From Concept to Reality: 5G Positioning with Open-Source Implementation of UL-TDoA in OpenAirInterface

2024-09-08

arXiv.org

AI Summary

To address the scarcity of open-source implementations for high-precision positioning in 5G networks, this paper presents the first open-source, end-to-end uplink time-difference-of-arrival (UL-TDoA) positioning solution compliant with 3GPP standards (TS 38.305 and TS 38.413) within the OpenAirInterface (OAI) framework. The implementation fully integrates both RAN and core network protocol stacks, supports O-RAN architecture, and is deployable and validated in both simulation environments and a real-world O-RAN testbed based on the EURECOM platform. Experimental results demonstrate sub-meter positioning accuracy in both settings. This work constitutes the first publicly available, full-stack, 3GPP-compliant UL-TDoA implementation, significantly lowering barriers to entry for 5G positioning research and fostering democratization and collaborative innovation in high-precision localization. All source code is openly released.

Technology Category

• Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Optimization of Spatio-temporal Systems
• Search and Optimization: Distributed Search
• Intelligent Robots: State Estimation

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Experiences and lessons learnt from Web-based algorithms and system deployments
• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: On-Device user modeling, personalization, and recommendation
• Responsible Web: Data and user privacy-enhancing technologies for the Web

Abstract

This paper presents, for the first time, an open-source implementation of the 3GPP Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UL-TDoA) positioning method using the OpenAirInterface (OAI) framework. UL-TDoA is a critical positioning technique in 5G networks, leveraging the time differences of signal arrival at multiple base stations to determine the precise location of User Equipment (UE). This implementation aims to democratize access to advanced positioning technology by integrating UL-TDoA capabilities into both the Radio Access Network (RAN) and Core Network (CN) components of OAI, providing a comprehensive and 3GPP-compliant solution. The development includes the incorporation of essential protocol procedures, message flows, and interfaces as defined by 3GPP standards. Validation is conducted using two distinct methods: an OAI-RF simulator-based setup for controlled testing and an O-RAN-based Localization Testbed at EURECOM in real-world conditions. The results demonstrate the viability of this open-source UL-TDoA implementation, enabling precise positioning in various environments. By making this implementation publicly available, the study paves the way for widespread research, development, and innovation in the field of 5G positioning technologies, fostering collaboration and accelerating the advancement of cellular network positioning.

Problem

• Open-source UL-TDoA implementation in 5G networks
• Precise UE positioning using signal time differences
• Integration of UL-TDoA in RAN and CN components

Innovation

• Open-source UL-TDoA implementation in OpenAirInterface
• Integration into RAN and Core Network components
• Validation via simulator and real-world testbed