Integrated Study of Device Positioning Accuracy in LTE Networks under Line-of-Sight Conditions
https://doi.org/10.32603/1993-8985-2026-29-1-55-75
Abstract
Introduction. The rapid development of 5G and Beyond 5G mobile radio technologies does not diminish the importance of research into the accuracy of positioning in widely deployed 4G LTE networks. This paper presents the original results of an integrated study into the accuracy of device positioning in LTE networks under line-of-sight (LOS) conditions. Aim. To substantiate the possibility of achieving an accuracy of user equipment (UE) coordinates of less than one meter with the proper selection of PRS signal parameters and LTE radio access network configuration. Materials and methods. The accuracy limits of primary time-of-arrival (TOA) measurements in a separate radio link between a base station (eNB) and a UE using PRS positioning reference signals were assessed using mathematical modeling and simulation methods, including calculating the Cramer-Rao lower bound for primary TOA measurements. The maximum-likelihood and Fitz-likelihood TOA estimation algorithms were investigated. The accuracy limits of coordinate estimates are demonstrated during secondary processing of primary TOA measurements using the observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA) method. Results. An increase in the PRS signal bandwidth was established to lead to a decrease in the root mean square error (RMSE) of positioning. When using six resource blocks, positioning accuracy of less than 1 m in a coordinated network is achieved. In uncoordinated networks, the effect of intercell interference significantly degrades accuracy, in the vicinity of base stations in particular, where RMSE can reach 100 m. Conclusion. The study confirms the feasibility of achieving decimeter-level UE positioning accuracy in LTE networks under line-of-sight conditions with the eNB. The results obtained have practical implications for network optimization and can serve as a basis for further research.
About the Authors
H. C. Hua
The Bonch-Bruevich Saint Petersburg State University of Telecommunications
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Huy Cuong Hua, Specialist in Special radio engineering systems (2024, Military Academy of Field Anti-Aircraft Defense), Postgraduate student of the Department of Wireless Technologies and Systems. The author of 2 scientific publications. Area of expertise: radio measurements; radio-engineering navigational systems and devices.
G. A. Fokin
The Bonch-Bruevich Saint Petersburg State University of Telecommunications
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Grigoriy A. Fokin, Dr Sci. (Eng.) (2021), Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Wireless Technologies and Systems. The author of more than 300 scientific publications. Area of expertise: radio access networks 4G, 5G, 6G; radio-engineering navigational systems and devices.
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For citations:
Hua H.C., Fokin G.A. Integrated Study of Device Positioning Accuracy in LTE Networks under Line-of-Sight Conditions. Journal of the Russian Universities. Radioelectronics. 2026;29(1):55-75. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.32603/1993-8985-2026-29-1-55-75
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