Enterasys Networks, Inc.

Extreme Networks, Inc.

John-Paul Gorsky

Richard W Graham

Roger Durand

John Roese

David E Frattura

Brendan J Fee

David Harrington

Anja A Allen

John J Roese

David Frattura

Roger P Durand

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 information associating signal characteristics with location information.

Using signal characteristics to determine the physical location of devices in a data network

A system that associates physical locations with network-linked devices in a network to which such devices are connected. This system employs a variety of techniques for establishing device location. The system configuration can vary and can include any type of data network, including LANs, MANs, Wide Area Networks (WANs), Personal Area Networks (PANs), and Home Networks. The system provides location information for particular devices to the network devices and management, and may be used in any of a variety of ways to improve configuration accuracy, control, and security. The location information may also be used to control or secure a device itself.

Locating devices in a data network

Growing community of inventors

Rochester, NH, United States of America

John-Paul Gorsky