
However, the 5G sunrise could greatly improve network coverage to underserved areas, although not perfectly. For subscribers in rural areas or people who travel away from home, cellular networks are not always a reliable ally.Īs long as 4G and LTE remain in force, this will continue to be the case. The biggest pitfall associated with cellular locating technology is geographical coverage.

The Cons of Cellular Locating Network Coverage This technology is capable of locating a user within a couple of feet which results in much more effective action by emergency responders. It can locate a particular device based on its distance from a collection of network access points.Īnother benefit to the cellular model is its accuracy in pinpointing a user’s location within buildings and areas with network coverage. Cellular methods thrive in buildings, cities and densely-populated areas because of how it uses crowdsourced Wi-Fi data. Its capabilities shine well in populated areas where cell towers are more densely located. Where GPS lacks, cellular seems to fill in the gaps. Cellular LocatingĬellular location technology is actually an umbrella term that is used to describe a couple of locating technologies, including Wifi and Sim-based methods. Because of this lapse in useability, fewer PERS devices are relying on GPS to locate users. That’s also why locating people in buildings is ineffective with GPS. Without a clear view of the sky, atmospheric interference makes locating users much more difficult. Therefore, GPS works best in open areas, with an unobstructed view of the sky. Depending on the device used, locating accuracy can only reach within 4 meters, or about 13 feet.īut, the accuracy of GPS is further restrained when the user is located in a building, surrounded by buildings, clouds, or trees.
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The GPS network is structured by about 30 individual satellites that orbit around the Earth.Objects such as mountains, clouds, buildings and trees reduce your chances of creating a successful GPS connection.

In order to properly use GPS, you must have a clear line of sight with at least four GPS satellites. The Global Positioning System ( GPS) is a government-owned navigation system that operates using radio waves. GPS uses satellites that orbit around the Earth to triangulate a user's location, whereas Wifi locating technology uses relative network signal strength gathered at network access points.Įach technology has its own pros and cons. The primary difference between GPS and Wifi locating technologies is in the method of gathering location data. The Difference Between GPS and Wifi Locating Technology It is used to navigate, find lost phones or cars, and even works to help parents keep their children safe.Īlthough location technologies have been used to track metadata without consent, it continues to be a feature that today’s consumers cannot live without. Location technology is one of the most helpful features available to today’s mobile consumers.
