MSc thesis project proposal
Localization using Time-of-Arrival Estimation in the LoRa Network
Project outside the university
KPN (The Hague)Positioning/localization is becoming more important and attractive, especially within wireless ad hoc networks or area dependent services. Having knowledge of the users' locations in a specific network allows for example the network designer and/or client to locate the nearest available link, greatly improving the Quality of Service (or optimizing logistics). The LoRa protocol gives the opportunity to localize devices using triangulation if the device is seen by at least three gateways (Base-stations). Different methods exist for positioning; however LoRa uses the Time Difference of Arrival (TDoA) technique where the synchronization between the gateways is done by GPS.
Assignment
The most important parameter for positioning is how to achieve a good (acceptable) time-of-arrival accuracy and especially in multipath environments. Many factors can cause errors in range/time estimation (e.g. hardware limitations, noise, interference, NLOS propagation, etc.). Therefore, the main objective of this MSc thesis project is to analyze/determine/improve the timestamping accuracy provided by LoRa since KPN is now looking into this feature to launch it commercially. To this end, the tasks of the student include:- Investigate possible concepts and algorithms to improve the timestamping accuracy taking into account complexity.
- Build a simulation of the LoRa system as actually implemented for localization (focus only on localization part) including multipath effect.
- Validate proposed concepts and algorithms by means of real measurement data. Please note, measurement data is available or will be provided.
Phases of the thesis project (approx 36 weeks)
- Problem formulation and literature study (±2 week).
- Investigate different concepts and algorithms in order to improve timestamping accuracy (±20 weeks).
- Build a simulation of the localization part: (±6 weeks).
- Apply proposed algorithm(s) to real data (±4 weeks).
- Thesis report writing and preparation presentation (±4 week).
The project is carried out partly at TU Delft, partly at KPN premises. Biweekly progress meetings with KPN are anticipated.
Requirements
Knowledge of ET4147 Signal Processing for Communication; experience with matlab.Contact
prof.dr.ir. Alle-Jan van der Veen
Signal Processing Systems Group
Department of Microelectronics
Last modified: 2019-04-24