Wireless Access Point Location Determination via Client Signal Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless access points in communication networks often lack accurate location data, which hinders their ability to configure optimal communication parameters and comply with regulatory transmission restrictions, leading to inefficient operation and potential interference with other networks.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that determine and update the location data for wireless access points by analyzing data from various sources, including client devices within the network, to configure communication transmission ranges and frequencies in compliance with regulatory requirements and physical constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wireless access points operate without accurate location data, then device complexity is reduced, but network performance and reliability deteriorate due to inability to configure optimal communication parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork performanceVSAvoidlocation determination system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary location determination system that includes a server device and communication devices working together to determine the location of wireless access points. This intermediary system bridges the gap between access points lacking location data and the need for location-based communication configuration, allowing access points to obtain location information without embedding complex determination mechanisms within each access point device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables wireless access points to self-determine their location by receiving signals from communication devices and processing this information through the location determination system. The access points actively participate in their own location identification by transmitting signals and receiving responses, reducing the need for external manual configuration while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Object-affected harmful factors

If wireless access points use inaccurate location data, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful interference with other networks increases due to non-compliance with regulatory transmission restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork interferenceVSAvoidlocation data acquisition
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The location determination system implements feedback mechanisms where communication devices transmit signals to wireless access points, and the access points process these signals to determine their location. The system continuously monitors and updates location information based on received signals, ensuring that access points operate with accurate location data that reflects their current position and regulatory requirements, thereby minimizing harmful interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If wireless access points manually configure location data, then measurement precision is reduced, but loss of time is minimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidlocation determination time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary location determination actions by establishing communication channels and signal transmission protocols before actual location measurement is needed. Communication devices are pre-configured to transmit location-related signals, and the location determination system is prepared to process these signals immediately when access points require location information, reducing the time penalty while maintaining precision through pre-established measurement procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2552134B1System and method for determining a location for a device in a communication network
Publication Date: 2016.03.16 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2552134B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2552134B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2552134B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The disclosure recites a system and method of identifying location data for a server device managing communications for a wireless network. The method comprises: obtaining location data for the server device; identifying a location for the server device by analyzing at least the location data; updating data in the server device with the location; identifying a communication transmission range for the location for the server device; and configuring communications generated by the server device to conform to the communication transmission range.