On the accuracy of cellular mobile station location estimation

This paper analyzes the accuracy of the multilateration techniques of possi ble application in mobile communications networks, A general mathematical f ramework including all the multilateration techniques that process absolute and/or relative distance measurements between the mobile station and multi ple base transceiver stations is introduced. Based on this scheme, a genera l measure of positioning accuracy is first derived and then analyzed in the special cases defined by three techniques of possible implementation in GS M-based systems. A geometrical interpretation of the formulas that define t he location accuracy and a comparison between the techniques from the geome tric conditioning point of view are also given.