Patent ID: 9226141
Filing Date: 2015-12-29
Classification: G06F,H04L,H04W

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for identifying wireless devices that are not subscribed to a tethering service in a wireless network, the method comprising: storing in a database records of services subscribed by the wireless devices, wherein the services include the tethering service that allow wireless devices in a private network to access the wireless network; polling the database; generating a list of possible unauthorized devices in the private network, wherein the list excludes wireless devices that are subscribed to tethering service; receiving a network address translation (NAT) message from each wireless device on the wireless network, wherein receiving the NAT message indicates that a network address translation table is present from each wireless device that is tethering at least one other network element; identifying wireless devices that are on the list and that have sent the NAT message indicating that the NAT table exists on the wireless device; and flagging the identified wireless devices as unauthorized when the message that a network address translation table is present is received from the wireless device and the wireless device is on the list of wireless devices that are not subscribed to the tethering service.