Indoor Positioning: Now Possible via Wi-Fi Access Points

In corporate buildings with multiple floors, industrial halls, or basements, precise location determination via GPS is not always possible. In the event of an emergency alarm, this can cost valuable time. Therefore, to ensure that a user who needs help can be immediately searched for in the correct building, floor, or room, the acquisition of indoor positioning devices is worthwhile. However, many companies are deterred by the effort involved in installing positioning devices.
So, we thought, why not use existing Wi-Fi access points?

Rene explains how this works in this Video about WiFi Access Points.

The Advantage of Indoor Positioning Using Wi-Fi Access Points is Clear

By utilizing the access points network, the infrastructure is already in place. There is no need to purchase new devices, no installation, and no maintenance required. Only the virtual infrastructure needs to be set up. This means, as explained in the video:

  • We at ADRESYS will examine your access points to check if the ANGEL React System can work with them. The likelihood is high since we support all standard protocols like Eddystone or iBeacon. Alternatively, we can use the MAC address of the access points and work without Bluetooth®.
  • Then we get to the main task: We investigate which data (or code) the Wi-Fi access point sends out and assign it to a clear location description. The originally sent code of the access point then becomes something like “Building II, 3rd Floor North.”
  • If an emergency alarm occurs, the ANGEL React System accesses the configured data of the access point and can send a relatively accurate location description to the emergency contacts.
  • If this sounds interesting to you, just get in touch with us. We are happy to provide non-binding advice.
    This means we can check if your Wi-Fi access points are suitable for indoor positioning, and you can see if our approach convinces you.

    Wi-Fi Access Points or Location Beacons?

    We fully support the use of Wi-Fi access points for indoor positioning. However, the ANGEL React Location Beacon has some advantages that a Wi-Fi access point cannot offer:

  • After the one-time cost of initial acquisition (and installation), there are no further monthly costs with the Location Beacon. Since the location data is stored directly in the Location Beacons, we do not need to maintain data on our servers for indoor positioning.
  • Location beacons are more accurate than access points. An ANGEL React System can not only query the location of a location beacon but also its signal strength. This allows us to estimate where someone is approximately located.
  • In combination with location beacons, the ANGEL React System can also query the previous position of a user if no current location data is available at the time of the emergency alarm. Knowing where someone came from makes it easier to determine where the person might be now.
  • Location Beacon or Wi-Fi Access Point for Indoor Positioning?
    Both have their advantages. To find the best solution for you and your employees, we are happy to assist you!

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