Comparison of links selection criteria for mobile terminal positioning in cooperative heterogeneous networks

In this paper we consider using different links selection criteria to assist mobile terminals positioning in heterogeneous wireless networks. These indicators enable parsimonious cooperation under power, latency and complexity constraints. In particular, we verify that the Geometric Dilution of Precision (GDOP) and the approximated Cramer Rao Lower Bound (CRLB) indicators can reliably characterize instantaneous Weighted Least Squares (WLS) location errors along mobile trajectories, while experiencing varying and limited connectivity. These indicators are thus helpful to identify and predict relevant combinations of range measurements based on Received Signal Strength Indicators (RSSI). Links selection is performed with respect to fixed Access Points (APs) (e.g. WiFi) and/or mobile terminals over short-range peer-to-peer links (e.g. Zigbee). Simulations are herein carried out in a realistic dynamic heterogeneous context to assess the reliability of such indicators, as well as the benefits of the proposed selection strategy, in comparison with exhaustive cooperation or random/nearest neighbors selection schemes.