Location Services

Xirrus’ Real Time Location Systems (RTLS) allow network administrators the ability to identify and track the physical location of devices in real time for the purpose of inventory management, tracking a person’s location and optimizing workflow. RTLS uses the Wi-Fi signal strength from a device to derive its approximate location, using triangulation across multiple access points (APs).  RTLS can read the Wi-Fi signal from built-in Wi-Fi adapters (e.g. in iPads, iPhones, laptops, etc.) or from external tags attached to a device (e.g. a projector).

 

With Xirrus’ RTLS, customized information can be enabled to be delivered or made available based on the specific location of the user. The backend software aggregates the signal data, processes it to determine location, and presents the results in a meaningful way to the users.   The backend software system can be composed of multiple parts depending on what is needed by the enterprise implementing the solution. For instance, one system might aggregate the location data to provide the location of a particular user.  Another system might be used to provide specific offers to that user based on where they are located. For RTLS solutions, different pieces can be mixed and matched to get the best solution for a particular need.

 

A main component of the RTLS system is the wireless infrastructure. The wireless infrastructure picks up the signal of the client devices, than relays the information to the backend location system software. Xirrus Arrays provide several advantages over traditional APs as the wireless infrastructure. The Arrays have multiple radios, which provide more signal data points for locating a client. Also, Xirrus Arrays use directional antennas compared to traditional AP’s Omni-Directional antennas, which give a more precise location of a device because they RF signal is focused on a particular area.