Unlocking the Potential of IEEE 802.11az: A Deep Dive into Ranging Capabilities

Accurate ranging and localization are crucial for the success of various applications, such as autonomous drones navigating, complex urban landscapes, and immersive augmented and virtual reality experiences (AR/VR) in the Metaverse. While outdoor environments benefit from the precision of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, indoor settings present unique challenges that demand innovative solutions. IEEE 802.11az, also known as Next Generation Positioning (NGP), is engineered to address these challenges by enhancing indoor ranging and positioning accuracy. This paper delves into the critical factors that influence the ranging effectiveness of IEEE 802.11az technology. Through an extensive simulation campaign, we examine how various elements, including bandwidth, the number of transmit and receive antennas, and other environmental factors, impact the accuracy of indoor ranging. Our findings aim to provide a detailed understanding of the technological and practical considerations essential for optimizing IEEE 802.11az implementations.