Intelligent Network Access Controller

FREE White Papers

The goal of a wireless system is coverage – anywhere, anytime, any place. The key to successful operations of the largest networks in the world has been the ever-expanding coverage area and ubiquitous service that it provides. With the goal of covering more areas and more potential users, little attention is paid to restricting access. However, as wireless communications has evolved, the necessity of providing restriction in certain areas or situations has increased. Whether for security, courtesy, or commercial reasons, the situations are numerous and the solutions in the market are few.

The most common solution to date providing restriction is the use of jamming equipment to block the signal in a particular area. In some extreme cases, shutdown of a cell or sector is employed. These solutions do not discriminate between users. Rather, they solve the restriction issue through prohibiting all communications. Add to this the complication of jamming or shutting down all of the commercial networks and the complexity of the solution becomes very cumbersome. Additionally, if the situation requires that certain personnel be able to communicate via wireless, a secondary communications network must be put into place since the jamming or cell shut down prohibits all communication on the given technology.

The ideal solution is a system that, either permanently or on a temporary basis, limits allowable communications on the commercial wireless networks to only a permitted subset of users. Other users are blocked from the commercial system access in the area. The solution would also support access control of all commercial networks from a single platform.

Tecore’s Intelligent Network Access Controller (INAC) is the ideal solution. It provides the key components of an end-to-end solution for selective communications restriction across the spectrum of technology, frequency, and portability in a single platform. Users are classified into categories and either allowed to access the commercial network or prohibited access on a subscriber-by-subscriber basis. This meets the criteria of service restriction required in many areas, while continuing to allow access to selected individuals on the commercial networks. This second point eliminates the need to overlay additional communications systems to provide localized communications.

By leveraging the patented SoftMSC multi-protocol processing in combination with optimally sized base station equipment, the INAC solution can be provided in a single technology suitcase model or a multi-technology rack ready for vehicle mount or permanent installation. For more advanced multi-site installations, INAC provides centralized control and operations with each location servicing the necessary technology and frequencies for operation in the area.

In a multi-operator environment, a solution must support all types and technologies of handsets to provide proper operations across the spectrum. INAC supports base stations in GSM and CDMA across the spectrum of frequency bands.