Automatic Precision Control Positioning for Wireless Sensor Network

Abstract

By deploying a radio propagation model, we will be able to deduce the distance between the transmitter and the receiver based on received signal strength (RSS). This method is widely adopted in wireless sensor network (WSN) positioning systems. The ranging accuracy of such a system is extremely poor because of slow and fast fading. Although the former has been thoroughly analyzed, the latter is rarely discussed. This is based on the assumption that fast fading can be compensated for by averaging, but how many times RSS should be measured to obtain a certain level of precision remains unclear. In addition, positioning error is related to the distribution of sensors, which makes it both unstable and unreliable. In this paper, ranging error and positioning error are thoroughly discussed to achieve a better understanding of the poor performance of the system. Based on these theoretical analyses, an automatic precision control algorithm is proposed as a solution for the instability of RSS-based WSN positioning systems. Supported by both deduction and simulations, this method will improve the stability of WSN location systems. In addition, the energy consumption of ranging processes is minimized, while positioning accuracy is guaranteed.