In Juniper Networks Mist AI Wireless, accurate location-based services (LBS) depend heavily on proper RF design and access point density. Juniper recommends that devices participating in Mist LBS maintain line-of-sight (LoS) to at least three access points to achieve reliable and consistent location accuracy.
Mist location services use advanced techniques such as RSSI triangulation, virtual BLE (vBLE), and AI-driven probability surface modeling to calculate a device’s position. These algorithms require multiple independent signal measurements to accurately determine a device’s X,Y coordinates. With signals received from three or more APs, Mist can triangulate the device position effectively and minimize errors caused by multipath reflections, attenuation, or transient RF noise.
If a device has line-of-sight to only one or two APs, the system lacks sufficient spatial diversity to calculate a precise location. This can result in ambiguous positioning, reduced accuracy, or excessive location “drift.” While additional APs (four or more) can further improve accuracy and stability—especially in high-value use cases such as asset tracking or wayfinding—three APs is the recommended minimum baseline for dependable LBS performance.
Mist’s AI continuously evaluates signal quality, AP geometry, and environmental factors to refine location estimates, but it cannot compensate for insufficient AP visibility. As a result, Juniper best practices for LBS design emphasize:
Proper AP placement and height
Adequate AP density
Ensuring devices can “see” at least three APs at all times
The other options are incorrect because:
One or two APs do not provide enough data for reliable triangulation.
Four APs may improve accuracy but are not the minimum recommendation.
Therefore, the correct answer is B. 3.
