Determination of locations in corporate Wi-Fi networks

First of all, the article examines three issues: the existing algorithms for localizing mobile devices; indoor wireless propagation models; and limitations of applying these algorithms and models to mobile device localization. Secondly, it suggests a method for localizing mobile devices within corporate Wi-Fi networks with dynamic properties. The method is based on the ITU R 1238 indoor radio path loss model. Mobile devices are localized through their signal level registered by base stations. The localization is performed relative to the edge connecting two base stations. This is why such localization requires a minimum number of base stations. The criteria for selecting the necessary edge are described in the article. Previous settings and calibration of mobile devices are not required. For this reason, the method can be used without location-based services. Furthermore, it is applicable to any Wi-Fi networks whose base stations can measure the signal level of mobile devices. The tests show that the method successfully localizes mobile devices in a number of cases.