Abstract: A novel system and method for a network overlay geolocation system operating in a host wireless communication system with repeaters is disclosed. Embodiments of the novel system and method enable wireless communication system to determine if signals being received by system receivers arrive directly from a target mobile appliance or if the signals are passing through a repeater. The system's determination may be based at least in part on the TA of the signal, the power of the received signal, the power of the transmitted signal, the hearabiltiy of the signal at system receivers, the hearabiltiy of system transmitters at the mobile and the known delays associated with the repeaters. Embodiments of the novel system and method provide a more accurate geolocation of mobiles served by repeater stations than capable in the prior art.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method are disclosed that enable geo-location of a mobile appliance (20) communicating over a frequency hopping air interface for a network overlay geolocation system having plural wireless location sensors (30). The wireless location sensors (30) include a radio receiver channel capable of receiving the forward channels of the air interface transmitted from the base station (10) to the mobile appliance (20). The network overlay geo-location system of the present disclosure monitors these forward channels and measures parameters that allow the geolocation system to synchronize with the hopping of the air interface on the reverse channel. The plurality of sensors measure an attribute of a signal on the reverse channel to thereby enable geo-location. Synchronization can also be reference to a stable system clock and the plurality of sensors may be tuned in reference to the system clock to enable measurement of the frequency hopping reverse channel.