Communication Terminal Location Validation via Dual Access Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the location of communication terminals in broadband networks, especially in emergency situations, are unreliable and slow, as they rely on user-provided information and lack built-in validation mechanisms, making it difficult to accurately route emergency calls and maintain location databases.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses two different access mechanisms to obtain and compare location information, validating the location if it is substantially equal, and storing the validated location in a server for reliable use in communication services, including emergency calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If user-provided location information is used, then the system can operate with minimal infrastructure, but the reliability and accuracy of location data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network infrastructure elements (location servers, authentication servers, HLR/HSS) as intermediaries between the terminal and the location determination system. These intermediaries provide centralized location management, validation, and storage functions that ensure reliable location information without requiring complex distributed systems at the terminal level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network authenticates the terminal against stored authentication data and validates location information through round-trip timing measurements. The network compares calculated location with stored location data and provides feedback on location accuracy, rejecting unreliable location information from terminals.
2Reliability
If multiple access mechanisms are used for location determination, then the reliability of location information improves, but the device complexity and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the location server a universal component that handles multiple functions: location determination, authentication, validation, and storage. The same server infrastructure used for location data management also performs authentication against stored data and validates location accuracy, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges authentication functions with location determination functions into a unified process. The authentication server and location server work together to both authenticate the terminal and determine its location in a single integrated operation, rather than requiring separate authentication and location determination systems.
3Measurement precision
If location validation mechanisms are implemented, then the accuracy of emergency call routing improves, but the speed of location determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary authentication of the terminal against stored authentication data before completing location determination. This preliminary action ensures that only authenticated terminals can access location services, preventing fraud while enabling rapid location determination for authorized terminals through pre-established authentication contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial validation by comparing location information from multiple access mechanisms only when necessary. For terminals with established authentication contexts, the system uses cached location data and authentication results to rapidly determine location without performing complete validation routines, achieving both speed and accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and arrangement for providing a reliable location for a communication terminal, a first location is obtained for the terminal by means of a first access mechanism. A second location is also obtained for the terminal by means of a second access mechanism, and the obtained first and second locations are then compared. The location of the terminal is validated if the obtained first and second locations are found to be substantially equal. Thereby, a more reliable location of the terminal can be used to support communication services requiring or needing such position information, such as emergency services. The validated location of the terminal can also be used for validating the location of an end point used by the terminal in an access network with fixed end points, or for validating a used positioning mechanism.