Wireless sensor network planning for fingerprint based indoor localization using ZigBee: Empirical study

Abstract

Technology defined by ZigBee standard is intended for a wide range of ad hoc wireless sensor network (WSN) applications. Among which is the location-aware services which can be applied to both indoor and outdoor environments for locating expensive equipments or tracking any moving objects. While there are many existing localization algorithms, the fingerprint technique which relies on determining target location from an off-line empirical database seems to be the most practical indoor solution using off-the-shelf products. In this work, we present a wireless sensor network planning solution suitable for indoor localization using fingerprint technique. Based on our extensive feasibility studies, we derived several network planning solutions which answer some of the key wireless sensor network design questions such as (1) where to put the router or anchor nodes?, (2) how many routers should we use in designing location-aware WSN?, (3) how often should the end-device node transmit data to the server?, (4) what should be a suitable packet size?, and (5) does mobility have any impact on the network performance? © 2013 Springer-Verlag.