Managed Access System for Mobile Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in secure facilities, such as correctional facilities, is the difficulty in preventing the smuggling and detection of contraband mobile wireless devices due to advancements in technology and various smuggling methods, which pose security risks and require costly and resource-intensive detection systems.
Innovation Solution
A managed access system that utilizes a network of antennas and geolocation devices to determine the location of mobile wireless devices within a facility, compares them to an authorized list, and coordinates with the wireless communications network to block unauthorized devices from accessing external communications while allowing authorized devices to connect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical security measures are implemented to prevent smuggling of mobile wireless devices, then security against unauthorized device introduction is improved, but the system cannot fully prevent devices from entering due to diverse smuggling methods
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of mobile devices as they attempt to access the wireless network within the facility. By checking device identifiers against authorized lists before granting network access, the system proactively prevents unauthorized communication rather than relying solely on physical prevention of device entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless network access control system serves as an intermediary layer between authorized mobile devices and the external commercial wireless network. It mediates all communication attempts by verifying device authorization status, thereby providing a security barrier that complements physical security measures.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If detection systems are deployed to find contraband devices inside facilities, then ability to detect unauthorized devices is improved, but operational costs and resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the mobile devices' own wireless communication signals and identifiers for detection and identification. Rather than requiring separate active detection equipment, the system uses the devices' inherent radio frequency transmissions and identification protocols to determine authorization status and block unauthorized access.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless network infrastructure serves multiple functions: it provides legitimate communication services to authorized users while simultaneously acting as a detection and control mechanism for unauthorized devices. The same network towers and protocols used for service delivery are utilized for security verification.
3Reliability
If jammer technologies are used to disrupt unauthorized device communications, then ability to block contraband device access is improved, but legitimate authorized device communications may also be affected
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using broad-spectrum jamming that blocks all wireless communications, the system inverts the approach by selectively permitting communications from authorized devices while blocking unauthorized ones. It uses positive identification and authorization verification rather than negative interference, allowing legitimate traffic to proceed unimpeded while preventing unauthorized access.
4Measurement precision
If access management systems are implemented to control device access, then ability to differentiate authorized and unauthorized devices is improved, but system complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements access control at the network access point rather than requiring comprehensive monitoring of all device activities throughout the facility. By performing authorization verification only when devices attempt to connect to the wireless network, the system achieves effective security with reduced complexity compared to continuous monitoring approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
A managed access system for mobile wireless devices (MWDs) in a facility that is geographically within a wireless communications network includes a plurality of antennas arranged around a periphery of the facility, radio equipment coupled to the plurality of antennas, and at least one MWD geolocation device for the wireless communications network. A management access controller is configured to cooperate with the at least one MWD geolocation device to determine that a given MWD is within the facility, compare an identification of the given MWD to a list of authorized MWD's to determine whether the given MWD is unauthorized or authorized, and coordinate with the wireless communications network to block outside communications when the given MWD is an unauthorized MWD and provide outside communications via the radio equipment and the wireless communications network when the given MWD is an authorized MWD.