Performance Evaluation of Single Base Station ToA-AoA Localization in an LTE Testbed

Abstract

Precise localization is becoming an integral part of mobile network architectures, not only to provide location-based services but also to optimize the operation of the network itself through suitable context information. Location systems are of particular importance for indoor settings where GPS may be unavailable. While upcoming 5G systems will provide improved location accuracy, for a long time to come many areas will only have LTE coverage, and ubiquitous localization will thus also have to rely on LTE technology. To evaluate the location accuracy that can be achieved with current mobile systems, we implement a localization algorithm in a standard-compliant LTE testbed based on software-defined radios. We assess the localization accuracy in representative indoor scenarios. Despite a bandwidth of only 20MHz, the results show a good median error around 2m, but significantly larger errors may occur in non-line-of-sight cases. Nevertheless, the accuracy is sufficient for a range of potential applications.