Localization of Radio Signal Sources for Situational Awareness Enhancement

This article proposes a novel passive localization framework that leverages detection results from existing distributed radio detectors. The intuition behind this solution is to combine positive (signal detected) and negative (signal not detected) detection results with environmental data to refine localization estimates. Its novelty lies in providing a comprehensive, multi-dimensional framework for cooperative localization that enhances situational awareness by leveraging existing spectrum-monitoring capabilities. The proposed approach provides an additional functionality for a network of nodes monitoring spectral resources. It allows the transmitter’s location to be estimated based on the detection results of individual nodes. The unquestionable advantage of the proposed solution is that it does not require extra equipment or increased monitoring time. The developed method supports broad operational activities, e.g., tracking of authorized and unauthorized entities, and jammer localization. Using the proposed approach, one can increase efficiency in a given operational environment, and jammer localization. Using the proposed approach, one can increase efficiency in a given operational environment and situational awareness in a cognitive radio network. Furthermore, the experimental results of the estimation algorithm for an exemplary urban area indicate the legitimacy of a cooperative approach to the problem.