Joint scheduling and localization in UWB networks

Ultra-wide bandwidth (UWB) systems allow for accurate localization to tackle and complement the GPS-aided solutions, which are impractical in weak signal environments. We consider the problem of fast link scheduling in the medium access control (MAC) layer for UWB localization. We present an optimization strategy to perform robust ranging scheduling with localization constraints. Given the complexity of the optimal strategy, two different MAC-aware link selection heuristics are also proposed. Our results show that significant MAC delay reductions are possible through the use of simple local heuristics.