Data Center Device Location via Signal Triangulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face challenges in accurately locating devices due to human error and outdated physical location mappings as they consolidate, expand, and improve efficiency, leading to inaccuracies in device positioning.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method defines a device identifier and location coordinates for data center devices, using triangulation of unique signals from GPS satellites or proprietary transmitters to generate geospatial information, which is then processed to locate the devices within the data center, enabling graphical, text-based, or guided representation of their positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual entry geographic location and naming schemes are used to indicate device positions, then the implementation is simple and low-cost, but human error occurs and mappings become outdated/inaccurate as data centers consolidate and expand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual entry systems with an automated triangulation-based location system. GPS receivers or signal transmitters automatically determine device positions through signal triangulation, eliminating manual mapping operations and their associated human errors. The system substitutes mechanical/manual processes with electronic automation to achieve continuous, accurate location tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The location system operates autonomously by continuously performing triangulation calculations and updating device positions without human intervention. The system self-updates location mappings as devices move or are repositioned, eliminating the need for manual recalibration and ensuring mappings remain current automatically.
2Reliability
If physical location mappings are manually updated, then the process is straightforward, but the mappings become outdated and inaccurate as data centers change
Solution Approach 1:
The triangulation-based system operates continuously to track device positions, constantly updating location mappings as devices move. Unlike periodic manual updates, the system maintains continuous surveillance of device positions through ongoing signal triangulation, ensuring mappings are always current without interrupting data center operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively determines and updates device locations before any manual intervention would be needed. By continuously performing triangulation and pre-updating mappings, the system ensures location information is always current, eliminating the reactive nature of manual update processes.
3Measurement precision
If automated triangulation systems are implemented, then location accuracy improves significantly, but the device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing infrastructure components (GPS satellites, wireless access points, or proprietary transmitters) that serve multiple functions. These same transmitters provide both network connectivity and location determination, eliminating the need for separate dedicated location-tracking hardware and reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced triangulation capability.
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
This solution provides accurate and efficient locationing of data center devices, reducing human error and ensuring up-to-date mappings, facilitating better management and maintenance by rendering graphical representations and guiding users to specific devices within the data center.
Implementation Method 1
Location coordinates are defined for the data center device within the data center. The device identifier is associated with the location coordinates to define geospatial information for the data center device within the data center. Defining location coordinates may include triangulating a plurality of unique signals to generate the location coordinates.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer program product, and computing system for defining a device identifier for a data center device within a data center. Location coordinates are defined for the data center device within the data center. The device identifier is associated with the location coordinates to define geospatial information for the data center device within the data center. The geospatial information is processed to locate the data center device within the data center.