Patent attributes
A method includes determining a distance between a vehicle access device and a vehicle. The method also includes activating at least one communication node in response to the distance being less than a threshold distance, and transmitting a signal from the at least one communication node. The method further includes gathering a plurality of received signal strength indication values corresponding to the signal, filtering the plurality of received signal strength indication values, and identifying at least one communication node corresponding to a highest value of the plurality of received signal strength indication values. The method also includes determining whether the vehicle access device is disposed in an interior portion of the vehicle or on an exterior of the vehicle based on the highest value of the plurality of received signal strength indication values.