The limits of localization using signal strength: A comparative study

Eiman Elnahrawy, Xiaoyan Li, Richard P. Martin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

460 Scopus citations

Abstract

We characterize the fundamental limits of localization using signal strength in indoor environments. Signal strength approaches are attractive because they are widely applicable to wireless sensor networks and do not require additional localization hardware. We show that although a broad spectrum of algorithms can trade accuracy for precision, none has a significant advantage in localization performance. We found that using commodity 802.11 technology over a range of algorithms, approaches and environments, one can expect a median localization error of 10ft and 97th percentile of 30ft. We present strong evidence that these limitations are fundamental and that they are unlikely to be transcended without fundamentally more complex environmental models or additional localization infrastructure.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2004 First Annual IEEE Communications Society Conference on Sensor and Ad Hoc Communications and Networks, IEEE SECON 2004
Pages406-414
Number of pages9
StatePublished - 2004
Event2004 First Annual IEEE Communications Society Conference on Sensor and Ad Hoc Communications and Networks, IEEE SECON 2004 - Santa Clara, CA, United States
Duration: Oct 4 2004Oct 7 2004

Publication series

Name2004 First Annual IEEE Communications Society Conference on Sensor and Ad Hoc Communications and Networks, IEEE SECON 2004

Other

Other2004 First Annual IEEE Communications Society Conference on Sensor and Ad Hoc Communications and Networks, IEEE SECON 2004
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySanta Clara, CA
Period10/4/0410/7/04

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Engineering(all)

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