Position estimation using dead reckoning and other localized algorithms in wireless networks

Abstract

Classical position estimation techniques assume direct connectivity between a node with unknown coordinates and a certain amount of access points or landmarks. Position Estimation in Ad-Hoc Wireless Sensor Networks cannot be solved by using single hop algorithms because the node of interest may not be within the coverage area of the landmarks disabling any possibility of estimating the node’s coordinates. This work is devoted to study localized multihop algorithms and to show the advantages and disadvantages of them. The work is primarily focused on an old navigational technique called Dead Reckoning whose estimations are based on ranging and angular measurements along a defined path between a given access point and the node of interest. It is the purpose of this thesis work to highlight every advantage offered by this localized algorithm over a family of localized algorithms known as Distance Vector algorithms.