Using signal characteristics to determine the physical location of devices in a data network
US7898977B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 1, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S707/99939
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of determining a physical location of a device connected to a data network infrastructure including a plurality of connection points at different physical locations, the method including establishing a connection with the data network infrastructure via a cable-based transmission medium, wherein a communication signal passes via the cable-based transmission medium including at least one of the plurality of connection points. A connection point identifier is determined based, at least in part, upon the at least one of the plurality of connection points. A signal characteristic of the communication signal passing via the cable-based transmission medium between the device and the data network infrastructure through the at least one of the plurality of connection points is measured. A first physical location of the device is determined based on the determined connection point identifier, including accessing stored information associating the determined connection point identifier with location information. A second physical location of the device is determined based on the determined first physical location and the measured signal characteristic, including accessing stored inf…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.