Reducing localisation overhead: a ranging protocol and an enhanced algorithm for UWB-based WSNs

Abstract

The ability for the nodes in a Wireless Sensor Network to determine their position is a desirable trait. Routing as well as other client applications can benefit from this information. In this paper, we introduce the results obtained from our UWB-based prototype. We implemented two adaptations of the Symmetric Double-Sided Two-Way Ranging (SDS- TWR) protocol, namely Sequential Symmetric Double-Sided Two- Way Ranging (SSDS-TWR), and Parallel Double-Sided Two-Way Ranging (PDS-TWR), the latter being one of our contributions. PDS-TWR significantly reduces the overhead associated with ranging. We also introduce the enhanced version of our localisation algorithm, inter-Ring Localisation Algorithm (iRingLA), which is a good alternative for conventional trilateration. This new version improves the ability to compute the position when thin rings are used by focusing on the exact intersection: the number of test points remains small and the algorithm can be implemented on computationally constrained platforms. Using PDS-TWR and 2 anchors, we obtained a 2D localisation error of 79cm in an indoor environment.