Available 5G NR Reference Signals and Their Potential For 5G NR Positioning

Abstract

The fifth-generation (5G) cellular network technology standard is bringing massive improvements and many new innovative features in cellular communications and 5G new radio (NR) based positioning is among them. Traditional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based positioning provides adequate positioning accuracy in outdoor environments but struggles where direct Line of Sight (LOS) communication with the satellites is not possible especially in indoor environments. This new 5G NR based positioning is a promising approach to improve the positioning accuracy in both indoor and outdoor environments. In order to implement this new positioning technology, either a dedicated reference signal for positioning could be introduced or existing reference signals could be utilized to carry out additional positioning responsibility. In our work, we have explored the possibility of availing these existing reference signals for positioning. At first, we have reviewed different wireless communication based positioning systems. Next, we have studied the time and frequency domain resource allocation of uplink and downlink reference signals. After that, we have analyzed and compared the performance, and geometrical influence of the reference signals for Time of Arrival (TOA) and Angle of Arrival (AOA) based positioning technique and demonstrated that these existing reference signals might be capable of positioning responsibility without introducing a dedicated positioning reference signal.