Characterizing Location Management Function Performance in 5G Core Networks

Abstract

Despite the large attention achieved by 5G localization in standardization bodies, the integration of 5G network function modules designed for localization lacks experimental work. Assessing the performance of these modules is essential to offering location services. In this work, we present our design, implementation and evaluation of the 5G Location Management Function (LMF), the key network function in the 5G core for localization services. Our implementation complies with the 3GPP standard and OpenAirInterface, the currently most advanced framework that implements a full 5G-New Radio stack. We show that we can extend the functionality of OpenAirInterface, enabling location services. Finally, we demonstrate that the performance of our implementation satisfies the 5G Key Performance Indicators required by 3GPP for localization.