Using RSSI value for distance estimation in wireless sensor networks based on ZigBee

In today’s modern wireless ZigBee-based modules, there are two well-known values for link quality estimation: RSSI (received signal strength indicator) and LQI (link quality indicator). In respect to wireless channel models, received power should be a function of distance. From this aspect, we believed that RSSI can be used for evaluating distances between nodes. The experiment described in this paper indicates that RSSI is, in fact, a poor distance estimator when using wireless sensor networks in buildings. Reflection, scattering and other physical properties have an extreme impact on RSSI measurement and so we can conclude: RSSI is a bad distance estimator.