Dual Mode Handset Access Control for E911 Location Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
VoIP systems and dual mode handsets have not reliably provided location information or connection to emergency services, such as E911, which is a critical issue given the increasing adoption of these technologies and government regulations requiring E911 service capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Dual mode handsets are restricted to specific access points, and users must provide a valid physical address for emergency services, with the handset automatically providing this address to emergency service centers, using unique access point identifiers to ensure accurate location information is transmitted during emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dual mode handsets are allowed to connect to any access point for VoIP service, then service flexibility and user mobility are improved, but location information accuracy for emergency services deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments access points into authorized and unauthorized categories based on E911 capability. The access point list is divided into specific authorized access points (with E911 capability) and other access points (without E911 capability). The handset is configured to only connect to the segmented authorized portion of the network, ensuring location accuracy while maintaining service flexibility within defined boundaries.
2Reliability
If access point restrictions are implemented for E911 compliance, then location information reliability is improved, but service accessibility and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the handset with an authorized access point list before service activation. The access point list is prepared in advance with E911 capability identifiers, and the handset is pre-programmed with this restricted list. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the user activates service, the restrictions are already in place, maintaining reliability while minimizing operational impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where the handset automatically checks incoming access point identifiers against the pre-configured authorized list. The device autonomously determines whether to allow connection based on E911 capability verification without requiring user intervention. This self-service approach maintains reliability through automated enforcement while preserving ease of operation by eliminating manual configuration needs.
3Reliability
If automatic access point restriction is enforced during service activation, then E911 compliance and location accuracy are improved, but service activation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary component (access point list management system) that handles the complexity of E911 compliance enforcement. This intermediary automatically generates and distributes authorized access point lists to handsets during service activation. By mediating between the compliance requirements and the user device, the system ensures E911 compliance through automated list distribution while minimizing activation complexity for end users.
Data Source
AI summary
The provision of dual mode services is facilitated. Access to the dual mode services is controlled by associating a mobile device to an access point. Subscribers are required to provide valid geographical addresses for access points associated with the mobile devices prior to provision of service. Consequently, physical addresses are necessarily available for emergency services (e.g., E911). Mobile devices are restricted to specific access points based upon the access point identifiers automatically provided during initialization of service and maintained for authorization purposes.