Rtls Overview - Brocade Communications Systems RFS6000 System Reference Manual

RTLS Overview

Locationing (also called Real Time Location-based Services and Real Time Location Application
Services) delivers end-user applications based on:
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A Brocade wireless LAN switches (such as a Brocade Mobility RFS7000) can facilitate true RF
technology-agnostic mobility, allowing customers to view, manage and troubleshoot their RF
network (Wi-Fi, RFID, UWB, mesh etc.) and provide accurate asset locationing information across
multiple networks in real-time. This solution can also be packaged as a locationing appliance.
SOLE - Smart Opportunistic Location Engine
SOLE is an on-board location engine using a combination of innovative algorithms to determine
location based on asset type. SOLE fuses the location information reported by several technologies
into one seamless environment to get more meaningful results.
SOLE helps locate assets (including rogues) including passive tags, semi-passive tags, active tags
(UWB,802.11, RFID etc) and Clients. SOLE returns the location of passive tags as seen by mobile
RFID readers (like a MC9090) by combining the 802.11 reader's location with RFID antenna
direction/location data.
Applications (users) inform SOLE (RF switch) about a facility map, location of infrastructure and
zones. A zone is an area of specific interest with respect to whenever an asset becomes visible or
invisible in that area.
SOLE uses the following input variables as needed for the specific tag type calculating location:
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SOLE is capable of receiving input of location from external 3rd party location engines such as
Aeroscout and Ekahau. SOLE also has a self learning process that adapts with a changing
environment. SOLE also provides an open platform for supporting new architectures, future
algorithms or newer asset types.
Defining Site Parameters
In order for the locationing engine to function properly the site parameters must first be defined.
Sites are defined on an X,Y axis with the upper left corner of the site being assigned a value of 0,0.
When locations of tags are displayed they are displayed in the same X,Y format relative to the origin
value of 0,0.
Brocade Mobility RFS4000, RFS6000, and RFS7000 System Reference Guide
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The location of mobile devices (devices with location enabling technology, such as a WiFi
supported handheld, Wi-Fi laptop or cell phone)
The location of an attached tag (a location enabled mobile device in miniaturized form, for
example a WiFi tag, UWB tag or RFID tag that is attached to a person, vehicles or a package)
User configurations
RSSI propagation based on facility layout and RF barriers as specified by the user
Smart surroundings (fixed wireless devices such as printers, price verifiers, near me tags as
installed in the facility)
Runtime RF environment
The previous position of the tag
TDoA
AoA
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