Mobile Device Detection via Location Comparison
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately inventorying mobile computing devices in a network is challenging due to the difficulty in detecting and classifying them without altering existing network access mechanisms or device installations.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the location of connect requesting devices and compares it to stored location information to identify mobile devices, which can be implemented within a network management system, using DHCP servers, routers, and log files to maintain records of device identifiers and their locations, allowing for automatic classification of devices as mobile or non-mobile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If service programs are installed on mobile devices to send device information to a central server, then device identification capability is improved, but device complexity and user control are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing mobile devices to automatically register themselves with the central server using their unique device identifiers (such as IMEI or MAC addresses). The devices send registration requests containing their identification information, and the server automatically processes these requests to create inventory records without requiring manual installation of service programs or user intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a central registration mechanism is implemented for user log on process, then device registration capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance effort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the registration functionality from requiring complex centralized management systems and instead uses the existing DHCP infrastructure. The DHCP server, which already operates in the network, is enhanced to capture device identifiers during the standard DHCP lease process. This approach takes out the need for separate registration mechanisms and integrates device identification into the existing network bootstrapping process.
3Measurement precision
If existing network access mechanisms are changed to detect mobile devices, then device detection capability is improved, but network complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The DHCP server is given multi-functionality by combining its existing address assignment role with a new device inventory detection role. The same DHCP server that assigns IP addresses now also captures and stores device identifiers (IMEI, MAC addresses) from DHCP requests. This universal approach allows the existing network infrastructure to perform both traditional networking functions and mobile device detection without adding separate specialized systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for classifying a data network connectable computing device as a mobile computing device. Information related to the location of a registering device is determined. The determined location information is compared to a stored location information associated to this device. The device is detected as a mobile device when at least the stored location information is different to the determined location information. Neither the devices themselves nor any access mechanism to the data network have to be changed.