Comparative Analysis of Localization Schemes in Conventional vs. Next Generation Cellular Networks

This paper presents a comparative review of the various localization schemes in use in different generations of Cellular Networks. Localization, in cellular networks is the process used to find the accurate geo-position of a user, not by means of techniques like the Global Positioning System, but by the cellular network infrastructure itself. It is this procedure, which is responsible for providing users their requisite services as per the area they are in. Even if they are outside the country, the cellular network is well aware of it and keeps providing its services on roaming basis. These features have become more prominent and the demand for advanced improved methodologies has increased manifold with the advent of new generation cellular networks. This is the very problem statement targeted in this work, which focuses on the scrutiny of four of the Localization schemes - Centralized Database Approach (CDBA) and Distributed Database Approach (DDBA) as employed in the conventional/ homogenous GSM based cellular network; and Triangulation Algorithm and Centroid Localization Algorithm as proposed for the heterogeneous 5G network. After in-depth study of all these algorithms, their flows have been discussed in the work, both theoretically and diagrammatically, to aid researchers working in this subject matter by providing them a meticulous review of the algorithms. Furthermore, the aforementioned algorithms have been analyzed in terms of various parameters by means of simulations. The inferred findings of this comparative analysis show better performance of DDBA algorithm for conventional cellular networks, while Triangulation algorithm proves promising with less Root Mean Square Error in case of the heterogeneous mobile nodes based 5G network.