SDA/SDN Controller Location Tracking for Hybrid Work Softphones
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid work environments, softphones do not have a fixed location, making it difficult for Emergency Response systems to determine their current location using static IP addresses, which are not reliable for tracking mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a publication subscription mechanism in combination with a centralized Software-Defined Access (SDA)/Software-Defined Network (SDN) controller to update and propagate location-specific information of client devices across the network, ensuring that Emergency Response systems have access to current and accurate location data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static IP addresses are used for endpoint identification, then device identity is maintained, but location accuracy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies LISP protocol that segments the IP address into two independent parts: Endpoint Identifier (EID) for device identity and Routing Locator (RLOC) for location information. This segmentation allows the device identity to remain static while the location can be dynamically tracked through the fabric network, resolving the contradiction between identity consistency and location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fabric controller as an intermediary component that maintains the mapping between EID and RLOC. The fabric controller acts as a mediator that tracks device location changes and provides accurate location information to ER systems, enabling location accuracy without changing the static EID.
2Adaptability or versatility
If subnets are stretched across the network, then network flexibility is improved, but location tracking reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic location tracking by continuously updating the RLOC associated with each EID in the fabric controller. When devices move between subnets or the network topology changes, the fabric controller dynamically updates the location mapping, ensuring that location tracking remains reliable despite subnet stretching and network reconfiguration.
3Measurement precision
If real-time location updates are implemented, then location accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service location tracking where the fabric controller automatically detects device location changes and updates the RLOC mapping without requiring manual intervention or complex processing. The system autonomously maintains accurate location information through its inherent control plane mechanisms, achieving real-time location accuracy while minimizing added system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for identifying locations of network devices in a fabric network. The method includes a network controller and/or control plane of a network fabric coupled to an access switch at a software-defined access (SDA) site. At least one mapping is registered at the SDA site and sent with the location data from the access switch to the network controller. The network controller and/or control plane is configured to at least one of to learn, update, and publish location data of a destination address from at least one mapping received from the access switch by the location data being associated with a mapping at the SDA site and destination address. The network controller identifies the location of the destination address from a received request based on associating the destination address with the location learned from the location data of at least one mapping that has been registered at the SDA site.