---
title: How Gateway manages location and asset tracking
description: Gateway uses Wi Fi–based positioning and smart power management to determine where an asset is located and to keep that information up to date—even when the cooler is unplugged.
---
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September 28, 2026
# How Gateway manages location and asset tracking
## Gateway uses Wi Fi–based positioning and smart power management to determine where an asset is located and to keep that information up to date—even when the cooler is unplugged.
- [How Gateway determines location](https://support.aofrio.com/how-gateway-manages-location-and-asset-tracking#determines)
- [Location accuracy and what affects it](https://support.aofrio.com/how-gateway-manages-location-and-asset-tracking#accuracy)
- [Location updates during power loss](https://support.aofrio.com/how-gateway-manages-location-and-asset-tracking#powerloss)
- [Why location data may be missing even when data is available](https://support.aofrio.com/how-gateway-manages-location-and-asset-tracking#missing)
---
### **How Gateway determines location**
Gateway does **not use GPS** to determine location. Instead, it relies on **Wi‑Fi positioning**, which is well suited to indoor and commercial environments where GPS may not work reliably.
When operating, Gateway scans for nearby Wi‑Fi access points and collects anonymized information such as network identifiers and signal strength. This information is securely sent to the AoFrio Cloud, where an industry‑standard Wi‑Fi location service is used to estimate the Gateway’s location.
This approach allows Gateway to identify asset location in places where GPS is unavailable or unreliable, such as inside stores or warehouses.
---
### **Location accuracy and what affects it**
The accuracy of a Gateway’s location depends on environmental factors, including:
- The number of nearby Wi‑Fi networks
- The strength of the Wi‑Fi signals detected
- The stability and permanence of those networks
Because these factors vary from site to site, location accuracy is not fixed and can change over time. For this reason, AoFrio does not specify an exact accuracy range and instead focuses on providing reliable, environment‑appropriate location insights.
---
### **Location updates during power loss**
Gateway includes an internal battery that allows it to continue providing location updates even when the cooler is unplugged or loses mains power.
When running on battery power:
- Gateway can continue sending location updates
- The device remains visible in the system
However, operational data from the cooler (such as temperature or compressor activity) is **not collected or transmitted** while the cooler itself is powered off, as those devices are no longer active.
This design helps support asset tracking during transport, relocation, or temporary power outages.
---
### **Why location may be missing even when data is available**
In some cases, a Gateway may successfully upload operational data but show no updated location. This can occur in environments where there are very few nearby Wi‑Fi networks—such as rural, remote, or isolated areas.
Without sufficient Wi‑Fi information, the location service may be unable to determine a reliable position. In these situations:
- Asset and operational data can still be uploaded
- Location updates may be delayed or unavailable until adequate Wi‑Fi signals are detected
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