Indoor location tracking using low-cost modules

Over the last several years, there has been rapid growth in the adoption of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) technology. While WLAN technology is primarily used for internet/intranet communication, the existing hardware infrastructure of WLAN can also be used to support localization systems. This paper discusses the development of a low-cost localisation system for use in Singapore´s hospitals, most of which are covered by a nation-wide wireless broadband programme. Such a system can be used to track children or critical equipment in the hospitals. This system involves the use of received signal strength indicator values (RSSI) of unique beacons to derive the position of a low-cost mobile node that is capable of scanning for these beacons´ RSSI values. This paper discusses the implementation details of the system and the accuracy of 2 indoor positioning algorithms from tests conducted in a lab area of 165m².