Coherent Multi-channel Ranging for Precise Localization in Narrowband LPWA Networks: Performance Trials in an Indoor Environment

Wearable health monitoring is a promising application where Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) connectivity and location services are required. LPWA radios are suited thanks to their small size, low power and low cost, while providing ubiquitous and indoor coverage. However, current LPWA applications do not provide accurate enough localization information for this application. Coherent multi-channel ranging has recently been proposed to improve localization precision. This paper studies the resilience of the new approach in an indoor environment. Field trials performed in office premises confirm the potential of the new technique where performance is significantly better than leagcy time-of-flight even in this severe environment.