Virtual Cellular Node Parameter Cycling for Mobile Re-Catching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile phones are often blacklisted by IMSI catchers, leading to impaired localization and identification use cases due to the blacklisting of specific cell parameters, which hinders re-catching attempts.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that involves a switchable virtual node in a cellular network, which automatically changes at least one cell parameter each time it is switched off and on, allowing the mobile phone to reconnect despite previous rejections by adapting the cell parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mobile phone stores the cell parameter of the rejecting node in the blacklist, then the mobile phone will not attempt to connect again to the blacklisted node within a certain time span, but this prevents re-catching the mobile phone for localization and identification use cases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual node dynamically changes its cell parameters (such as physical cell ID, frequency, scrambling code) over time, transforming from a static target to a dynamic one. This allows the IMSI catcher to present a new cell parameter configuration each time the mobile phone attempts reconnection, effectively bypassing the blacklist mechanism while maintaining reliable interception capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the cell parameters of the virtual node between rejection events. By modifying parameters like physical cell ID, frequency, or scrambling code, the virtual node appears as a different cell to the mobile phone, allowing the phone to attempt connection again without recognizing it as the same blacklisted node, thus restoring re-catching capability
2Ease of operation
If the virtual node remains continuously active, then the mobile phone can initially connect and be interrogated, but the mobile phone will blacklist the node and refuse further connection attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual node operates in periodic cycles of being switched on and off, or more accurately, periodically changes its cell parameters. This periodic transformation allows the system to maintain initial connection capability while preventing permanent blacklisting, as the mobile phone encounters a different cell parameter configuration during subsequent connection attempts
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary interrogation and information gathering during the initial connection phase before the mobile phone has a chance to blacklist the node. By obtaining IMSI, IMEI, and other relevant information during this first contact, the system has already achieved its primary objective before the blacklisting mechanism takes effect
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for attempting to establish a connection between a mobile phone and a virtual node of a cellular network. The system includes the virtual node that is configured to be switchable such that the virtual node is switched off and on in a defined manner. The virtual node is configured to automatically change at least one cell parameter each time the virtual node is switched off and on. Further, the present disclosure relates to a method of attempting to establish a connection between a mobile phone and a virtual node of a cellular network.