Indoor Wi-Fi Access Point Positioning via Relative Timing and Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the geographical location of indoor Wi-Fi access points in wireless networks face challenges such as high installation costs, uncertainty in location determination, and inability to use standard power due to signal attenuation and hardware requirements, which limits their effective coverage area.
Innovation Solution
A communication management resource receives location information from a communication device and a vector value indicating the relative location of a primary wireless access point, allowing it to determine the access point's absolute location using integrated GNSS receivers and barometric pressure, even in environments with signal attenuation, and report it to an AFC system for standard power channel access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an integrated GNSS receiver is equipped in an indoor Wi-Fi access point, then the access point can determine its geographical location autonomously, but building materials attenuate GNSS signals making precise location determination impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses Wi-Fi signal measurements from multiple access points as an intermediary to indirectly determine the location of an indoor access point. Instead of directly receiving attenuated GNSS signals, the system uses Wi-Fi signal strength and timing information from surrounding access points (which may have better GNSS reception) to calculate the relative position of the indoor access point through trilateration or multilateration methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct GNSS signal reception mechanism with an alternative positioning mechanism based on Wi-Fi network measurements. This substitution involves using the existing Wi-Fi infrastructure and signal propagation characteristics to achieve location determination without relying on the blocked GNSS signals.
2Reliability
If professional surveying tools are used to certify the geographical location of a Wi-Fi access point, then maximum location certainty is achieved, but the installation cost becomes very high and the access point cannot be moved without incurring those costs again
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables access points to self-determine their location autonomously by measuring Wi-Fi signals from other access points and using these measurements to calculate their own position. This eliminates the need for professional surveyors to physically locate and certify each access point, allowing deployment without expensive installation services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the methodology from static professional surveying to dynamic self-determination using network-based measurements. The location is continuously updated based on real-time Wi-Fi signal measurements rather than being fixed by a one-time professional survey, enabling both cost reduction and mobility.
3Measurement precision
If an externally-attached GNSS receiver is connected to the access point via cable, then the access point can receive satellite signals, but the placement of the receiver becomes uncertain and hardware failure points are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the location determination function into the existing Wi-Fi access point hardware by using the Wi-Fi radio and existing antennas to measure signals from other access points. This eliminates the need for separate external GNSS receivers and their associated cables, reducing hardware complexity and failure points while maintaining location determination capability.
4Ease of operation
If a Wi-Fi client device is used to determine the access point's location, then location information can be obtained, but uncertainty about the relative position between the client and access point reduces accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the location determination system universal by using the Wi-Fi access points themselves (which are already deployed and functioning) as the measurement sources rather than requiring separate client devices. The access points serve dual purposes: providing wireless connectivity and serving as reference points for location determination of other access points in the network.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one configuration, an example communication system includes multiple communication devices such as a primary wireless access point and a secondary wireless access point (such as a so-called wireless network extender). The primary wireless access point can be configured to control operation of the secondary wireless access point. A communication management resource (such as location management function) associated with the communication system receives first location information indicating a location of the secondary wireless access point. The communication management resource determines a relative position of the primary wireless access point with respect to the secondary wireless access point. Based on the first location information and the determined relative position, the communication management resource produces (derives) second location information indicating a location of the primary wireless access point.