Robust power allocation for OFDM wireless network localization

Reliable and accurate localization of users is critical for many applications in wireless networks. In range-based localization, the position of a node (agent) can be estimated using distance measurements to nodes with known positions (anchors). Optimal power allocation of the anchors reduces positioning error and improves network lifetime and throughput. We formulate and solve a robust power allocation optimization problem with a constraint on the localization accuracy for multicast and unicast orthogonal frequency division multiplexing signals. The localization accuracy is expressed in terms of the expected squared position error bound, accounting for uncertainties in the wireless channel as well as in the agents´ positions. Simulation results show that robust power allocation improves localization accuracy compared to non-robust power allocation, with only a limited power penalty.