Imagine-B5G’s prepares to unveil localisation technology at Symposium on Future Networks For Cam

From the 15th to the 17th of October, IMAGINE-B5G will present a research paper at the Future Networks World Forum 2024 Symposium in Dubai on satellite-based real-time positioning with a 5G-assisted location management function.

The paper introduces a pioneering experimental testbed architecture that merges Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and 5G cellular systems. This innovative testbed, established in the city of Gaia, Portugal, aims to tackle the complex task of creating a system that can deliver real-time precise positioning for mobile users in urban canyons and other challenging conditions. 

The architecture uses positioning methods like Single Point Positioning (SPP), Precise Point Positioning (PPP), and Double Difference GNSS to overcome issues such as ionospheric delay, clock biases, and multipath commonly faced by traditional GNSS systems. A vital component of the testbed is a 5G-based Location Management Function (LMF) that enhances GNSS data in real-time to minimise Time-to-First-Fix (TTFF) position estimation and improve geolocation accuracy in environments where GNSS signals may be weakened or obstructed.

This system dynamically adjusts satellite and atmospheric data sent via 5G to the mobile platform (e.g., a vehicle or other UE) for more accurate geolocation. The combination of GNSS and 5G in this hybrid environment demonstrates novel potential in positioning technology. The study shows that 5G-assisted GNSS can significantly reduce error vectors, marking a remarkable breakthrough in real-time positioning solutions. The next phase involves testing the system in a moving scenario to confirm its effectiveness in vehicular and smart city applications. This research contributes to the literature by highlighting the potential of combining GNSS and 5G technologies to overcome the limitations of standalone GNSS systems, reinforcing the way for future positioning systems.