Real-time location systems rely on several wireless technologies, each offering different levels of accuracy, infrastructure requirements, and operational strengths. Selecting an appropriate solution depends on the balance between precision, scalability, energy consumption, and environmental constraints. The following comparison outlines the characteristics of five major technologies used across industrial, commercial, and logistics environments: Bluetooth AoA, UWB, Wi-Fi, cellular positioning, and GPS.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) has evolved substantially with the introduction of Angle-of-Arrival (AoA) capabilities. Traditional BLE relied on RSSI, offering zone-level accuracy suitable for low-cost tracking, presence detection, and geofencing. AoA enhances this by enabling anchors with antenna arrays to measure phase differences in incoming signals, allowing sub-meter positioning. BLE’s advantages lie in low power consumption, inexpensive tags, and broad compatibility with existing devices. It is ideal for indoor environments where cost efficiency and scalability must align with moderate to high accuracy requirements. BLE networks enable simple upgrades from basic proximity to advanced AoA-based tracking without replacing the entire infrastructure.
Ultra-wideband (UWB) provides the highest precision among radio-based RTLS technologies. Its short-duration pulses and wide frequency range allow nanosecond-level time-of-flight measurements. With carefully placed anchors, UWB routinely achieves sub-30-centimeter accuracy in complex industrial spaces where metal structures and reflections challenge other systems. High update rates make it suitable for tracking moving machinery, robotics, and safety-critical workflows. The infrastructure requires more detailed planning and timing synchronization, but the performance supports advanced automation and digital twin deployments.
Wi-Fi positioning builds on existing access point infrastructure. Standard deployments use RSSI for room-level or zone-level positioning. More advanced implementations leverage Wi-Fi Fine Timing Measurement (FTM), allowing more accurate distance estimation through timestamp exchanges. Wi-Fi remains the most convenient option where devices such as laptops, scanners, and smartphones already serve as tags. It is optimal for enterprises prioritizing coverage and integration rather than high-precision tracking. Wi-Fi complements higher-accuracy systems in hybrid architectures.
Cellular positioning uses LTE, NB-IoT, or 5G networks to track devices across large indoor-outdoor environments. Techniques include timing advance, OTDOA, and angle-of-arrival. Private 5G networks enable lower latency and improved accuracy while supporting mission-critical industrial systems. Cellular tags operate over long distances with multi-year battery life. While precision is lower than UWB or AoA, cellular excels in large campuses, logistics yards, multi-building facilities, and remote operations where range and reliability take precedence over accuracy.
GPS remains the dominant method for outdoor positioning. Its satellite-based time-of-flight calculations provide reliable accuracy for vehicles, containers, and field personnel. GPS is not suitable for indoor RTLS due to signal attenuation, but it integrates seamlessly into hybrid systems, allowing assets to transition between outdoor and indoor tracking technologies. For supply chain visibility and fleet operations, GPS provides essential global coverage.
No single technology serves all requirements. BLE AoA offers accuracy at low cost; UWB provides precision for industrial automation; Wi-Fi leverages existing infrastructure; cellular ensures long-range coverage; and GPS expands tracking beyond facility boundaries. Modern RTLS deployments increasingly combine multiple technologies under unified middleware, allowing organizations to adapt accuracy, range, and cost to each operational zone.
Enterprises benefit most when positioning is treated as an architectural system rather than a single technology. Hybrid RTLS integrates precision zones, broad-coverage zones, and outdoor tracking into one continuous platform. With this approach, accuracy and scalability coexist, ensuring long-term adaptability across diverse operational environments.