Network Hop Geolocation Using Confidence Scoring and Delay Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inaccurate IP geolocation in computer networks leads to ineffective troubleshooting, prolonged downtime, and suboptimal user experiences due to the lack of definitive sources for geolocation information, resulting in conflicting and unreliable geolocation data.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism that utilizes multiple sources of geolocation information and an ensemble approach to assign confidence characterizations to each geolocation data point, refining them through physical constraint validation to ensure accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sources of geolocation data are aggregated, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the geolocation determination process into distinct modules: data collection from multiple sources, confidence scoring, validation against physical constraints, and final geolocation assignment. Each module handles a specific aspect of the problem, making the overall complex system manageable and maintainable while achieving high precision through coordinated operation of these segmented components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces confidence scores as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between multiple geolocation data sources and the final location determination. These confidence scores act as a filtering layer that evaluates and weights information from diverse sources (ISPs, GPS, cell towers, etc.) before integration, enabling high-precision geolocation while managing complexity through systematic evaluation rather than ad-hoc processing
2Reliability
If confidence characterization and validation are applied, then reliability improves, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary validation against physical constraints (speed of light, Earth's circumference) to geolocation data before final assignment. This preliminary action filters out obviously incorrect data points early in the process, ensuring high reliability of the final geolocation while minimizing time loss by avoiding the need for more extensive post-processing validation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms geolocation data into confidence scores with specific parameter ranges (0-1 scale), enabling systematic comparison and validation. By changing the representation of geolocation reliability from qualitative to quantitative parameters, the system achieves high reliability through consistent validation criteria while maintaining efficient processing through standardized parameter evaluation
3Productivity
If geolocation accuracy is improved through multi-source aggregation, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The geolocation system performs self-validation through automated confidence scoring and physical constraint checking without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically evaluates data quality, weights sources appropriately, and validates results against known physical limits, enabling high productivity in network operations while managing complexity through self-service automation rather than manual processes
Data Source
AI summary
In one implementation, a device may obtain geolocation data from a plurality of sources for each hop in a traceroute. The device may assign a confidence characterization to each geolocation data point based on an accuracy assessment associated with its respective source. The device may identify a potential geolocation assignment for each hop in the traceroute based on the confidence characterization assigned to each geolocation data point and geolocations of neighboring hops in the traceroute. The device may validate the potential geolocation assignment for each hop based on a comparison of communication delays between hops in the traceroute to a physical constraint. The device may assign a validated potential geolocation assignment to each hop in the traceroute.