Fundamental Concepts and Evolution of Wi-Fi User Localization: An Overview Based on Different Case Studies

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Indoor positioning is challenging due to signal propagation issues like attenuation and multipath.
• Wi-Fi is a ubiquitous technology suitable for indoor localization due to existing infrastructure and smartphone compatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the fundamentals, evolution, and application of Wi-Fi for indoor positioning.
• To analyze Wi-Fi signal propagation properties and identify suitable localization techniques.
• To assess mathematical models and highlight new technological developments in Wi-Fi positioning.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of Wi-Fi signal properties and propagation in complex indoor environments.
• Consolidation and assessment of location fingerprinting and lateration mathematical models.
• Demonstration through four case studies focusing on continuous and kinematic user localization.

Main Results:

• Wi-Fi demonstrates capability for continuous user localization, even in dynamic and kinematic scenarios.
• Signal propagation challenges significantly impact localization accuracy.
• Device heterogeneity necessitates calibration to mitigate variance and improve accuracy.

Conclusions:

• Wi-Fi is a viable technology for indoor positioning, offering continuous localization capabilities.
• Addressing signal propagation challenges and device heterogeneity through calibration is essential for achieving high accuracy.
• Further advancements in Wi-Fi positioning technologies are highlighted for future development.