IP Geolocation Accuracy via Latency and DNS Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IP geolocation techniques are imprecise due to incorrect registry and DNS information, and latency measurement delays, leading to inaccurate internet traffic management and troubleshooting, as well as inefficient routing and network problem resolution.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for precise IP geolocation using latency measurements, DNS information, and routing data to correct inconsistencies in third-party geolocation estimates, employing triangulation and machine learning to improve confidence in IP address location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If IP geolocation is based on logical relationships among IP addresses, routing protocols, and applications, then the geolocation estimation can be performed, but the accuracy of the geolocation estimate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces latency measurements as an intermediary physical metric that bridges the gap between logical IP relationships and physical geographic locations. By measuring actual signal transmission times between network nodes and comparing them against theoretical minimum latencies based on geographic distance, the system creates a physical anchor that validates and corrects geolocation estimates derived from logical routing data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the geolocation estimation approach by changing from purely logical parameters (IP address relationships, routing protocol data) to include physical parameters (latency measurements, propagation speed, distance calculations). This parameter transformation allows the system to cross-validate logical geolocation estimates against physical reality, thereby improving accuracy while maintaining the ability to perform geolocation estimation.
2Measurement precision
If latency measurements are used to estimate geographic distance, then distance estimation can be performed, but measurement precision deteriorates due to delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by systematically identifying and compensating for various delay components before final distance calculation. The system pre-characterizes network paths to account for serialization delays, queueing delays, and processing delays, then subtracts these known delay components from total measured latency to isolate the propagation delay that truly reflects geographic distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors and analyzes latency measurements across multiple network paths and time periods. By comparing measured latencies against expected latencies based on known geographic distances and network characteristics, the system generates feedback that refines delay compensation models and improves the accuracy of distance estimates over time.
3Loss of information
If prefix registration information is used for geolocation, then geolocation data can be obtained, but reliability deteriorates due to self-reported inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback loops where geolocation estimates derived from latency measurements are continuously compared against self-reported prefix registration information. When discrepancies are detected, the system generates feedback that triggers re-evaluation and correction of the geolocation database, thereby progressively improving reliability while maintaining data availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the geolocation system to self-correct inaccuracies in prefix registration information by using latency-based distance measurements as an independent validation mechanism. The system automatically identifies inconsistencies between self-reported locations and physically-measured distances, then self-corrects the database without requiring manual verification, thus improving reliability while maintaining operational autonomy.
Data Source
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AI summary
Conventional efforts for estimating the geographic location (geolocation) of devices associated with particular Internet Protocol (IP) addresses typically yield woefully inaccurate results. In many cases, the estimated IP geolocations are on the wrong continent. Embodiments of the present technology include techniques for identifying and improving incorrect estimates based on latency measurements, Domain Name Server (DNS) information, and routing information. For example, latency measurements from multiple collectors can be used to rate the plausibility of an IP geolocation estimate and, in certain cases, to increase the accuracy of the IP geolocation estimate. DNS and routing information can be used to corroborate the estimated IP geolocation. The resulting more accurate IP geolocation estimate can be used to route Internet traffic more efficiently, to enforce rules for routing sensitive information, and to simplify troubleshooting.