Network-Level Wireless Communication Restriction System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for restricting wireless communications in specific locations, such as school zones or during emergencies, are either ineffective or overly intrusive, as they require physical modifications or signal blocking, which may be illegal or impractical.
Innovation Solution
A network-level restriction system that allows service providers to centrally manage wireless communications by integrating a restriction database, enabling authorized entities to define communication limitations based on GPS coordinates, and prioritizing emergency communications during disasters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If signal blocking or physical shielding is used to restrict wireless communications, then communication restrictions can be enforced, but the method becomes overly intrusive, may be illegal, or ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical signal blocking mechanisms with a network-level software-based restriction system. The system uses a database storing geographic coordinates and restriction types, which the network evaluates against device location data to enforce communication restrictions. This substitution eliminates the need for physical shielding while maintaining restriction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network-level intermediary system that sits between the wireless device and the communication network. This intermediary evaluates location data against the restriction database and controls communication permissions, acting as a mediator that enforces restrictions without requiring physical intervention or affecting signal propagation.
2Ease of operation
If centralized network-level restriction system is implemented, then communication restrictions can be effectively controlled without physical modifications, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal restriction database that can serve multiple purposes and multiple entities. The same database infrastructure supports various restriction types (geographic zones, time-based restrictions, emergency preemption) and can be accessed by different service providers and authorities, reducing overall system complexity through shared functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-populates the restriction database with geographic coordinates, boundary definitions, and restriction parameters before runtime operations. Location data and restriction rules are prepared in advance, allowing the network to simply evaluate pre-computed location matches during operation rather than performing complex calculations in real-time.
3Productivity
If emergency preemption is enabled for first responders, then communication efficiency during emergencies is improved, but authorization verification complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service authorization mechanism where the first responder's device automatically provides identification credentials, and the network automatically verifies authorization against the database without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the preemption authorization process, reducing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different authorization verification levels to different user types and situations. First responders receive automatic preemption authorization, while regular users undergo standard restriction evaluation. This localized quality approach simplifies the verification process for emergency users while maintaining security for general users.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments include a method, apparatus, and computer program product for restricting communications at a network level. For example, one disclosed embodiment includes a system that includes at least one processor and at least one memory coupled to the at least one processor. The memory stores instructions that when executed by the at least one processor performs operations that includes receiving location coordinates such as, but not limited to, a building's coordinates, a name of a business, and a freeform shape that defines a boundary. The operations include restricting, at the network level, communications associated with a device determined to be within a boundary corresponding to the location coordinates.