How RUCKUS AP Geolocation Works

The Geolocation Service Server aids APs in pinpointing their geolocation coordinates. In any given venue, APs are categorized into two distinct groups. The first is a small group of Reference APs, for which geolocation coordinates are initially established. The second is a larger group of Non-Reference APs, for which geolocation coordinates are inferred based on their relative distance to each other and to the Reference APs. Geolocation coordinates of any Non-Reference AP can be determined only when there is a distance connection to a Reference AP, either directly or indirectly.

Initiating the geolocation process, the network administrator selectively designates strategically located APs at a specific venue as Reference APs. These APs could be positioned near a window or at opposite ends of the building, for instance. Interaction with the geolocation process is facilitated through a companion RUCKUS app on a mobile device, used by the network administrator. This app displays a list of all APs at the venue, enabling the network administrator to select the APs that will serve as Reference APs.

The geolocation coordinates of the selected Reference APs can be ascertained using one of three methods:

  • Using the built-in AP GPS receiver (if available and able to receive the appropriate GPS signals).
    Note: All outdoor APs would be equipped with built-in GPS and thus, will be using this method for geolocation directly.
  • Accessing a cloud-based geolocation database, such as the Google Geolocation API, which can identify an AP location based on the MAC addresses of other Wi-Fi devices within its observable range. For more information, you can refer to the official documentation of the Google Geolocation API.

  • A network administrator, equipped with a mobile device that has the RUCKUS mobile app installed, stands directly beneath the AP. The network administrator prompts the mobile app, which then automatically collects the geolocation coordinates of the mobile device using its built-in location service. This information is used to estimate the AP geolocation coordinates.

The optimal method is selected based on the specific deployment scenario. The resulting geolocation coordinates are transmitted to the Geolocation Service Server. Any systematic inaccuracies inherent in the selected method are factored into the calculation of the accompanying lateral uncertainty. A less accurate source would necessitate a larger value for lateral uncertainty.

Subsequently, all APs, both Reference and Non-Reference, relay information about the neighboring APs they can observe to their respective AP Controllers. These controllers then forward this information to the Geolocation Service Server. This information primarily consists of standard-based IEEE 802.11mc Round Trip Time (RTT) distance values, which may be supplemented by Received Signal Strength (RSS) measurements, if necessary. These values can be used to estimate the pairwise distances between APs. The Geolocation Service Server utilizes this information to construct an AP Graph of the venue, where the edges of the graph represent the estimated distances between APs.

With the geolocation coordinates of the Reference APs and the spatial relationships among APs as depicted by the AP Graph, the Geolocation Service Server is equipped to geometrically infer the geolocation coordinates of the Non-Reference APs.

RUCKUS Geolocation Workflow

Parent topic: Automated Frequency Coordination System