Samsung's 5G Networks Enhance Indoor Positioning Accuracy

Samsung Electronics is deploying new 5G network technology designed to provide highly accurate location data indoors, a capability that traditional GPS struggles to deliver reliably. This advancement aims to solve critical positioning challenges in environments where satellite signals are obstructed.

The technology utilizes Multi-Round Trip Time (Multi-RTT) positioning, leveraging existing 5G infrastructure. By measuring the signal travel time between a device and multiple cell towers in both directions (uplink and downlink), the system can calculate a more precise location than previously possible indoors.

This enhanced positioning is crucial for applications like emergency services, where precise location, including floor level in multi-story buildings, is essential. Samsung's solution incorporates angle of arrival measurements from Massive MIMO radio systems, enabling true 3D positioning by adding vertical data to the horizontal coordinates derived from RTT.

According to Samsung, this combined timing and angle data improves accuracy even in challenging radio conditions, such as urban canyons with signal reflections. The company positions the technology as a solution for meeting regulatory requirements for emergency calls and supporting the growing demand for advanced location-based services in industrial and consumer applications.