Network Device Location via Signal Characteristic Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network systems lack effective methods to accurately determine and utilize device location information for improved configuration, security, and access control across various data networks, leading to inefficiencies in managing and securing networked devices.
Innovation Solution
A system that associates physical locations with network-linked devices using techniques such as GPS, inertial locators, and signal characteristic analysis to determine absolute and relative location information, which is then used for enhanced configuration, security, and access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If signal characteristic analysis is used to determine device location, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system comprising network infrastructure devices (switches, routers, access points) that collect and analyze signal characteristics. These intermediaries measure signal properties like time of flight, signal strength, and phase information between devices and connection points, then process this data to determine location. This approach achieves precise location measurement without requiring complex processing in end devices, as the analysis is distributed across the network infrastructure.
2Reliability
If multiple location determination techniques are employed, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple location determination techniques including GPS for outdoor positioning, inertial locators for movement tracking, and signal characteristic analysis for indoor positioning. These diverse methods are integrated into a unified system that can select and combine techniques based on environmental conditions and device capabilities, achieving reliable location determination across varied scenarios while managing complexity through a coordinated multi-technique approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements universal location determination capabilities that function across multiple environments and device types. The same network infrastructure and signal analysis methods can determine locations for various devices (mobile phones, laptops, IoT devices) in different settings (indoor, outdoor, wired, wireless), providing multi-functional location services through a unified platform that adapts to different requirements.
3Measurement precision
If location information is collected and processed centrally, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location determination process into distributed components across the network infrastructure. Individual network devices (switches, routers, access points) independently collect signal characteristics from their local connections, then share this data through the network for centralized processing. This segmentation allows parallel data collection at multiple points simultaneously, reducing overall processing time while maintaining precise location measurements through aggregated data from multiple sources.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a physical location of a device connected to a data network infrastructure including a plurality of connection points at different physical locations, the method including establishing a connection with the data network infrastructure via a cable-based transmission medium, wherein a communication signal passes via the cable-based transmission medium including at least one of the plurality of connection points. A connection point identifier is determined based, at least in part, upon the at least one of the plurality of connection points. A signal characteristic of the communication signal passing via the cable-based transmission medium between the device and the data network infrastructure through the at least one of the plurality of connection points is measured. A first physical location of the device is determined based on the determined connection point identifier, including accessing stored information associating the determined connection point identifier with location information. A second physical location of the device is determined based on the determined first physical location and the measured signal characteristic, including accessing stored information associating signal characteristics with location information.