Persistent Device Identity from Multi-Interface Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern network environments face challenges in accurately identifying and tracking devices due to their complexity, mobility, and changing identifiers, leading to issues in security, management, and resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
A system that forms a unified device identity by correlating network activity indications from multiple interfaces using machine learning, combining temporal, spatial, and identifier similarity criteria to create a persistent digital twin of each physical device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional single-identifier methods (MAC address, IP address) are used for device identification, then the identification process is simple, but the accuracy and reliability of device tracking deteriorates due to multiple interfaces and changing identifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple network activity indications from different interfaces (cellular IMEI, Wi-Fi MAC address, IP addresses, timestamps, location data) into a unified device identity. This combination allows accurate tracking of devices that switch between interfaces or change identifiers, resolving the contradiction by improving identification accuracy through aggregation of multiple data sources rather than relying on a single identifier.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary correlation system that acts as a mediator between raw network activity data and device identity. This intermediary layer processes and correlates network activity indications, matching them to existing device identities or creating new ones, thereby improving identification accuracy without requiring direct complexity in the identification method itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices use multiple network interfaces and change identifiers for mobility and flexibility, then adaptability improves, but device tracking and security management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous device tracking by monitoring network activity across multiple interfaces over time. The system maintains device identities and continuously correlates new network activity indications with existing identities, ensuring uninterrupted tracking even as devices switch between cellular and Wi-Fi interfaces or change IP addresses, thus maintaining reliability despite interface flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic device identity system that adapts to changing device states. The correlation system continuously updates device identities based on new network activity indications, allowing the system to dynamically track devices as they move between networks, change identifiers, or switch interfaces, thereby maintaining reliable tracking despite device adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If no central device management system is used in BYOD or IoT environments, then ease of device connection improves, but network security and visibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service device identification system that automatically correlates network activity indications and creates device identities without requiring manual registration or central management. The system autonomously processes network traffic, extracts identifiers, and builds device profiles, thereby maintaining ease of device connection while preventing loss of network visibility through automated information collection.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for accurately identifying and tracking electronic devices communicating across heterogeneous networks, even when those devices utilize multiple in-device network interfaces and change identifiers. The system receives network activity indications from various devices, each indication associated with a specific network interface and identifier. A correlation process, potentially employing a machine learning model, analyzes these indications to identify a sub-set originating from a single physical electronic device, spanning at least two different in-device network interfaces (e.g., cellular and Wi-Fi). A unified device identity, a persistent digital representation (or “digital twin”) of the device, is generated based on this correlated sub-set. This unified identity remains associated with the physical device regardless of interface changes, enabling consistent application of security policies, improved network visibility, accurate device tracking, and efficient resource allocation. The system handles both mandatory identifiers, which are associated with specific in-device network interfaces, as well as weak transitory identifiers.