Abstract:
An intelligent network access controller coupled to wireless communication hardware controls wireless communications in a targeted coverage area of a local wireless network overlaying an existing wireless network. The controller controls the hardware to provoke wireless devices within the targeted coverage area of the local wireless network to attempt to register with the intelligent network access controller; receives, through the hardware, registration signals and identification information from the wireless devices; locks the wireless devices to the intelligent network access controller; determines an access category for each of the wireless devices based on the received registration signals and identification information; maintains first access category wireless devices locked to the controller while the first access category wireless devices remain in the targeted coverage area of the local wireless network; and unlocks second category wireless devices by controlling the hardware to signal the second access category wireless devices to attempt access to the existing wireless network.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/939,403, now pending, entitled “Intelligent Network Access Controller and Method,” filed Jul. 11, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/507,675, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,509,740, entitled “Intelligent Network Access Controller and Method,” filed Jul. 19, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/318,020, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,437,741, entitled “Intelligent Network Access Controller and Method,” filed Dec. 19, 2008; the disclosures of these three applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The technical field is wireless communications. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A key performance indicator of any wireless network is coverage. In addition to providing an evolving set of features to customers, the most successful wireless networks are those that provide ubiquitous coverage and service to as broad a base of subscribers as possible. Because of the emphasis on coverage, these same networks seldom, if ever, provide methods of restricted or controlled access for targeted areas in the network. However, with heightened security concerns, and for other reasons, targeted wireless access restriction may be an important consideration, especially in a localized area, and/or for specific time periods. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    An intelligent network access controller for use within a targeted area or areas provides communications services across some or all relevant wireless technologies and spectrums to subscribers having wireless communications devices. The controller produces the targeted coverage area, wherein wireless access limitations may be enabled by using interfaces for receiving and sending digital messaging by the wireless communications devices; an identification module that determines an identity of a wireless communications device; an access module that receives the identity and determines an access level for the wireless communications device; and a locking module that implements logic that accepts, releases, or allows service to selected wireless communications devices to the controller based on the determined access level. 
         [0005]    An intelligent network access controller coupled to wireless communication hardware controls wireless communications in a targeted coverage area of a local wireless network overlaying an existing wireless network. The controller controls the hardware to provoke wireless devices within the targeted coverage area of the local wireless network to attempt to register with the intelligent network access controller; receives, through the hardware, registration signals and identification information from the wireless devices; locks the wireless devices to the intelligent network access controller; determines an access category for each of the wireless devices based on the received registration signals and identification information; maintains first access category wireless devices locked to the controller while the first access category wireless devices remain in the targeted coverage area of the local wireless network; and unlocks second category wireless devices by controlling the hardware to signal the second access category wireless devices to attempt access to the existing wireless network. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The detailed description refers to the following figures in which like numerals refer to like items, and in which: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a wireless network incorporating an exemplary intelligent network access controller; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary interface for enabling wireless access restrictions using the controller of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary interface for enabling emergency access; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  illustrates a single technology implementation of the controller of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  illustrates a multiple technology implementation of the controller of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0012]      FIGS. 6A-6D  illustrate an embodiment of a method for creating a local wireless network and for controlling wireless communications using the local wireless network. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    A key performance indicator of any wireless network is coverage. The most successful wireless networks are those that have ever-expanding coverage, independent of time, to provide ubiquitous service to any and all subscribers and roaming users. Because of the emphasis on coverage, these same networks seldom, if ever, operate so as to restrict access. However, with heightened security concerns, and for other reasons, wireless access restriction may be an important consideration, especially in a localized area, and/or for specific time periods. 
         [0014]    Current systems that impose some type of wireless access restriction function may employ jamming equipment to block wireless signals in a particular area. Other systems rely on shutdown of a cell or sector. These current wireless access restriction solutions do not discriminate among users. Instead, these solutions impose a total prohibition on wireless communications. Furthermore, these current solutions are complicated and expensive to invoke. Finally, with these current solutions, if a situation requires that certain personnel (e.g., emergency response personnel) be able to communicate using wireless communications, a secondary communications network must be established since jamming or cell shutdown prohibits all wireless communications for a given wireless technology. 
         [0015]    In most cases jamming works across a spectrum of radio frequencies and jams the use of the entire spectrum regardless of the wireless technology or technologies deployed in the spectrum. So in the case of jamming, a localized communications network must be established on its own technology, unique devices, and spectrum further complicating the setup and operations. 
         [0016]    Another challenge is that in most areas covered by wireless communications there are typically multiple technologies operating in a variety of spectrum ranges. Jamming solutions and cell turn down are absolute solutions that do not provide the ability to select on a device by device basis the ability to use the wireless communication within the target area. 
         [0017]    To overcome these limitations with current art wireless communication access restriction solutions, disclosed herein is an intelligent network access controller, and accompanying method, which is shown in  FIGS. 6A-6D , that either permanently or temporarily limits allowable communications on an existing wireless network to only a subset of that network&#39;s normal users. Those users not in the subset of allowable users are blocked from access to the wireless network when located in a specified area normally covered by the wireless network and/or for a specified time. 
         [0018]    The intelligent network access controller provides, on a single platform, the necessary components for an end-to-end solution for selective communications restriction across the spectrum of wireless technology, frequency, and access methodology. In an embodiment, wireless users are classified into categories and either allowed to access the wireless networks or are prohibited access, on a subscriber-by-subscriber basis. The intelligent network access controller meets the criteria of service restriction that may be required in specific areas, while allowing selected individuals wireless communications access to wireless networks in those same areas. Thus, the intelligent network access controller eliminates the need to overlay additional communications systems to provide targeted localized wireless communications. The intelligent network access controller implements its service across both commercial as well as private wireless networks. 
         [0019]    The intelligent network access controller is particularly useful in certain permanent facilities such as embassies, government facilities, prisons, military installations, stadiums and arenas, hospitals, public transportation facilities, landmarks, and in temporary applications including disaster recovery operations and homeland security operations. In short, the intelligent network access controller can be used in any situation or at any facility or locale to establish a controlled wireless communications environment whereby only selected individuals can access a wireless communications network. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a wireless communications network that incorporates an exemplary intelligent network access controller and other wireless network components to provide access restriction features. In  FIG. 1 , wireless network  10  includes switching center  50  and base stations  60 , through which devices  20  establish wireless communications. Overlaying the network  10  are directional antennae  30  and repeaters  40  that operate in conjunction with intelligent network access controller (INAC)  100 , to restrict or to allow wireless communication from and to selected devices  20 . The switching center  50  includes standard components that may be found in any switching center, including a VLR and a HLR  52 , authentication center  54 , equipment identification register  56 , a mobile switching center (MSC)  57 , a packet switch  58  and a short message service center (SMSC)  59 . Ordinarily, a subscriber using a device  20  would have that device  20  registered with the network  10  once the device  20  was within the coverage area of the network  10 . However, to provide access restriction on either a temporary or a permanent basis, the INAC  100 , and associated interface  200 , which facilitates human operator interaction with the controller  100 , may be used to “lock” selected devices  20  to the INAC  100 , the method of which is shown in  FIG. 6A , block  430 , and thus prevent access to the wireless network  10 . 
         [0021]    “Locking” the wireless devices to the INAC  100  indicates that the wireless device  20  is tuned to and has been accepted by the local signal broadcast of the INAC  100 . The INAC  100  implements a mimicked signal that may follow the signal patterns, parameters, and characteristics of the underlying wireless network; however—the localized signal is only connected to the INAC  100  and not the wireless network as a whole. The end result is a wireless device that has the appearance of operating on the wireless network; however by virtue of the wireless device  20  being tuned to the local INAC  100  signal, the wireless device  20  is by default “locked” from access to the wireless network outside the coverage area of the INAC  100 . 
         [0022]    A “device” or “wireless device” includes any wireless access mechanism including wireless handheld devices used for communications and laptop computers, personal digital assistants, or other computing device that includes wireless access technology. 
         [0023]    A “wireless network” includes networks that provide commercial or private wireless access for voice, text, and or data access. 
         [0024]    The INAC  100  may be implemented as an adjunct to the wireless network  10 , as an integrated feature within the wireless network, or may be implemented as a standalone device that is independent of any specific wireless network. 
         [0025]    The INAC  100  may be implemented as software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. The INAC  100  may be implemented on a suitably programmable processor. 
         [0026]    The INAC  100  includes equipment identity module  110  that receives and stores identifying information associated with devices  20 , the method of which is shown in  FIG. 6B , block  443 ; access module  120  that determines, based on setup or operational mode of the INAC  100 , which of the devices  20  are to be allowed access to the wireless communications network  10 ; locking module  125 , which is used to lock a device  20  to the INAC  100  and to provide indications to the locked device  20  that make it appear that the device  20  actually is registered with the wireless network  10 ; power control module  130 , which operates in conjunction with base station  60 , RF distribution equipment  62 , amplifiers  64  directional antennae  30  and repeaters  40  to establish, per  FIG. 6A , block  410 , the area subject to the access restrictions imposed by the INAC  100 ; timing module  140 , which may be used to impose temporal limitations on the access restriction functions per  FIG. 6B , block  446 ; and emergency access module  150 , which operates as shown in  FIG. 6D , blocks  461 - 465 , to allow certain access types (e.g., emergency 911 calls from a wireless device  20 ) while other access types remain blocked. 
         [0027]    The INAC  100  provides, as shown in  FIG. 6A , block  440  and  FIG. 6B , blocks  442 - 445 , discretionary blocking of access to and from devices  20  by recognizing differences among the devices  20 . In an embodiment, the INAC  100  recognizes three categories of subscriber devices  20 : restricted, allowed, and unknown. Restricted devices are those that are identified as belonging to subscribers who are to be denied wireless access (e.g., prisoners, terrorists). Restricted devices are configured by the INAC  100  so as not to be allowed cellular service and access to the wireless network  10 . Every device  20  has a unique identifying number or characteristic, which is determined as shown in  FIG. 6A , block  440 . If the device identifying number or characteristic (e.g., subscriber number) is configured to be “restricted,” the INAC  100  accepts that device&#39;s access and returns a positive acknowledgement to the device per  FIG. 6C , block  452 . This creates the illusion, at the subscriber&#39;s device  20 , that the subscriber has gained access to and is operating within the wireless network  10 , when, in fact, the device  20  is locked to the INAC  100  until the device  20  is removed from the restricted access area imposed by the INAC  100 . By locking the “restricted” device  20  to the INAC  100 , all incoming and outgoing accesses by the device  20  are prevented while the “restricted” device  20  is within the restricted access area, the method of which is shown in  FIG. 6C , blocks  452  and  454 . 
         [0028]    Allowed devices are those configured in the INAC  100  as to be allowed wireless service. After determining the identity of the device  20 , and determining that the device  20  is an “allowed” device, the INAC  100  redirects the device  20  from the INAC  100  to the appropriate wireless network  10 , as shown in  FIG. 6C , block  458 . This redirection forces the “allowed” device to reattempt access on the wireless network  10 . Once so redirected, the “allowed” device&#39;s subscriber can use the device  20  for normal inbound and outbound traffic. See  FIG. 6A , blocks  420 ,  440 ,  450 , and  460 . 
         [0029]    Unknown devices  20  are those not specifically configured by the INAC  100  as allowed or restricted. Unknown devices  20  may be configured to allow normal wireless network access depending, for example, on a security level requirement at a given location (e.g., for homeland security threat conditions of orange and lower, unknown devices are allowed access to the wireless network  10 ), as shown in  FIG. 6C , blocks  454  and  456 . 
         [0030]    The INAC  100  operates as a local overlay or underlay of the same frequency spectrum and configuration as the wireless network  10 . The area of restricted access can extend to any part of the coverage area of the wireless network  10 , and such restricted area may be enforced by the use of the power control module  130 , directional antennae  30 , and repeaters  40 . Thus, the restricted area under control of the INAC  100  may be limited to a building, a sports stadium, or a geographical area, for example. The area of restricted wireless access is not necessarily static, and can be changed based on set criteria or at the discretion of a network operator. The end result is a targeted coverage area that can provide controlled and deterministic wireless communications access by subscribers. Once a restricted, or an unknown, subscriber&#39;s device  20  leaves the restricted access area, the subscriber&#39;s device  20  re-registers with the wireless network  10  and is no longer controlled (locked) by the INAC  100 . 
         [0031]    When the subscriber&#39;s device  20  is locked to the INAC  100 , the locking module  125  operates to ensure that the device&#39;s display and apparent operation are the same as if the device  20  were registered with the wireless network  10 . A subscriber who attempts to use a device  20  locked to the INAC  100  will see a failed access attempt, or similar warning. The subscriber&#39;s perception would likely then be that the device  20  was not receiving sufficient signal strength to enable wireless communications or the serving wireless network did not have the requisite capacity to service the access request. This further masks the purpose and operation of the INAC  100 . Only after a repeated pattern of access denial is established would the typical subscriber discern the restricted access. 
         [0032]    The INAC  100  can be configured to provide various levels of access depending on the configuration of the subscriber devices  20  and the level of security required for the access. The INAC&#39;s operational mode may be changed dynamically, either automatically, or manually. Automatic changes may be programmed using the interface  200 . Examples of automatic changes are changes programmed into the INAC  100  based on time of day, day of week, or some other calendar-based criteria; the occurrence of a specific event (e.g., a concert); changes in threat levels (e.g., homeland security threat conditions—yellow, orange, etc.); and changes in an operational profile or physical location (of the INAC  100  or of the wireless device  20 ) (e.g., an aircraft descending below 10,000 feet, a ship entering port, a train arriving at a station). Manual changes may be implemented directly by a system operator by using the interface  200 . For any of the modes of operation, the INAC  100  provides a logging mechanism to track all system access attempts and the resulting status. Additionally the INAC  100  provides capability to view the existing database information including the allowed and restricted lists, system configuration, system statistics, and log of system activity. 
         [0033]    The INAC&#39;s operational modes include disabled, wherein the access restrictions imposable by the INAC  100  are suspended; hold all, or virtual jam, wherein all wireless communications are processed as locked to the INAC  100 ; unknown allowed, wherein only known “restricted” devices are locked to the INAC  100 ; and unknown blocked, in which both restricted and unknown devices are locked to the INAC  100 .  FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary interface  210  produced by the interface  200  and the INAC  100  for enabling wireless access restrictions. Additionally, the INAC  100  can also operate in a passive mode where all subscriber access is redirected to the appropriate wireless network. 
         [0034]    As subscribers access the INAC  100 , and either are locked to the INAC  100  or redirected to the wireless network  10 , the INAC  100  captures access information that can be used to generate access reports for each type of device  20  (i.e., unknown, bad, or good). The reports provide an organized analysis as to which users are accessing the system, including time period, call duration, and frequency of use. The reports also provide useful information for establishing system databases and use of the INAC  100 . 
         [0035]    An optional feature of the INAC  100  is emergency access override to allow processing of emergency access, the method of which is shown in  FIG. 6D , blocks  461 - 465 . Depending on the type of installation and the security requirements, emergency access may need to be available, and thus may be enabled or disabled. Emergency access can be configured based on each type of subscriber device; restricted, allowed, or unknown.  FIG. 3  is an interface  220  that allows a system operator to enable or disable emergency access for each of the three subscriber device types (restricted, allowed, and unknown). When emergency access is enabled, per  FIG. 6D , blocks  461 - 465 , the emergency access module  150  of the INAC  100  allows the subscriber&#39;s device  20  to be redirected to the wireless network  10  when that device  20  dials an emergency access number such as 911. Upon completion of the emergency access, the subscriber&#39;s device  20  returns to a locked to INAC condition, as appropriate. When emergency access is disabled, the INAC  100  ignores all call access from subscribers whose devices  20  are locked to the INAC  100 . 
         [0036]    The INAC  100  provides for location sensitive operations, an example of which, as noted above, involves an aircraft. The INAC  100  may be installed on an aircraft so that certain devices (e.g., those of crew members) may be used for wireless communications at any time. Alternatively, the INAC  100  may be used to control access to wireless communications based on the aircraft&#39;s location (latitude, longitude, and altitude) or any aspect or aircraft operation. 
         [0037]    The INAC  100  may include an optional security and intercept module  160  that is used for lawful intercept of wireless communications using a direct Internet connection (or other available connection type) to a monitoring station. When enabled at the INAC  100 , the security and intercept module  160  allows law enforcement personnel to monitor and record conversations and data transfers (packet and circuit), call signaling messages, accessed features, and SMS originated or terminated messages for targeted wireless devices that are currently locked to the INAC  100  and allowed localized services on the INAC  100  system. 
         [0038]    There are many possible deployment options for the INAC  100 . For example, the INAC  100  may be implemented as a permanent part of the wireless communications network  10 . The INAC  100  also may be implemented as a standalone device that overlays one or more wireless communications networks so that all wireless communications in a specific location are capable of some form of access restriction. One example of this wireless feature is to establish an INAC  100  at a building, a facility, or a campus. 
         [0039]    Installation of the INAC  100  as part of a network, or as a standalone device can be permanent or temporary. For example, the INAC  100  may be available as a mobile device, along with the necessary amplifiers, RF distribution, antennae and repeaters, so that a disaster recovery operation may invoke wireless access restrictions in the area where the disaster recovery is taking place. Upon completion of the disaster recovery operations, the access limitation area is disestablished. 
         [0040]    When the INAC  100  operates to restrict wireless communications by way of a wireless network, there may still be a need to provide some form of private network communications in the wireless access limited area, the method of which is shown in  FIG. 6D , blocks  466 - 468 . To provide this additional functionality, the INAC  100  may include a private network module  170  that allows for limited wireless voice communications using either a commercial technology such as GSM or CDMA, or voice over IP (VoIP) technology, including session initiated protocol/unlicensed mobile access (SIP/UMA). As additional wireless technologies become viable, these can be added to the private network solution as well. The private network module  170  also allows for connection to a PBX or PSTN. 
         [0041]    The INAC  100  may also provide the capability to individually access the locked wireless devices overtly or covertly thus allowing the exchange of information or enabling the ability to provoke action from the wireless device. 
         [0042]    As noted above, the INAC  100  may be used to control wireless access for one wireless technology, and/or for one frequency range, or for multiple technologies and frequency ranges.  FIGS. 4 and 5  show this functionality, with examples of current wireless protocols illustrated. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other protocols would apply equally, including wireless protocols to be developed in the future. In  FIG. 4 , the INAC  100  is used to create restricted wireless access area  300  as an overly to wireless network  10 , where the wireless network  10  and the restricted access area  300  are based on GSM 1800 protocols. In  FIG. 5 , three wireless technologies are shown and, correspondingly, three restricted access areas ( 300 ,  300 ′,  300 ″). In a further alternative, the INAC  100  may be used to create restricted access areas for only a subset of the protocols of a multi-protocol wireless network. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 6A-6D  illustrate an embodiment of a method for creating a local wireless network and for controlling wireless communications using the local wireless network.