Anti-ITR Module Detects Roaming Traffic Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling roaming traffic in mobile networks are inadequate, as Visiting Public Mobile Networks (VPMNs) lack effective defense mechanisms against inbound traffic redirection attempts by competing VPMNs, leading to revenue loss and traffic leakage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for countering inbound traffic redirection (ITR) attempts by detecting and thwarting ITR attempts through the use of an Anti-ITR module that sends location update messages with a configured Calling Party Address, either to a Virtual Location Register or an Anti-ITR module, to redirect traffic back to the intended network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If VPMNs deploy inbound traffic redirection to capture roaming traffic, then traffic capture capability is improved, but network security and revenue protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting ITR attempts before they can successfully redirect traffic, and counteracting them with preemptive location update messages. The Anti-ITR module monitors registration responses and sends counter-location updates before the traffic redirection can take effect, neutralizing the harmful action in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful ITR attempt into a beneficial detection opportunity. By monitoring registration response messages that indicate ITR attempts, the system transforms what would be revenue-loss events into actionable intelligence that triggers defensive location update messages, ultimately protecting revenue while maintaining network control.
2Measurement precision
If VPMNs monitor registration responses to detect ITR attempts, then detection accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by monitoring only specific registration response messages that indicate potential ITR attempts, rather than analyzing all signaling traffic. The Anti-ITR module selectively processes location update responses and cancel location messages, applying defensive actions only when ITR indicators are detected, thus balancing detection accuracy with signaling efficiency.
3Reliability
If location update messages are sent to counter ITR attempts, then traffic redirection prevention is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary Anti-ITR module that sits between the VPMN and the HPMN, handling the complexity of ITR detection and counteraction. This intermediary component receives registration responses, detects ITR attempts, and sends appropriate location update messages, isolating the complexity from the core network elements and simplifying overall system architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for countering an inbound traffic redirection (ITR) attempt for an inbound roaming mobile station is provided. The ITR attempt is initiated by a first Visiting Public Mobile Network (VPMN). The system includes a TR probe for detecting an ITR attempt by observing receipt of one or more registration response messages at a second VPMN from the HPMN during an ongoing location update transaction of the inbound roaming mobile station between the second VPMN and the HPMN. The system further includes a countering unit for thwarting the ITR attempt by sending one or more location update (LU) messages from the second VPMN in response to at least one registration response messages message received from a switch.