Network Controller Location Determination for VoIP Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless network technologies face challenges in accurately determining the physical location of client devices within a network, which hinders advanced features like intelligent call routing and emergency response in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems.
Innovation Solution
A network controller uses wireless signals from access points and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons to capture measurements such as time of arrival, time difference of arrival, and received signal strength, applying techniques like lateration, angulation, pattern matching, and fingerprinting to determine the location of client devices, enabling enhanced location-based services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireless networks use traditional signal strength approximation methods to determine client device location, then the system implementation is simple, but the location determination precision is insufficient for advanced VoIP features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple location determination techniques (lateration using TOA/TDOA, angulation using angle of arrival, pattern matching, and fingerprinting) into a unified system. The network controller integrates measurements from multiple access points and Bluetooth Low Energy beacons, merging these different measurement approaches to achieve precise location determination that satisfies advanced VoIP features while managing system complexity through centralized control
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller acts as an intermediary that collects and processes location measurements from multiple access points and Bluetooth Low Energy beacons. It performs the complex calculations for lateration, angulation, pattern matching, and fingerprinting, then provides the determined location information to VoIP applications. This intermediary approach enables precise location determination without requiring complex processing in each access point or client device
2Adaptability or versatility
If the network implements location-based VoIP functions with multiple measurement techniques, then the service capability is enhanced, but the computational resources and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements by having access points continuously monitor time of arrival, time difference of arrival, and angle of arrival of wireless signals. Bluetooth Low Energy beacons pre-establish their locations and broadcast their identifiers. These measurements are collected and stored in advance, so when location-based VoIP functions are needed, the network controller can quickly process already-collected data rather than performing all measurements from scratch
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller dynamically selects and applies appropriate location determination techniques (lateration, angulation, pattern matching, or fingerprinting) based on the specific situation, available measurements, and required precision. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different scenarios and optimize processing time by choosing the most efficient method for each case rather than always applying all techniques
3Measurement precision
If the system uses multiple access points and Bluetooth Low Energy beacons for location determination, then the location accuracy improves, but the infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller serves multiple functions: it manages traditional wireless network operations, collects location measurements from access points and Bluetooth Low Energy beacons, performs location determination using various techniques, and provides location information to VoIP applications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated location determination infrastructure, as the existing network controller is enhanced to handle location services alongside its traditional responsibilities
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides precise location information for improved call forwarding, emergency response, and reduced disturbance in VoIP environments by accurately determining the location of client devices, enhancing network management and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the location of the client device can be determined from a strength, time of flight, time difference of arrival, or angle of arrival of signals received at APs
Implementation Method 2
the location of the client device can be determined from a strength, time of flight, time difference of arrival, or angle of arrival of signals received at APs
Implementation Method 3
the location of the client device can be determined from a strength, time of flight, time difference of arrival, or angle of arrival of signals received at APs
Implementation Method 4
the location of the client device can be determined from a strength, time of flight, time difference of arrival, or angle of arrival of signals received at APs
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless network can include one or more nodes distributed throughout a physical environment. The locations of client devices within the wireless network can be determined based on observing measurements of wireless signals exchanged between the nodes and the client devices. In some example embodiments, the capability of determining location information of client devices more accurately can be utilized for enhancing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) functions. In an example embodiment, a phone call can be intelligently routed to where the user is located within the wireless network. In another example embodiment, the volume of a VoIP-enabled client device can be adjusted depending on the proximity of other users.