Wi-Fi positioning system

WLAN - based localization is a method for locating. It works similar to the multilateration with the GPS location and, unlike the GSM tracking, and computes the position based on wireless propagation patterns.

Basics

Especially in urban areas are typically receives numerous wireless signals in an individual, location-based combination. These signals come from commercial hotspots, corporate networks or private home networks. Knowledge of the location of these networks (routers ) permits the calculation of the location. The more network signals are received, the more accurate is possible to calculate the location. Unlike GPS, the Wi-Fi -based positioning works even inside buildings. A prominent example is the iPhone, which uses this technology from Skyhook Wireless. Meanwhile, there are also free alternatives like the OpenWLANMap.

Accuracy

There is no general specification of achievable measurement accuracy. Under ( unattainable ) ideal conditions, the accuracy of a 0.5 m detection would be possible. None of the suppliers of equipment specified the accuracy of its solutions. Even with topological reference measurements, no reliable valid accuracies can be achieved. The reason is the high attenuation by water molecules in the frequency range used by 2.45 GHz and the diverse reflection in enclosed spaces.

Areas of application

WLAN -based positioning enables the provision of location-based services for all Wi-Fi enabled devices (Notebook, Smartphone, modern mobile phones, PDAs, etc.) regardless of GSM or GPS. Moreover, it allows to optimize workflows by staff and provided with WiFi tags work materials can be located. As the first museum in the world is the Museum of Industrial Culture (Nuremberg ), a guidance system, which provides, in addition to the navigation function, using Wi-Fi based location services and special didactics.