2020 IEEE Canadian Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering (CCECE)

Wireless Positioning Network Location Prediction

Based on Machine Learning Techniques

Furat Al-Obaidy Najmeh Razfar Peyman Moeini

Department of Electrical,Computer, and Department of Electrical, Computer, and Department of Electrical, Computer, and
Biomedical Engineering Biomedical Engineering Biomedical Engineering
Ryerson University Ryerson University Ryerson University
Toronto,Canada Toronto, Canada Toronto, Canada
furat.alobaidy@ryerson.ca nrazfar@ryerson.ca pmoeini@peytec.com
Farah Mohammadi
Department of Electrical,Computer, and
Biomedical Engineering
Ryerson University
Toronto,Canada
fmohamma@ee.ryerson.ca

Abstract— Developing wireless communication technology as well strength can help to measure the sensor and the reader (i.e.
as the extensive usage of wireless networks imply that location between the transmitter and receiver) at WSN [3]. A frequent
applications have been made rendered necessary. Notably, this challenge that WSN systems are often confronted with is
position denotes the functionality and events to estimate a node of wireless reader’s behavioral variations in received signal strength
interest’s location. This study compares different machine
learning (ML) approaches to locate the accurate localization of a
indicator (RSSI) signals. Such a problem arises when readers
moving tag based on wireless sensor network (WSN) as the unable to get the tag queried in their range of reading. However,
wireless propagation medium to improve the prediction of it is possible to address this problem by augmenting the level of
positions. Our experimental recommends using neural networks power and seeking ways of ensuring that the distance between
method to design an appropriate intelligent WSN networks and readers and tags falls in an acceptable range and does not
seek an optimal position with high precisions. The results show the drastically tamper RSSI levels [4]. WSN localization, another
proposed method provides a prediction accuracy about 94%based common challenge, is attributed to factors causing environment
on neural network approach. interference as well as collision induced due to obstacles that
prevent the transmission of signals. Researchers have strived hard
Keywords— Neural network, Wireless position network, Machine
learning prediction, Received signal strength
to reduce these errors attributed to reasons similar to those that
find mention by other studies [5,6]. However, there is a need to
I. INTRODUCTION conduct new studies in order to derive results that are more
Object positioning location forms an important part of scalable. Therefore, the need for a new or enhanced algorithms
numerous applications like security, tracking, location-based that improve the WSN localization methods based on machine
services and navigation. A geometric description is a typical way learning (ML) techniques.
of describing locations spatially. Wireless positioning system for
indoor localization is a key enabling technology comprising of a
minimum of a couple of hardware components.
This includes a signal transmitter and a measuring unit. The
former denotes a simplistic version by transmitting beacon
signals [1-2]. The typical wireless sensors network (WSN)
structure for system localization is shown in fig.1, its consists
from hundreds of wireless tag nodes for locating the positions,
wireless tag readers for data collecting and processing then this
information are send into the end user for manipulation via
gateway unit and the internet. Moreover, routing MAC protocols
are used to handle and communicate between the wireless
network nodes and readers.
WSN based technology is predicted on existing networks for
seeking information pertaining to reader position. In turn, this
entails the utilization of networking infrastructure for determine
the tags’ angulation position. Therefore, a receiving signal’s Fig. 1. Shows typical wireless positioning system structure.

978-1-7281-5442-8/20/$31.00 ©2020 IEEE

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 2020 IEEE Canadian Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering (CCECE)
II. RELATED WORK
Several studies have proposed to identify a solution for WSN
systems, and considered a gamut of factors such as accuracy,
complexity and robustness with high scalability in indoor or
outdoor positioning. The study in [7] provides an interesting
assessment on indoor WSN technologies such as Wi-Fi, RFID,
UWB, Bluetooth, and ZigBee to resolve simple localization
problems. The authors have postulated the use of hybrid
mechanism as an effective approach to achieve reliable indoor
localization system. However, for these methods in order to
increase the localization capability tags advantages such as battery
life, scalability, latency, and reliability and other network will be
sacrificed to increase the localization accuracy. Furthermore,
depending on the sample rate and method of localization the
localization accuracy gained would differ significantly.
Ultra wideband (UWB) technologies such as Dec-wave is
used for localization systems as [8]. In [9] MAC protocol has
been used to synchronize transmission in order to detect tags
sensors location in a WSN for an indoor environment. Similarly,
studies in [10] used a cloud infrastructure to link WSN based on
adaptive clustering approach in order to support object tracking
and location. Different RFID indoor localization systems have
been proposed in extant research [11-14]; these include hybrid
methods combining RFID with UWB, as observed by [11]. The
hybrid approach of combined devices (RFID and WSN) has
been adopted to yield desirable findings [12]. In machine
learning studies, the authors [13] used 3D RFID localization
method as well. In [14], neural network (NN) algorithm and
virtual reference tags were added to cluster-based movable tag
localization (CMTL) method, in order to improve cluster-based
RFID tag localization. Similarly, [15] proposed a deep learning
architecture combining long short-term memory network with
convolutional NN for dynamically identifying and deriving
visceral attributes from data involving large-scale multipath
spectrums. Most localization methodologies mentioned above
often has poor localization accuracy and it is not reliable nor
repeatable. Moreover, most of them are not sustainable for
critical industrial environments owing to severe radio channel
noise and harsh propagation conditions such as severe multipath,
diffractions and reflections [Peyman’s paper]. To overcome
some issues related with previous researches such as poor
localization accuracies, a proposal approach based on WSN-
ML techniques is presented as a main contribution in this work.
The paper makes mention of associated work in Section II,
whereas the ML prediction techniques are discussed in section
III. Section IV discusses a methodology procedure, whereas
section V includes the experimental evaluations for the proposed
method. Finally, section VI concludes this paper.
III. ML PRIDICTION TECHNIQUES
In order to make prediction for the physical location for
sensors, three typical ML techniques are used. A succinct
explanation of the SVM, MLP, and ANFIS methods is
presented below.
A. Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) algorithm: It is
categorized as a feedforward neural network approach
that is no feedback is allowed. The MLPs are deemed
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appropriate in order to resolve problems with predictions
due to their computational flexibility and simplicity as
compared to other architectures. In this work, the
supervised cascade forward MLP has been applied.
B. Adaptive Neuron-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS): It
is a hybrid system that combines fuzzy logic with neural
networks. ANFIS has been proven as a more accurate
means of predicting as well as a fast turning speed for
data forecasting, which is why it has been adopted as the
chosen methodology [16].
C. Support Vector Machine (SVM) technique was derived
from statistical learning theory and ML in order to
perform predictions, classification, as well as regressions
[17-21]. The SVM proposed in this study delivers the
prediction of the tag position detection [22].
IV. METHODOLOGY
In this work, we present a methodology for making
predictions about the nodes’ position. The feasibility of applying
prediction methodology based on ML within an WSN system has
been ascertained. In order to accomplish that purpose, we load
the features of the model to ML, after normalizing the received
samples (i.e. RSSIs and measured nodes positions) as an input.
The output is the estimation of sensor position at (x, y, z)
coordinates. As part of this structure, supervised learning
methods have been applied to the learning algorithms in order to
establish a relationship between the predictor model and the
target on the basis of these steps:
• Data Collection And featuers processing:
The data set is collected before the prediction operation.
This collected data set is processed and divided into two
groups: training set and testing set. The ML inputs consist
of two features: the measured position and RSSI signal
collected between each two readers. It is notable that
target output denotes the desired position between each
these two nodes.
• Data processing:
Input data gets normalized as part of this process. The
process of normalization not only improved the efficiency
of training, but also lowers the mistakes caused in terms of
output activation. Under this step, the normalization is
performed process on input data sets. The normalize value
of feature (xni) can be obtained by applying Equation 1.
=∑ (1)
( )
• Building the predction model:
Fig.2 shows the proposed MLP architecture. This
design is able to yield a powerful performance. This
configuration can help ascertain the relationship between a data
set of training and testing set. It trains and creates a fitting
network of samples set before yielding an estimated output.
The intelligent prediction is used to learn a model called a
predictor in this architecture. The involves a couple of phases:
training phase (testing via validation samples of data set are
 2020 IEEE Canadian Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering (CCECE)

used to fit the model during the training stage), so that the conjugate gradient method scheme is shown in fig.5 with
model derives learnings from this data. Through this phase, the parameters being set in table II. In order to examine the
validation data set is also used in order to evaluate a learning accuracy of results in this prediction technique, we make a series
model in a proper manner so as to derive appropriate results. of attempts and compare their accuracy for different structures
For this reason, the model occasionally got the data (i.e. of ANFIS. This demonstrates that ANFIS scheme shows
validation data) tested. Thus, it implies that the validation does improved performance with 16 membership functions for each
impact a model, albeit indirectly. In the testing phase, test data input. As a consequence, the SVM predictor model is
set is only used once a model is completely trained (i.e. using implemented in accordance with the sequential minimal
the train and validation sets). As part of this step, we used our optimization approach that entails the use of kernel function. In
test sets as the testing mechanism. The verification of test this predictor, a kernel function, referred to as quadratic
samples is done on the basis of the desired position or target function, is used to conceal layers for the same effect.
output. In testing phase, test data set is only used once a model
TABLE I. PARAMETERS SETTING FOR WPN STRUCTURE.
is completely trained (i.e. using the train and validation sets).
For this step we used our test sets for testing mechanism. The Parameter Value
Network size 13×9 m2
test samples are verified depending on the target output (i.e.
No. of sensors (tags) 25
desired position). Frequency 6.49 GHz; Band = [6.24 - 6.74] GHz
Packet size 25 bytes
Initial energy 15876 joules= 1470mAh, 3Volt for a
Training Data Set Target Output battery type CR123A.
(Desired position) Transmission current 75 mA
Receiving current 130 mA
Distance between each node 4 m to 9.22 m
Input features Beacon Order (BQ) 4
Output results
(RSSI, Measured Predictor Beacon interval 2 sec
(Optimal position)
position) MAC Technique (protocol) IEEE 802.15.4
collecting the samples period 30-40 min

Testing data Set

Fig. 2. Block diagram for the ML prediction steps.

V. RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

The experiment field geometry for this study has its location
area in the indoor facility, whereas the ground has dimensions
of 9 m by 13 m. The test is based on five different readers in
addition to 25 sensors or tags. All these readers are randomly Fig. 3. The proposed MLP Configuration.
distributed the area with different coordinates (x, y, z) of the
facility. They are assumed to be identical in size and type and no
obstacles or walls are expected to be found within the
experiment area. At the initial stages, readers are adjusted to
specific heights. Table I lists the WSN system’s characteristics.
The proposed ML model entails the use of specific tools such as
MATLAB [23] for estimating the desired position of nodes.
In the MLP model, the supervised cascade-forward is
applied. The configuration yielding the factors of minimum
performance include a hidden layer that in turn consists of 10
neurons. Furthermore, sigmoid function is regarded as a
function of activation. More specifically, in this study, we used
Levenberg–Marquardt training algorithm as part of the design.
It is notable that the output layer transfer function is selected to
be a liner, as shown in fig.3.The simulation model shows the fast
convergence of the selected MLP configuration where the
performance response is lowered to 1.0296e-5 following more
than 245 epochs. Fig.4 displays the performance results for
Fig.4. Results for comparing between desired distance and predicted
testing phase for our proposed design and makes comparison distance for 10 testing samples.
between 10 samples as example.
The model of the ANFIS prediction adopted by scaled

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 2020 IEEE Canadian Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering (CCECE)

TABLE IV. COMPARISON OF PREDICTION RESULTS SAME READERS HEIGHT.

Parameters MLP SVM ANFIS

No. of samples 7000
No. of training samples 4900
No. of testing samples 2100
Average Accuracy (%) 93.91 81.45 92.34

TABLE III. COMPARISON OF PREDICTION RESULTS ARBITRARY READERS

HEIGHT.
Parameters MLP SVM ANFIS
No. of samples 7000
No. of training
4900
samples
No. of testing samples 2100
Average Accuracy (%) 94.32 83.45 92.23
Fig.5. ANFIS design structure.
VI.CONCLUSION
TABLE II. ANFIS PARAMETERS SETTING.
This work aims to systematically investigate and forecast the
Parameters Description use of three supervised ML algorithms on the basis of WSN.
Number of Inputs 2 We achieved two experiments that showed the intelligent ML
Number of Outputs 1 techniques based WSN system ability to forecast the position of
Number of input membership 10
functions sensors position in a precise manner. Simulations are carried out
Number of Output membership 16 widely for ascertaining this approach’s optimal forecast
functions accuracy. Detectability of nodes positions is predicted in an
Number of Rules 16 accurate manner for the reader, irrespective of whether the
Fuzzy model type sugeno
height is the same or found to be higher. It is also observed that
MLP provides a better estimation with an increased accuracy of
The accuracy ratio is calculated in order to evaluate the around 94% on average. This implies that it is worthwhile to
efficiency of our proposed ML techniques for a localization consider the utility of WSN positioning for industrial
system. The accuracy percentage of predictions is defined as the applications. Moreover, this ML-based approach is an important
percentage of total samples that are correctly forecasted to the aspect of advanced WSNs, which is likely to pave the way for
total number of samples in the testing dataset as shown in several next-generation applications during the years to come.
equation (2). ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
.
%= × 100 (2) The authors would like to acknowledge our industrial partner
.

All the techniques of prediction were considered in a
separate manner. Table III demonstrates this approach.
According to the findings, the accuracy rate of MLP
algorithm is higher by almost 94.32% % in comparison
to algorithms used elsewhere.
• Sensitivity Analysis
[2] Khan, Aftab et al. “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: AI-driven
As part of this step, we gathered from the same
experimental conditions, although the readers are located at
same height (z- coordinate). Steps taken previously are
repeated under the new scenario as well. In this case, the MLP
algorithm displays an increased height, as illustrated in Table
IV. MPL provide us higher prediction accuracy 93.91 % on
average compares with others ML techniques.
PeyTec through the support provided by the National Science
and Engineering (NSERC-Engage) program.
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