Probabilistic Geolocation via Network Hop Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the precise physical location of devices in a communication network are inadequate, often providing locations with high margins of error and lacking probability information, and are burdened by significant communication effort and unreliable third-party data.
Innovation Solution
A geolocation system that uses probabilistic sampling and domain information to estimate the location of a target device, incorporating multiple measurements and intermediate routing points to provide a probabilistic distribution of possible locations, and countermeasures for uncooperative devices, allowing for precise and accurate location determination with reduced network burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triangulation methods are used to determine device location, then location coverage is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates with high margin of error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from communication delay (time-based triangulation) to network hop count (route-based measurement). This parameter change enables location determination with higher precision by counting the number of routing devices in the path, where each hop represents a known geographic segment, thereby reducing the margin of error inherent in time-based methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate routing devices (routers, switches, gateways) as mediators in the location determination process. These intermediaries provide known location information and routing data that enable more accurate triangulation calculations. By utilizing the location information of multiple intermediate nodes rather than relying solely on direct source-destination timing, the system achieves improved measurement precision and reliability.
2Loss of information
If third-party Whois records are used for geolocation, then location information is obtained, but data reliability deteriorates due to inaccuracies and falsifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the target device actively participate in the location determination process by responding to probe messages. Instead of relying on passive third-party Whois records that may be inaccurate or falsified, the system uses active responses from the target device combined with hop-count measurements from multiple probe devices to determine location. This self-service approach ensures that the location information is based on actual network path data rather than potentially false third-party claims.
3Measurement precision
If multiple probe devices perform measurements, then location precision improves, but network communication burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the probe message to serve multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as both a location measurement probe and a standard network communication packet. The probe message uses standard network protocols and can be routed through normal network paths, allowing it to function as both a geolocation tool and regular network traffic. This reduces the additional communication burden compared to dedicated location-only protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the location measurement function with standard network communication protocols. By combining hop-count measurement with ordinary packet routing and utilizing existing network infrastructure and protocols, the system reduces the overhead of implementing a separate location determination system. The probe messages are integrated into the existing network communication flow rather than creating a separate communication channel.
Data Source
AI summary
Current or past physical location of a target device in a communication network, including: (included and excluded) points, surfaces, regions, point- and integrated-probabilities, nearest-(physical)-neighbors, whether the device is properly integrated, and otherwise, and combinations or conjunctions thereof. Countermeasures exist for those targets which are uncooperative with geolocation. Multiple measurements provide a statistical basis for establishing a probability density function, which may be augmented or refined using domain information, intermediate routing pathways, or overlap of multiple such probability density function. Alternatively, a geolocation may be provided by a formula or a table reference, in response to a measured flight-time, a probability, and possibly other network routing parameters, such as hop count.