Distributed Network Device Location via MAC Address Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for locating lost or stolen electronic devices fail when the device's operating system is reinstalled or hard drive is replaced, as they rely on client-server architecture that stops functioning with component failures or removal of software agents.
Innovation Solution
Deploying software agents on multiple networked devices to search for lost or stolen devices using unique identifiers like MAC addresses, even if the device's software agents are deleted or disabled, by utilizing network packet headers and community resources for passive and active scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a client-server architecture is used for locating lost devices, then the system can centrally identify and track devices, but the system stops functioning when the device's software agent is removed or the operating system is reinstalled
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the locating function into two independent segments: a centralized server that manages location data and a distributed network of detecting devices that perform actual detection. This segmentation allows the server to remain operational even when individual device agents are removed, while detecting devices can independently locate lost devices without requiring cooperation from the lost device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary detecting devices that act as mediators between the lost device and the central server. These intermediaries passively monitor network traffic and actively scan for lost devices using identifiers like MAC addresses, enabling location detection even when the lost device's software agent is removed or disabled.
2Loss of information
If software agents are deployed on lost devices for location tracking, then the devices can report their location to the server, but the tracking fails when the software agent is blocked or removed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the lost device actively report its location to the server, the system inverts the approach by having other networked devices actively search for and detect the lost device. This passive detection method works even when the lost device cannot communicate with the server due to removed software agents or blocked connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting devices on the network perform self-service by autonomously monitoring network traffic and scanning for lost devices using their own resources. They independently analyze network packets, identify lost devices through unique identifiers, and report findings to the server without requiring the lost device to cooperate or have functional software agents.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If active scanning is performed to locate lost devices, then detection capability is enhanced, but network traffic and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic scanning instead of continuous active scanning. Detecting devices perform location searches at scheduled intervals, which reduces energy consumption and network traffic while still maintaining effective detection capability. This periodic approach allows the system to balance detection thoroughness with resource conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by performing scanning only when necessary - such as when a device is reported lost or when periodic schedules trigger searches - rather than continuously scanning all network traffic. This selective approach reduces overall energy consumption and network load while maintaining adequate detection capability for lost device recovery.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for locating lost or stolen electronic devices. The method comprises deploying software agents on a plurality of networked electronic devices; receiving by a software agent deployed on a first electronic device a message from a remote server, the message including an identifier of a lost or stolen electronic device; searching by the software agent on a network to which the first electronic device is connected for the lost or stolen electronic device using the device identifier; if the lost or stolen electronic device is located on the network, collecting information about the lost or stolen electronic device; and transmitting by the software agent the collected information to one of the central server or an owner of the lost or stolen electronic device.