Access Point RTT Measurement for Non-Associated Terminal Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing WLAN-based positioning technologies face challenges in accurately positioning non-associated terminals due to their dynamic channel usage, which makes it difficult for the server to respond in time and results in the terminal becoming unassociated before measurement can be performed.
Innovation Solution
The method involves access points (APs) determining the associated status of terminals by querying an access controller or a local list, allowing them to quickly identify non-associated terminals and measure Round Trip Time (RTT) for positioning, thereby bypassing the need for server scheduling and reducing the likelihood of the terminal becoming unassociated during measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the server schedules measurement for non-associated terminals, then positioning measurement can be performed, but the terminal may become unassociated before measurement due to server response time delay
Solution Approach 1:
The access point performs preliminary actions by proactively querying the associated status of non-associated terminals and initiating RTT measurements before the terminal becomes unassociated. The AP sends measurement request packets and receives response packets without waiting for server scheduling, thus performing the measurement action in advance of the terminal potentially leaving the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point acts as an intermediary between the terminal and the positioning server. Instead of direct server-terminal communication for measurement scheduling, the AP intermediates by autonomously determining terminal status and executing measurements, then reporting results to the server. This intermediary role eliminates the timing delay caused by server scheduling.
2Productivity
If the access point queries terminal status and performs RTT measurement autonomously, then positioning speed and accuracy improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a network access device and a positioning measurement device. The AP's existing infrastructure is leveraged to perform additional positioning functions by querying terminal status and executing RTT measurements, thus achieving positioning speed improvement without requiring separate dedicated positioning hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point performs self-service by autonomously determining the associated status of non-associated terminals and initiating RTT measurements without external scheduling. The AP uses its own resources to query terminal status, send measurement requests, receive responses, and report results, thereby improving positioning productivity while managing its own operational complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
In this example, a method and an AP for positioning a terminal are provided. And wherein, when receiving a probe request sent by a terminal, the AP determines whether the terminal is a non-associated terminal or not according to acquired terminal status information. When determining the terminal as a non-associated terminal, the AP may measure round trip time (RTT) for the terminal. The AP may send the measurement result to a server so that the server may position the terminal according to the measurement result.