Base Station Controller Spoofed GPS Data Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to determine whether a base station, such as a femto or macro cell base station, should be allowed to perform specific functions, particularly in cases where spoofed Global Positioning System (GPS) data is detected, to prevent unauthorized or unreliable operations within wireless communication networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that involves receiving data from a base station, determining if it contains spoofed GPS data, and making a decision on whether to allow the base station to perform certain functions, such as transmitting a forward link carrier or establishing a VPN session, based on this determination. This system includes a base station controller, a GPS receiver, and processor-executable instructions to assess the validity of GPS data and configure the base station's operability accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS data is accepted without verification, then base station can operate with simple procedures, but network security and reliability deteriorate due to spoofed GPS data
Solution Approach 1:
A base station controller is introduced as an intermediary between the base station and the network core. The controller receives GPS data from the base station, performs verification to detect spoofed data, and makes authorization decisions. This intermediary handles the complex verification logic centrally, maintaining network security while keeping individual base station operations simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification of GPS data before the base station is authorized to transmit carriers or establish VPN sessions. By checking GPS data authenticity in advance through the base station controller, the system prevents unauthorized operations rather than detecting and responding to threats after they occur.
2Reliability
If GPS data verification is implemented, then network integrity is improved, but processing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
GPS data verification is performed as a preliminary step before base station function authorization. The base station controller checks GPS data authenticity upfront, so that once verified, the base station can operate without repeated verification delays. This preliminary check prevents time loss during critical operations by ensuring authorization is based on valid GPS data.
3Reliability
If base station functions are restricted based on GPS verification, then unauthorized operations are prevented, but base station operational flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station's operational status is made dynamic rather than static. The base station controller continuously monitors GPS data and adjusts authorization levels accordingly. When GPS data is verified as authentic, the base station is authorized to perform functions such as transmitting forward link carriers and establishing VPN sessions. When spoofed GPS data is detected, authorization is revoked or restricted. This dynamic approach maintains security while allowing full operational flexibility when conditions permit.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for determining whether to allow a base station to carry out at least one particular base station function and for configuring the system, based on the determination, to allow the base station to carry out the at least one particular base station function or to prevent the base station from carrying out the at least one particular base station function. The determination may be carried out at the base station or at a base station controller (BSC). The determination may be based, at least in part, on whether data provided to the BSC from the base station comprises spoofed GPS data. Configuring the system may include setting at the base station or at the BSC at least one parameter to either allow the base station to carry out the base station function(s) or to prevent the base station from carrying out the base station function(s).