N²LoS: Single-Tag mmWave Backscatter for Robust Non-Line-of-Sight Localization

The accuracy of traditional localization methods significantly degrades when the direct path between the wireless transmitter and the target is blocked or non-penetrable. This paper proposes N²LoS, a novel approach for precise non-line-of-sight (NLoS) localization using a single mmWave radar and a backscatter tag. N²LoS leverages multipath reflections from both the tag and surrounding reflectors to accurately estimate the target's position. N²LoS introduces several key innovations. First, we design HFD (Hybrid Frequency-Hopping and Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) to detect and differentiate reflectors from the target. Second, we enhance signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by exploiting the correlation properties of the designed signals, improving detection robustness in complex environments. Third, we propose FS-MUSIC (Frequency-Spatial Multiple Signal Classification), a super-resolution algorithm that extends the traditional MUSIC method by constructing a higher-rank signal matrix, enabling the resolution of additional multipath components. We evaluate N²LoS using a 24 GHz mmWave radar with 250 MHz bandwidth in three diverse environments: a laboratory, an office, and an around-the-corner corridor. Experimental results demonstrate that N2LoS achieves median localization errors of 10.69 cm (X) and 11.98 cm (Y) at a 5 m range in the laboratory setting, showcasing its effectiveness for real-world NLoS localization.