Dedicated 5G indoor positioning measurements and procedures are focus area of 3GPP Release 16. Industrial scenarios with enhancements will be introduced with Release 17.
Location management function (LMF) sits in the center of 5G positioning architecture. The LMF receives measurements and assistance information from NG-RAN and the UE via AMF over the NLs interface to compute the position
New NR positioning protocol A (NRPPa) defined to convey information between NG-RAN and LMF over NG-C. LMF configures UE using the LTE positioning protocol (LPP) via AMF. The NG RAN configures the UE using radio resource control (RRC) protocol over LTE-Uu and NR-Uu.
NR Positioning reference signal (NR PRS) in the downlink and the sounding reference signal (SRS) for positioning in the uplink were added to NR specifications.
Since private 5G networks as 5G Edge will be deployed to big buildings, production zones same 5G positioning architecture will be applicable to 5G indoor positioning.