 further comprises software 2011, which is stored in or accessible by the host computer 2010 and executable by the processing circuitry 2018. The software 2011 includes a host application 2012. The host application 2012 may be operable to provide a service to a remote user, such as a UE 2030 connecting via an OTT connection 2050 terminating at the UE 2030 and the host computer 2010. In providing the service to the remote user, the host application 2012 may provide user data, which is transmitted using the OTT connection 2050. The user data may depend on the location of the UE 2030. The user data may comprise auxiliary information or precision advertisements (also: ads) delivered to the UE 2030. The location may be reported by the UE 2030 to the host computer, e.g., using the OTT connection 2050, and/or by the base station 2020, e.g., using a connection 2060. The communication system 2000 further includes a base station 2020 provided in a telecommunication system and comprising hardware 2025 enabling it to communicate with the host computer 2010 and with the UE 2030. The hardware 2025 may include a communication interface 2026 for setting up and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of the communication system 2000, as well as a radio interface 2027 for setting up and maintaining at least a wireless connection 2070 with a UE 2030 located in a coverage area (not shown in Fig. 20) served by the base station 2020. The communication interface 2026 may be configured to facilitate a connection 2060 to the host computer 2010. The connection 2060 may be direct, or it may pass through a core network (not shown in Fig. 20) of the telecommunication system and/or through one or more intermediate networks outside the telecommunication system. In the embodiment shown, the hardware 2025 of the base station 2020 further includes processing circuitry 2028, which may comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The base station 2020 further has software 2021 stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

The communication system 2000 further includes the UE 2030 already referred to. Its hardware 2035 may include a radio interface 2037 configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection 2070 with a base station serving a coverage area in which the UE 2030 is currently located. The hardware 2035 of the UE 2030 further includes processing circuitry 2038, which may comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The UE 2030 further comprises software 2031, which is stored in or accessible by the UE 2030 and executable by the processing circuitry 2038. The software 2031 includes a client application 2032. The client application 2032 may be operable to provide a service to a human or non-human user via the UE 2030, with the support of the host computer 2010. In the host computer 2010, an executing host application 2012 may communicate with the executing client application 2032 via the OTT connection 2050 terminating at the UE 2030 and the host computer 2010. In providing the service to the user, the client application 2032 may receive request data from the host application 2012 and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection 2050 may transfer both the request data and the user data. The client application 2032 may interact with the user to generate the user data that it provides. It is noted that the host computer 2010, base station 2020 and UE 2030 illustrated in Fig. 20 may be identical to the host computer 1930, one of the base stations 1912a, 1912b, 1912c and one of the UEs 1991, 1992 of Fig. 19, respectively. This is to say, the inner workings of these entities may be as shown in Fig. 20, and, independently, the surrounding network topology may be that of Fig. 19.

In Fig. 20, the OTT connection 2050 has been drawn abstractly to illustrate the communication between the host computer 2010 and the UE 2030 via the base station 2020, without explicit reference to any intermediary devices and the precise routing of messages via these devices. Network infrastructure may determine the routing, which it may be configured to hide from the UE 2030 or from the service provider operating the host computer 2010, or both. While the OTT connection 2050 is active, the network infrastructure may further take decisions by which it dynamically changes the routing (e.g., on the basis of load balancing consideration or reconfiguration of the network).

The wireless connection 2070 between the UE 2030 and the base station 2020 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of OTT services provided to the UE 2030 using the OTT connection 2050, in which the wireless connection 2070 forms the last segment. More precisely, the teachings of these embodiments may reduce the latency and improve the data rate and thereby provide benefits such as better responsiveness and improved QoS.

A measurement procedure may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rate, latency, QoS and other factors on which the one or more embodiments improve. There may further be an optional network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 2050 between the host computer 2010 and UE 2030, in response to variations in the measurement results. The measurement procedure and/or the network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 2050 may be implemented in the software 2011 of the host computer 2010 or in the software 2031 of the UE 2030, or both. In embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or in association with communication devices through which the OTT connection 2050 passes; the sensors may participate in the measurement procedure by supplying values of the monitored quantities exemplified above, or supplying values of other physical quantities from which software 2011, 2031 may compute or estimate the monitored quantities. The reconfiguring of the OTT connection 2050 may include message format, retransmission settings, preferred routing etc.; the reconfiguring need not affect the base station 2020, and it may be unknown or imperceptible to the base station 2020. Such procedures and functionalities may be known and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, measurements may involve proprietary UE signaling facilitating the host computer's 2010 measurements of throughput, propagation times, latency and the like. The measurements may be implemented in that the software 2011, 2031 causes messages to be transmitted, in particular empty or "dummy" messages, using the OTT connection 2050 while it monitors propagation times, errors etc.

Fig. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE which may be those described with reference to Figs. 19 and 20. For simplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to Fig. 21 will be included in this paragraph. In a first step 2110 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional substep 2111 of the first step 2110, the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In a second step 2120, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the UE. In an optional third step 2130, the base station transmits to the UE the user data which was carried in the transmission that the host computer initiated, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In an optional fourth step 2140, the UE executes a client application associated with the host application executed by the host computer.

Fig. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE which may be those described with reference to Figs. 19 and 20. For simplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to Fig. 22 will be included in this paragraph. In a first step 2210 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional substep (not shown) the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In a second step 2220, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the UE. The transmission may pass via the base station, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In an optional third step 2230, the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission. As has become apparent from above description, at least some embodiments of the technique allow sleeping (e.g. inactive) cells or gNBs to be involved in the fulfillment of positioning services without being fully activated (for user traffic), since they are not needed to meet or appropriately serve and/or handle the current traffic demand.

Same or further embodiments avoid unnecessary power wastage and signaling for the radio network (e.g., RAN) and UEs, because the technique avoids having to fully activate a cell or gNB for a limited time to support the fulfillment of positioning services, which can result in ping-pong handovers of UEs that only temporality camp on and connect to the cell or gNB.

Many advantages of the present invention will be fully understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the units and devices without departing from the scope of the invention and/or without sacrificing all of its advantages. Since the invention can be varied in many ways, it will be recognized that the invention should be limited only by the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method (500) performed by a first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) of a radio access network, RAN (910), the method (500) comprising or initiating the step of: sending (502) one or more capability messages (1002) before and/or while the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability for positioning radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030), the one or more capability messages (1002) being indicative of at least one of the energy saving mode of the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) and the positioning capability of the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) in the energy saving mode.

2. The method (500) of claim 1, wherein the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) comprises and/or serves at least one of: one or multiple cells; one or multiple transmission and reception points, TRPs; and one or multiple distributed units, DUs, optionally wherein at least one of the multiple cells, the multiple TRPs, and the multiple DUs is in the energy saving mode with positioning capability.

3. The method (500) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) provides radio access in an active mode before and/or after being in the energy saving mode, and/or wherein the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) refrains from providing radio access in the energy saving mode and/or refrains from responding to a random access preamble in the energy saving mode and/or does not allow the radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) or a group of the radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) to camp on the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) or on the at least one of the multiple cells of the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) in the energy saving mode and/or refrains from transmitting essential system information in the energy saving mode.

4. The method (500) of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising or initiating, in the energy saving mode with positioning capability, at least one of the steps of: transmitting (510) downlink reference signals, DL RSs (1010), to at least one of the radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030); and receiving (512) uplink reference signals, UL RSs (1012), from at least one of the radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030).

5. The method (500) of claim 4, the one or more capability messages (1002) being indicative of at least one of, or the method (500) further comprising or initiating the step of receiving (504) a configuration message (1004) indicative of at least one of: a start time, a duration, an end time, and/or a periodicity for the transmitting (510) of the DL RSs (1010); time resources, frequency resources, a bandwidth, spatial resources, a beam, and/or a density in the time domain and/or the frequency domain for the transmitting (510) of the DL RSs (1010); a cell, a transmission point, TP, a TRP, and/or at least one of the radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) for the transmitting (510) of the DL RSs (1010); an output power level for the transmitting (510) of the DL RSs (1010); a start time, a duration, an end time, and/or a periodicity for the receiving (512) of the UL RSs (1012); time resources, frequency resources, a bandwidth, spatial resources, a beam, and/or a density in the time domain and/or the frequency domain for the receiving (512) of the UL RSs (1012); a cell, a reception point, RP, a TRP, and/or at least one of the radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) for the receiving (512) of the UL RSs (1012); and an output power level configured, or to be configured, at the at least one radio device for the UL RSs (1012).

6. The method (500) of claim 4 or 5, wherein the transmitted (510) DL RSs (1010) and/or the received (512) UL RSs (1012) trigger or enable at least one of the radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) and/or the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) to compute a positioning quantity, optionally to compute at least one of: a timing advance, TA; a round-trip time, RTT; a time of arrival, ToA; an angle of arrival, AoA; an angle of departure, AoD; a time difference of arrival, TDoA; a channel state of a radio channel between at least one of the radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) and the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020); a reference signal received power, RSRP; and a reference signal received quality, RSRQ.

7. The method (500) of claim 6, wherein at least one of the one or more capability messages (1002) and the configuration message (1004) is indicative of at least one of the positioning quantities.

8. The method (500) of any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the DL RSs (1010) comprise at least one of: a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS; a synchronization signal block or a synchronization signal and physical broadcast, PBCH, block, SSB; and a positioning RS, PRS.

9. The method (500) of claim 8, wherein the SSB is cell defining or non-cell defining, optionally according to the configuration message (1004).

10. The method (500) of any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the UL RSs (1012) comprise at least one of: a sounding RS, SRS; and a random access preamble, RAP.

11. The method (500) of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein at least one of the one or more capability messages (1002) and the configuration message (1004) is indicative of the type of UL RSs (1012) and/or DL RSs (1010).

12. The method (500) of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising or initiating the step of: receiving (506) a control message (1006) indicative of a request for the positioning in the energy saving mode.

13. The method (500) of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising or initiating the step of sending (507) a response message (1007) in response to at least one of the configuration message (1004) and the control message (1006), optionally wherein the response message (1007) is indicative of at least one of: an acknowledgment of at least one of the configuration message (1004) and the control message (1006), optionally an acknowledgement of a part of the configuration message (1004) or the control message (1006); a rejection of at least one of the configuration message (1004) and the control message (1006), optionally a rejection of a part of the configuration message (1004) or the control message (1006); a modification or further specification relative to at least one of the configuration message (1004) and the control message (1006); the type of the transmitted (510) DL RSs (1010), optionally including CSI-RS, SSB, and PRS; the type of the received (512) UL RSs (1012), optionally including SRS and RAP; the positioning quantity computed in the energy saving mode; the cell, the reception point, RP, the TRP, and/or at least one of the radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) for the receiving (512) of the UL RSs (1012); the cell, the transmission point, RP, the TRP, and/or at least one of the radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) for the transmitting (510) of the DL RSs (1010); and the time resources, the frequency resources, and/or the spatial resources used for the transmitting (510) of the DL RSs (1010) and/or the receiving (512) of the UL RSs (1012).

14. The method (500) of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one of the one or more capability messages (1002) is sent (502) to and/or the configuration message (1004) is received (504) from and/or the control message (1006) is received (506) from and/or the response message (1007) is sent (507) to a service node (300), optionally wherein the service node (300) comprises at least one of: a CN node of a core network, CN (920), serving the RAN (910); a maintenance node serving or monitoring the RAN (910) and/or the CN (920); and a node involved in or responsible for the positioning of the radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030).

15. The method (500) of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one of the one or more capability messages (1002) is sent to and/or the configuration message (1004) is received from and/or the control message (1006) is received (506) from and/or the response message (1007) is sent (507) to at least one second radio network node (200; 1600; 1912; 2020) of the RAN (910).

16. The method (500) of claim 15, wherein the at least one second radio network node (200; 1600; 1912; 2020) is a neighboring radio network node of the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) and/or wherein the at least one second radio network node (200; 1600; 1912; 2020) is a serving radio network node serving at least one of the radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030).

17. The method (500) of any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising or initiating at least one of the steps of: switching from an active mode of the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) to the energy saving mode with positioning capability of the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020); and switching from an energy saving mode without positioning capability of the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) to the energy saving mode with positioning capability of the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020).

18. The method (500) of claim 17, wherein the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) switches from the active mode to the energy saving mode with positioning capability or from the energy saving mode without positioning capability of the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) to the energy saving mode with positioning capability upon receiving a or the control message (1006) indicative of a request for the positioning.

19. The method (500) of claim 17 or 18, wherein the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) switches from the active mode to the energy saving mode with positioning capability upon determining that at least one of: data traffic with the radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) served by the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) is, or is predicted to be, less than a predefined throughput threshold or a predefined volume; and a number of radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) served by the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) is below a predefined device threshold.

20. A method (600) performed by a second radio network node (200; 1600; 1912; 2020) of a radio access network, RAN (910), the method (600) comprising or initiating the step of: sending (606), to one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) of the RAN (910), a control message (1006) indicative of a request for positioning of radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) in an energy saving mode of the respective first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020).

21. The method (600) of claim 20, wherein the second radio network node (200; 1600; 1912; 2020) serves at least one or each of the radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030).

22. The method (600) of claim 20 or 21, further comprising or initiating the step of: receiving (602) one or more capability messages (1002) from the one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) before and/or while the respective first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability for the positioning of the radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030), the one or more capability messages (1002) being indicative of at least one of the energy saving mode of the respective first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) and the positioning capability of the respective first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) in the energy saving mode, wherein the control message (1006) is sent (606) in response to the received capability message (1002).

23. The method (600) of any one of claims 20 to 22, further comprising or initiating the step of: transmitting (608) a radio device configuration message (1008) to at least one or each of the radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030), the radio device configuration message (1008) configuring the respective radio device (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) to receive downlink reference signals, DL RSs (1010), from the one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) and/or to transmit uplink reference signals, UL RSs (1012), to the one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020), optionally wherein the radio device configuration message (1008) is a radio resource control, RRC, message.

24. The method (600) of claim 23, wherein the radio device configuration message (1008) is indicative of at least one of: a start time, a duration, an end time, and/or a periodicity for the receiving of the DL RSs (1010); time resources, frequency resources, a bandwidth, spatial resources, a beam, and/or a density in the time domain and/or the frequency domain for the receiving of the DL RSs (1010); a cell, a transmission point, TP, and/or a transmission and reception point, TRP, from which the DL RSs (1010) are to be received; an output power level configured, or to be configured, at the one or more first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) for the DL RSs (1010); a start time, a duration, an end time, and/or a periodicity for the transmitting of the UL RSs (1012); time resources, frequency resources, a bandwidth, spatial resources, a beam, and/or a density in the time domain and/or the frequency domain for the transmitting of the UL RSs (1012); a cell, a reception point, RP, and/or a transmission and reception point, TRP, to which the UL RSs (1012) are to be transmitted; and an output power level for the transmitting of the UL RSs (1012).

25. The method (600) of claim 23 or 24, wherein the radio device configuration message (1008) configures the respective radio device (400; 1800; 1991; 1992;

2030) to compute and/or report a positioning quantity based on the received DL RSs (1010), optionally to compute and/or report at least one of: a timing advance, TA; a round-trip time, RTT; a time of arrival, ToA; an angle of arrival, AoA; an angle of departure, AoD; a time difference of arrival, TDoA; a channel state of a radio channel between at least one of the radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) and the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020); a reference signal received power, RSRP; and a reference signal received quality, RSRQ.

26. The method (600) of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the radio device configuration message (1008) is indicative of a type of the DL RSs (1010), optionally the type of the DL RSs (1010) comprising at least one of: a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS; a synchronization signal block or synchronization or physical broadcast, PBCH, block, SSB; and a positioning RS, PRS. 1. The method (600) of claim 26, wherein the radio device configuration message (1008) is indicative of the SSB being cell defining or non-cell defining.

28. The method (600) of any one of claims 23 to 27 , wherein the radio device configuration message (1008) is indicative of a type of the UL RSs (1012), optionally the type of the UL RSs (1012) comprising at least one of: a sounding RS, SRS; and a random access preamble, RAP.

29. The method (600) of any one of claims 20 to 28, further comprising any feature or step of any one of claims 1 to 19, or a feature or step corresponding thereto.

30. A method (800) performed by a radio device (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) for positioning the radio device (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030), the method (800) comprising or initiating the step of: receiving (808) a radio device configuration message (1008) configuring the radio device (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) to receive (810) downlink reference signals, DL RSs (1010), from one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) of a radio access network, RAN (910), and/or to transmit (812) uplink reference signals, UL RSs (1012), to the one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) of the RAN (910) for the positioning of the radio device (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) while the one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability.

31. The method (800) of claim 30, wherein the radio device configuration message (1008) is received (808) from a second radio network node (200; 1600; 1912; 2020) of the RAN (910), and/or wherein the radio device configuration message (1008) is a radio resource control, RRC, message. 32. The method (800) of claim 30 or 31, wherein the radio device configuration message (1008) is received (808) from a service node (300) serving a or the RAN (910), and/or wherein the radio device configuration message (1008) is a non-access stratum, NAS, message.

33. The method (800) of any one of claims 30 to 32, further comprising or initiating, while at least one or each of the one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) is in the energy saving mode with positioning capability, at least one of the steps of: receiving (810) downlink reference signals, DL RSs (1010), from the at least one or each of the one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020); and transmitting (812) uplink reference signals, UL RSs (1012), to the at least one or each of the one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020).

34. The method (800) of any one of claims 30 to 33, further comprising or initiating at least one of the steps of: before and/or after at least one of the one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) is in the energy saving mode or while at least one of the one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) is in an active mode, the radio device (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) camping on the respective first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) or on one or multiple cells of the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) or the radio device (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) performing a random access procedure with the respective first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) or one or multiple cells of the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020); and while at least one of the one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) is in the energy saving mode, the radio device (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) refraining from a random access to the at least one of the one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) or failing to receive essential system information from the at least one of the one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020).

35. The method (800) of any one of claims 30 to 34, further comprising any feature or step of any one of claims 1 to 19 or 20 to 29, or a feature or step corresponding thereto. 36. A method (700) performed by a service node (300) for serving a radio access network, RAN (910), the method (700) comprising or initiating the step of: sending (706), to one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) of the RAN (910), a control message (1006) indicative of a request for positioning of radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) in an energy saving mode of the respective first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020).

37. The method (700) of claim 36, wherein the service node (300) is at least one of: a CN node of a core network, CN (920), serving the RAN (910); a maintenance node serving or monitoring the RAN (910) and/or the CN (920); and a node involved in or responsible for the positioning of the radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030).

38. The method (700) of claim 36 or 37, further comprising or initiating the step of: receiving (702) one or more capability messages (1002) from the one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) before and/or while the respective first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability for the positioning of the radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030), the one or more capability messages (1002) being indicative of at least one of the energy saving mode of the respective first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) and the positioning capability of the respective first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) in the energy saving mode, wherein the control message (1006) is sent (706) in response to the received capability message (1002).

39. The method (700) of any one of claims 36 to 38, further comprising or initiating the step of: sending (708) a radio device configuration message (1008) to at least one or each of the radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030), the radio device configuration message (1008) configuring the respective radio device (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) to receive downlink reference signals, DL RSs (1010), from the one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) and/or to transmit uplink reference signals, UL RSs (1012), to the one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020), optionally wherein the radio device configuration message (1008) is a non- access stratum, NAS, message.

40. The method (700) of any one of claims 36 to 39, further comprising any feature or step of any one of claims 1 to 19 or 20 to 29 or 30 to 35, or a feature or step corresponding thereto.

41. A computer program product comprising program code portions for performing the steps of any one of the claims 1 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 35, or 36 to 40 when the computer program product is executed on one or more computing devices (1504; 1604; 1704; 1804), optionally stored on a computer-readable recording medium (1506; 1606; 1706; 1806).

42. A first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) of a radio access network, RAN (910), the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) comprising memory operable to store instructions and processing circuitry operable to execute the instructions, such that the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) is operable to: send one or more capability messages (1002) before and/or while the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability for positioning radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030), the one or more capability messages (1002) being indicative of at least one of the energy saving mode of the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) and the positioning capability of the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) in the energy saving mode.

43. The first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) of claim 42, further operable to perform any one of the steps of any one of claims 2 to 19.

44. A first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) of a radio access network, RAN (910), the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) being configured to: send one or more capability messages (1002) before and/or while the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability for positioning radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030), the one or more capability messages (1002) being indicative of at least one of the energy saving mode of the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) and the positioning capability of the first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) in the energy saving mode.

45. The first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) of claim 44, further configured to perform the steps of any one of claim 2 to 19.

46. A second radio network node (200; 1600; 1912; 2020) of a radio access network, RAN (910), the second radio network node (200; 1600; 1912; 2020) comprising memory operable to store instructions and processing circuitry operable to execute the instructions, such that the second radio network node (200; 1600; 1912; 2020) is operable to: send, to one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) of the RAN (910), a control message (1006) indicative of a request for positioning of radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) in an energy saving mode of the respective first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020).

47. The second radio network node (200; 1600; 1912; 2020) of claim 46, further operable to perform any one of the steps of any one of claims 21 to 29.

48. A second radio network node (200; 1600; 1912; 2020) of a radio access network, RAN (910), the second radio network node (200; 1600; 1912; 2020) being configured to: send, to one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) of the RAN (910), a control message (1006) indicative of a request for positioning of radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) in an energy saving mode of the respective first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020).

49. The second radio network node (200; 1600; 1912; 2020) of claim 48, further configured to perform the steps of any one of claim 21 to 29.

50. A radio device (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) comprising memory operable to store instructions and processing circuitry operable to execute the instructions, such that the radio device (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) is operable to: receive a radio device configuration message (1008) configuring the radio device (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) to receive (810) downlink reference signals, DL RSs (1010), from one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) of a radio access network, RAN (910), and/or to transmit (812) uplink reference signals, UL RSs (1012), to the one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) of the RAN (910) for the positioning of the radio device (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) while the one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability.

51. The radio device (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) of claim 50, further operable to perform the steps of any one of claims 31 to 35.

52. A radio device (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) configured to: receive a radio device configuration message (1008) configuring the radio device (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) to receive (810) downlink reference signals, DL RSs (1010), from one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) of a radio access network, RAN (910), and/or to transmit (812) uplink reference signals, UL RSs (1012), to the one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) of the RAN (910) for the positioning of the radio device (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) while the one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) is in an energy saving mode with positioning capability.

53. The radio device (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) of claim 52, further configured to perform the steps of any one of claims 31 to 35.

54. A service node (300) for serving a radio access network, RAN (910), the service node (300) comprising memory operable to store instructions and processing circuitry operable to execute the instructions, such that the service node (300) is operable to: send, to one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) of the RAN (910), a control message (1006) indicative of a request for positioning of radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) in an energy saving mode of the respective first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020).

55. The service node (300) of claim 54, further operable to perform any one of the steps of any one of claims 37 to 40.

56. A service node (300) for serving a radio access network, RAN (910), the service node (300) being configured to send, to one or more first radio network nodes (100; 1500; 1912; 2020) of the RAN (910), a control message (1006) indicative of a request for positioning of radio devices (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) in an energy saving mode of the respective first radio network node (100; 1500; 1912; 2020).

57. The service node (300) of claim 56, further configured to perform the steps of any one of claims 37 to 40.

58. A communication system (1900; 2000) including a host computer (1930; 2010) comprising: processing circuitry (2018) configured to provide user data; and a communication interface (2016) configured to forward user data to a cellular radio network (1910) or an ad hoc radio network for transmission to a user equipment, UE (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030), wherein the UE (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) comprises a radio interface (1802; 2037) and processing circuitry (1804; 2038), the processing circuitry (1804; 2038) of the UE (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) being configured to execute the steps of any one of claims 30 to 35.

59. The communication system (1900; 2000) of claim 58, further including the UE (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030).

60. The communication system (1900; 2000) of claim 58 or 59, wherein the radio network (1310) further comprises one or more base stations (100; 200; 1500; 1600; 1912; 2020) configured to communicate with the UE (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030).

61. The communication system (1900; 2000) of claim 60, wherein the base station (100; 200; 1500; 1600; 1912; 2020) comprises processing circuitry (1504; 1604; 2028), which is configured to execute the steps of any one of claims 1 to 19 or 20 to 29.

62. The communication system (1900; 2000) of any one of claims 58 to 61, wherein: the processing circuitry (2018) of the host computer (1930; 2010) is configured to execute a host application (2012), thereby providing the user data; and the processing circuitry (1804; 2038) of the UE (400; 1800; 1991; 1992; 2030) is configured to execute a client application (2032) associated with the host application (2012).