On the Capacity of Location Tracking Systems for Wireless VoIP

The location tracking of wireless VoIP users has important implications for many emerging wireless applications, particularly in the area of enhanced emergency location, and location-based social networks. A key design aspect of such systems is the capacity. In this work we report, via analyses and simulations, how the introduction of continuous tracking data into wireless VoIP networks impacts the overall capacity of the system. We identify network architectures where the imposition of tracking can significantly affect VoIP capacity. In networks where tracking is provided with priority over VoIP, its impact is shown to be particularly important. These results have important ramifications for the design and implementation of pragmatic E911 systems and location-based social networks.