Exploring the potential of 5G positioning via RSSI, comparing its efficacy with GNSS-RTK positioning

Abstract

Accurate positioning has become an essential component of modern life, crucial for applications ranging from navigation and industrial operations to emergency response. The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) has traditionally provided reliable positioning, but its effectiveness diminishes in environments where satellite signals are obstructed, such as dense urban areas and indoor spaces. This thesis explores the potential of Fifth-Generation (5G) wireless communication technology, specifically utilizing Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) data for positioning, as an alternative to GNSS. The research investigates the effectiveness of 5G positioning through trilateration and compares it with GNSS-Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning. The study aims to validate the accuracy and the reliability of 5G positioning and various real-world scenarios, focusing on challenging environments. Key aspects examined include the impact of topography on positioning accuracy and the influence of network distribution on Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP). By attaching a 5G modem to a laptop, field measurements were collected and analyzed against the "ground truth" provided by GNSS-RTK. The results demonstrate the potential of 5G RSSI-based positioning to serve as a robust positioning solution. This study’s findings hold significant relevance for the geomatics community, with implications for urban planning, infrastructure development, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. Through critical analysis and validation, this thesis contributes to the advancement of positioning technologies, highlighting the limitations of 5G trilateration using RSSI, yet proposing it as a potential complement to GNSS. The findings pave the way for future research and practical applications in enhancing precise positioning systems.