Geolocation of WiMAX subscriber stations based on the timing adjust ranging parameter

Approved for public release, distribution unlimited === This thesis investigates the possibility of geolocating a WiMAX subscriber station based on the timing adjust ranging parameter within the network signal internals. The basic approach to geolocation based on radial distances from multiple base...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Barber, Don E.
Other Authors: McEachen, John C.
Published: Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School 2012
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10945/4390
Description
Summary:Approved for public release, distribution unlimited === This thesis investigates the possibility of geolocating a WiMAX subscriber station based on the timing adjust ranging parameter within the network signal internals. The basic approach to geolocation based on radial distances from multiple base stations is outlined. Specifics of the timing parameters used during WiMAX network entry are examined as they relate to calculating these distances. Laboratory testing demonstrates successful capture of ranging parameters from the air interface, leading to the development of a web based geolocation tool to map likely locations of subscriber stations. Field collection of the air interface from a single base station network verified a high correlation with low variance when comparing values in timing adjust values in packets exchanged during network entry. Using field test results, computer simulation further refined the expected geolocation accuracy in multiple base-station networks. Results show the possibility of fixes with 10 times greater accuracy than in previous results in literature applying timing advance techniques to Global System for Mobile communications networks.