PBB Packet Headers for Client Location Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The evolution of packet-based infrastructure has made it difficult for service providers to maintain the quality of services, particularly in tracing packets and identifying client locations and resources, which is critical for emergency services and lawful intercept applications, as opposed to traditional circuit-based networks where locations and resources are easily identifiable.
Innovation Solution
Implementing the Provider Backbone Bridge (PBB) or Provider Backbone Transport (PBT) protocols to provide location information by using headers that remain intact throughout the network, allowing service providers to identify client locations and resources used for communication, thereby facilitating emergency services and lawful intercepts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If packet-based infrastructure is used to provide increased bandwidth and mobility at reduced cost, then network capacity and accessibility are improved, but packet traceability and the ability to identify client locations and resources deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding location information and resource identifiers in packet headers before packets traverse the network. Edge devices perform this preliminary tagging action, ensuring that traceability data is available throughout the packet's journey through the packet-based infrastructure, thus maintaining traceability while enabling high-capacity packet switching.
2Adaptability or versatility
If packet-based infrastructure is used to reduce cost and increase mobility, then service accessibility is improved, but the ability to pinpoint packet source location and path deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism by using specialized header fields and metadata structures that carry location information through the packet-based network. These intermediary data elements act as mediators between the packet flow and the traceability requirements, enabling location identification without disrupting the high-speed packet switching and mobility capabilities.
3Reliability
If traditional circuit-based infrastructure is used to maintain deterministic service delivery and easy location identification, then service quality and traceability are improved, but network flexibility and bandwidth scalability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the traceability function from the data payload. Location information and resource identifiers are segmented into dedicated header fields, allowing the network to maintain deterministic service delivery for control plane operations while enabling flexible, high-capacity packet switching for the data plane, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus is described which enables location information associated with a client to easily be obtained by a service provider in a packet-based network. The location information may be the location of the client itself, or may be location information associated with devices in a communication facility established by the client. Location information associated with the client may be provided to services such as emergency services to facilitate fast dispatch of resources to assist the client. Location information associated with facilities of the client may be used to facilitate lawful interception of client communications. In one embodiment, the location information is obtained using information included in one of a Provider Backbone Bridge (PBB) or Provider Backbone Transport (PBT) packet.