Client Device Correlation Using Location Data Across MAC Randomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
MAC address randomization in wireless client devices poses challenges for network management, leading to resource waste, difficulty in counting devices, and issues in applications like social distancing and emergency location, as the network layer lacks unique identifiers and visibility.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing passive techniques such as RF sensing and ultrasound, combined with active techniques like RSSI-angulation and AoA, to track client devices' locations and correlate MAC addresses before and after randomization, ensuring accurate identification and tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If MAC address randomization is implemented in wireless client devices, then user privacy is improved, but network management capability deteriorates due to loss of unique identifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces location data as an intermediary that bridges the gap between MAC address randomization and network management. By using passive techniques (RF sensing, ultrasound) and active techniques (RSSI-angulation, AoA) to track device locations, the system can correlate devices across different MAC addresses without requiring the devices to maintain permanent identifiers, thus preserving privacy while enabling network management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of tracking devices via persistent MAC addresses with a sensor-based system using RF sensing, ultrasound, and wireless signal characteristics. This substitution enables location-based tracking that works independently of device identifiers, resolving the contradiction between privacy protection and network management
2Reliability
If passive tracking techniques are used to monitor devices without network connection, then device visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes access points multi-functional by enabling them to perform both their traditional wireless networking function and passive tracking function simultaneously. The same RF infrastructure used for Wi-Fi communication is leveraged for RF sensing and location tracking, eliminating the need for separate dedicated tracking hardware and reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing environmental RF signals and wireless infrastructure to perform tracking without requiring dedicated active transmitters. The passive RF sensing and ultrasound detection utilize ambient signals already present in the environment, minimizing additional energy requirements while maintaining reliable device visibility
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Resolves device ambiguity caused by MAC randomization, preserving privacy while enhancing network resource management and enabling accurate device counting and location tracking.
Implementation Method 1
Utilizing passive techniques such as RF sensing and ultrasound, combined with active techniques like RSSI-angulation and AoA, to track client devices' locations
Implementation Method 2
Utilizing passive techniques such as RF sensing and ultrasound, combined with active techniques like RSSI-angulation and AoA, to track client devices' locations
Implementation Method 3
Utilizing passive techniques such as RF sensing and ultrasound, combined with active techniques like RSSI-angulation and AoA, to track client devices' locations
Implementation Method 4
Utilizing passive techniques such as RF sensing and ultrasound, combined with active techniques like RSSI-angulation and AoA, to track client devices' locations
Data Source
AI summary
Correlating devices and clients across addresses may be provided. A first address associated with a client device may be received. When the client device is not connected to a network, first location data associated with the first address may be obtained using a passive technique. A second address and second location data associated with the second address may then be obtained using an active technique. It may then be determined that the first location data and the second location data correlate. In response to determining that the first location data and the second location data correlate, it may be determined that the client device has changed from the first address to the second address.