Wi‑Fi Ranging, an advanced feature introduced with Android 15, is set to transform indoor navigation. Using the IEEE 802.11az protocol, this technology promises sub‑metre accuracy and a more reliable way to determine indoor location where GPS struggles.
Many users have experienced poor or non-existent GPS indoors—in shopping malls, airports, conference centres and other large, obstructed buildings. Wi‑Fi Ranging directly addresses these shortcomings by relying on local Wi‑Fi infrastructure rather than satellites. This shift delivers far greater precision for indoor positioning on compatible Android devices.
Why Wi‑Fi Ranging matters
GPS excels outdoors but is not designed for indoor environments. Satellite signals are weakened or blocked by walls, ceilings and other structures, causing large errors once you move inside. Wi‑Fi Ranging overcomes these limitations by calculating position relative to nearby Wi‑Fi access points, allowing devices to achieve much higher accuracy inside buildings. For users navigating airports, malls or complex venues, this means more dependable and useful location information.
How it works
Wi‑Fi Ranging builds on previous Wi‑Fi positioning methods, including Wi‑Fi RTT (Round Trip Time) and Fine Timing Measurement (FTM), which improved accuracy to roughly 1–2 metres. With Android 15 and the 802.11az standard, ranging refines timing measurements to reach sub‑metre precision. It measures the time signals take to travel between a device and multiple access points, and leverages wider channel bandwidths (up to 160 MHz) plus support for the 6 GHz band. These enhancements increase accuracy, scalability and security for indoor location services.
Unlike GPS, which depends on distant satellites, Wi‑Fi Ranging communicates directly with local access points already present in buildings. This direct communication makes indoor positioning much more reliable. Whether you need to find a gate in an airport, locate a specific store in a mall, or navigate a large conference venue, Wi‑Fi Ranging provides the precise indoor location data that GPS cannot.
Wi‑Fi positioning has evolved over time. Early techniques used RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), offering only coarse accuracy of about 10–15 metres. Android 9 introduced Wi‑Fi RTT to improve that to 1–2 metres. Now, Android 15’s implementation of 802.11az sharpens timing and synchronization to reach consistently sub‑metre results—sufficient for retail navigation, indoor wayfinding, and other use cases that require exact placement.
Requirements and deployment
To take advantage of Wi‑Fi Ranging, devices must run Android 15 and include Wi‑Fi chipsets that support the 802.11az protocol. While most current phones do not yet include this capability, chipset platforms such as Qualcomm’s FastConnect 7900 are among the first announced with support and are expected to appear in future devices. In addition to device support, the access points at each location must also support 802.11az; some existing networks may be upgradable with firmware updates, while others could require new hardware.
Deploying compatible access points across a venue enables accurate indoor mapping and positioning without relying on satellite signals. This can benefit operators and visitors alike by enabling applications that were previously impractical due to poor indoor accuracy.
Potential applications
Wi‑Fi Ranging unlocks a wide range of practical and commercial applications. In retail environments, it can guide customers directly to products or promotions, support location‑based offers, and improve in‑store analytics. In airports and transit hubs, it can help passengers find gates, services and baggage zones more efficiently. Smart buildings and homes can use precise room‑level location to automate lights, climate control and security based on where people are located. As developers and businesses adopt 802.11az, creative new services and conveniences will emerge across sectors.
Overall, Wi‑Fi Ranging represents an important step forward for indoor location technology. By combining improved timing techniques, wider bandwidth and next‑generation Wi‑Fi bands, it provides the accuracy and reliability needed for real‑world indoor navigation and location‑aware applications.
(Image by iXimus)
