Cluster-Based Ranging for Accurate Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

A novel ranging technique based on received signal strength (RSS) and suitable to indoor scenarios is illustrated. In the proposed technique, multiple power measurements, associated with the signals radiated by a cluster of nodes surrounding a given target, are jointly processed to improve the quality of RSS-based estimation of the distance between the target and an anchor. Specific algorithms for the generation of a cluster and for the acquisition of power measurements are described. Simulation results show that, when used in indoor positioning systems, the proposed ranging technique is substantially more accurate than noncooperative strategies. In addition, it allows to concentrate significant processing tasks in a limited number of fixed anchors, so reducing maintenance costs and making it possible to adopt cheap and simple portable wireless nodes.