A theoretical model of GSM network based vehicle tracking system

This paper presents a novel idea of vehicle tracking system based on the existing GSM cellular networks. A software based system is proposed that sends specialized request to the GSM cellular networks to call any particular vehicle ID. The vehicle ID is actually a particular SIM kept in a special kit inside the vehicle that is capable of receiving a phone call automatically. As soon as the call is established, the particular cell information is available to the BSC which is then passed to the software. Based on the information collected, the software will initiate a forced handover of the call to another suitable cell and then receive the information of that cell too. Upon completion of two consecutive forced handovers, i.e., receiving cell information of the vehicle ID from three different cells and sending them to the software, it will automatically disconnect the call. The software will analyze the cell info and extract three timing advances (TA) data along with the GPS locations of the individual cells. An algorithm has been developed for this system, which then calculates the exact location of the vehicle. The accuracy of the vehicle right at the moment of the call establishment is expected to be within a circle of 200 meters radius.