Mobile IP Location Server Resolving Dynamic Addresses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IP location services are unable to provide location information for mobile devices based on their public IP addresses, as these addresses are not globally unique and are dynamically assigned, making it impossible to accurately identify and locate mobile devices using existing wireline network technologies.
Innovation Solution
A mobile IP location server is introduced, comprising a mobile location protocol interface, an identifier resolver, and a location manager, which converts a public IP address to a real mobile identifier, such as IMSI or MSISDN, and uses existing location services to obtain the geographic location of the mobile device, enabling location services for mobile devices even when they have dynamic IP addresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic IP addresses are used for mobile devices, then IPv4 address space is conserved and network flexibility is improved, but the ability to accurately identify and locate mobile devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system comprising a mobile location server and database that acts as a mediator between dynamic IP addresses and device identification. The server receives location requests based on IP addresses, queries the database to resolve the IP to a mobile device identifier (such as IMSI or MSISDN), and returns the location information. This intermediary mechanism enables location tracking despite the use of dynamic, non-unique IP addresses.
2Quantity of substance
If private IP addresses with NAT are used, then IPv4 address conservation is achieved, but direct internet routing and location identification are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the mobile location server as an intermediary that works in conjunction with NAT infrastructure. The server receives public IP addresses (whether directly assigned or via NAT), resolves them to private network identifiers through database queries, and enables location services without requiring changes to the underlying NAT architecture. This allows private IP addressing to be maintained while still providing location identification capabilities.
3Productivity
If dynamic IP address allocation is implemented, then address space utilization is improved, but the reliability of location services deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-populating a database with mappings between dynamic IP addresses and mobile device identifiers (IMSI, MSISDN, or other unique identifiers). The database is updated in advance as devices obtain IP addresses through DHCP or other allocation mechanisms. When a location request arrives, the server performs a lookup in this pre-prepared database, enabling reliable location retrieval without requiring real-time device communication or complex resolution processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile IP location server that retrieves the location of a mobile device based on the public IP address that a mobile device is using. A mobile IP location server comprises a mobile location protocol interface, an identifier resolver, and a location manager. The mobile location protocol interface interacts with location applications and receives and responds to location requests. The identifier resolver converts a device's public IP address to a real mobile identifier (e.g. MSISDN) and performs address conversion by either interacting with an HTTP proxy server or querying a network address translation (NAT) table. The location manager retrieves the location of a mobile device given the device's real mobile identifier (e.g. MSISDN). A web application requests mobile IP location services by transmitting an IP request to the mobile IP location server. An IP location request contains a mobile device's public IP address, port number, and any application specific information.