Telecommunications Network Routing Using Node Location Information

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current telecommunications networks do not consider geographic location information when routing messages, leading to longer transmission times and increased resource waste due to messages not following the shortest geographical or network topological path, making network modifications time-consuming and resource-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A method that assigns location information to network nodes within the telecommunications network, allowing the source endpoint node to determine the most suitable intermediate network node based on geographic coordinates for routing messages, thereby optimizing the transmission path and simplifying network management by eliminating the need for pre-configuration and rule definition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If traditional IP-based routing is used without location information, then network configuration and message routing are simple based on IP addresses, but transmission paths are not optimized geographically leading to longer transmission times and increased resource waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage transmission speedVSAvoidrouting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assigning location information to all network nodes and pre-calculating optimal routing paths based on geographic coordinates. This allows the routing system to quickly determine the shortest path without complex real-time calculations, thereby improving transmission speed while maintaining manageable system complexity through advance preparation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces location information as an intermediary element between source and destination nodes. This intermediary enables geometric calculation of optimal paths, transforming the routing problem from simple IP-based forwarding to location-optimized routing that reduces transmission time without proportionally increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If messages are routed without considering geographic location, then routing rules are simple to implement, but transmission paths are suboptimal resulting in longer transmission times and higher network load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage transmission timeVSAvoidrouting configuration ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the routing parameter from simple IP address matching to geometric distance calculation based on location coordinates. By introducing location information as a new parameter, the system optimizes transmission time through shortest path selection while maintaining ease of operation through standardized geometric calculations that can be implemented using existing mathematical algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If network nodes are added or modified in traditional IP networks, then network flexibility is maintained, but DNS configuration and routing rules must be updated which is time-consuming and resource-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork modification flexibilityVSAvoidnetwork update efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the routing system to automatically adapt to network changes through location information. When new nodes are added or existing nodes are modified, their location coordinates are assigned and the routing system automatically recalculates optimal paths using geometric algorithms, eliminating the need for manual DNS configuration and routing rule updates, thereby maintaining flexibility while dramatically improving update efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3051879B1Method for an enhanced routing of data in a telecommunications network based on location information assigned to network nodes of the telecommunications network, and telecommunications network
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP3051879B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for an enhanced routing of data in a telecommunications network based on taking into consideration location information assigned to network nodes within the telecommunications network, the telecommunications network being a distributed telecommunications network and comprising a plurality of intermediate network nodes and a plurality of endpoint network nodes, wherein a location information is assigned to each one of the plurality of intermediate network nodes and to each one of the plurality of endpoint network nodes, wherein in view of either transmitting a message or configuring a transmission path of a message -- either from a source endpoint network node to a destination endpoint network node of the plurality of endpoint network nodes, involving at least one specific intermediate network node of the plurality of intermediate network nodes, -- or from the source endpoint network node of the plurality of endpoint network nodes to one specific intermediate network node of the plurality of intermediate network nodes, the method comprises the following steps: -- in a first step, the specific intermediate network node is determined, by the source endpoint network node, among the plurality of intermediate network nodes, wherein the specific intermediate network node is selected among the plurality of intermediate network nodes taking into consideration the respective location information assigned, respectively, to the plurality of intermediate network nodes, and the respective location information assigned to the source endpoint network node and/or the respective location information assigned to the destination endpoint network node, -- in a second step, subsequent to the first step, the message is either transmitted or the transmission path configured involving the specific intermediate network node.