Wireless Device Location Tracking via Signal Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional network systems are unable to track and monitor the location of wireless network devices, making them vulnerable to security threats such as unauthorized access and theft due to their mobile nature and lack of physical location awareness.

Innovation Solution

A system that determines the physical location of wireless network devices using access points and signal strength information, allowing for tracking, navigation, and detection of abnormal behavior, thereby enhancing network security and data access control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless network devices are allowed to move freely throughout the network, then device mobility and flexibility are improved, but network security and device tracking capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice mobilityVSAvoidnetwork security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors wireless device locations by tracking signal strength from multiple access points and provides feedback to the network administrator. This real-time location information enables the system to respond to potential security threats while maintaining device mobility, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary location tracking system that acts as a mediator between mobile wireless devices and network security protocols. This intermediary layer processes location data from access points and enables security control without restricting device movement, thus maintaining both mobility and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If conventional systems provide blind connectivity to wireless devices, then ease of connection is improved, but ability to track and monitor device location deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity provisionVSAvoidphysical location awareness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physical device registration with a signal-based location tracking system. Instead of requiring devices to be physically registered at fixed locations, the system uses wireless signal strength measurements from multiple access points to automatically determine and track device locations, maintaining ease of connectivity while eliminating information loss about physical location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If wireless device location tracking is implemented using signal strength from multiple access points, then location determination accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation determination accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing access points perform multiple functions: their primary wireless communication function plus an additional location tracking function by measuring signal strength from unknown devices. This multi-functionality approach improves location determination accuracy without adding significant system complexity, as the same infrastructure serves dual purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively prevents hardware loss and theft, improves network security by tracking device locations, and detects potential security threats through location-based monitoring and behavior analysis.

Implementation Method 1

determines the location of a wireless network device based on the location of the access points in signal communication with the wireless network device and the signal strength between the wireless network device and the access points

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal strength attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9949232B1Network device loss prevention using a distributed wireless network

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 BANK OF AMERICA CORP

AI summary

A system that includes a plurality of access points and a device tracking controller. The device tracking controller is configured to receive signal strength information for a first endpoint device and a second endpoint device from at least one access point from the plurality of access points. The device tracking controller is further configured to determine a first device location for the first endpoint device and a second device location for the second endpoint device based on the location of the at least one access point. The device tracking controller is further configured to periodically update the first device location and the second device location. The device tracking controller is further configured to compare the first device location to the second device location and to send a notification when the first endpoint device and the second endpoint device are in different locations.