Roaming Control Countermeasure System for Mobile Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing roaming in mobile networks struggle to prevent mobile devices from choosing non-preferred networks, leading to revenue loss for operators, as existing countermeasures often violate GSM rules or compromise security.
Innovation Solution
A countermeasure system that filters non-standard error codes in MAP UPDATE LOCATION messages, preventing mobile devices from registering with non-preferred networks by intervening in the dialogue between the home and visited networks, ensuring only partner networks are selected for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a roaming control system (SOR) is implemented to force mobiles to use partner networks, then network preference control is improved, but the system complexity increases and may violate GSM rules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate layer between the visited network and the home network's HLR that acts as a mediator. This intermediary monitors MAP UPDATE LOCATION messages and filters out non-standard error codes, allowing the system to enforce network preferences without implementing a complex SOR system that would directly control mobile routing decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being controlled from the mobile's network selection behavior to the error codes returned by the HLR. By filtering and modifying error code parameters in the signaling messages, the system achieves network preference control through a simpler mechanism that doesn't require complex roaming control logic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing countermeasure systems are used to prevent mobile devices from choosing non-preferred networks, then network preference is maintained, but GSM rules are violated or security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of non-standard error codes (which violate GSM rules) into a beneficial filtering mechanism. By identifying and removing these problematic error codes from the signaling path, the system maintains network preferences while ensuring compliance with GSM standards and preserving security protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary layer acts as a security-compliant mediator that enforces network preferences without directly interfering with mobile device behavior or violating GSM protocols. It filters messages passively, ensuring that network preference control is achieved through legitimate signaling modifications rather than rule-violating countermeasures.
3Ease of operation
If the HLR register sends profile information to visited networks, then mobile registration is enabled, but roaming control systems can intercept and manipulate this process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions an intermediary between the visited network and the HLR register that monitors the profile request process. This intermediary detects when a mobile is attempting to register with a non-preferred network and filters the signaling messages to prevent the HLR from sending profile information, thereby blocking registration with non-partner networks while maintaining normal registration processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary filtering of MAP UPDATE LOCATION messages before they reach the HLR register. By detecting and blocking non-partner network requests in advance, the system prevents the HLR from unnecessarily processing and sending profile information for mobiles that should not be allowed to register, thus preventing roaming control manipulation before it can occur.
Data Source
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AI summary
The system (SCM) has a countermeasure platform installed at an input of a visited network in cut of international connections (SS7) of the network. An input message is intercepted to analyze characteristics so as to not transmit a response message coming from a network of a mobile (MA) to the visited network. A conversation between the visited network and the mobile network is continued. A register (HLR) of the mobile network is answered by sending a profile that is to be registered in the register.