Local Positioning Services on IEEE 802.11 Networks

Abstract

This paper deals with localization services in IEEE 802.11 networks, for indoor environment. The proposed solution processes the Time Of Arrival of location packets sent by a Mobile Terminal, that makes access in a IEEE 802.11 network. A set of Location Supporting Nodes and a Location Support Server composes an indoor location services architecture. A fully compatible IEEE 802.11 Localization Services protocol supporting data exchange related to both TOA measurement and processing is reported. Simulation results show the method efficiency in both IEEE 802.11 PCF and DCF modes. Assessment of the maximum number of users for which location services can be provided is also reported. Since high localization accuracy requires large bandwidth, a broadband antenna for LSN and LSS was designed. The related results are reported in the second part of the paper. The antenna works at 5.0 GHz (centre frequency) in broadband mode and is matched on the wireless operating frequencies with a percentage more than 8% (1:1.5 VSWR).