Connected Objects Geo-Localization Based on SS-RSRP of 5G Networks

Abstract

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is not the only way to solve connected objects’ geo-localization problems; it is also possible to use the mobile network infrastructure to geo-locate objects connected to the network, using antennas and signals designed for voice and data transfer, such as the 5th generation network. 5G is considered as a least expensive solution because there is no specific equipment to set up. As long as the object is in an area covered by the network, it connects to the nearest 5G Micro-Cell (MC). Through exchange of signals with the MC node we can locate the object. Currently, this location is very fast with less than 5 s but not very precise because it depends on the number of MC antennas of the operator in question and their distance. This paper presents a novel technique to geo-locate connected object in a covered 5G area. We exploit the 5G SS-RSRP used for signal quality measurement, to estimate the distance between two Connected Objects (COs) in move and in a dense urban area. The overall goal is to present a new concept laying on the 5G SS-RSRP signalling. The proposed solution takes into consideration the Deterministic and the Stochastic effect of the received signals which is not treated by the previous works. The accuracy is optimum even after approaching to the distance of one meter which is not reached in previous works too. Our method can also be deployed in the upcoming 5G network since it relies on 5G signals itself. This work and that of Wang are both based on RSRP and give comparable theoretical complexities therefore comparable theoretical execution times as well. However, to obtain a reliable learning Wang requires a huge amount of data which makes it difficult to get a real time aspect of this algorithm. The use of RSRP and the elimination of the learning phase will give more chance to our work to achieve desired performances. Numerical results show the appropriateness of the proposed algorithms and good location accuracy of around one meter. The Cramer Rao Lower Bound derivations shows the robustness of the proposed estimator and consolidate the work.