Environment-aware location estimation in cellular networks

We propose a novel mobile positioning algorithm for cellular networks based on the estimation of the radio propagation environment. Since radio propagation characteristics vary in different environments, knowing the environment of the mobile user is essential for accurate Received Signal Strength- (RSS-) based location estimation. The key feature of our method is its capability to estimate the environment of the mobile user using machine learning techniques and to utilize this information for enhancing RSS-based distance calculations. The proposed algorithm, namely, EARBALE, has been evaluated using field measurements collected from a GSM network in diverse geographic locations. Our approach turns out to be significantly beneficial, enhancing estimation accuracy, and thereby enabling high-performance mobile positioning in a practical and cost-effective manner. Additionally, it is computationally light-weight and can be integrated onto any RSS- based algorithm as an enhancement add-on. Copyright (C) 2008 Onur Turkyilmaz et al.