IP Network Location Determination Using Peering Point Servers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IP networks are not geo-referenced, making it difficult to locate VoIP-enabled emergency callers accurately, especially in indoor environments where GPS signals are weak due to limited satellite signal sensitivity and the nomadic nature of VoIP services.
Innovation Solution
An automated position determination system that uses specialized servers and edge devices with embedded receivers to capture weak GNSS signals over asynchronous networks, providing precise location information through extended receiver sensitivity and coherent signal integration, even in-building environments, by aligning local frequency and time with network messages and combining nearby receiver measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS receivers are used for location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but signal reception deteriorates in indoor environments due to weak satellite signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having peering point servers continuously receive and process GPS signals before they are needed for location determination. These servers maintain a database of signal characteristics and satellite positions in advance, so when a VoIP device needs location services, the heavy processing work has already been completed, enabling accurate indoor location without requiring strong real-time satellite signals at the device itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces peering point servers as intermediary elements between GPS satellites and VoIP devices. These servers act as mediators that receive GPS signals, perform signal processing and location calculations, then provide location services to VoIP devices through the IP network. This intermediary approach allows location determination without requiring the VoIP device to directly receive strong satellite signals, solving the indoor signal weakness problem
2Measurement precision
If manual surveying methods are used to map fixed plant assets, then location data can be obtained, but service continuity deteriorates when users connect at new locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides universal location services that work across multiple locations and network environments. The peering point server architecture enables the same location determination service to function whether the VoIP device is connected via WiFi, cellular, or wired connections at any location. This universal approach eliminates the need for location-specific manual surveying while maintaining service continuity across different connection points
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing VoIP devices to automatically obtain location services without requiring manual intervention. When a device connects to the network, it can autonomously request location services from peering point servers, which automatically provide location determination based on available GPS signals and network information, eliminating the need for manual surveying at each new location
3Measurement precision
If dedicated location signals are deployed, then location determination capability is improved, but system complexity deteriorates due to separate infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges location determination functionality with existing IP network infrastructure. Instead of deploying separate dedicated location signals, the system combines GPS signal reception, processing, and location service delivery within the existing IP network framework using standard protocols. This merging approach provides location determination capability without requiring separate infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for precise position determination of general Internet Protocol (IP) network-connected devices. A method enables use of remote intelligence located at strategic network points to distribute relevant assistance data to IP devices with embedded receivers. Assistance is tailored to provide physical timing, frequency and real time signal status data using general broadband communication protocols. Relevant assistance data enables several complementary forms of signal processing gain critical to acquire and measure weakened or distorted in-building Global Navigation Satellite Services (GNSS) signals and to ultimately extract corresponding pseudo-range time components. A method to assemble sets of GNSS measurements that are observed over long periods of time while using standard satellite navigation methods, and once compiled, convert using standard methods each pseudo-range into usable path distances used to calculate a precise geographic position to a known degree of accuracy.