WO2023131407A1

WO2023131407A1 - Apparatus, methods, and computer programs

Info

Publication number: WO2023131407A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/050223
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shubhranshu Singh; Andreas Maeder; Pallab Gupta
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2022-01-07
Filing date: 2022-01-07
Publication date: 2023-07-13

Abstract

A first network function (709/710) is adapted to carry out a request to determine a geographical location of a first user equipment (701) configured to communicate with the network via a relay user equipment; determine at least one first communication apparatus (702) capable of relaying the first user equipment and performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment; cause the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations (705) with the first user equipment; and provide the second network function with a geographical location of the first user equipment, wherein said providing the geographical location comprises providing a calculated geographical location determined using values obtained from the first communication apparatus during said performing said at least one ranging-based positioning operation.

Description

APPARATUS, METHODS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAMS

Field

[0001]The present disclosure relates to apparatus, methods, and computer programs, and in particular but not exclusively to apparatus, methods and computer programs for network apparatuses.

Background

[0002]A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as user terminals, access nodes and/or other nodes by providing carriers between the various entities involved in the communications path. A communication system can be provided for example by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. The communication sessions may comprise, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and/or content data and so on. Content may be multicast or uni-cast to communication devices.

[0003]A user can access the communication system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal. A communication device of a user is often referred to as user equipment (UE) or user device. The communication device may access a carrier provided by an access node and transmit and/or receive communications on the carrier.

[0004]The communication system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a required standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. Communication protocols and/or parameters which shall be used for the connection are also typically defined. One example of a communications system is UTRAN (3G radio). Another example of an architecture that is known is the longterm evolution (LTE) or the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio-access technology. Another example communication system is so called 5G system that allows user equipment (UE) or user device to contact a 5G core via e.g. new radio (NR) access technology or via other access technology such as Untrusted access to 5GC or wireline access technology.

[0005]There is a need to provide control systems which enable a communications service provider (CSP) to control and optimise a complex network of communications system elements.

[0006] One of current approaches being employed is closed-loop automation and machine learning which can be built into self-organizing networks (SON) enabling an operator to automatically optimize every cell in the radio access network.

Summary

[0007]According to a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a first network function associated with a network, the apparatus comprising means for: receiving, from a second network function, a request to determine a geographical location of a first user equipment configured to communicate with the network via a relay user equipment; determining at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment; causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment; and providing the second network function with a geographical location of the first user equipment, wherein said providing the geographical location comprises providing a calculated geographical location determined using values obtained from the first communication apparatus during said performing said at least one rangingbased positioning operation

[0008]The first network function may be an access and mobility function, and wherein: said means for causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment comprises means for: signalling a request for a geographical location of the first user equipment to a location management function, wherein the request comprises respective identifiers of at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus; and the apparatus further comprises means for: receiving the calculated geographical location from the location management function. [0009]The first network function may be an access and mobility function, and wherein: said means for causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment comprises means for: signalling, to at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus, a request for ranging information between the first user equipment and said at least one first communication apparatus; and receiving, from said at least one first communication apparatus, said values; and the apparatus comprises means for obtaining the calculated geographical location of the first user equipment by: providing said values to a location management function; and receiving the calculated geographical location from the location management function in response.

[0010] The second network function may be a Gateway Mobile Location Centre.

[0011]The at least one of first communication apparatus may comprise a relay UE for relaying communication from the first user equipment to the network.

[0012] The request may be signalled via a non-access stratum-layer message.

[0013] The first network function may be a location management function.

[0014]The means for determining at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment may comprise means for extracting respective identifiers for the determining at least one first communication apparatus from received request.

[0015] Said means for causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment may comprise means for signalling a request for said ranging-based positioning operations to said second network function, and wherein the apparatus may further comprise means for receiving said values from the second network function.

[0016] Said means for causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment may comprise means for signalling, to said at least one first communication apparatus, an instruction to perform said ranging-based positioning operations, and wherein the apparatus may further comprise means for receiving said values from the at least one first communication apparatus.

[0017] The second network function may be an access and mobility function. [0018] Said means for determining at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment may comprise means for performing at least one of: soliciting and receiving, from the first user equipment, an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus; soliciting and receiving, from storage, an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus; and extracting an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus from the received request.

[0019] According to a second aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a first user equipment, the apparatus comprising means for: determining a capability of at least one first communication apparatus for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the at least one first communication apparatus and the first user equipment; selecting a relay user equipment from said at least one first communication apparatus in dependence on the determined capability; and communicating with a network via the selected relay user equipment.

[0020] The apparatus may comprise means for: receiving, from the network via the selected relay user equipment, a request for information identifying at least one communication apparatus that is proximal enough to the first user equipment to perform at least one ranging-based positioning mechanism; and providing said information to the network via the selected relay user equipment.

[0021]The apparatus may comprise means for facilitating performing at least one ranging-based positioning mechanism with at least one of the communication apparatuses identified in said information.

[0022] Said means for determining a capability may comprise means for receiving said capability information in a broadcast signal transmitted by at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus.

[0023] Said means for determining a capability may comprise means for: signalling respective requests for said capability information to the at least one first communication apparatus, and receiving said capability information in response to said signalling.

[0024]The at least one first communication apparatus may comprise at least one of: a second user equipment; and an access point to a network. [0025]According to a third aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a relay user equipment, the apparatus comprising means for: operating as a relay for communications between a first user equipment and a network; receiving, from a network function associated with the network, a request for positioning information for geographically locating the first user equipment, wherein the request comprises an indication that at least one ranging-based positioning mechanism is to be used to obtain said positioning information; performing said at least one ranging-based positioning information with the first user equipment to obtain ranging information; and signalling said ranging information to the network function.

[0026]The network function may be an access and mobility function or a location management function.

[0027] The request may be signalled via a non-access stratum-layer message.

[0028] The apparatus may comprise means for: receiving, from the first user equipment, a request to provide an indication of a capability of the relay user equipment for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the relay user equipment and the first user equipment; and signalling the indication of the capability to the first user equipment.

[0029] The apparatus may comprise means for broadcasting an indication of a capability of the relay user equipment for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the relay user equipment and the first user equipment.

[0030] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a first network function associated with a network, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to: receive, from a second network function, a request to determine a geographical location of a first user equipment configured to communicate with the network via a relay user equipment; determine at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment; cause the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment; and provide the second network function with a geographical location of the first user equipment, wherein said providing the geographical location comprises providing a calculated geographical location determined using values obtained from the first communication apparatus during said performing said at least one ranging-based positioning operation [0031]The first network function may be an access and mobility function, and wherein: said causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment comprises: signalling a request for a geographical location of the first user equipment to a location management function, wherein the request comprises respective identifiers of at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus; and the apparatus is further caused to: receive the calculated geographical location from the location management function.

[0032]The first network function may be an access and mobility function, and wherein: said causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment comprises: signalling, to at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus, a request for ranging information between the first user equipment and said at least one first communication apparatus; and receiving, from said at least one first communication apparatus, said values; and the apparatus is further caused to obtain the calculated geographical location of the first user equipment by: providing said values to a location management function; and receive the calculated geographical location from the location management function in response.

[0033] The second network function may be a Gateway Mobile Location Centre.

[0034]The at least one of first communication apparatus may comprise a relay UE for relaying communication from the first user equipment to the network.

[0035] The request may be signalled via a non-access stratum-layer message.

[0036] The first network function may be a location management function.

[0037]The determining at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment may comprise extracting respective identifiers for the determining at least one first communication apparatus from received request.

[0038] Said causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment may comprise signalling a request for said ranging-based positioning operations to said second network function, and wherein the apparatus may further be caused to receive said values from the second network function.

[0039] Said causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment may comprise signalling, to said at least one first communication apparatus, an instruction to perform said ranging-based positioning operations, and wherein the apparatus may further be caused to receive said values from the at least one first communication apparatus.

[0040] The second network function may be an access and mobility function.

[0041] Said determining at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment may comprise performing at least one of: soliciting and receiving, from the first user equipment, an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus; soliciting and receiving, from storage, an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus; and extracting an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus from the received request.

[0042]According to a fifth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a first user equipment, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to: determine a capability of at least one first communication apparatus for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the at least one first communication apparatus and the first user equipment; select a relay user equipment from said at least one first communication apparatus in dependence on the determined capability; and communicate with a network via the selected relay user equipment.

[0043] The apparatus may be caused to: receive, from the network via the selected relay user equipment, a request for information identifying at least one communication apparatus that is proximal enough to the first user equipment to perform at least one ranging-based positioning mechanism; and provide said information to the network via the selected relay user equipment. [0044] The apparatus may be caused to facilitate performing at least one rangingbased positioning mechanism with at least one of the communication apparatuses identified in said information.

[0045] Said determining a capability may comprise receiving said capability information in a broadcast signal transmitted by at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus.

[0046] Said determining a capability may comprise: signalling respective requests for said capability information to the at least one first communication apparatus, and receiving said capability information in response to said signalling.

[0047] The at least one first communication apparatus may comprise at least one of: a second user equipment; and an access point to a network.

[0048]According to a sixth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a relay user equipment, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to: operate as a relay for communications between a first user equipment and a network; receive, from a network function associated with the network, a request for positioning information for geographically locating the first user equipment, wherein the request comprises an indication that at least one ranging-based positioning mechanism is to be used to obtain said positioning information; perform said at least one ranging-based positioning information with the first user equipment to obtain ranging information; and signal said ranging information to the network function.

[0049]The network function may be an access and mobility function or a location management function.

[0050] The request may be signalled via a non-access stratum-layer message.

[0051]The apparatus may be caused to: receive, from the first user equipment, a request to provide an indication of a capability of the relay user equipment for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the relay user equipment and the first user equipment; and signal the indication of the capability to the first user equipment.

[0052] The apparatus may be caused to broadcast an indication of a capability of the relay user equipment for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the relay user equipment and the first user equipment. [0053]According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a method for an apparatus for a first network function associated with a network, the method comprising: receiving, from a second network function, a request to determine a geographical location of a first user equipment configured to communicate with the network via a relay user equipment; determining at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment; causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment; and providing the second network function with a geographical location of the first user equipment, wherein said providing the geographical location comprises providing a calculated geographical location determined using values obtained from the first communication apparatus during said performing said at least one ranging-based positioning operation

[0054]The first network function may be an access and mobility function, and wherein: said causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment may comprise: signalling a request for a geographical location of the first user equipment to a location management function, wherein the request comprises respective identifiers of at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus; and the method may further comprise: receiving the calculated geographical location from the location management function.

[0055]The first network function may be an access and mobility function, and wherein: said causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment comprises: signalling, to at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus, a request for ranging information between the first user equipment and said at least one first communication apparatus; and receiving, from said at least one first communication apparatus, said values; and the method may comprise obtaining the calculated geographical location of the first user equipment by: providing said values to a location management function; and receiving the calculated geographical location from the location management function in response.

[0056] The second network function may be a Gateway Mobile Location Centre. [0057]The at least one of first communication apparatus may comprise a relay UE for relaying communication from the first user equipment to the network.

[0058] The request may be signalled via a non-access stratum-layer message.

[0059] The first network function may be a location management function.

[0060]The determining at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment may comprise extracting respective identifiers for the determining at least one first communication apparatus from received request.

[0061] Said causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment may comprise signalling a request for said ranging-based positioning operations to said second network function, and wherein the method may further comprise receiving said values from the second network function.

[0062] Said causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment may comprise signalling, to said at least one first communication apparatus, an instruction to perform said ranging-based positioning operations, and wherein the method may further comprise receiving said values from the at least one first communication apparatus.

[0063] The second network function may be an access and mobility function.

[0064] Said determining at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment may comprise performing at least one of: soliciting and receiving, from the first user equipment, an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus; soliciting and receiving, from storage, an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus; and extracting an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus from the received request.

[0065]According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a method for an apparatus for a first user equipment, the method comprising: determining a capability of at least one first communication apparatus for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the at least one first communication apparatus and the first user equipment; selecting a relay user equipment from said at least one first communication apparatus in dependence on the determined capability; and communicating with a network via the selected relay user equipment.

[0066] The method may comprise: receiving, from the network via the selected relay user equipment, a request for information identifying at least one communication apparatus that is proximal enough to the first user equipment to perform at least one ranging-based positioning mechanism; and providing said information to the network via the selected relay user equipment.

[0067]The method may comprise facilitating performing at least one ranging-based positioning mechanism with at least one of the communication apparatuses identified in said information.

[0068] Said r determining a capability may comprise receiving said capability information in a broadcast signal transmitted by at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus.

[0069] Said r determining a capability may comprise: signalling respective requests for said capability information to the at least one first communication apparatus, and receiving said capability information in response to said signalling.

[0070] The at least one first communication apparatus may comprise at least one of: a second user equipment; and an access point to a network.

[0071]According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a method for an apparatus for a relay user equipment, the method comprising: operating as a relay for communications between a first user equipment and a network; receiving, from a network function associated with the network, a request for positioning information for geographically locating the first user equipment, wherein the request comprises an indication that at least one ranging-based positioning mechanism is to be used to obtain said positioning information; performing said at least one ranging-based positioning information with the first user equipment to obtain ranging information; and signalling said ranging information to the network function.

[0072]The network function may be an access and mobility function or a location management function.

[0073] The request may be signalled via a non-access stratum-layer message.

[0074]The method may comprise: receiving, from the first user equipment, a request to provide an indication of a capability of the relay user equipment for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the relay user equipment and the first user equipment; and signalling the indication of the capability to the first user equipment.

[0075] The method may comprise broadcasting an indication of a capability of the relay user equipment for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the relay user equipment and the first user equipment.

[0076] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a first network function associated with a network, the apparatus comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving, from a second network function, a request to determine a geographical location of a first user equipment configured to communicate with the network via a relay user equipment; determining circuitry for determining at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment; causing circuitry for causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said rangingbased positioning operations with the first user equipment; and providing circuitry for providing the second network function with a geographical location of the first user equipment, wherein said providing circuitry for providing the geographical location comprises providing circuitry for providing a calculated geographical location determined using values obtained from the first communication apparatus during said performing said at least one ranging-based positioning operation [0077]The first network function may be an access and mobility function, and wherein: said causing circuitry for causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment comprises: signalling circuitry for signalling a request for a geographical location of the first user equipment to a location management function, wherein the request comprises respective identifiers of at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus; and the apparatus further comprises: receiving circuitry for receiving the calculated geographical location from the location management function.

[0078]The first network function may be an access and mobility function, and wherein: said causing circuitry for causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment comprises: signalling circuitry for signalling, to at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus, a request for ranging information between the first user equipment and said at least one first communication apparatus; and receiving circuitry for receiving, from said at least one first communication apparatus, said values; and the apparatus comprises obtaining circuitry for obtaining the calculated geographical location of the first user equipment by: providing said values to a location management function; and receiving circuitry for receiving the calculated geographical location from the location management function in response.

[0079] The second network function may be a Gateway Mobile Location Centre.

[0080]The at least one of first communication apparatus may comprise a relay UE for relaying communication from the first user equipment to the network.

[0081]The request may be signalled via a non-access stratum-layer message. [0082] The first network function may be a location management function.

[0083]The determining circuitry for determining at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment may comprise extracting circuitry for extracting respective identifiers for the determining at least one first communication apparatus from received request.

[0084] Said causing circuitry for causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment may comprise signalling circuitry for signalling a request for said ranging-based positioning operations to said second network function, and wherein the apparatus may further comprise receiving circuitry for receiving said values from the second network function.

[0085] Said causing circuitry for causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment may comprise signalling circuitry for signalling, to said at least one first communication apparatus, an instruction to perform said rangingbased positioning operations, and wherein the apparatus may further comprise receiving circuitry for receiving said values from the at least one first communication apparatus.

[0086] The second network function may be an access and mobility function.

[0087] Said determining circuitry for determining at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment may comprise performing circuitry for performing at least one of: soliciting and receiving, from the first user equipment, an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus; soliciting and receiving, from storage, an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus; and extracting an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus from the received request.

[0088]According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a first user equipment, the apparatus comprising: determining circuitry for determining a capability of at least one first communication apparatus for performing rangingbased positioning mechanisms between the at least one first communication apparatus and the first user equipment; selecting circuitry for selecting a relay user equipment from said at least one first communication apparatus in dependence on the determined capability; and communicating circuitry for communicating with a network via the selected relay user equipment.

[0089] The apparatus may comprise: receiving circuitry for receiving, from the network via the selected relay user equipment, a request for information identifying at least one communication apparatus that is proximal enough to the first user equipment to perform at least one ranging-based positioning mechanism; and providing circuitry for providing said information to the network via the selected relay user equipment.

[0090] The apparatus may comprise facilitating circuitry for facilitating performing at least one ranging-based positioning mechanism with at least one of the communication apparatuses identified in said information.

[0091] Said determining circuitry for determining a capability may comprise receiving circuitry for receiving said capability information in a broadcast signal transmitted by at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus.

[0092] Said determining circuitry for determining a capability may comprise: signalling respective requests for said capability information to the at least one first communication apparatus, and receiving circuitry for receiving said capability information in response to said signalling.

[0093] The at least one first communication apparatus may comprise at least one of: a second user equipment; and an access point to a network. [0094]According to a twelfth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a relay user equipment, the apparatus comprising: operating circuitry for operating as a relay for communications between a first user equipment and a network; receiving circuitry for receiving, from a network function associated with the network, a request for positioning information for geographically locating the first user equipment, wherein the request comprises an indication that at least one ranging-based positioning mechanism is to be used to obtain said positioning information; performing circuitry for performing said at least one ranging-based positioning information with the first user equipment to obtain ranging information; and signalling circuitry for signalling said ranging information to the network function.

[0095]The network function may be an access and mobility function or a location management function.

[0096] The request may be signalled via a non-access stratum-layer message.

[0097] The apparatus may comprise: receiving circuitry for receiving, from the first user equipment, a request to provide an indication of a capability of the relay user equipment for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the relay user equipment and the first user equipment; and signalling circuitry for signalling the indication of the capability to the first user equipment.

[0098] The apparatus may comprise broadcasting circuitry for broadcasting an indication of a capability of the relay user equipment for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the relay user equipment and the first user equipment.

[0099]According to a thirteenth aspect, there is provided non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus for a first network function associated with a network to perform at least the following: receive, from a second network function, a request to determine a geographical location of a first user equipment configured to communicate with the network via a relay user equipment; determine at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment; cause the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment; and provide the second network function with a geographical location of the first user equipment, wherein said providing the geographical location comprises providing a calculated geographical location determined using values obtained from the first communication apparatus during said performing said at least one ranging-based positioning operation

[0100]The first network function may be an access and mobility function, and wherein: said causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment comprises: signalling a request for a geographical location of the first user equipment to a location management function, wherein the request comprises respective identifiers of at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus; and the apparatus is further caused to: receive the calculated geographical location from the location management function.

[0101]The first network function may be an access and mobility function, and wherein: said causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment comprises: signalling, to at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus, a request for ranging information between the first user equipment and said at least one first communication apparatus; and receiving, from said at least one first communication apparatus, said values; and the apparatus is further caused to obtain the calculated geographical location of the first user equipment by: providing said values to a location management function; and receive the calculated geographical location from the location management function in response.

[0102] The second network function may be a Gateway Mobile Location Centre.

[0103]The at least one of first communication apparatus may comprise a relay UE for relaying communication from the first user equipment to the network.

[0104] The request may be signalled via a non-access stratum-layer message.

[0105] The first network function may be a location management function.

[0106]The determining at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment may comprise extracting respective identifiers for the determining at least one first communication apparatus from received request.

[0107] Said causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment may comprise signalling a request for said ranging-based positioning operations to said second network function, and wherein the apparatus may further be caused to receive said values from the second network function.

[0108] Said causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment may comprise signalling, to said at least one first communication apparatus, an instruction to perform said ranging-based positioning operations, and wherein the apparatus may further be caused to receive said values from the at least one first communication apparatus.

[0109] The second network function may be an access and mobility function.

[0110]Said determining at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment may comprise performing at least one of: soliciting and receiving, from the first user equipment, an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus; soliciting and receiving, from storage, an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus; and extracting an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus from the received request.

[0111] According to a fourteenth aspect, there is provided non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus for a first user equipment to perform at least the following: determine a capability of at least one first communication apparatus for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the at least one first communication apparatus and the first user equipment; select a relay user equipment from said at least one first communication apparatus in dependence on the determined capability; and communicate with a network via the selected relay user equipment.

[0112] The apparatus may be caused to: receive, from the network via the selected relay user equipment, a request for information identifying at least one communication apparatus that is proximal enough to the first user equipment to perform at least one ranging-based positioning mechanism; and provide said information to the network via the selected relay user equipment.

[0113]The apparatus may be caused to facilitate performing at least one rangingbased positioning mechanism with at least one of the communication apparatuses identified in said information. [0114] Said determining a capability may comprise receiving said capability information in a broadcast signal transmitted by at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus.

[0115] Said determining a capability may comprise: signalling respective requests for said capability information to the at least one first communication apparatus, and receiving said capability information in response to said signalling.

[0116] The at least one first communication apparatus may comprise at least one of: a second user equipment; and an access point to a network.

[0117] According to a fifteenth aspect, there is provided non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus for a relay user equipment to perform at least the following: :operate as a relay for communications between a first user equipment and a network; receive, from a network function associated with the network, a request for positioning information for geographically locating the first user equipment, wherein the request comprises an indication that at least one ranging-based positioning mechanism is to be used to obtain said positioning information; perform said at least one ranging-based positioning information with the first user equipment to obtain ranging information; and signal said ranging information to the network function.

[0118]The network function may be an access and mobility function or a location management function.

[0119] The request may be signalled via a non-access stratum-layer message.

[0120] The apparatus may be caused to: receive, from the first user equipment, a request to provide an indication of a capability of the relay user equipment for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the relay user equipment and the first user equipment; and signal the indication of the capability to the first user equipment.

[0121]The apparatus may be caused to broadcast an indication of a capability of the relay user equipment for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the relay user equipment and the first user equipment.

[0122] According to a sixteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program product stored on a medium that may cause an apparatus to perform any method as described herein. [0123] According to a seventeenth aspect, there is provided an electronic device that may comprise apparatus as described herein.

[0124] According to an eighteenth aspect, there is provided a chipset that may comprise an apparatus as described herein.

Brief description of Figures

[0125] Examples will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

[0126] Figures 1A and 1 B show a schematic representation of a 5G system;

[0127] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a network apparatus;

[0128] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a user equipment;

[0129] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a non-volatile memory medium storing instructions which when executed by a processor allow a processor to perform one or more of the steps of the methods of some examples;

[0130] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a network;

[0131] Figures 6 and 7 show schematic representation of network architectures;

[0132] Figures 8 to 12 illustrate example signalling that may be performed between apparatus described herein; and

[0133] Figures 13 to 15 are flow charts illustrating example operations that may be performed by apparatus described herein.

Detailed description

[0134] In the following, certain aspects are explained with reference to mobile communication devices capable of communication via a wireless cellular system and mobile communication systems serving such mobile communication devices. For brevity and clarity, the following describes such aspects with reference to a 5G wireless communication system. However, it is understood that such aspects are not limited to 5G wireless communication systems, and may, for example, be applied to other wireless communication systems with analogous components (for example, current 6G proposals).

[0135] Before explaining in detail the exemplifying embodiments, certain general principles of a 5G wireless communication system are briefly explained with reference to Figures 1A and 1 B. [0136] Figure 1A shows a schematic representation of a 5G system (5GS) 100. The 5GS may comprise a user equipment (UE) 102 (which may also be referred to as a communication device or a terminal), a 5G access network (AN) (which may be a 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) or any other type of 5G AN such as a Non-3GPP Interworking Function (N3IWF) /a Trusted Non3GPP Gateway Function (TNGF) for Untrusted I Trusted Non-3GPP access or Wireline Access Gateway Function (W- AGF) for Wireline access) 104, a 5G core (5GC) 106, one or more application functions (AF) 108 and one or more data networks (DN) 110.

[0137]The 5G RAN may comprise one or more gNodeB (gNB) distributed unit functions connected to one or more gNodeB (gNB) unit functions. The RAN may comprise one or more access nodes.

[0138]The 5GC 106 may comprise one or more Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) 112, one or more Session Management Functions (SMF) 114, one or more authentication server functions (AUSF) 116, one or more unified data management (UDM) functions 118, one or more user plane functions (UPF) 120, one or more unified data repository (UDR) functions 122, one or more network repository functions (NRF) 128, and/or one or more network exposure functions (NEF) 124. The role of an NEF is to provide secure exposure of network services (e.g. voice, data connectivity, charging, subscriber data, etc.) towards a 3rd party. Although NRF 128 is not depicted with its interfaces, it is understood that this is for clarity reasons and that NRF 128 may have a plurality of interfaces with other network functions.

[0139] The 5GC 106 also comprises a network data analytics function (NWDAF) 126. The NWDAF is responsible for providing network analytics information upon request from one or more network functions or apparatus within the network. Network functions can also subscribe to the NWDAF 126 to receive information therefrom. Accordingly, the NWDAF 126 is also configured to receive and store network information from one or more network functions or apparatus within the network. The data collection by the NWDAF 126 may be performed based on at least one subscription to the events provided by the at least one network function.

[0140] The network may further comprise a management data analytics service (MDAS). The MDAS may provide data analytics of different network related parameters including for example load level and/or resource utilisation. For example, the MDAS for a network function (NF) can collect the NF’s load related performance data, e.g., resource usage status of the NF. The analysis of the collected data may provide forecast of resource usage information in a predefined future time. This analysis may also recommend appropriate actions e.g., scaling of resources, admission control, load balancing of traffic, etc.

[0141] Figure 1 B shows a schematic representation of a 5GC 106’ represented in current 3GPP specifications.

[0142] Figure 1 B shows a UPF 120’ connected to an SMF 114’ over an N4 interface. The SMF 114’ is connected to each of a UDR 122’, an NEF 124’, an NWDAF 126’, an AF 108’, a Policy Control Function (PCF) 130’, an AMF 112’, and a Charging function 132’ over an interconnect medium that also connects these network functions to each other.

[0143]3GPP refers to a group of organizations that develop and release different standardized communication protocols. 3GPP is currently developing and publishing documents related to Releases 15 to 18, relating to 5G technology.

[0144] Current 5G technologies allows for sidelink communications to be performed. Sidelink communications refers to communications that are performed directly between user equipment. In other words, sidelink communications refers to communications that are not conducted through a radio access network-based apparatus (e.g. via a gNB) and/or through a core network.

[0145]There is ongoing work in current 3GPP discussions to define Sidelink protocols as part of ongoing Proximity-based services, which is also referred to as “ProSe” (see, for example, 3GPP TS 23.304). Further, there is an ongoing work in 3GPP as part of ranging-based services Study Item Description (SID). The outcomes are documented in 3GPP TR 22.855, which defines that Ranging-based services are to be understood as the applications utilizing the distance between two UEs and/or the direction of one UE from the other one.

[0146] These documents provide specific use cases and service requirements for ranging-based services in order to enable the support of Ranging in a 5G system. Overall 5G System (5GS) Location Services (LCS) details are provided in 3GPP specifications, such as 3GPP TS 23.273. [0147] One Release 18 study on ranging-based services (see, for example, 3GPP Technical Report 22.855) discusses a broad set of uses cases relevant for smart phone applications.

[0148] Some of these discussed use cases include Vehicle-to-X (V2X) applications where a vehicle may transmit to any other type of compatible receiving device (i.e. , a receiving device configured to receive signals of the form transmitted by the vehicle), and public-safety applications, e.g., for vulnerable road users, disaster recovery where indoor coverage is not given, etc. This is illustrated with respect to Figure 6.

[0149] Figure 6 illustrates a first vehicle 601 configured to determine the location of a second vehicle 602 using sidelink Positioning Reference Signals (S-PRS). The second vehicle 602 is further configured to determine the location of a vulnerable road user 603 using, for example, a non-3GPP-based ranging mechanism. In other words, the second vehicle 602 may be configured to determine a location of the vulnerable road user 603 using a non-3GPP-based ranging positioning mechanism. For example, the ranging procedure could be any ranging method for determining a distance and/or a displacement between two apparatuses, such as those implemented in some communication protocols, e.g. implemented as part of IEEE 802.15.4, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

[0150] One of the problems to be addressed in positioning systems is how to determine the location of a remote UE (e.g. a vulnerable user) that is located outside of network coverage. In the example of Figure 6, the second vehicle 602 may be configured to act as a relay UE for relaying communications from the first vehicle 601 to the vulnerable user 603. In such a case, the relay 602 may not be configured to support relaying of LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) signals, (TS 36.355) or other positioning protocol signals towards the vulnerable user 603, such as S-PRS. The vulnerable user may also not have direct connectivity to a radio access networkbased access point (e.g. a gNB). Although this is particularly a problem for vehiclebased ranging services, this issue also appears in other systems.

[0151]To address at least one of these problems, the following proposes mechanisms for enabling a relay UE to perform ranging measurements on a remote UE for determining a location of the remote UE. The remote UE may further select a UE to function as a relay UE based on the relay UEs capabilities for performing ranging measurements.

[0152] Figure 7 illustrates some features of at least part of the present disclosure.

[0153] Figure 7 shows a remote UE 701 configured to communicate with a first access point 703 via a first relay UE 702 using sidelink communications between the remote UE 701 and the first relay UE 702. A first proximity UE 704 is also shown as being connected to the first access point 703, although this first proximity UE 704 is not shown as being engaged in sidelink communications with the remote UE 701. However, the first proximity UE 704 is shown as transmitting ranging signal 705 for determining the location of at least one UE, such as the remote UE 701 .

[0154]Also shown in Figure 7 is a second proximity UE 706. The second proximity UE 706 is shown as being connected to a second access point 707. This second proximity UE 706 is not shown as being engaged in sidelink communications with the remote UE 701. However, the second proximity UE 706 is shown as transmitting ranging signal 708 for determining the location of at least one UE, such as the remote UE 701 .

[0155] Each of the first and second access points 703, 707 are shown as being connected to an AMF 709. It is understood that although AMF 709 is illustrated as being the same AMF, the first and second access points 703, 707 may in fact connect to different AMFs, with similar principles applying. The AMF 709 is connected to a location management function (LMF) 710, and to a Gateway Mobile Location Client (GMLC) 711 , which is, in turn, connected to a client 712 that may request the location of the remote UE 701 .

[0156] Some brief functions of the GLMC will now be described.

[0157]The GMLC provides an interface to a location services (LCS) client who may be positioned external to the network (e.g., 3rd party applications). The GMLC receives individual requests from such clients to locate and report back the geographic position of a user equipment. Such requests are, in general, permissionbased reports, which means that the particular mobile equipment whose location is to be determined has granted approval for their location to be made available. At the same time, checks are made to confirm that the LCS client is authorized to make such a request and ensure the user equipment whose location is to be determined is able to support LCS enquiries. [0158] In the example of Figure 7, the client 712 requests the location of the remote UE 701 via GMLC 711 (e.g., using the GMLC interface with LCS client, which is currently defined in TS 23.273).

[0159] Subsequent to this request, the network (e.g. the location management function 710) may determine at least one UE that is within a close enough proximity of the remote UE 701 for assisting in providing positioning-based measurements for geographically locating the remote UE 701. This determining may be performed in at least one of a variety of ways.

[0160] As one example, the remote UE 701 may receive, from the network via the first relay UE 702, a request to provide a list of at least one UE located within a positioning proximity of the remote UE 701 . The remote UE 701 may respond to the request with such a list.

[0161] As another example, which may be used in combination with or alternatively to the previous example, the network (e.g. a location function, such as the location management function) may use UE locations that were obtained during previous location requests, and/or that were obtained by performing dedicated location requests of in-coverage UEs (such as the first and second proximity UEs 704, 706) to determine a set of UEs in proximity of the Remote UE (for example, Proximity- UEs (P-UEs) and/or Proximity Service (ProSe) UEs). Proximity UEs may comprise a relay UE 702 and any other UEs in ranging proximity of the remote UE 701 , which may include non-3GPP access points, such as WiFi access points).

[0162]The first and second proximity UEs 704, 706, and, optionally, the remote UE 701 may perform ranging. The ranging procedure could be any ranging method. For example, the ranging method may be implemented as part of IEEE 802.15.4, Bluetooth BLE, or any other method(s).

[0163]The first and second proximity UEs 704, 706 may report the outcome of the ranging procedure to the LMF. This outcome may comprise respective values for at least one of a plurality of different ranging metrics. For example, the ranging metrics may comprise at least one of: a direction of the ranging, ranging identifiers, signal strength metrics, and/or distance estimations. The remote UE 701 may similarly report the outcome of its own measurements to the LMF via Relay UE when the remote UE 701 performs ranging measurements. The LMF may also determine geographical location of these proximity and Relay UEs. [0164]The LMF 710 may trilaterate the location of the remote UE 701 based on the ranging information and the geographical location of respective proximity/Relay UEs the LMF receives. The LMF 710 may send this calculated trilaterated location to the LCS client via AMF 709.

[0165] These general principles are now further elaborated with reference to Figures 8 to 12. In all of these examples, the Relay UE, Remote UE/out of coverage UE, PC5 interface, Location Services (LCS) client (also referred to herein as a location client, or simply “client”), position procedure may be as defined and specified in 3GPP 23.304 and TS 23.273. A PC5 interface is a label for an interface between two UEs that is used for direct communication.

[0166] Figure 8 illustrates signalling that may be performed between a remote UE 801 , a relay UE 802, a Radio Access Network access node 803, an AMF 804, a location function 805, a GLMC 806, a UDM 807, and a location client 808.

[0167]At 8001 , the location client 808 signals a location service request to the GMLC 806. This location service request may be a request to determine the geographical location of the remote UE 801. This location service request may comprise an identifier of the remoter UE 801. The location service request may comprise an LCS service request. It is understood that although the present example only refers to a single remote UE, that the location client may request the geographical position of a plurality of remote UEs, and that this request may be made either as part of the same location service request, or in separate requests. There may be a single location request in respect of each remote UE whose location is to be determined.

[0168] At 8002, the GMLC 806 signals the UDM 807. This signalling of 8002 may be a request to provide the identification of an AMF with which the remote UE identifier is associated.

[0169]At 8003, the UDM 807 provides the GMLC 806 with an identifier for AMF 804 in response to the signalling of 8002.

[0170] At 8004, the GMLC 806 signals a location request to the AMF identified in the signalling of 8003 (i.e., in the present case, the GMLC 806 signals AMF 804). This signalling of 8004 may comprise the identifier of the remote UE 804 to which the location requests of 8004 and 8001 relate. This location request of 8004 may be an Namf_Location_ProvidePositioninglnfo request. As an optional extra, the GMLC 806 may comprise an explicit indication in the signalling of 8003 that explicitly indicates that the remote UE 804 communicates with the network through a relay UE.

[0171] Based on the received UE identifier received by the AMF, and possibly based on an explicit indication in the request message from the GMLC when this is provided, the AMF 804 may determine that the subject of the signalling (i.e. remote UE 801 ) is an out of coverage UE/remote UE. Although not shown, the AMF 804 may also retrieve UE Context Management (UECM) information from UDM if needed to for, for example, determining UE Context information for the remote UE 801 and the Relay UE which is serving this remote UE 801 (i.e. relay UE 802). This operation may be performed using, for example, the UDM Service operation, “Nudm_UECM_Get”.

[0172] The AMF 804 may further determine whether it already has knowledge of one or more UEs in the proximity of this Remote UE 801. This may be performed, for example, based on a current location of the relay UE 802 and/or of a current location of at least one other UE in proximity of the Relay UE.

[0173]When the AMF 804 determines that the remote UE 801 is an out of coverage UE and the AMF 804 determines that the AMF 804 does not already have knowledge of one or more UEs in the proximity of this remote UE 801 , the AMF proceeds to 8005. When the AMF 804 determines that the remote UE 801 is not an out of coverage UE the AMF does not proceed to 8005. When the AMF 804 determines that the AMF 804 already has knowledge of one or more UEs in the proximity of this remote UE 801 , the AMF proceeds to 8007 without performing 8005 and 8006.

[0174]At 8005, the AMF 804 signals the remote UE 801. This signalling of 8005 requests that the remote UE 801 provide the AMF 804 with an identifier of at least one communication entity/apparatus located within a ranging proximity of the remote UE 801 . This signalling of 8005 is signalled indirectly to the remote UE 801 via the access point 803 and the relay UE 802.

[0175] At 8006, the remote UE 801 responds to the signalling of 8005. This response comprises respective identifiers for at least one communication entity located within a ranging proximity of the remote UE 801. This response may comprise respective identifiers for more than one communication entity located within a ranging proximity of the remote UE 801 .The respective identifier(s) may be provided in the form of a list. The at least one communication entity may be, for example, at least one of a relay UE, a ProSe UE, and an access point (e.g. a non-3GPP access point such as a Wi-Fi access point).

[0176] At 8007, the AMF 804 filters and selects UEs from the list of proximal communication entities (e.g. that received during 8006 or those already known to the AMF 804). This selection/filtering may apply criteria such as, for example, whether the selected UE is currently registered to AMF 804, and/or ranging capabilities of the selected UE.

[0177] At 8008, the AMF 804 selects a location function 805 for determining the location of the remote UE 801 . This selection may be performed, for example, using context information for the selected UE(s) of 8007.

[0178] At 8009, the AMF 804 signals the location function selected at 8008 to request that the location function 805 determines a geographical location for the remote UE 801 . This signalling of 8009 may comprise an/the identifier of the remote UE 801. This signalling may comprise respective identifiers for at least one of the selected communication entities of 8007. The identifiers for at least one of the selected communication entities of 8007 may comprise at least one of: the Relay UE IDs, UEs in proximity of Remote UE (including other Relay UEs), Access Points. The signalling of 8009 may comprise an explicit indication that the positioning request is for an out of coverage UE. This signalling of 8009 may be comprised in an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation.

[0179] At 8010, the location function 805 signals at least one of the selected communication entities to request positioning information for the remote UE 801. Figure 8 shows this signalling being provided to the relay UE 802. This signalling of 8010 may comprise an identifier for the relay UE. This signalling of 8010 may comprise an indication that the request is for a ranging request. The ranging request comprised within the signalling of 8010 may comprise an/the identifier of the remote UE 801.

[0180]When the relay UE 802 is configured to perform non-3GPP-based ranging method(s) (which the location function may determine from context information for the relay UE 802), the location function 804 may perform a mapping of the reported Radio-Access-Technology (RAT) -specific ranging identifiers used by the relay UE 802 to respective internal identifiers by combining at least part of the Remote UE identifier with at least part of the RAT-specific ranging identifiers.

[0181]At 8011 , the relay UE 802 performs ranging-based positioning measurements on the remote UE 801 . For example, the relay UE 802 may use IEEE 802.15.4a, Bluetooth Low Energy, etc.

[0182] At 8012, the relay UE 802 provides ranging information for the remote UE 801 to the location function 805. This ranging information may comprise, for example, a relative distance to the remote UE 801 from the relay UE 802. This signal of 8012 may be sent in response to the signalling of 8010.

[0183] It is understood that the provided ranging information may be information relating to at least one of the following ranging-related parameters:

• Ranging accuracy: describes the absolute value of the deviation of the measured distance and/or direction between two UEs to the true distance and/or direction value.

• Confidence level: describes the percentage of all the possible measured distance and/or direction that can be expected to include the true distance and/or direction considering the Ranging accuracy.

• Effective Ranging distance: a largest determ ined/measured distance between the UE who initiates the Ranging (e.g. the relay UE) and target UEs (e.g. the remote UE) in the ranging operation.

• Environment of use: the physical environment between the UE who initiate the ranging and target UEs, such as Line of Sight environment and non-line of sight environment. Also, the physical environments of the UE who initiate ranging, such as in coverage and out of coverage.

• Relative UE velocity: the target UE may be either static or mobile relative to the UE who initiates the Ranging. In the latter, the ranging information may also provide some elements about its motion, e.g. maximum speed, trajectory, etc.

• Availability: percentage value of the amount of time when a ranging system is able to provide the required Ranging-related data within the performance targets or requirements divided by the amount of time the system is expected to provide the Ranging service in a targeted service area. • Latency: time elapsed between the event that triggers the determination of the ranging-related data and the availability of the ranging-related data at the ranging system interface.

• Power consumption: electrical power used by ranging during a ranging operation.

• Ranging interval: time difference between two consecutive ranging operations

[0184] It is understood in the following that, for brevity, only one or two of these examples of ranging information parameters may be explicitly referred to in the following. However, it is further understood that these references are not limited to only those mentioned parameters, and that information relating to any of the above- mentioned ranging information parameters may be provided as ranging information from the relay UE in respect of ranging measurements performed on the remote UE. [0185] The location function may use the ranging information for the remote UE 801 to determine a location for the remote UE. This is discussed in more detail below in relation to Figure 9. Further to the example provided in Figure 9, the location function may alternatively or additionally determine the remote UE’s position use approximate/known locations of other Access Points identified in the information during 8009. This location information for the access point(s) may be based on, for example, the provision of at least one: service set identifier (SSID), base station identifier (BSID), and/or an Internet Protocol (IP) Address of an access point, etc. provided during 8009).

[0186] At 8013, the location function 805 signals the AMF 804. This signalling of 8013 may comprise a location for the remote UE 801. This signalling may be, for example, an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation response message. This signalling of 8013 may be a response to the signalling of 8009.

[0187] At 8014, the AMF 804 signals the GLMC 806. This signalling of 8014 may comprise the location for the remote UE 801 received during 8013. This signalling may be, for example, an Namf_Location_ProvidePositioninglnfo Response message. This signalling of 8014 may be a response to the signalling of 8004.

[0188] Although not shown, the GLMC 806 may provide the location for the remote UE 801 received during 8014 to the location client 808, which uses said location to provide a service (often, although not exclusively, to the remote UE 801 ). [0189] Figure 9 illustrates signalling that may be performed for determining a location of a remote UE with assistance using ranging information provided by at least one surrounding UE (e.g. by a relay UE). It is understood that the operations of Figure 9 may be performed multiple times for a single remote UE for which ranging information is to be provided. For example, these operations of Figure 9 may be performed once for each proximal UE whose identity is received in 8008. As another example, these operations of Figure 9 may be performed at least once for each proximal UE whose identity is received in 8008. As another example, these operations of Figure 9 may be performed at least once for each UE in a subset (i.e. less than all) of the proximal UEs whose identity is received in 8008. As another example, these operations of Figure 9 may be performed once for each UE in a subset (i.e. less than all) of the proximal UEs whose identity is received in 8008. The more greater the number of UEs performing ranging measurements, the more likely the ultimate determined location of the remote UE will be accurate.

[0190] Consequently, it is understood that although the following is only described in relation to a single UE performing ranging measurements (i.e. relay UE 902 in the below), that these operations/signalling may be performed to enable two or more UEs (or other communication entities) to perform ranging measurements with respect to the remote UE. Further, it is understood that these techniques are not limited to being performed by a relay UE.

[0191] Figure 9 illustrates signalling that may be performed between a remote UE

901 , a relay UE 902, an access point 903, an AMF 904 and a location function 905. The remote UE 901 may be out of the range of the access point 903 for directly exchanging signalling. The remote UE 901 may therefore transmit signalling to and/or receive signalling from the access point 903 indirectly through the relay UE

902. It is understood that the remote UE 901 may be within range of an access point operating according to another communication protocol to the access point 903. For example, the access point 903 may be a 3GPP access point. For example, the access point 903 may be a Next Generation (NG) radio access network node, such as a gNB. The remote UE 901 may be out of range of the 3GPP access point 903 (e.g. out of range of an eNB/gNB), while still being in range of a WiFi access point. The access point 903 may provide an access point for a network comprising the AMF 904. [0192] At 9001 , the location function 905 may signal a ranging request to the AMF 904 for requesting ranging information relating to the remote UE 901. The ranging request may comprise an identifier for the remote UE 901. The signalling of 9001 may be, for example, an Namf_Communication_N1 N2MessageTransfer message. The signalling of 9001 may indicate that it is a downlink positioning message request. [0193] At 9002, the relay UE 902, access point 903 and the AMF 904 exchange signalling to establish that a network triggered service request has been received. These operations of 9002 may be as described in relation to a “Network triggered Service Request” in 3GPP TS 23.273.

[0194] At 9003, the AMF 904 signals a ranging request to relay UE 902 in relation to remote UE 901. This signalling may comprise an explicit to perform ranging measurements in relation to the remote UE 901. This ranging request may comprise an identifier for the remote UE 901 . The signalling of 9003 may comprise a downlink positioning message. The signalling of 9003 may be comprised in a downlink non- access stratum Transport message.

[0195] At 9004, the relay UE 902 performs positioning measurements and/or positioning computations to determine the current geographical location of the relay UE 902 and/or a velocity of the relay UE 902. This may be as described in 3GPP TS 23.273.

[0196] During 9005, the relay UE 902 performs ranging measurements with respect to the remote UE 901 . As an example of a ranging procedure, the ranging procedure described in IEEE 802.15.4a may be performed.

[0197] During 9006, the relay UE 902 determines a relative distance from the relay UE 902 to the remote UE 901 using values of measurements performed during 9005. Thus outcome of the ranging procedure performed/initiated by the relay UE 902 during 9005 and 9006 results in the relay UE 902 determining a relative distance from the relay UE 902 to the remote UE 901. This is also referred to herein as a determined relative distance.

[0198] During 9007, the relay UE 902, the access point 903 and the AMF 904 exchange signalling to establish a UE Triggered Service Request is performed. This may be, for example, as established in 3GPP TS 23.273.

[0199] During 9008, the relay UE 902 signals the AMF 904. This signalling of 9008 may provide ranging information (e.g. the determined relative distance) to the AMF 904. This signal may comprise an uplink positioning message. This signalling may comprise an uplink non-access stratum transport message. The uplink positioning message may comprise functionality for: acknowledging the Downlink Positioning message, and/or to return any location information obtained, and/or to provide the AMF with any capability information. The uplink positioning message may comprise functionality described with respect to uplink positioning messages in 3GPP TS 23.273.

[0200] During 9009, the AMF 904 signals the location function 905. This signalling of 9009 may comprise at least some, and potentially all, of the ranging information received by the AMF 904 during 9008. This signalling of 9009 may comprise the uplink positioning message received by the AMF 904 during 9008. This signalling of 9009 may be an Namf_Communication_N1 InfoNotify message.

[0201] Ranging information for a remote UE may also be usefully exploited when performing other procedures. This will be illustrated in the examples of Figures 10 to 12, with Figures 10 to 11 relating to describing how a remote UE may obtain ranging capability information from the relay UE(s) during a discovery procedure and/or using transmissions related to discovery procedures. It is understood that these are merely used as examples, and that the ranging information may be usefully exploited in other situations. For example, the ranging information may be exploited during 8006 when the remote UE provides a list of at least one UEs/access points in proximity to the remote UE. In this case, the signalling providing this list may further comprise at least one indication of ranging method(s) supported by each of these listed UEs/access points. This indication of ranging method(s) may be used to determine how accurate a particular ranging value from an associated UE/access point is likely to be, which may be used when determining how to combine the provided values to provide a final estimated position. This indication of ranging method(s) may be used to determine a confidence level and/or accuracy level associated with the final determined position of the remote UE. The confidence level and/or accuracy level may be used by a network apparatus when making network resource allocation decisions.

[0202] 3GPP TS 23.304 currently specifies two models for how a remote UE may discover a relay UE for relaying communications from the remote UE to a radio access technology apparatus (e.g. a gNB). These two models are currently labelled as Model A and Model B.

[0203] As mentioned above, Figures 10 and 11 are signalling diagrams illustrating how the provision of ranging based positioning information for a remote UE (i.e. for a UE not having direct access to a radio access network apparatus) may facilitate UE-to-network-based discovery procedures. The respectively illustrate how ranging information may be used to enhance Model A and Model B discovery procedures.

[0204] Figure 10 shows signalling that may be performed by a relay UE 1001 , a first remote UE 1002, a second remote UE 1003 and a third remote UE 1004. Figure 10 relates to enhancements to the Model A.

[0205] During 10001 a, the relay UE 1001 signals the first remote UE 1002. This signalling may be a discovery announcement. For example, this signalling of 10001 a may comprise a UE-to-Network relay discovery announcement message. This signalling of 10001 a may comprise at least one indication relating to the relay UE’s capability for performing ranging-based positioning measurements. For example, the signalling of 10001 a may comprise an indication of whether the relay UE 1001 supports providing ranging information (i.e., that the relay UE 1001 does support providing ranging information and/or that the relay UE 1001 does not support providing ranging information). As another example, the signalling of 10001 a may comprise an indication of at least one type of ranging information provision supported by the relay UE 1001 (i.e. an indication of at least one method/mechanism used for determining ranging information).

[0206] During 10001 b, the relay UE 1001 signals the second remote UE 1003. This signalling may be a discovery announcement. For example, this signalling of 10001 b may comprise a UE-to-Network relay discovery announcement message. This signalling of 10001 b may comprise at least one indication relating to the relay UE’s capability for performing ranging-based positioning measurements. For example, the signalling of 10001 b may comprise an indication of whether the relay UE 1001 supports providing ranging information (i.e., that the relay UE 1001 does support providing ranging information and/or that the relay UE 1001 does not support providing ranging information). As another example, the signalling of 10001 b may comprise an indication of at least one type of ranging information provision supported by the relay UE 1001 (i.e. an indication of at least one method/mechanism used for determining ranging information).

[0207] During 10001 c, the relay UE 1001 signals the third remote UE 1004. This signalling may be a discovery announcement. For example, this signalling of 10001 c may comprise a UE-to-Network relay discovery announcement message. This signalling of 10001c may comprise at least one indication relating to the relay UE’s capability for performing ranging-based positioning measurements. For example, the signalling of 10001 c may comprise an indication of whether the relay UE 1001 supports providing ranging information (i.e., that the relay UE 1001 does support providing ranging information and/or that the relay UE 1001 does not support providing ranging information). As another example, the signalling of 10001 c may comprise an indication of at least one type of ranging information provision supported by the relay UE 1001 (i.e. an indication of at least one method/mechanism used for determining ranging information).

[0208]Although shown above as being provided during a discovery announcement message, at least some of the ranging support information may be provided at a later time using, for example, an additional message (e.g. using an additional discovery message). As one example, all of the ranging support information may be exclusively provided to the receiving remote UE in the announcement message. As another example, all of the ranging support information may be exclusively provided to the receiving remote UE in the additional message. As another example, at least some of the ranging support information may be provided to the receiving remote UE in the announcement message and in the additional message. When ranging support information is provided in both the announcement message and the additional message, at least some of the ranging support information provided in the announcement message may be different to the ranging support information provided in the additional message. When ranging support information is provided in both the announcement message and the additional message, at least some of the ranging support information provided in the announcement message may be the same as the ranging support information provided in the additional message.

[0209] 10002a to 10002c illustrate the signalling of such ranging support information in an additional discovery message. [0210] During 10002a, the relay UE 1001 signals the first remote UE 1002. This signalling may be an additional message, such as an additional message related to discovery. For example, this signalling of 10002a may comprise a UE-to-Network relay discovery additional information message. This signalling of 10002a may comprise at least one indication relating to the relay UE’s capability for performing ranging-based positioning measurements. For example, the signalling of 10002a may comprise an indication of whether the relay UE 1001 supports providing ranging information (i.e. , that the relay UE 1001 does support providing ranging information and/or that the relay UE 1001 does not support providing ranging information). As another example, the signalling of 10002a may comprise an indication of at least one type of ranging information provision supported by the relay UE 1001 (i.e. an indication of at least one method/mechanism used for determining ranging information).

[0211] During 10002b, the relay UE 1001 signals the second remote UE 1003. This signalling may be an additional message, such as an additional message related to discovery. For example, this signalling of 10002b may comprise a UE-to-Network relay discovery additional information message. This signalling of 10002b may comprise at least one indication relating to the relay UE’s capability for performing ranging-based positioning measurements. For example, the signalling of 10002b may comprise an indication of whether the relay UE 1001 supports providing ranging information (i.e., that the relay UE 1001 does support providing ranging information and/or that the relay UE 1001 does not support providing ranging information). As another example, the signalling of 10002b may comprise an indication of at least one type of ranging information provision supported by the relay UE 1001 (i.e. an indication of at least one method/mechanism used for determining ranging information).

[0212] During 10002c, the relay UE 1001 signals the third remote UE 1004. This signalling may be an additional message, such as an additional message related to discovery. For example, this signalling of 10002c may comprise a UE-to-Network relay discovery additional information message. This signalling of 10002c may comprise at least one indication relating to the relay UE’s capability for performing ranging-based positioning measurements. For example, the signalling of 10002c may comprise an indication of whether the relay UE 1001 supports providing ranging information (i.e. , that the relay UE 1001 does support providing ranging information and/or that the relay UE 1001 does not support providing ranging information). As another example, the signalling of 10002c may comprise an indication of at least one type of ranging information provision supported by the relay UE 1001 (i.e. an indication of at least one method/mechanism used for determining ranging information).

[0213]Thus, during the example of Figure 10, a UE-to-network Relay UE may transmit (e.g. periodic or aperiodic broadcast) messages that comprise one or more of: an indication of whether or not that relay UE supports at least one Ranging method, at least one identifier for identifying those supported one or more ranging method(s), and/or any other information related to a specific ranging method supported by that relay UE.

[0214] Figure 11 shows signalling that may be performed by a remote UE 1101 , a first relay UE 1102, a second relay UE 1103 and a third relay UE 1104. Figure 11 relates to enhancements to the Model B.

[0215] During 11001a, the remote UE 1101 signals the first relay UE 1102. This signalling may be a request to be discovered. For example, this signalling may comprise a UE-to-Network relay discovery solicitation message.

[0216] During 11001 b, the remote UE 1101 signals the second relay UE 1103. This signalling may be a request to be discovered. For example, this signalling may comprise a UE-to-Network relay discovery solicitation message.

[0217] During 11001 c, the remote UE 1101 signals the third relay UE 1104. This signalling may be a request to be discovered. For example, this signalling may comprise a UE-to-Network relay discovery solicitation message.

[0218] During 11002a, the first relay UE 1102 responds to the signalling of 11001 a. This signalling of 11002a may comprise at least one indication relating to its capability for performing ranging-based positioning measurements. For example, the signalling of 11002a may comprise an indication of whether the first relay UE 1102 supports providing ranging information (i.e., that the first relay UE 1102 does support providing ranging information and/or that the first relay UE 1102 does not support providing ranging information). As another example, the signalling of 11002a may comprise an indication of at least one type of ranging information provision supported by the first relay UE 1102 (i.e. an indication of at least one method/mechanism used for determining ranging information).

[0219] During 11002b, the second relay UE 1103 responds to the signalling of 11001 b. This signalling of 11002b may comprise at least one indication relating to its capability for performing ranging-based positioning measurements. For example, the signalling of 11002b may comprise an indication of whether the second relay UE

1103 supports providing ranging information (i.e., that the second relay UE 1103 does support providing ranging information and/or that the second relay UE 1103 does not support providing ranging information). As another example, the signalling of 11002b may comprise an indication of at least one type of ranging information provision supported by the second relay UE 1103 (i.e. an indication of at least one method/mechanism used for determining ranging information).

[0220] During 11002c, the third relay UE 1104 responds to the signalling of 11001 c. This signalling of 11002c may comprise at least one indication relating to its capability for performing ranging-based positioning measurements. For example, the signalling of 11002c may comprise an indication of whether the third relay UE

1104 supports providing ranging information (i.e., that the third relay UE 1104 does support providing ranging information and/or that the third relay UE 1104 does not support providing ranging information). As another example, the signalling of 11002c may comprise an indication of at least one type of ranging information provision supported by the third relay UE 1104 (i.e. an indication of at least one method/mechanism used for determining ranging information).

[0221]Thus, in the example of Figure 11 , a remote UE proactively sends discovery solicitation messages to UE-to-network Relay UEs. On receipt of such a solicitation message, a relay UE may response with information which may also comprise one or more of: indication whether that relay UE supports at least one ranging method, at least one identifier for identifying one or more of the supported ranging method(s), and/or any other information relating to a specific ranging method.

[0222]As an extension to the presently described techniques, when a remote UE is able to obtain a relative distance of itself to at least one UE, it may be used in making an initial selection of a UE to act as a relay to the network. For example, currently a remote UE selects a relay UE without considering or knowing its relative distance with respect to Relay UE. However, the present disclosure recognizes that such positioning-related information can often be useful criteria for selecting a relay UE when there are multiple relay UE and the remote UE is to select one of them to act as a relay for the remote UE to a Radio Access Network entity.

[0223] This extension is illustrated with respect to Figure 12. Figure 12 provides an example signalling diagram for illustrating how a remote UE may determine and connect to a most suitable relay UE after determining a relative distance between the remote UE and the most suitable relay UE. The relative distance may be estimated using a selected ranging method. The selected ranging method may be determined subsequent to the remote UE obtaining information on the capabilities of at least one potential relay UE. Figures 10 and 11 provide two separate methods regarding how this capability information may be obtained by direct signalling exchange between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0224] Figure 12 illustrates signalling between a relay UE 1201 and a remote UE 1202, where time is represented along the y axes.

[0225]The relay UE 1201 transmits a first signal at time t. This signal at time t may be a signal to which the remote UE 1202 is configured to return a response subsequent to receipt of the signal. The signal transmitted at time t may be a request frame.

[0226] The remote UE 1202 receives the first signal at a time t+k, where k represents a propagation delay in the forward direction (i.e. from the relay UE to the remote UE).

[0227]The remote UE 1202 transmits a second signal to the relay UE 1201 at a time z, which is a time w after receipt of the first signal by the remote UE 1202. The duration of w may be configured in the remote UE 1202.

[0228]The relay UE 1201 receives the second signal at a time z+j, where j represents a propagation delay in the reverse direction (i.e. from the remote UE to the relay UE).

[0229]The relay UE 1201 may use the times t, z+j, and w to determine a round trip time for signalling between the relay UE 1201 and the remote UE 1202. The round trip time (RTT) may be calculated by RTT = (z+j-t-w). This may be converted into an approximate range by dividing the speed of the transmission by twice the value of the round trip time. [0230] Subsequent to determining respective relative distances for each of the relay UEs to which the remote UE is considering using as a relay, the remote UE selects a relay UE for use as a relay based on the relative distance(s) calculated using ranging method.

[0231] This ranging procedure between the relay UE may be based on any suitable communication protocol. For example, the ranging procedure may be based on IEEE 802.15.4a mechanisms and/or Bluetooth. In other words, the remote UE is not necessarily directly connected to a 5G system, or otherwise utilizing 5G procedures for the ranging (e.g. there is no use of a PC5 interface between a remote UE and a relay UE for ranging measurements).

[0232] Figures 13 to 15 are flow charts illustrating various aspects of the above examples in terms of what apparatuses described herein may perform. It is understood that these apparatuses of Figures 13 to 15 may interact with each other. It is further understood that more specific features comprised in the above examples may also be performed by the apparatuses of Figures 13 to 15, where appropriate. However, it is further understood that the above examples are not limiting to the following disclosure.

[0233] Figure 13 is a flow chart illustrating potential operations that may be performed by an apparatus for a first network function associated with a network. The first network function may be an AMF. The first network function may be a location function, such as a location management function. Instances in which these different apparatus perform different operations are explicitly indicated in the following. Consequently, absent any explicit indication to the contrary, the following may apply in respect of AMFs and location functions.

[0234] At 1301 , the apparatus receives, from a second network function, a request to determine a geographical location of a first user equipment configured to communicate with the network via a relay user equipment.

[0235] At 1302, the apparatus determines at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment.

[0236] At 1303, the apparatus causes the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment. [0237] At 1304, the apparatus provides the second network function with a geographical location of the first user equipment, wherein said providing the geographical location comprises providing a calculated geographical location determined using values obtained from the first communication apparatus during said performing said at least one ranging-based positioning operation.

[0238] When the first network function is an access and mobility function, the apparatus may cause the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment by: signalling a request for a geographical location of the first user equipment to a location management function, wherein the request comprises respective identifiers of at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus. The apparatus may further be caused to receive the calculated geographical location from the location management function.

[0239] When the first network function is an access and mobility function, the apparatus may cause the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment by: signalling, to at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus, a request for ranging information between the first user equipment and said at least one first communication apparatus; and receiving, from said at least one first communication apparatus, said values. The apparatus may further obtain the calculated geographical location of the first user equipment by: providing said values to a location management function; and receiving the calculated geographical location from the location management function in response.

[0240] When the first network function is an access and mobility function, the second network function may be a Gateway Mobile Location Centre.

[0241]The at least one of first communication apparatus may comprises a relay UE for relaying communication from the first user equipment to the network. The at least one of the first communication apparatus may comprise an access point to another network than the network in which the first network function is located. For example, when the first network is a 3GPP network, the second network may be a WiFi network.

[0242] When the first network function is an access and mobility function, the first request may be signalled via a non-access stratum-layer message. [0243] When the first network function is a location management function, the determining at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment may comprise extracting respective identifiers for the determining at least one first communication apparatus from received request.

[0244] When the first network function is a location management function, the apparatus may cause the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment comprises means for signalling a request for said ranging-based positioning operations to said second network function, and wherein the apparatus further comprises means for receiving said values from the second network function.

[0245] When the first network function is a location management function, the apparatus may cause the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment comprises means for signalling, to said at least one first communication apparatus, an instruction to perform said ranging-based positioning operations, and wherein the apparatus further comprises means for receiving said values from the at least one first communication apparatus.

[0246] When the first network function is a location management function, the second network function may be an access and mobility function.

[0247] In both of these cases, the determining at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment may comprise performing at least one of: soliciting and receiving, from the first user equipment, an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus; soliciting and receiving, from storage (e.g. a local storage, and/or storage of another network function, such as a location management function), an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus; and extracting an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus from the received request.

[0248] Figure 14 illustrates potential operations that may be performed by an apparatus for a first user equipment. The first user equipment may be the first user equipment described above as interacting with the apparatus of Figure 13. [0249] At 1401 , the apparatus determines a capability of at least one first communication apparatus for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the at least one first communication apparatus and the first user equipment. [0250] At 1402, the apparatus selects a relay user equipment from said at least one first communication apparatus in dependence on the determined capability.

[0251] At 1403, the apparatus communicates with a network via the selected relay user equipment.

[0252] The apparatus may receive, from the network via the selected relay user equipment, a request for information identifying at least one communication apparatus that is proximal enough to the first user equipment to perform at least one ranging-based positioning mechanism. The apparatus may provide said information to the network via the selected relay user equipment.

[0253]The apparatus may facilitate performing at least one ranging-based positioning mechanism with at least one of the communication apparatuses identified in said information. In other word, the apparatus may participate in ranging-based positioning mechanisms with the at least one of the communication apparatuses identified in said information (e.g. round-trip-time mechanisms). This may involve an exchange of signalling with the at least one of the communication apparatuses identified in said information.

[0254]The apparatus may determine a capability by receiving said capability information in a broadcast signal transmitted by at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus.

[0255] Said determining a capability may comprise signalling respective requests for said capability information to the at least one first communication apparatus, and receiving said capability information in response to said signalling.

[0256] The at least one first communication apparatus may comprise at least one of: a second user equipment; and an access point to a network.

[0257] Figure 15 illustrates potential operations that may be performed by an apparatus for a relay user equipment. The relay user equipment may be as described above in relation to a relay user equipment and interact with the apparatus of Figures 13 and/or Figure 14.

[0258] At 1501 , the apparatus may operate as a relay for communications between a first user equipment and a network. [0259] At 1502, the apparatus receives, from a network function associated with the network, a request for positioning information for geographically locating the first user equipment, wherein the request comprises an indication that at least one ranging-based positioning mechanism is to be used to obtain said positioning information. The request may comprise a request for a geographical location for the relay user equipment and a request for a relative distance from the relay user equipment to the first user equipment.

[0260] At 1503, the apparatus performs said at least one ranging-based positioning information with the first user equipment to obtain ranging information.

[0261] At 1504, the apparatus signals said ranging information to the network function. This signalling may be accompanied by a location of the relay user equipment. The ranging information may comprise a magnitude. This ranging information may comprise directional information that indicates a direction from the relay user equipment to the first user equipment.

[0262] Depending on the example, the network function may be an access and mobility function or a location management function.

[0263] The request may be signalled via a non-access stratum-layer message.

[0264] The apparatus may receive, from the first user equipment, a request to provide an indication of a capability of the relay user equipment for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the relay user equipment and the first user equipment. The apparatus may signal the indication of the capability to the first user equipment.

[0265]The apparatus may broadcast an indication of a capability of the relay user equipment for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the relay user equipment and the first user equipment.

[0266] Figure 2 shows an example of a control apparatus for a communication system, for example to be coupled to and/or for controlling a station of an access system, such as a RAN node, e.g. a base station, gNB, a central unit of a cloud architecture or a node of a core network such as an MME or S-GW, a scheduling entity such as a spectrum management entity, or a server or host, for example an apparatus hosting an NRF, NWDAF, AMF, SMF, UDM/UDR etc. The control apparatus may be integrated with or external to a node or module of a core network or RAN. In some embodiments, base stations comprise a separate control apparatus unit or module. In other embodiments, the control apparatus can be another network element such as a radio network controller or a spectrum controller. The control apparatus 200 can be arranged to provide control on communications in the service area of the system. The apparatus 200 comprises at least one memory 201 , at least one data processing unit 202, 203 and an input/output interface 204. Via the interface the control apparatus can be coupled to a receiver and a transmitter of the apparatus. The receiver and/or the transmitter may be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head. For example, the control apparatus 200 or processor 201 can be configured to execute an appropriate software code to provide the control functions.

[0267]A possible wireless communication device will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 3 showing a schematic, partially sectioned view of a communication device 300. Such a communication device is often referred to as user equipment (UE) or terminal. An appropriate mobile communication device may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Nonlimiting examples comprise a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a ’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, or any combinations of these or the like. A mobile communication device may provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and so on. Users may thus be offered and provided numerous services via their communication devices. Nonlimiting examples of these services comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services or simply an access to a data communications network system, such as the Internet. Users may also be provided broadcast or multicast data. Non-limiting examples of the content comprise downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alerts and other information.

[0268]A wireless communication device may be for example a mobile device, that is, a device not fixed to a particular location, or it may be a stationary device. The wireless device may need human interaction for communication, or may not need human interaction for communication. In the present teachings the terms UE or “user” are used to refer to any type of wireless communication device.

[0269] The wireless device 300 may receive signals over an air or radio interface 307 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In Figure 3 transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 306. The transceiver apparatus 306 may be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the wireless device.

[0270]A wireless device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 301 , at least one memory 302 and other possible components 303 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The data processing, storage and other relevant control apparatus can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and/or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 304. The user may control the operation of the wireless device by means of a suitable user interface such as keypad 305, voice commands, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. A display 308, a speaker and a microphone can be also provided. Furthermore, a wireless communication device may comprise appropriate connectors (either wired or' wireless) to other devices and/or for connecting external accessories, for example hands-free equipment, thereto.

[0271] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of non-volatile memory media 400a (e.g. computer disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD)) and 400b (e.g. universal serial bus (USB) memory stick) storing instructions and/or parameters 402 which when executed by a processor allow the processor to perform one or more of the steps of the methods of Figure 13 and/or Figure 14 and/or Figure 15.

[0272] The embodiments may thus vary within the scope of the attached claims. In general, some embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although embodiments are not limited thereto. While various embodiments may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0273]The embodiments may be implemented by computer software stored in a memory and executable by at least one data processor of the involved entities or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Further in this regard it should be noted that any procedures, e.g., as in Figure 13 and/or Figure 14 and/or Figure 15, may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD.

[0274]The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (AStudy ItemC), gate level circuits and processors based on multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

[0275]Alternatively or additionally, some embodiments may be implemented using circuitry. The circuitry may be configured to perform one or more of the functions and/or method steps previously described. That circuitry may be provided in the base station and/or in the communications device.

[0276]As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:

(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analogue and/or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as:

(i) a combination of analogue and/or digital hardware circuit(s) with software/firmware and

(ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as the communications device or base station to perform the various functions previously described; and

(c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0277] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example integrated device.

[0278] The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples a full and informative description of some embodiments. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings will still fall within the scope as defined in the appended claims.

[0279] In the above, different examples are described using, as an example of an access architecture to which the presently described techniques may be applied, a radio access architecture based on long term evolution advanced (LTE Advanced, LTE-A) or new radio (NR, 5G), without restricting the examples to such an architecture, however. The examples may also be applied to other kinds of communications networks having suitable means by adjusting parameters and procedures appropriately. Some examples of other options for suitable systems are the universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) radio access network (UTRAN), wireless local area network (WLAN or WiFi), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), Bluetooth®, personal communications services (PCS), ZigBee®, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), systems using ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, sensor networks, mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs) and Internet Protocol multimedia subsystems (IMS) or any combination thereof.

[0280] Figure 5 depicts examples of simplified system architectures only showing some elements and functional entities, all being logical units, whose implementation may differ from what is shown. The connections shown in Figure 5 are logical connections; the actual physical connections may be different. It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that the system typically comprises also other functions and structures than those shown in Figure 5.

[0281]The examples are not, however, restricted to the system given as an example but a person skilled in the art may apply the solution to other communication systems provided with necessary properties.

[0282] The example of Figure 5 shows a part of an exemplifying radio access network. For example, the radio access network may support sidelink communications described below in more detail.

[0283] Figure 5 shows devices 500 and 502. The devices 500 and 502 are configured to be in a wireless connection on one or more communication channels with a node 504. The node 504 is further connected to a core network 506. In one example, the node 504 may be an access node such as (eZg)NodeB serving devices in a cell. In one example, the node 504 may be a non-3GPP access node. The physical link from a device to a (eZg)NodeB is called uplink or reverse link and the physical link from the (eZg)NodeB to the device is called downlink or forward link. It should be appreciated that (eZg)NodeBs or their functionalities may be implemented by using any node, host, server or access point etc. entity suitable for such a usage. [0284]A communications system typically comprises more than one (eZg)NodeB in which case the (eZg)NodeBs may also be configured to communicate with one another over links, wired or wireless, designed for the purpose. These links may be used for signalling purposes. The (eZg)NodeB is a computing device configured to control the radio resources of communication system it is coupled to. The NodeB may also be referred to as a base station, an access point or any other type of interfacing device including a relay station capable of operating in a wireless environment. The (eZg)NodeB includes or is coupled to transceivers. From the transceivers of the (eZg)NodeB, a connection is provided to an antenna unit that establishes bi-directional radio links to devices. The antenna unit may comprise a plurality of antennas or antenna elements. The (eZg)NodeB is further connected to the core network 506 (CN or next generation core NGC). Depending on the deployed technology, the (eZg)NodeB is connected to a serving and packet data network gateway (S-GW +P-GW) or user plane function (UPF), for routing and forwarding user data packets and for providing connectivity of devices to one or more external packet data networks, and to a mobile management entity (MME) or access mobility management function (AMF), for controlling access and mobility of the devices.

[0285] Examples of a device are a subscriber unit, a user device, a user equipment (UE), a user terminal, a terminal device, a mobile station, a mobile device, etc [0286] The device typically refers to a mobile or static device ( e.g. a portable or nonportable computing device) that includes wireless mobile communication devices operating with or without an universal subscriber identification module (IISIM), including, but not limited to, the following types of devices: mobile phone, smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), handset, device using a wireless modem (alarm or measurement device, etc.), laptop andZor touch screen computer, tablet, game console, notebook, and multimedia device. It should be appreciated that a device may also be a nearly exclusive uplink only device, of which an example is a camera or video camera loading images or video clips to a network. A device may also be a device having capability to operate in Internet of Things (loT) network which is a scenario in which objects are provided with the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction, e.g. to be used in smart power grids and connected vehicles. The device may also utilise cloud. In some applications, a device may comprise a user portable device with radio parts (such as a watch, earphones or eyeglasses) and the computation is carried out in the cloud.

[0287] The device illustrates one type of an apparatus to which resources on the air interface are allocated and assigned, and thus any feature described herein with a device may be implemented with a corresponding apparatus, such as a relay node. An example of such a relay node is a layer 3 relay (self-backhauling relay) towards the base station. The device (or, in some examples, a layer 3 relay node) is configured to perform one or more of user equipment functionalities.

[0288]Various techniques described herein may also be applied to a cyber-physical system (CPS) (a system of collaborating computational elements controlling physical entities). CPS may enable the implementation and exploitation of massive amounts of interconnected information and communications technology, ICT, devices (sensors, actuators, processors microcontrollers, etc.) embedded in physical objects at different locations. Mobile cyber physical systems, in which the physical system in question has inherent mobility, are a subcategory of cyberphysical systems. Examples of mobile physical systems include mobile robotics and electronics transported by humans or animals.

[0289] Additionally, although the apparatuses have been depicted as single entities, different units, processors and/or memory units (not all shown in Figure 5) may be implemented.

[0290]5G enables using multiple input - multiple output (MIMO) antennas, many more base stations or nodes than the LTE (a so-called small cell concept), including macro sites operating in co-operation with smaller stations and employing a variety of radio technologies depending on service needs, use cases and/or spectrum available. 5G mobile communications supports a wide range of use cases and related applications including video streaming, augmented reality, different ways of data sharing and various forms of machine type applications (such as (massive) machine-type communications (mMTC), including vehicular safety, different sensors and real-time control). 5G is expected to have multiple radio interfaces, e.g. below 6GHz or above 24 GHz, cmWave and mmWave, and also being integrable with existing legacy radio access technologies, such as the LTE. Integration with the LTE may be implemented, at least in the early phase, as a system, where macro coverage is provided by the LTE and 5G radio interface access comes from small cells by aggregation to the LTE. In other words, 5G is planned to support both inter- RAT operability (such as LTE-5G) and inter-RI operability (inter-radio interface operability, such as below 6GHz - cmWave, 6 or above 24 GHz - cmWave and mmWave). One of the concepts considered to be used in 5G networks is network slicing in which multiple independent and dedicated virtual sub-networks (network instances) may be created within the same infrastructure to run services that have different requirements on latency, reliability, throughput and mobility.

[0291]The current architecture in LTE networks is fully distributed in the radio and fully centralized in the core network. The low latency applications and services in 5G require to bring the content close to the radio which leads to local break out and multi-access edge computing (MEC). 5G enables analytics and knowledge generation to occur at the source of the data. This approach requires leveraging resources that may not be continuously connected to a network such as laptops, smartphones, tablets and sensors. MEC provides a distributed computing environment for application and service hosting. It also has the ability to store and process content in close proximity to cellular subscribers for faster response time. Edge computing covers a wide range of technologies such as wireless sensor networks, mobile data acquisition, mobile signature analysis, cooperative distributed peer-to-peer ad hoc networking and processing also classifiable as local cloud/fog computing and grid/mesh computing, dew computing, mobile edge computing, cloudlet, distributed data storage and retrieval, autonomic self-healing networks, remote cloud services, augmented and virtual reality, data caching, Internet of Things (massive connectivity and/or latency critical), critical communications (autonomous vehicles, traffic safety, real-time analytics, time-critical control, healthcare applications).

[0292] The communication system is also able to communicate with other networks 512, such as a public switched telephone network, ora VoIP network, or the Internet, or a private network, or utilize services provided by them. The communication network may also be able to support the usage of cloud services, for example at least part of core network operations may be carried out as a cloud service (this is depicted in Figure 5 by “cloud” 514). This may also be referred to as Edge computing when performed away from the core network. The communication system may also comprise a central control entity, or a like, providing facilities for networks of different operators to cooperate for example in spectrum sharing.

[0293] The technology of Edge computing may be brought into a radio access network (RAN) by utilizing network function virtualization (NFV) and software defined networking (SDN). Using the technology of edge cloud may mean access node operations to be carried out, at least partly, in a server, host or node operationally coupled to a remote radio head or base station comprising radio parts. It is also possible that node operations will be distributed among a plurality of servers, nodes or hosts. Application of cloudRAN architecture enables RAN real time functions being carried out at or close to a remote antenna site (in a distributed unit, DU 508) and non-real time functions being carried out in a centralized manner (in a centralized unit, CU 510).

[0294] It should also be understood that the distribution of labour between core network operations and base station operations may differ from that of the LTE or even be non-existent. Some other technology advancements probably to be used are Big Data and all-IP, which may change the way networks are being constructed and managed. 5G (or new radio, NR) networks are being designed to support multiple hierarchies, where Edge computing servers can be placed between the core and the base station or nodeB (gNB). One example of Edge computing is MEC, which is defined by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute. It should be appreciated that MEC (and other Edge computing protocols) can be applied in 4G networks as well.

[0295] 5G may also utilize satellite communication to enhance or complement the coverage of 5G service, for example by providing backhauling. Possible use cases are providing service continuity for machine-to-machine (M2M) or Internet of Things (loT) devices or for passengers on board of vehicles, Mobile Broadband, (MBB) or ensuring service availability for critical communications, and future railway/maritime/aeronautical communications. Satellite communication may utilise geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite systems, but also low earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems, in particular mega-constellations (systems in which hundreds of (nano)satellites are deployed). Each satellite in the mega-constellation may cover several satellite-enabled network entities that create on-ground cells. The on- ground cells may be created through an on-ground relay node or by a gNB located on-ground or in a satellite.

[0296] It is obvious for a person skilled in the art that the depicted system is only an example of a part of a radio access system and in practice, the system may comprise a plurality of (eZg)NodeBs, the device may have an access to a plurality of radio cells and the system may comprise also other apparatuses, such as physical layer relay nodes or other network elements, etc. At least one of the (eZg)NodeBs or may be a Home(e/g)nodeB. Additionally, in a geographical area of a radio communication system a plurality of different kinds of radio cells as well as a plurality of radio cells may be provided. Radio cells may be macro cells (or umbrella cells) which are large cells, usually having a diameter of up to tens of kilometers, or smaller cells such as micro-, femto- or picocells. The (eZg)NodeBs of Figure 5 may provide any kind of these cells. A cellular radio system may be implemented as a multilayer network including several kinds of cells. Typically, in multilayer networks, one access node provides one kind of a cell or cells, and thus a plurality of (eZg)NodeBs are required to provide such a network structure. [0297] For fulfilling the need for improving the deployment and performance of communication systems, the concept of “plug-and-play” (eZg)NodeBs has been introduced. Typically, a network which is able to use “plug-and-play” (eZg)Node Bs, includes, in addition to Home (eZg)NodeBs (H(eZg)nodeBs), a home node B gateway, or HNB-GW (not shown in Figure 5). A HNB Gateway (HNB-GW), which is typically installed within an operator’s network may aggregate traffic from a large number of HNBs back to a core network.

Claims

1 ) An apparatus for a first network function associated with a network, the apparatus comprising means for: receiving, from a second network function, a request to determine a geographical location of a first user equipment configured to communicate with the network via a relay user equipment; determining at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment; causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment; and providing the second network function with a geographical location of the first user equipment, wherein said providing the geographical location comprises providing a calculated geographical location determined using values obtained from the first communication apparatus during said performing said at least one ranging-based positioning operation

2) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first network function is an access and mobility function, and wherein: said means for causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment comprises means for: signalling a request for a geographical location of the first user equipment to a location function, wherein the request comprises respective identifiers of at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus; and the apparatus further comprises means for: receiving the calculated geographical location from the location function.

3) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first network function is an access and mobility function, and wherein:

54 said means for causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment comprises means for: signalling, to at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus, a request for ranging information between the first user equipment and said at least one first communication apparatus; and receiving, from said at least one first communication apparatus, said values; and the apparatus comprises means for obtaining the calculated geographical location of the first user equipment by: providing said values to a location function; and receiving the calculated geographical location from the location function in response.

4) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second network function is a Gateway Mobile Location Centre.

5) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one of first communication apparatus comprises a relay UE for relaying communication from the first user equipment to the network.

6) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the request is signalled via a non-access stratum-layer message.

7) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first network function is a location management function.

8) An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein means for determining at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment comprises

55 means for extracting respective identifiers for the determining at least one first communication apparatus from received request.

9) An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 7 to 8, wherein said means for causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment comprises means for signalling a request for said ranging-based positioning operations to said second network function, and wherein the apparatus further comprises means for receiving said values from the second network function.

10)An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 7 to 9, wherein said means for causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment comprises means for signalling, to said at least one first communication apparatus, an instruction to perform said ranging-based positioning operations, and wherein the apparatus further comprises means for receiving said values from the at least one first communication apparatus.

11 )An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the second network function is an access and mobility function.

12) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said means for determining at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment comprises means for performing at least one of: soliciting and receiving, from the first user equipment, an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus; soliciting and receiving, from storage, an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus; and extracting an identity of at least one of the at least one first communication apparatus from the received request.

56 )An apparatus for a first user equipment, the apparatus comprising means for: determining a capability of at least one first communication apparatus for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the at least one first communication apparatus and the first user equipment; selecting a relay user equipment from said at least one first communication apparatus in dependence on the determined capability; and communicating with a network via the selected relay user equipment. )An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, comprising means for: receiving, from the network via the selected relay user equipment, a request for information identifying at least one communication apparatus that is proximal enough to the first user equipment to perform at least one rangingbased positioning mechanism; and providing said information to the network via the selected relay user equipment. )An apparatus as claimed in claim 14, comprising means for facilitating performing at least one ranging-based positioning mechanism with at least one of the communication apparatuses identified in said information. )An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 13 to 15, wherein said means for determining a capability comprises means for receiving said capability information in a broadcast signal transmitted by at least one of said at least one first communication apparatus. )An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 13 to 15, wherein said means for determining a capability comprises means for: signalling respective requests for said capability information to the at least one first communication apparatus, and receiving said capability information in response to said signalling.

57 18)An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one first communication apparatus comprises at least one of: a second user equipment; and an access point to a network.

19)An apparatus for a relay user equipment, the apparatus comprising means for: operating as a relay for communications between a first user equipment and a network; receiving, from a network function associated with the network, a request for positioning information for geographically locating the first user equipment, wherein the request comprises an indication that at least one ranging-based positioning mechanism is to be used to obtain said positioning information; performing said at least one ranging-based positioning information with the first user equipment to obtain ranging information; and signalling said ranging information to the network function.

20)An apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the network function is an access and mobility function or a location management function.

21 )An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 19 to 20, wherein the request is signalled via a non-access stratum-layer message.

22)An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 19 to 21 , comprising means for: receiving, from the first user equipment, a request to provide an indication of a capability of the relay user equipment for performing rangingbased positioning mechanisms between the relay user equipment and the first user equipment; and signalling the indication of the capability to the first user equipment.

23)An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 19 to 22, comprising means for broadcasting an indication of a capability of the relay user equipment for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the relay user equipment and the first user equipment. )A method for an apparatus for a first network function associated with a network, the method comprising: receiving, from a second network function, a request to determine a geographical location of a first user equipment configured to communicate with the network via a relay user equipment; determining at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment; causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment; and providing the second network function with a geographical location of the first user equipment, wherein said providing the geographical location comprises providing a calculated geographical location determined using values obtained from the first communication apparatus during said performing said at least one ranging-based positioning operation. )A method for an apparatus for a first user equipment, the method comprising: determining a capability of at least one first communication apparatus for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the at least one first communication apparatus and the first user equipment; selecting a relay user equipment from said at least one first communication apparatus in dependence on the determined capability; and communicating with a network via the selected relay user equipment. )A method for an apparatus for a relay user equipment, the method comprising: operating as a relay for communications between a first user equipment and a network; receiving, from a network function associated with the network, a request for positioning information for geographically locating the first user equipment, wherein the request comprises an indication that at least one ranging-based positioning mechanism is to be used to obtain said positioning information; performing said at least one ranging-based positioning information with the first user equipment to obtain ranging information; and signalling said ranging information to the network function. ) A computer program product that, when run on an apparatus for an apparatus for a first network function associated with a network, causes the apparatus to perform: receiving, from a second network function, a request to determine a geographical location of a first user equipment configured to communicate with the network via a relay user equipment; determining at least one first communication apparatus capable of performing at least one ranging-based positioning operation with the first user equipment; causing the at least one first communication apparatus to perform at least one of said ranging-based positioning operations with the first user equipment; and providing the second network function with a geographical location of the first user equipment, wherein said providing the geographical location comprises providing a calculated geographical location determined using values obtained from the first communication apparatus during said performing said at least one ranging-based positioning operation ) A computer program product that, when run on an apparatus for an apparatus for a first user equipment, causes the apparatus to perform: determining a capability of at least one first communication apparatus for performing ranging-based positioning mechanisms between the at least one first communication apparatus and the first user equipment; selecting a relay user equipment from said at least one first communication apparatus in dependence on the determined capability; and communicating with a network via the selected relay user equipment. ) A computer program product that, when run on an apparatus for relay user equipment, causes the apparatus to perform: operating as a relay for communications between a first user equipment and a network; receiving, from a network function associated with the network, a request for positioning information for geographically locating the first user equipment, wherein the request comprises an indication that at least one ranging-based positioning mechanism is to be used to obtain said positioning information; performing said at least one ranging-based positioning information with the first user equipment to obtain ranging information; and signalling said ranging information to the network function.

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