Federated Identifier Validation for Spoofing Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In communication networks, identifying spoofed calls is challenging, especially when a random number is used, as network operators may not have real-time information on the validity of numbers owned by other operators.

Innovation Solution

The system facilitates a federation of identifiers by sharing information on unassigned identifiers among network operators, allowing operators to determine the validity of communication requests and reject spoofed calls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a network operator uses its own internal database to block spoofed calls, then calls with unassigned numbers from its own network are rejected, but calls with unassigned numbers from other networks cannot be identified as spoofed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespoofing detection accuracyVSAvoidcross-network identifier validation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges identifier validation capabilities across multiple network operators by creating a federated system where operators share and recognize unassigned identifier databases from other networks, enabling comprehensive spoofing detection beyond single-network boundaries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (identifier validation system) that mediates between different network operators, allowing them to validate identifiers from other networks without direct bilateral agreements, thus enabling cross-network spoofing detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If network operators share information on unassigned identifiers across multiple networks, then cross-network spoofing attempts can be identified, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-network spoofing detectionVSAvoididentifier validation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal identifier validation system that performs multiple functions: validating identifiers from any participating network, detecting spoofing attempts, and maintaining federated database relationships, thereby managing complexity through multi-functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If real-time validation of communication requests is performed against federated databases, then spoofing attempts are identified more accurately, but validation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentifier validity verification accuracyVSAvoidcommunication request validation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing federated database relationships and validation rules among network operators before actual communication requests occur, enabling faster real-time validation without sacrificing accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250175556A1Apparatuses and methods for facilitating a federation of identifiers for reducing invalid communications and identifying attempts at spoofing

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 AT&T MOBILITY II LLC

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining a first communication request that includes an identifier, determining that the identifier is included in a first plurality of unassigned identifiers, resulting in a first determination, wherein the first plurality of unassigned identifiers is associated with a plurality of networks, and based on the first determination, rejecting the first communication request. Other embodiments are disclosed.