Machine Identifiers
Definition: Location derived by detecting machine identifiers and comparing them with a georeferenced lookup table.
Examples:
- Wi-Fi SSIDs and BSSIDs
- Bluetooth MAC addresses
- Cell tower IDs
- IP addresses / ASNs
- DePIN beacons (e.g., Helium)
Derivation method: Observed identifiers → cross-reference against a known dataset → location estimate.
Risks: Identifiers can be cloned or replayed. Databases may be stale or incomplete.