ACCESS POINT INITIATED TIME-OF-FLIGHT POSITIONING

摘要

Embodiments of a system and method for Access Point (AP) initiated time-of -flight positioning in a Wireless Network are generally described herein. A precise scalable network initiated Time-of-Flight (ToF) solution for indoor positioning and navigation is provided for environments where global-navigation-satellite-systems signals are not available. ToF between an initiating AP and a responding device is measured and converted into distance by dividing the measured time by two and multiplying it by the speed of light. The AP, rather than the client, fully controls the timing and management of the overall indoor location procedure. The Fine Timing Measurement portion of the Access Point Initiated ToF Positioning protocol is a symmetric protocol such that measurement of the ToF is readily switchable between the client and the AP. In some embodiments, an initiating Access Point Fine Timing Request message triggers a ToF measurement and location calculation message exchange between the initiating AP and responding device.