Mobile Server Discovery via Network Node Identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for acquiring the URI or IP address of LoST or HELD servers are inadequate for mobile devices in wireless networks, as they rely on DHCP, which is not applicable in IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and do not account for geographical server boundaries, making it difficult for devices to find the appropriate server for location-dependent information, especially during emergency calls.
Innovation Solution
A method using a unique network node identifier to request location-dependent information from a database, determining the identifier of serving servers, which can be implemented in both fixed and mobile devices, allowing devices to auto-provision default server addresses and query local LoST and HELD servers without pre-configuration, utilizing a DNS server or similar database to retrieve server addresses based on cell identifiers or MAC addresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DHCP is used to retrieve LoST/HELD server addresses, then fixed endpoints can acquire server information, but wireless/mobile devices cannot obtain server addresses
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the PDP context activation procedure serve dual purposes: both establishing IP connectivity and discovering LoST/HELD server addresses. By embedding server address information in the PDP activation response, the system eliminates the need for separate DHCP-based discovery mechanisms, making mobile devices capable of server discovery through their existing connectivity establishment process.
2Ease of manufacture
If LoST servers have geographical boundaries of operation, then regional PSAP coverage is optimized, but devices cannot find the appropriate server for their location
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements local quality by providing different LoST/HELD server addresses based on the device's specific geographical location. The network determines the device's location (through location services or network registration information) and returns the appropriate server address that serves that specific region, ensuring each device connects to the geographically appropriate PSAP while maintaining regional service optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity (GGSN or location service) acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and LoST/HELD servers. It receives the device's location information, queries or determines the appropriate server for that location, and returns the server address to the device. This intermediary resolves the difficulty of server location discovery by translating device location into appropriate server selection.
3Measurement precision
If devices discover servers at the time of emergency call, then location accuracy is improved, but call establishment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs server discovery as a preliminary action during the PDP context activation phase, which occurs before any emergency call is initiated. By the time the user needs to place an emergency call, the device already has the appropriate LoST/HELD server address configured, eliminating any delay in server discovery during the critical call setup phase while maintaining accurate location-based server selection.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method, apparatus, system, and computer program product, in which a unique identifier of a node of a network is used to request from a database location-dependent information for a device attached to said node. An identifier of at least one server serving an area in which said device is located is then retrieved by using said location-dependent information.