Requirements for the Next Generation Standardized Location Technology Protocol for Location-Based Services

Abstract

The booming location-based services business requires more accuracy and availability from positioning technologies. While several proprietary location and positioning protocols have been developing in the market, scalable and cost-effective solutions can only be realized using standardized solutions. Currently the positioning protocol standardization is concentrated in the 3GPP and 3GPP2 that define Control Plane (CP) positioning technologies for Radio Access Networks’ native use. The limitations of the control plane in terms of architecture and bearer protocols are necessarily reflected in the CP positioning protocols and limit the feature sets offered. In addition to 3GPP/2 positioning technologies are also defined in WiMAX Forum and in IEEE for WLAN networks. Location protocols in IP-networks, such as OMA SUPL (Open Mobile Alliance Secure User Plane Location protocol), encapsulate the CP positioning protocols. Thus the limitations of the CP protocols have also been copied to the User Plane, although the bearer there would be much more capable. Due to the shortcomings in the CP positioning protocols, standardization activity for a new bearer-independent positioning protocol is proposed in order to fulfil the needs of the future location-based services. This paper discusses the current solutions, trends in the location technologies and outlines requirements for the future location technology protocol in terms of protocol features and data content. The development of a generic positioning technology protocol is seen as an important development towards a convergence in the location protocols and the capability to provide location-based services irrespective of the bearer network. This has a major impact on the service development as well as user experience.