A network-based mobile positioning system using an optimization model

Abstract

The expansion of cellular network coverage facilitates the advancement of research on network-based positioning. We are interested in the signal fingerprinting method to predict the location of a mobile device. By this method, the device must be within the fingerprint coverage to have a successful location prediction. However, any disturbance in the signal propagation would decrease the prediction accuracy. We propose an optimization model based on generalized triangulation combined with a signal fingerprint which is treated more adaptively in responding to any signal disturbance. The triangulation method determines the most likely region where the device is located. The solution provides the estimated longitude and latitude of the device. An illustration of the implementation of the model is presented. The model is assessed using the Indosat cellular network in three distinct testbeds in Indonesia, which are: South Jakarta, a metropolitan area; South Tangerang, a buffer area adjacent to the metropolitan area; and Malang, a city surrounded by rural areas. The most favorable outcome yields an average prediction error of 39.6 m, a maximum error of 197.08 m, a minimum error of 0.05 m, and a standard deviation of error of 39.22 m.