Title :
Beacon signals: what, why, how, and where?
Author :
Gerasenko, Sergei ; Joshi, Abhijit ; Rayaprolu, Srinivas ; Ponnavaikko, Kovendhan ; Agrawal, Dharma P.
Author_Institution :
Cincinnati Univ., OH, USA
fDate :
10/1/2001 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
Beacons are primarily radio, ultrasonic, optical, laser or other types of signals that indicate the proximity or location of a device or its readiness to perform a task. Beacon signals also carry several critical, constantly changing parameters, such as power-supply information, relative address, location, timestamp, signal strength, available bandwidth resources, temperature and pressure. Although transparent to the user community, beacon signals have made wireless systems more intelligent and human-like. They are an integral part of numerous scientific and commercial applications, ranging from mobile networks to search-and-rescue operations and location-tracking systems. Beacon signals help synchronize, coordinate and manage electronic resources using miniscule bandwidth. Researchers continue to improve their functionality by increasing signal coverage while optimizing energy consumption. Beacon signals´ imperceptibility and usefulness in minimizing communication delays and interference are spurring exploratory efforts in many domains, ranging from the home to outer space
Keywords :
Global Positioning System; mobile communication; radio networks; signals; tracking; wireless LAN; available bandwidth resources; beacon signals; commercial applications; communication delay minimization; critical parameters; device location; device proximity; device readiness; electronic resources; intelligent wireless systems; interference minimization; laser signals; location tracking systems; mobile networks; optical signals; optimized energy consumption; power supply information; pressure; radio signals; relative address; scientific applications; search and rescue operations; signal coverage; signal strength; temperature; timestamp; ultrasonic signals; Aircraft navigation; Authentication; Base stations; Mobile handsets; Mobile robots; Orbital robotics; Robot kinematics; Satellite navigation systems; Signal processing; Space technology;