An experimental analysis of packet reception rate in RFID localization network

Indoor localization systems based on received signal strength indication (RSSI) techniques are usually used in office buildings. However, RSSI is susceptible to environmental influences, which may make localization performances unstable. Packet reception rate (PRR) is a good indicator which can reflect the changes in signal intensity with distance changing. This paper establishes a relationship between PRR and RSSI according to the classic radio propagation model in localization field, and theoretically analyzes the normal probability distribution of PRR. Based on communication experiments between Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers and tags, this paper discusses how PRR changes with respect to power and distances. Moreover, the distribution of received packets (RP) is described by performing curve fitting on frequency histogram. Its normality and other parameters (e.g. expectation, variation, kurtosis, and skewness) are also analyzed. The results show that this model is valid and proper for the description of relationship between PRR and RSSI. This research provides a novel perspective and theoretical support for the further study and application of RFID indoor localization.