A priori error estimates for wireless local area network positioning systems

Location determination based on wireless local area networks has received considerable attention as an accurate and inexpensive means of indoor positioning. Research on this topic has mainly focused on experimental systems while little has been done to model and analyse the problem. Yet, analytical models are essential for understanding the influence of system parameters and a system’s overall behaviour. This article introduces two analytical models that can provide pessimistic and optimistic estimates for the location error in a given environment. The findings are compared to measurements and simulations of a probabilistic Wireless LAN positioning system.