Ericsson and MediaTek have completed what they call a world-first successful end-to-end test of high-precision outdoor positioning.
This test is said to mark a breakthrough for industrial and autonomous applications where precise location data is essential for mission-critical applications. Using standardised 3GPP technology for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Real-Time Kinematic (RTK), the partners say they have demonstrated positioning accuracy over a commercial 5G network.
At the heart of the test is improving on the performance of traditional GNSS, which often has an accuracy of several metres. By contrast, 3GPP-based RTK uses a network of reference stations to determine assistance data, which are distributed to devices via the cellular network with scale.
The assistance data is used by the devices to correct in real-time for signal delays in the atmosphere and satellite errors, providing the extreme precision required for the digitisation and spatial awareness of today and onwards.
By integrating RTK correction data into the 5G infrastructure via the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP), Ericsson and MediaTek claim their service eliminates the need for proprietary systems or complex external hardware to achieve centimetre-level precision.
The test was conducted using Ericsson’s 5G Core, including Ericsson Network Location (ENL) and its recently unveiled 5G Advanced location services offering, and radio access network (RAN), efficiently distributing correction data (OSR/SSR) through the network infrastructure. Validation was performed using MediaTek 5G modem technology, capable of real-time processing of advanced GNSS corrections with optimised power efficiency.
Among the key highlights of the test were decimetre-level accuracy, full 3GPP integration and end-to-end testing for both unicast and broadcast. The service is based on 3GPP Release 16 standards, ensuring global scalability and interoperability between networks and devices.
As regards the former category, the system delivered stable sub-30cm outdoor accuracy, enabling the safe operation of autonomous vehicles, drones and industrial robots in complex outdoor environments. The partners note that tests were performed with the handset’s built-in antenna and that with geodetic-grade antenna, centimetre-level accuracy can be achieved.
Looking at both unicast and broadcast, the offering enables the possibility to switch between either in busy areas, while switching to unicast in low traffic areas or when connected to LTE networks.
For Unicast GNSS RTK, LTE Positioning Protocol messages are delivered via secure user plane location, which transmits data over standard IP connections. For Broadcast GNSS RTK, data is distributed via positioning system information blocks which can be used to broadcast GNSS-RTK information to all devices in a cell simultaneously. This is said to enable unlimited scale and better network resource efficiency.
Since the broadcast data is open to all, 3GPP standards allow for encrypted broadcast. This, say the partners, means that only authorised subscribers receive the necessary decryption keys from the core network to access the high-precision data.
Johan Hultell, head of product RAN software at Ericsson, described the test as a milestone for the 5G ecosystem. “Together with MediaTek, we make high-precision location more accessible to device makers and enterprises, accelerating use in manufacturing, transport and beyond,” he said.
HC Hwang, general manager of wireless communication systems and partnerships at MediaTek, added: “The collaboration with Ericsson demonstrates how 5G Advanced technology can unlock new value for consumers and enterprises alike. Our modems with integrated-GNSS are ready to support these advanced positioning services, paving the way for the next generation of intelligent devices.”
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