Virtual Server Geolocation via Network Latency Triangulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In computing environments, especially with virtual servers, determining the current geographic location independently of hosting providers is challenging due to shared resources and lack of deterministic methods, affecting latency, compliance, and disaster recovery.

Innovation Solution

A computer program product and method using triangulation processing and machine learning models to predict the geographic location of virtual servers based on network communication data with reference servers, incorporating latency and trace route data to establish a geolocation model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If virtual servers share hardware and software resources with other operating systems, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but the ability to determine geographic location independently is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidgeographic location determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces reference servers with known geographic locations as intermediaries to determine the virtual server's location. Instead of relying on hosting provider information, the system uses network communication data (latency, trace route) between the virtual server and multiple reference servers to triangulate its position, thereby resolving the location determination problem in virtualized environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/geographic location determination methods with network-based measurement techniques. By substituting physical location assumptions with network latency and trace route analysis, the system can accurately determine virtual server locations regardless of underlying hardware sharing, solving the contradiction between resource virtualization and location determinability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If images are moved between host computer systems or data centers, then load balancing and flexibility are improved, but real-time location tracking becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveserver mobility and load balancingVSAvoidlocation tracking reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms by periodically measuring network communication data between the virtual server and reference servers. This ongoing measurement and update process ensures that location information remains current even as the virtual server moves between hosts or data centers, maintaining reliable location tracking despite high mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing baseline geographic locations and network characteristics before virtual server migrations occur. By pre-configuring reference servers and measurement protocols, the system is prepared to quickly determine new locations after moves, ensuring continuous location awareness during and after transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If triangulation processing and machine learning models are used to predict virtual server locations, then location prediction accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation prediction accuracyVSAvoidprocessing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using machine learning models selectively - training comprehensive models offline using historical data, then deploying simplified prediction algorithms for real-time location estimation. This approach achieves high accuracy for prediction while keeping real-time computational complexity manageable, balancing precision with processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11601337B1Virtual server geolocation detection

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 KYNDRYL INC

AI summary

Geographic location of a virtual server is predicted by determining a baseline geographic location of a virtual server of a computing environment, where the determining uses triangulation processing and known locations of multiple reference servers of the computing environment. Further, network communication-related data for communications between the multiple reference servers across a network is obtained, and a machine learning model is generated to predict an actual geographic location of the virtual server using, at least in part, the baseline geographic location of the virtual server and the obtained network communication-related data. The machine learning model is used to predict a current geographic location of the virtual server based, at least in part, on current network communication-related data for communications between the virtual server and one or more of the reference servers.