On the Move Passive Localization of Access Points Based on Received Signal Strength of IEEE 802.11 Probe Frames: A Heuristic Method

Passive localization of access points based on received signal strength is a well-known research area. On receiving the probe request and reply packets from the access points, it is possible to know the MAC address and SSID of an access point. However, passive localization by capturing probe requests as present in the literature are mainly static in nature. Here in this paper we propose an on the move passive localization method based on heuristics. The effects of path loss due to presence of obstacles between the transmitting and receiving antennas were taken into account while estimating the location of an access point based on received signal strength, by capturing probe packets. On the move passive localization of access points may be taken in use by law enforcing agencies for detecting suspicious access points during routine night patrolling.