Lawful Intercept Node Wi-Fi RADIUS Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Lawful Interception systems lack precise target positioning when Mobile Positioning Systems are not available, often relying on less accurate Global Cell Identity, which is insufficient for detailed location determination, especially in urban areas where Wi-Fi access points provide more granular coverage.
Innovation Solution
The method involves retrieving and sending RADIUS parameters corresponding to Access Point Identifiers and Service Set Identifiers from Wi-Fi networks to Law Enforcement Agencies, enabling more accurate target positioning without requiring changes to existing Interception Access Points, by leveraging standard mechanisms within the Lawful Intercept system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Mobile Positioning Systems are used for target positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system complexity and availability are worsened when MPS is not available in the mobile network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using Wi-Fi access point positioning as a mediator when Mobile Positioning Systems are unavailable. The system captures RADIUS accounting messages containing Wi-Fi access point identifiers and uses these as alternative positioning data, effectively bridging the gap when primary positioning systems are not available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positioning parameter source from mobile network-based MPS to Wi-Fi network-based RADIUS parameters. By switching to different parameter sources (RADIUS accounting messages containing access point identifiers), the system maintains positioning capability when the original parameter source (MPS) is unavailable.
2Device complexity
If Global Cell Identity is used for target positioning, then system complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates to only centre of cell coordinates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Wi-Fi RADIUS accounting messages as an intermediary data source that provides more granular positioning information than traditional CGI. By capturing and processing RADIUS messages containing access point identifiers, the system achieves intermediate positioning accuracy between CGI and MPS.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to positioning by incorporating Wi-Fi access point spatial distribution into the positioning framework. Instead of relying solely on mobile network cell coordinates, the system utilizes the spatial distribution of Wi-Fi access points to provide enhanced positioning granularity, particularly in urban environments.
3Measurement precision
If Wi-Fi RADIUS parameters are retrieved for target positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved for indoor and urban areas, but information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary positioning information from RADIUS accounting messages, specifically the access point identifier and service set identifier. By taking out only the relevant fields needed for positioning rather than processing entire message streams, the system reduces information processing complexity while maintaining improved positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of positioning data from RADIUS messages, extracting essential access point identifiers and mapping them to geographical coordinates. This copying approach allows the system to work with simplified positioning data structures rather than processing complex original RADIUS message formats.
4Device complexity
If traditional mobile network positioning is used, then network infrastructure requirements are simplified, but positioning granularity deteriorates in urban areas with high-rise buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the positioning system universal by implementing multi-functionality that works with both traditional mobile network infrastructure and Wi-Fi infrastructure. The system can operate using existing mobile network CGI data or switch to Wi-Fi RADIUS accounting data, providing enhanced granularity in urban areas without requiring completely new infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to the positioning infrastructure by incorporating Wi-Fi access point spatial distribution. This additional dimension provides finer granularity for indoor and urban positioning, particularly in high-rise building environments where traditional mobile network signals provide limited resolution.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a mediation function node in a Lawful Intercept system and a method (S100) in a Lawful Intercept system for enabling a Law Enforcement Agency, LEA, to determine targets' positions. Said targets are connected to a WiFi network via an Access Point. The method comprises steps of: —receiving (S110) a RADIUS account message for a subscriber having been accepted access to the WiFi network; —retrieving (S120) from the received RADIUS account message RADIUS parameters corresponding to an Access Point Identifier and a Service Set Identifier, SSID, if the subscriber is a target; —sending (S130) together with a target identification the RADIUS parameters corresponding to the Access Point Identifier and the SSID to the LEA.