Enforcing a dynamically modifiable geofence based on conditions of a cellular network

Abstract

A geofencing service establishes an initial geofence for monitoring devices connected to a cellular network. Upon receipt of a notification generated and transmitted by a device that crossed the geofence, the service determines a difference in location of the device at the times of notification generation and transmission based on coordinates included in the notification. A difference in location that satisfies a criterion indicates that the geofence corresponds to a geographic location with poor cellular network connectivity. The service modifies the geofence radius based on available signal strength data and enforces the resulting modified geofence. After this first radius modification, the service determines quality of network connectivity at geographic locations corresponding to internally tracked 'shadow' geofences and modifies the geofence radius if device coordinates indicate that a shadow geofence corresponds to an area with sufficient connectivity. Geofence radius modification is ongoing until the geofence is returned to its initial configuration.