WLAN Emergency Call Location via Database Intermediary
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), mobile devices without a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) face challenges in providing accurate geographical location information during call setups, especially for emergency calls, as they lack the SIM's binding with the operator's network, leading to incomplete service offerings and regulatory compliance issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable both SIM-equipped and non-SIM-equipped User Equipment (UE) to retrieve and provide geographical location information within a WLAN environment, allowing call setups to include identifiers like IMSI or MAC addresses, which are checked against user-accessible databases to ensure accurate location-based services, including emergency calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile UE without a SIM operates in a WLAN for call setup, then WLAN coverage and service accessibility are improved, but accurate geographical location information cannot be provided to the emergency centre
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a WLAN Access Point and a database as intermediary elements. The Access Point captures the device identifier (MAC address) of the SIM-less device and queries the database to retrieve geographical location information associated with that identifier. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between the device lacking SIM-based location capabilities and the network requiring accurate location data for emergency services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a functional equivalent of the SIM card's location information capability by storing device identifiers and their associated geographical location data in a database. Instead of relying on the SIM card's inherent location registration, the system copies the essential location identification function to a database accessible through the WLAN infrastructure, allowing SIM-less devices to provide location information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile UE with SIM roams into WLAN coverage, then service coverage is extended, but the latest Location Update in HSS may not reflect accurate geographical location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the WLAN Access Point and database as an intermediary location determination mechanism. When a device with SIM operates in WLAN, the system can use the WLAN-based location (from database lookup using device identifier) as a more accurate reflection of current position, supplementing or updating the HSS location information that may be outdated due to roaming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary location information retrieval by having the WLAN Access Point query the database for geographical location data before the call is routed to the emergency centre. This preliminary action ensures that the most current location information is available, rather than relying solely on potentially outdated HSS location updates.
3Reliability
If call setup includes identifier and geographical location information retrieval, then location-based services and emergency calls are enhanced, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the WLAN Access Point automatically perform the identifier extraction and database query without requiring manual configuration or user action. The system autonomously retrieves the device identifier from the incoming call setup, queries the database for associated location information, and integrates it into the emergency call routing process, reducing the perceived complexity for end users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the geographical location information retrieval function from the core call setup processing and places it in the WLAN Access Point. This separation allows the main call setup logic to remain relatively simple while delegating the location information acquisition to a specialized component that handles this specific function independently.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices that connect via a WLAN and Internet to communication network, e g. a Public Switched telecommunication network (PSTN) can call e.g. an emergency centre. The method proposed, defines enables the device that initiates a call setup via a WLAN to provide the emergency centre with geographical location information by retrieving this information locally by e.g. a GPS module. The operator of the phone of the subscriber maintains a database wherein the identity of the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) is recorded. The subscriber is enabled to add devices that generally have no SIMs (non-SIM devices), such as tablets to the database. In determining whether a WLAN based call setup to the emergency centre is allowed, it is checked with the database whether a record for the non-SIM device is present, and valid.