High-Efficiency Device Localization in 5G Ultra-Dense Networks: Prospects and Enabling Technologies

The deployment of future 5G ultra-dense small cell networks provides unprecedented opportunities to create an advanced localization system that meets the demands of future location-based services and functionalities. In this paper, we present technical enablers for obtaining location information of user nodes (UNs) in a network-centric manner. More specifically, we focus on signal properties, access node (AN) hardware and AN deployments in the envisioned 5G systems. Moreover, we provide illustrative examples of the expected localization performance and indicate how to efficiently predict the UN location. Finally, we offer insights into the utilization of location-awareness and location prediction, and show that it provides substantial benefits compared to existing radio networks.