Managed LTE Network Detection of Unauthorized Drone Control Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting and mitigating rogue remotely controlled aerial vehicles (RCAVs) using LTE networks are ineffective due to the similarity of LTE communication with conventional cellular traffic, making it difficult to identify and disrupt unauthorized or malicious drone activities, especially in managed networks where physical proximity and prior knowledge are required.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for RCAV detection and mitigation in managed networks, utilizing privileged access to monitor and analyze communication patterns, identify RCAV-related units, and intervene through network management to disrupt or control unauthorized drone operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LTE networks are used for RCAV communication, then network protection and managed service capabilities are improved, but detection and identification of unauthorized RCAVs become significantly more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network manager as an intermediary component that mediates between the LTE network and RCAVs. This network manager monitors communication patterns, analyzes signaling messages, and identifies unauthorized RCAVs by examining their interaction with the network, thereby solving the detection difficulty while maintaining network protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network manager continuously monitors RCAV communications and provides responses based on detected patterns. The system analyzes signaling messages and provides feedback to identify unauthorized vehicles, enabling detection while maintaining reliable network operation
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If IMSI catchers are used to detect RCAVs, then detection capability is improved, but practical applicability and coverage area are limited due to physical proximity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The network manager is designed to perform multiple functions including monitoring authorized services, detecting unauthorized RCAVs, analyzing communication patterns, and coordinating mitigation actions. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for specialized IMSI catchers and enables wide-area monitoring through the existing network infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from physical-proximity-based detection (IMSI catchers requiring close proximity) to network-layer detection where the network manager monitors RCAVs through their communication signals across the entire network coverage area, effectively adding a dimensional shift from spatial to network-based monitoring
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If direct radio communication is used for RCAV control, then detection and disruption become easier, but communication protection and network integration capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The network manager acts as an intermediary that enables detection of LTE-based RCAV communications without requiring direct interception of radio signals. By monitoring network-layer communications and signaling messages, the system achieves detection capability while maintaining the protected LTE communication channel
Data Source
AI summary
A computerized method for detecting a remotely-controlled aerial vehicle (RCAV) related communication unit in one or more managed networks. The method may include obtaining, using privileged access, communication related information about one or more members of the one or more managed networks or searching for the RCAV related communication unit. The searching is based, at least in part, on the communication related information; and responding to a detecting of the RCAV related communication unit.