Efficient and accurate localization in multihop networks

We present evidence that multihop node-to-anchor distance information is sufficient to allow accurate self-localization in multihop wireless networks (such as ad hoc and sensor networks, as well as future cellular systems based on LTE). To this purpose we have implemented two new distance-based source localization algorithms, which prove highly robust to inaccurate range information characterized by distance estimates exceeding the correct ones. Our contribution is a contrasting alternative to current distributed self-localization algorithms, which are founded on the idea of ¿diffusing¿ the known location of a few nodes (anchor) to the entire the network via a typically large number of message exchanges amongst neighbors, resulting in high communications costs, low robustness to mobility, and little (location) privacy to end users. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first example that the aforementioned disadvantages are not an unavoidable price to be payed for accurate location information in multihop networks.