Do RSSI values reliably map to RSS in a localization system?

In recent years, research into localization systems has become more popular as the proliferation of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) grows. Wireless Localization can refer to either an “Active” system which tracks a mobile transceiver, or “Passive” localization which tracks a transceiver free entity by measuring the changes it makes to the surrounding wireless environment. Recent work has seen both of these systems implemented with Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) values from transceivers. Many algorithms and channel models have been presented to increase the accuracy of a Received Signal Strength (RSS) based system. In this paper we experimentally check whether RSSI values map to the expected RSS values within an IEEE 802.15.4 network. Indoor experiments are repeated within an ideal outdoor environment, with multiple device platforms, to eliminate indoor multipath propagation as the cause for inconsistent behavior of RSSI. We identify 3 key issues with raw RSSI values and present either a possible solution or a mitigation strategy to reduce their effect. We conclude that using raw RSSI values is flawed, as the premise that they uniquely map to the distance between transceivers is incorrect. However they may be calibrated to increase their accuracy, and therefore viability.