Analyzing 5G NR Ranging capabilities for Aiding Multi-GNSS SPP

authored by: Kai-Niklas Baasch, Steffen Schön
Abstract: The standardization of fifth-generation (5G) New Radio (NR) cellular networks offers possibilities to provide low latency and high data rate communication in higher frequency bands. The increasing communication demand, both in public and private spaces, makes the deployment of denser networks especially interesting for urban areas. As a by-product, the emerging signal source can be used for positioning without the need for dedicated positioning infrastructures. Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) are the workhorse for absolute outdoor localization, with few meters uncertainties; or even centimeter level in
urban areas when complemented by dedicated base stations, such as Real Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning and additional information. However, GNSS signals suffer from the harsh reception conditions in urban areas. NLOS (Non-line of Sight) and multipath signals caused by surrounding buildings, trees, or other interfering factors lead to ranging errors. The presence of a signal transmission infrastructure in an environment that is susceptible to GNSS positioning errors is an incentive to analyze these signals to enhance GNSS localization.
This paper evaluates the ranging capabilities of current state-of-the-art 5G NR signals in dense urban environments. Publicly available signal synchronization blocks (SSBs) are analyzed in simulations to evaluate the augmentation capabilities of urban GNSS positioning by additional NR range measurements. The analysis on the SSB Cramér-Rao lower bound (CRLB) shows, that the addition of SSB ranges can improve GNSS-Single Point Positioning (GNSS-SPP) in severe GNSS conditions. Consequently, real SSBs broadcasted by commercial cellular networks in the vicinity of Leibniz University, Hannover are captured and processed to evaluate the ranging quality of the SSBs in dense urban environment.
Organisation(s): Institute of Geodesy
Type: Conference contribution
Pages: 2495-2508
No. of pages: 14
Publication date: 27.09.2024
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.33012/2024.19682 (Access: Closed)

BibTeX

@inproceedings{ab04672d67c646a288e0e678b2aa88dc,
title = "Analyzing 5G NR Ranging capabilities for Aiding Multi-GNSS SPP",
abstract = "The standardization of fifth-generation (5G) New Radio (NR) cellular networks offers possibilities to provide low latency and high data rate communication in higher frequency bands. The increasing communication demand, both in public and private spaces, makes the deployment of denser networks especially interesting for urban areas. As a by-product, the emerging signal source can be used for positioning without the need for dedicated positioning infrastructures. Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) are the workhorse for absolute outdoor localization, with few meters uncertainties; or even centimeter level inurban areas when complemented by dedicated base stations, such as Real Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning and additional information. However, GNSS signals suffer from the harsh reception conditions in urban areas. NLOS (Non-line of Sight) and multipath signals caused by surrounding buildings, trees, or other interfering factors lead to ranging errors. The presence of a signal transmission infrastructure in an environment that is susceptible to GNSS positioning errors is an incentive to analyze these signals to enhance GNSS localization.This paper evaluates the ranging capabilities of current state-of-the-art 5G NR signals in dense urban environments. Publicly available signal synchronization blocks (SSBs) are analyzed in simulations to evaluate the augmentation capabilities of urban GNSS positioning by additional NR range measurements. The analysis on the SSB Cram{\'e}r-Rao lower bound (CRLB) shows, that the addition of SSB ranges can improve GNSS-Single Point Positioning (GNSS-SPP) in severe GNSS conditions. Consequently, real SSBs broadcasted by commercial cellular networks in the vicinity of Leibniz University, Hannover are captured and processed to evaluate the ranging quality of the SSBs in dense urban environment.",
keywords = "5G NR, Signals of Opportunity, GNSS, Cellular networks, Positionierung, Navigation, 5G NR, Signals of Opportunity, GNSS, Cellular networks, Positioning, Navigation",
author = "Kai-Niklas Baasch and Steffen Sch{\"o}n",
year = "2024",
month = sep,
day = "27",
doi = "10.33012/2024.19682",
language = "English",
pages = "2495--2508",
booktitle = "Proceedings of the 37th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS+ 2024)",
note = "37nd International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of the Institute of Navigation, ION GNSS+ 2024 ; Conference date: 16-09-2024 Through 20-09-2024",
}