Geolocation of LTE Subscriber Stations Based on the Timing Advance Ranging Parameter

The possibility of geolocating a Long Term Evolution (LTE) subscriber station based on the timing advance ranging parameter within the network signal internals is investigated in this thesis. The basic approach to geolocation based on radial distances from multiple base stations is outlined. Specifics of the timing parameters used during LTE network entry are examined as they relate to calculating these distances. Computer simulation is used to demonstrate expected geolocation accuracy in multiple base station networks when estimating likely locations of subscriber stations on a two-dimensional coordinate mapping system. Computer simulation is further refined to demonstrate expected geolocation accuracy in multiple base station networks when estimating likely locations of subscriber stations on a three-dimensional coordinate mapping scheme. The possibility of fixes with ten times greater accuracy than in previous results in literature are shown by applying timing advance techniques to Global System for Mobile communications networks when using a two-dimensional coordinate mapping scheme. Accuracy capable of being within 50 centimeters when using a three-dimensional coordinate mapping scheme, comparable to the accuracy in Global Positioning System technologies, are also shown.