Switch Location Data Administration via LLDP-MED Discovery Protocol

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing data administration processes for communication networks, particularly those using the LLDP-MED protocol for location-dependent services, are complex and costly due to the need for sophisticated data administration programs.

Innovation Solution

The method employs a measuring device that uses the LLDP-MED protocol to transmit location information from communication terminals to a switch, leveraging existing network infrastructure to simplify the data administration process without additional equipment or extensive software, thereby combining connection quality checks with data administration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sophisticated data administration program is used to manage location information in the MIB, then the location-based services can be provided accurately, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation information accuracyVSAvoiddata administration program complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring device automatically performs data administration tasks by feeding location information into the communication network and transmitting it to the connection device and MIB. This self-service approach eliminates the need for sophisticated external data administration programs, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable location information management through automated discovery protocol operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring device is designed to perform multiple functions: it both measures connection quality/quantity and administrates location data. By combining these functions in a single device, the patent eliminates the need for separate sophisticated data administration programs, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring reliable location information is provided to the MIB for location-based services

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional specialized equipment is deployed for data administration, then location information management capability is enhanced, but the cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation information management capabilityVSAvoidadditional equipment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring device is designed to perform multiple functions: it both measures connection quality/quantity and administrates location data. By combining these functions in a single device, the patent eliminates the need for separate sophisticated data administration programs, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring reliable location information is provided to the MIB for location-based services

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring device automatically performs data administration tasks by feeding location information into the communication network and transmitting it to the connection device and MIB. This self-service approach eliminates the need for sophisticated external data administration programs, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable location information management through automated discovery protocol operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2537326B1Method for managing data in a communication network
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 UNIFY GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2537326B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2537326B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for managing data in a communication network (10) comprising a connection device (20), in particular a switch, and at least one local communication terminal connected to the connection device (20). The connection device (20) is connected to or equipped with a second management information base (MIB'), in which information related to the location of the communication terminal is written and is made available for use in a location-dependent service during a data management process, the location-dependent service being designed according to a discovery protocol. The data management process involves feeding the location-related information to the communication network (20) using a location information source (3) and transmitting the fed location-related information from the location information source (3) to the connection device. Across at least one section of the transmission path, the fed location-related information is transmitted according to the discovery protocol.