Question: What happens when the LOCATION timer, set by the Mobility Management Entity (MME), expires before receiving a location response from the Evolved Serving Mobile Location Centre (E-SMLC) in a Location Services (LCS) scenario?
Option 1: The MME sends a repeat request to the E-SMLC for the location information.
Option 2: The MME indicates a location failure to the original requesting entity and transitions back to the IDLE state.
Option 3: The MME switches to an alternative location service provider to obtain the location information.
Option 4: The MME pauses all ongoing LCS procedures until manual intervention.
Explanation: In Location Services (LCS) as per 3GPP standards, the MME's LOCATION timer ensures timely responses. If this timer expires without a response from the E-SMLC, the MME must handle the failure. Indicating a location failure to the requesting entity and reverting to IDLE state is the logical step to manage resources and notify of the failure, aligning with efficient network operation principles in telecom networks.