Technologies
21 Feb 2020 14 min

Published: Elvina Sharafutdinova

Last update 07 APR 2023

A needle in a haystack: how Wi-Fi RTT takes Indoor Positioning to the next level

Technologies
Navigine - A needle in a haystack: how Wi-Fi RTT takes Indoor Positioning to the next level
21 Feb 2020 14 min

Published: Elvina Sharafutdinova

Last update 07 APR 2023

 

What is Wi-Fi RTT

Wi-Fi RTT (Round-trip time) is a brand new technology that allows locating devices with unprecedented sub-meter accuracy. Basically, it measures the distance between a device and Wi-Fi routers which is way more accurate than using a GPS signal. The latter can’t provide an acceptable level of accuracy at all when it comes to indoor positioning. Wi-Fi RTT outperforms RSSI-based methods as well, thanks to reduced latency and better accuracy.

The Use

Today, this technology is the next step to improve services that use indoor positioning. We expect that its implementation will become a better solution for many industries.

Wi-Fi RTT is applicable for tracking vehicles and cargo within warehouses and production plants. Comparing to Bluetooth® LE, this technology provides enhanced accuracy and reduced latency, making processes more rapid and reducing delays.

It is effective for public hotspots as well, such as offices and malls, airports, exhibitions and not only. Indoor navigation is the solution users need for making their visits to public places more comfortable and enjoyable. Through this, they can plan their time effectively and find locations they need immediately.

Wi-Fi RTT is also used for different location-based scenarios in the retail and shopping industries. For example, by employing the technology you can easily implement various notifications containing relevant information about products, promo offers and discounts. 

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The Advantages

Our solution goes further with unique algorithms that enhance the basic capabilities of Wi-Fi RTT. Semi-static test in our office demonstrates a submeter accuracy in checkpoints 95% of the time and around 30 cm accuracy 50% of the time. The positioning engine is a particle filter combining Pedestrian Dead Reckoning (PDR), based on inertial sensors readings, and Wi-Fi RTT readings for correction. Meanwhile, the dynamic test shows that delay in position estimation does not exceed one second. The latter result is achieved by complementing Wi-Fi RTT measurements with PDR via particle filter.

The technology is not just an innovation in itself, but also a practical solution that improves business efficiency and customer experience. Wi-Fi RTT provides longer distance measurements and can be integrated into existing Wi-Fi network infrastructure.

Wi-Fi RTT positioning technology can provide numerous benefits for enterprises due to its following advantages:

  • already installed Wi-Fi infrastructure can be used for indoor positioning;
  • the Wi-Fi RTT can be used in local networks without external connection or orbital information;
  • the Wi-Fi RTT relies on the information of the WAP, so an enterprise doesn't need to provide an access to external connections inside factories or plants;
  • the Wi-Fi RTT uses the arrival time in its calculations, so can be considered as less susceptible to noise.

What we offer 

Our core products are navigation SDK and API allowing our customers to develop applications tailored to their business needs. We are not working on hardware, but delivering algorithms and software-related products that solve your business problems effectively.

Navigine Indoor Navigation Kit
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Indoor navigation solution

So far, it is clear that Navigine solution based on Wi-Fi RTT will be supported on Android devices (Android 9+). Will it be supported by iOS devices or not, prospects remain uncertain.

Current status

Now, it is too early to refer to any cases, while we are currently working on raising experts interest from LinkedIn. We can see the real need for this technology, so the first implementations are coming soon in Q1 2020.

UPD: Today, we have confirmed orders from a big carrier and one logistics company. The technology has gathered an interest from different verticals. 

Why Wi-Fi RTT?

The industries using indoor positioning have to realize that often Bluetooth® LE is not the solution that meets their needs. Wi-Fi RTT is a significantly more relevant technology for many cases.

Our solution based on Wi-Fi RTT delivers clear advantages for customers, including high accuracy, low latency, ease of use and integration. With just 2 weeks between order and integration, it is one of the most rapid and flexible solutions.

The combination of high accuracy, availability, and low price, can make the technology an Indoor positioning market leader.

 

Are you interested in Wi-Fi RTT in 2023? Discuss more in a private free consultation:

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