VoIP Location Database Population via Logical Identifier Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
VoIP devices lack a method to accurately determine their physical location, which is essential for providing emergency services and other location-based services, as their telephone numbers are not associated with fixed addresses, making it difficult for service providers to populate location information databases.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for populating a location information database by assigning a logical identifier to a VoIP device, determining its physical location, and creating an association between the logical identifier and the physical location, allowing the database to store this information for use in location-based services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If VoIP devices use telephone numbers for identification, then the numbering system remains simple, but the physical location cannot be determined accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Location Information Server (LIS) as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between VoIP devices and location determination systems. The LIS receives logical identifiers from VoIP devices, determines their physical locations through network infrastructure mapping, and stores this information in a database, thereby enabling accurate location determination without changing the VoIP numbering system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional identification system (telephone numbers) to a two-dimensional system by adding a location dimension. Logical identifiers are associated with physical locations through the LIS, creating a mapping that operates in a separate dimensional space, allowing both simple numbering and accurate location determination to coexist.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a location information database is created to store VoIP device locations, then location-based services can be provided, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Location Information Server is designed as a multi-functional component that handles multiple tasks: receiving logical identifiers from VoIP devices, determining physical locations through network infrastructure mapping, querying location information, and storing data in a database. This universal approach consolidates multiple functions into a single system element, reducing overall complexity despite the added capability for location-based services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of location information by storing mapped physical locations in a database rather than physically tracking devices. This informational copying allows the system to provide location-based services without implementing complex real-time tracking mechanisms, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining service capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If broadband networks are not natively compatible with existing emergency infrastructure, then network flexibility is maintained, but emergency services cannot be delivered
Solution Approach 1:
The Location Information Server acts as a critical intermediary that enables compatibility between broadband VoIP networks and traditional emergency infrastructure. It translates VoIP logical identifiers into location information that can be processed by existing emergency response systems, thereby maintaining network flexibility while ensuring reliable emergency services delivery through standardized interfaces with PSAPs.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of populating a location information database for use in providing a location-based service to a host device that is an endpoint of a logical connection between the host device and a network access server. The method comprises receiving from the host device over the logical connection a request for network access; assigning a logical identifier to the host device in response to the receiving; determining a physical location associated with the endpoint of the logical connection; creating an association between the logical identifier and the physical location; and storing the association in the location information database.