Geolocating User Equipment via Multi-Interface Traffic Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for geolocating user equipment in wireless networks are inaccurate, relying on single data sources from base stations and consuming significant power and network resources, and fail to provide precise vertical plane location, limiting analysis and optimization of beam coverage.
Innovation Solution
A traffic monitoring device gathers data on beam quality and user experience from multiple network interfaces, correlates it with reference data to accurately geolocate user equipment in both horizontal and vertical planes, reducing reliance on single data sources and conserving resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If single data source from base station is used for geolocation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple data sources (base station data, user equipment data, and reference data from multiple interfaces) to achieve accurate geolocation. The traffic monitoring device aggregates data from F1, S1-MME, and S1-U interfaces, correlating it with reference data to determine precise user location, thereby resolving the contradiction between using single source simplicity and multi-source accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The traffic monitoring device performs multiple functions by monitoring traffic across different network interfaces (F1, S1-MME, S1-U) and using the same mechanism to geolocate users, analyze beam coverage, and optimize network performance. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If GPS data collection is performed, then measurement precision improves, but use of energy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces GPS-based mechanical positioning with a network-based geolocation system that uses traffic data from multiple network interfaces. By substituting the energy-intensive GPS mechanism with network protocol analysis and data correlation across F1, S1-MME, and S1-U interfaces, the system achieves location accuracy without the significant power consumption associated with GPS.
Solution Approach 2:
The traffic monitoring device acts as an intermediary that collects and correlates data from multiple network interfaces to determine user location. Instead of directly using GPS on the user equipment, the system uses network traffic as an intermediary carrier of location information, thereby avoiding the energy consumption of GPS while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If multiple network interfaces are monitored, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network monitoring function into distinct interface-level data collection points (F1 interface for beam data, S1-MME for mobility data, S1-U for user plane data). By segmenting the monitoring approach and processing data at each interface level before correlation, the system manages complexity while achieving high measurement precision through integrated analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The traffic monitoring device continuously monitors and correlates data from multiple interfaces in real-time to maintain accurate geolocation. The continuous aggregation and correlation of traffic data across F1, S1-MME, and S1-U interfaces enables the system to achieve high measurement precision through sustained multi-interface observation, managing complexity through automated continuous processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device may determine an identity associated with a user equipment (UE) or traffic on multiple interfaces of a network by correlating identifiers associated with the UE or the traffic across the multiple interfaces. The identity may uniquely identify a subscriber associated with the UE or the traffic. The traffic may identify a set of cells, with a respective set of beams, associated with the UE. The device may determine a respective set of measurements for the respective set of beams after determining the identity. The device may determine a location of the UE based on the set of cells, the respective set of beams, and the respective set of measurements. The device may perform one or more analyses related to the UE, the set of cells, or the respective set of beams.