Testing Wi-Fi offers a set of unique challenges in the indoor environment. Azimuth Systems has been working with a large chipset manufacturer on testing new technology that uses Wi-Fi, rather than the Global Positioning System, for locating an end user device.
GPS signals tend not to work very well indoors, without a clear line-of-sight to the sky. Wi-Fi is being explored as a better wireless technology for use in indoor location for both navigation and locating a user who has called 911 — something that has been weighed as a requirement for wireless operators for e911 purposes.
“It makes sense in some indoor scenarios to use the surrounding Wi-Fi signal instead of GPS, or in combination with GPS, to know where I am,” said Xavier Lesage Moretti, wireless engineer with Azimuth Systems.
Lesage Moretti spoke with RCR Wireless about testing Wi-Fi positioning and some of the concepts and challenges that Azimuth has encountered while working with the technology. Azimuth’s testing method involves recording live network conditions in the field and then bringing the information back to the lab for testing purposes.
In addition to the technical challenges of testing Wi-Fi, Lesage Moretti said that there are logistical challenges for indoor Wi-FI testing as well. Having someone walking around with testing gear can make on-site security personnel nervous. Sometimes, Lesage Moretti added, that can go so far as to be politely booted from the venue — which he’s experienced firsthand.
Watch the full interview on Wi-Fi testing and positioning below:
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