Synchronization Algorithms for Positioning with OFDM Communications Signals

Abstract

This paper covers positioning techniques for cellular networks using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communications signals. These methods are based on symbol-timing synchronization algorithms to find the starting point for the underlying OFDM symbols of the incident signals. Commonly used approaches are, e.g., the Schmidl-Cox algorithm and the Minn algorithm. These algorithms are investigated w.r.t. their positioning capabilities. Furthermore, they are extended to improve the performance in multipath environments and to achieve a sufficient accuracy with weak signals from neighboring out-of-cell base stations.