A Cellular Network Database for Fingerprint Positioning Systems

Abstract

Besides being a fundamental infrastructure for communication, cellular networks are increasingly exploited for positioning via signal fingerprinting. Here, we focus on cellular signal fingerprinting, where an accurate and comprehensive knowledge of the network is fundamental. We propose an original multilevel database for cellular networks, which can be automatically updated with new fingerprint measurements and makes it possible to execute a number of meaningful analyses. In particular, it allows one to monitor the distribution of cellular networks over countries, to determine the density of cells in different areas, and to detect inconsistencies in fingerprint observations.