Network positioning is based on an integrated, systematic network of reference receivers covering a large area, perhaps an entire continent or even the whole globe.
The organization of such a network can take different shapes, augmenting an already existing satellite-based system. Here we discuss a general architecture, consisting of a network of reference stations, strategically positioned in the area to be covered, each of them constantly monitoring signals and their errors for all positioning satellites in view. One or more control centres receive the reference station data, verify this for correctness, and relay (uplink) this information to a geostationary satellite. The satellite will retransmit any correctional data to the area that it covers, so that target receivers, using their own approximate position, can determine how to correct for satellite signal error, and consequently obtain much more accurate position fixes.
With network positioning, accuracy in the sub-metre range can be obtained. Typically, advanced receivers are required, but the technology lends itself also for solutions with a single advanced receiver that functions in the direct neighbourhood as a reference receiver to simple ones.