Cellular Network Anchored Data Location Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the location of data stored in cloud storage services are unreliable, as they rely on trust between users and service providers, and lack forensic proof, making it difficult for enterprises to ensure compliance with geographical data storage regulations and customer data protection.

Innovation Solution

A location assurance system that utilizes cellular networks to anchor data centers and stored data to specific geographic locations through unique codes broadcasted by network nodes, allowing for verification of data location and possession using a location assurance gateway and digital signature services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cloud service providers use trust-based location assurance methods (such as IP address mapping, latency measurements, or geotagging), then the implementation complexity is low, but the reliability and forensic proof capability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation verification reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces cellular network infrastructure (base stations, location assurance servers) as an independent intermediary to verify data center locations. The network nodes broadcast location codes that data centers must receive and forward to cloud service providers, creating a trusted third-party verification mechanism that eliminates reliance on self-declared location information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary location verification by having data centers continuously receive and forward location codes from cellular network nodes before actual data storage operations. This pre-establishes a chain of custody and forensic proof that the data center was physically located at the declared position when data was stored.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If cloud service providers implement independent verification mechanisms, then the forensic proof capability improves, but the operational complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation measurement precisionVSAvoidoperational ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the existing cellular network infrastructure to perform multiple functions: providing mobile communication services while simultaneously serving as an independent location verification system. The base stations continue their primary function while also broadcasting location codes, eliminating the need for dedicated verification hardware and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Data centers automatically receive location codes from cellular network nodes and forward them to cloud service providers without manual intervention. The system operates autonomously with continuous automated verification, reducing the need for manual location reporting and simplifying operations for cloud service providers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If cloud service providers rely on administrative procedures and internal controls, then the implementation cost is low, but the ability to prevent insider threats and ensure compliance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompliance verification capabilityVSAvoidinsider threat vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The independent cellular network acts as a mediator that verifies data center locations without relying on internal controls or employee integrity. Since the verification comes from an external, independent source (cellular network infrastructure), it cannot be compromised by insider threats within the data center or cloud service provider organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If cloud service providers use existing location estimation methods, then the deployment time is short, but the forensic proof capability and legal compliance assurance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforensic proof capabilityVSAvoidverification time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously broadcasts location codes from cellular network nodes and continuously verifies data center locations in real-time. This ongoing verification creates an unbroken chain of forensic evidence, eliminating the need for periodic manual verification processes and providing continuous compliance assurance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11930364B2Network assisted data location assurance

Publication Date: 2024.03.12 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method, apparatus, and system are provided for verifying a location of data stored on at least one storage device within at least one cell area served by at least one network node of a wireless communication network. In one embodiment, a location assurance gateway is provided with a communication interface and processing circuitry, the processing circuitry configured to cause the communication interface to communicate with the at least one network node of the wireless communication network for location information associated with the at least one cell area, the location information associated with the at least one cell area being used to verify a location of the data stored on the at least one storage device.