Network Element Location Tracking via Periodic Polling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the physical location of network elements and users associated with them are inadequate, particularly when the location changes, such as during emergency 911 calls or when network elements are stolen or relocated, as they rely on outdated registration information and lack efficient mechanisms for updating location data.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a tracking element to continuously monitor network elements for changes in their physical location by polling their connection and power source status, allowing for updates only when a potential change is detected, and alerting mechanisms to ensure accurate location information is maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous location monitoring is implemented, then location accuracy is improved, but processing time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic polling of network elements to detect location changes, rather than continuous monitoring. The tracking element polls network elements at defined intervals to check connection and power source status, updating location information only when changes are detected, thus reducing processing time while maintaining location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The network element itself performs self-checks by polling its own connection status and power source status, and reports changes to the tracking element. This self-service approach eliminates the need for continuous external monitoring, reducing processing overhead while maintaining accurate location tracking.
2Measurement precision
If continuous location monitoring is implemented, then location accuracy is improved, but system costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs location monitoring periodically rather than continuously, polling network elements at defined intervals. This reduces energy consumption and system costs while maintaining location accuracy by detecting changes only when they occur between polls.
Solution Approach 2:
The network element performs self-monitoring of its connection and power source status, reducing the need for continuous external system resources. This self-service approach lowers system costs while maintaining accurate location tracking through change detection.
3Measurement precision
If location updates are performed frequently, then location data accuracy is improved, but false positives increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic polling with defined intervals to detect location changes, reducing false positives caused by continuous monitoring noise while maintaining accuracy through systematic change detection at appropriate intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the tracking element receives status information from the network element and verifies changes before updating location data. This feedback loop confirms actual location changes versus transient fluctuations, reducing false positives while maintaining data accuracy.
4Device complexity
If registration information is used for location, then system complexity is reduced, but location reliability deteriorates when location changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains simple registration information while adding a feedback mechanism that polls network elements for connection and power source status changes. This feedback loop automatically updates location reliability when changes occur, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking element serves multiple functions: maintaining registration information, polling for status changes, detecting location changes, and updating location data. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single element while improving location reliability through active monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for determining a potential change in a physical location of a network element. The potential change being assessed to determine whether operating characteristics associated with the network element may reflect conditions and/or circumstances indicative of a possible change in the physical location of the network element.