Wireless Routing for Location Privacy in D2D Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless networks, especially in device-to-device (D2D) communication, there is a challenge in maintaining location privacy for mobile devices, as beamforming-capable devices can potentially discover the location of other devices, compromising privacy.
Innovation Solution
A system where mobile devices indicate their location privacy preferences and capabilities, allowing a fixed network node to generate routing information that prevents D2D links between devices that could expose location information, ensuring that only secure communication flows are routed over direct radio links, and devices without beamforming capabilities are used to maintain privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct D2D communication links are established between mobile devices, then communication efficiency and network functionality are improved, but location privacy is compromised when beamforming-capable devices are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary routing mechanism that acts as a mediator between communicating devices. Instead of direct D2D links, the system uses relay nodes and complex routing paths that prevent beamforming-capable devices from directly observing each other's locations, while still enabling communication functionality through multi-hop ad hoc networks
Solution Approach 2:
The communication path is segmented into multiple hops rather than a single direct link. By dividing the communication route into several segments through intermediate nodes, the system maintains communication efficiency while preventing any single device (especially beamforming-capable ones) from compromising location privacy through direct observation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If routing information is generated to prevent D2D links between beamforming-capable devices, then location privacy is protected, but network functionality and communication flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The routing information is generated dynamically based on the current network conditions, device capabilities, and privacy preferences. The system adapts routing paths in real-time, allowing multi-hop ad hoc networks to form and reconfigure themselves, maintaining network functionality while protecting privacy through flexible, context-aware routing decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters in routing decisions by considering device capabilities (beamforming ability), privacy preferences, and network conditions. By dynamically adjusting routing parameters based on these factors, the system protects location privacy while maintaining adequate network functionality through optimized path selection
3Reliability
If mobile devices indicate their privacy preferences and capabilities, then accurate routing decisions can be made to protect privacy, but device complexity and information overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
Mobile devices autonomously indicate their own capabilities and privacy preferences without requiring complex external configuration. The devices self-describe their beamforming capabilities and privacy settings, allowing the network to generate appropriate routing information based on this self-provided information, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable routing decisions
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a receiver configured to receive, from a first node, an indication of privacy preference and, from a second node, an indication relating to an accuracy at which the second node can determine a location of the first node (510), and at least one processing core configured to determine routing information based at least in part on the indication of privacy preference and the indication relating to the accuracy (520).