Network Signature Locality Verification for Content Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to guarantee that a content sink device is within a predetermined geographic locality, allowing unauthorized content distribution or playback beyond intended limits, as they lack built-in proximity verification between content source and sink devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using network parameters such as common IP subnet addresses, gateway MAC addresses, path lengths to internet servers, RF signal reception, and packet fragmentation monitoring to create a signature for the sink device, which is compared to a required signature to authorize content reception within a specified distance from the source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If content is distributed over the Internet without locality verification, then content accessibility is improved, but unauthorized content diffusion beyond intended geographic limits occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary locality verification by comparing network signatures before allowing content distribution. The source device obtains a signature from the sink device that reflects its geographic locality, and verifies this signature against expected locality parameters, preventing unauthorized diffusion before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces network signatures as an intermediary mechanism to verify locality. These signatures, derived from network parameters like IP addresses and routing information, act as a mediator between the content source and sink to enforce geographic constraints without directly measuring physical distance
2Reliability
If traditional authentication methods (PIN, smart card) are used, then user identity verification is improved, but geographic locality verification remains unaddressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges identity verification and locality verification into a single authentication process. The network signature obtained from the sink device combines information about the device's identity and its geographic locality, allowing simultaneous verification of both user authorization and geographic constraints
3Measurement precision
If GPS-based location determination is used, then geographic location accuracy is improved, but indoor reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct physical measurement systems like GPS with a network-based signature verification system. Instead of relying on satellite signals that fail indoors, the system uses network parameters (IP addresses, routing information) that are available and reliable in both indoor and outdoor environments to infer geographic locality
4Measurement precision
If RTT measurements are used for proximity determination, then distance estimation is improved, but confidence in locality determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locality verification problem into multiple independent network parameter checks rather than relying on a single RTT measurement. By analyzing multiple components of the network signature (IP subnet, gateway information, routing path), the system builds cumulative confidence in locality determination that is more reliable than any single measurement
Data Source
AI summary
Content is distributed from a source to a sink only if the sink is within a predetermined geographic locality. In one embodiment, a signature request is sent to the sink. The sink obtains an actual signature compares it to the requested signature, and if the requested signature and the actual signature resemble each other sufficiently closely, then the content is sent to the sink The signature is compiled from parameters obtained from appropriate parameter detectors. The parameter detectors generate, detect and monitor various signals required for determining the locality of the sink.