Collaborative AP Geolocation Using Distributed GNSS Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
GNSS positioning in enterprise wireless networks is challenged by satellite signal loss and location estimation degradation due to building entry loss, wall and ceiling attenuation, and signal blockage from neighbor buildings/towers, leading to inaccurate geolocation estimation.
Innovation Solution
A collaborative geolocation estimation system using multiple access points (APs) that receive satellite signals, determine relative locations, and utilize a controller to perform trilateration with integrated GNSS receivers and air pressure sensors to enhance geolocation accuracy, even in environments with signal loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS receivers are used for geolocation estimation in enterprise wireless networks, then geolocation capability is provided, but signal loss and location estimation degradation occur due to building entry loss, wall and ceiling attenuation, and signal blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple GNSS receivers distributed across different access points into a collaborative network. By merging the capabilities of multiple receivers, the system achieves reliable geolocation estimation even when individual receivers experience signal blockage from buildings, walls, or ceilings. The collaborative approach allows signal integration from multiple locations to overcome local obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that collects satellite signal measurements from multiple access points and performs centralized trilateration calculations. This intermediary role enables the system to process and integrate data from distributed receivers, applying relative location information to improve overall geolocation accuracy while compensating for individual receiver limitations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple access points with GNSS receivers are deployed to improve geolocation accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing access point infrastructure that serves dual purposes: providing wireless network connectivity and hosting GNSS receivers for geolocation estimation. This multi-functionality approach allows the same hardware to perform both networking and positioning functions, reducing overall system complexity while improving measurement precision through collaborative multi-point measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives signal strength measurements and location data from multiple access points, processes this feedback information through trilateration algorithms, and generates improved geolocation estimates. The system continuously monitors signal conditions and adjusts calculations based on relative location information, creating a feedback loop that maintains accuracy without requiring complex individual receiver designs.
Data Source
AI summary
Collaborative geolocation estimation may be provided. A plurality of access points (APs) may receive a geolocation estimation request from a controller. Next, one or more of the plurality of APs may receive signals from a plurality of satellites. The controller may then receive the signals from the plurality of APs. The controller may determine a collaborative geolocation estimation using the signals, wherein, when relative locations of the APs are available, determining the geolocation estimation comprises applying the relative locations. One or more of the plurality of APs may receive the geolocation estimation from the controller.