Ultra Wideband Channel Characterization and Ranging in Data Centers

Abstract

Abstract-This paper presents a detailed measurement based characterization of the Ultra Wideband (UWB) channels in a data center environment and examines the accuracy of direct ranging using Time of Arrival (ToA)measurements. Modern data centers present a unique indoor environment that to our knowledge has not yet been characterized. Our ranging experiments indicate that it is possible to achieve an accuracy of fraction of a meter via direct ranging and point to the feasibility of locating individual servers using more sophisticated cooperative ranging. Fig. 1. A row of racks in a data center

Asset Localization in Data Centers Using WUSB Radios

“…The fundamental mechanism that we used for for distance estimation is the ToA of the strongest signal. Here, we briefly summarize our previous results on achievable ranging accuracy [5]. The results show that it is possible to achieve accuracies of 0.05-0.65 meter with direct ranging [5].…”

“…Here, we briefly summarize our previous results on achievable ranging accuracy [5]. The results show that it is possible to achieve accuracies of 0.05-0.65 meter with direct ranging [5]. In any case, such accuracies are far from adequate for our purposes; therefore, we need additional mechanisms to reduce the error substantially.…”

Enabling Location-Based Services in Data Centers

“…The variance comes from variations in channel parameters, and the bias is generally a result of partial or full occlusion of the receiver relative to the transmitter. Our previous work [2] measured variance and bias in the range estimates by direct measurements in a commercial data center. In our localization protocol, lack of line of sight and hence, substantial bias, is expected only when we hop across the back aisle.…”

“…In [2,3], we explored a WUSB-based localization solution that assumes that each server comes fitted with a WUSB radio (as a replacement for, or in addition to, the wired USB interface) that has requisite time of arrival (ToA)-based measurement capabilities. This can provide an effective and inexpensive localization solution.…”

“…In our previous work [2,3], we explored asset tracking by exploiting wireless universal serial bus (USB) radios embedded in servers. Wireless USB (WUSB) is an upcoming replacement for the wired USB and ultimately is expected to be ubiquitous.…”