alt Hacker News> Wi-Wi stands for Wireless 2Way interferometry
> 2Way
Does that mean you won't get to know the time unless you let them spy on your physical location too? That's what the diagram implies: https://www.gps.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/CGSICMeeting...
GNSS time is still cooler because you can have extremely accurate time and a reading of your position without the broadcasting satellites knowing you're there.
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They’re comparing it to GPS which also uses multi-lateration (multiple measurements of time/distance) for positioning based off the known positions of satellites.
In this case it is only figuring out the distance from the other receivers for time synchronization and not positioning you on the globe.
I think it only needs the travel time of the signal, but it's not well explained.
There are lots of situations where GNSS isn’t available, especially in broadcasting.
A live event in a convention center for example. You might have a truck outside with GNSS, but it’s blocked inside by the building.