TECORE™ iNAC™ Managed Access
Control Wireless Communications
Overview
TECORE™ Managed Access — Cellular Interdiction Systems and Services
Design, deployment, integration and operation for correctional and secure facilities · 2G/3G/4G LTE/5G and Wi-Fi · CALEA support · emergency-call override
To purchase or request a quotation for these products and services, contact Tecore Sales at sales@tecore.com.
The challenge posed by controlling communications is the delicate balance between managing coverage throughout the target area without impacting the commercial networks that exist on the other side of the border – in many cases just feet away. Balancing the overwhelming build-out of commercial network capacity with a controlled communications environment is a complex challenge. Tecore’s ability to utilize the same technology as the commercial wireless networks – to create a credible countermeasure across the spectrum of wireless technologies deployed – provides a comprehensive and cost-effective solution to prevent unauthorized communications.
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Managed Access 101
iNAC Success Elements
Patented Technology
Managed Access 101
The concept of Managed Access is actually quite simple. Wireless devices leverage protocols and technologies to exchange information with their commercial networks. Most devices today support a combination of technologies across 2G, 3G and 4G LTE. As a cell phone moves from one area to the next, the device selects the best technology and channel for communication. Information is then exchanged between the device and network to provide service to the user. Once a network accepts a device, the device is allowed access and “camps” on the local signal broadcast by the network. Subsequent access to place a call, send a text message, or access the internet is all initiated through communications over this channel.
The Managed Access System (MAS) works from the same principles. It attracts and provides the device service the same way the commercial network does. When a device enters the coverage area of the Managed Access network, the device is compelled to communicate as if it was still on the commercial network. Once the device accesses the MAS network, it is determined whether the device is a known authorized device or an unknown, contraband device. Depending on the identification of the device, treatment while on the MAS is as follows:
- For unknown, contraband devices on the system, any subsequent action is met with denial. While the device still appears to be on the commercial network, access to the actual commercial network is denied.
- For authorized devices, the MAS system redirects them to the actual commercial network allowing these approved devices to continue to maintain access to their commercial service.
Through this basic logic, MAS provides the appropriate balance between control of contraband while permitting approved users to continue to use their device in the same controlled space.
Technology Coverage
The iNAC manages the current technologies deployed by the wireless industry. It is the only proven Managed Access System in the market that has evolved through 2G, 3G, 4G, and now WiFi and 5G. The software-defined radio architecture and flexibility of the power amplification system has allowed continued support, while the surrounding commercial wireless technology evolves. Even as new networks and technologies lurk on the horizon, Tecore’s iNAC system is ready to support.
Spectrum Band Coverage
The iNAC supports the current bands where wireless technologies are deployed. Maintaining support for the entire deployed spectrum is an ongoing challenge that requires system infrastructure that is prepared for the future.
Upgradability
While the iNAC addresses the two listed items above, the baseline architecture is also flexible enough to anticipate changes that can impact the deployed infrastructure. With 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) now a reality, being able to adapt the solution to the changing landscape of wireless is key for continued success of a MAS deployment.
Indoor Antenna System
The distribution of RF energy indoors for small to large coverage areas can be resolved by deploying a fiber-based distributed antenna system (DAS). The signals are then distributed by multiple antennas throughout the coverage areas.
Outdoor Antenna System
Outdoor solutions are applicable for larger facilities or coverage areas. This type of deployment operates at a higher RF power and can utilize existing structures.
Installation Flexibility
The iNAC has been installed in urban, as well as rural facilities. While the core technology remains the same, the architecture of the infrastructure required to build the appropriate RF umbrella is significantly different.
RF Deployment Flexibility
No two installations are identical, which impacts the methods and equipment set required to create the proper RF footprint for the institution. Additionally, the surrounding area can also impact the required equipment set, based on the level of control of the MAS signals needed to obtain the proper balance with the commercial networks outside the wall. iNAC is the proven Managed Access System when considering successful deployments in various, challenging operational environments.
Emergency Support
While the basic MAS technology concept provides a basic decision mechanism of an approved or unapproved device, there are unique cases where exceptions need to be made. For example, in many locations in the U.S. and around the world, the system must support an override capability for emergency calls (911 or 112). In this case – regardless of the device’s status – the call is allowed to complete. This support provides compliance in areas where blocking of emergency calls is illegal or otherwise prohibited. Additionally, the iNAC supports the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) for lawful intercept in accordance with court orders or applicable laws.
Patented Technology
Tecore Networks’ secure-facility solutions are built on more than 35 years of cellular network engineering and over 30 related patents.
Unlike technologies adapted from basic signal detection or broad blocking methods, Tecore’s solutions were developed from a true cellular network infrastructure platform. This foundation enables Tecore to apply precise methods of cellular access and signal control within correctional and secure facilities while supporting authorized communications and harmonized operation with surrounding commercial wireless networks.
Tecore’s patented technology supports multiple generations of wireless communications and provides the foundation for Managed Access Evolved, intelligent jamming, advanced analytics and other secure communications capabilities designed to address continually changing cellular threats.
The following list of patents outlines the targeted capability of Tecore’s Managed Access System:
- 6,912,230Multi-Protocol Wireless Communication Apparatus and Method2005
- 7,733,901Multi-Protocol Wireless Communication Apparatus and Method2010
- 8,254,886Intelligent Network Access Controller and Method2012
- 8,437,741Intelligent Network Access Controller and Method2013
- 8,509,740Intelligent Network Access Controller and Method2013
- 8,825,011Intelligent Network Access Control2014
- 9,295,071Intelligent Network Access Controller and Method2016
- 9,313,639System for Controlling Wireless Devices Access and Method2016
- 9,332,412Intelligent Network Access Control2016
- 9,526,021Intelligent Network Access Controller and Method2016
- 9,712,539Intelligent Network Access Control2017
- 9,712,540Intelligent Network Access Control System2017
- 10,057,774Intelligent Network Access Controller and Method2018
- 10,063,566Intelligent Network Access Control2018
- 10,469,506Systems and Methods for Communication Control in a Restricted Environment2019
- 10,673,865Systems and Methods for Communication Control in a Restricted Environment2020
- 10,679,381Intelligent Network Access Control2020
- 10,679,382Intelligent Network Access Control2020
- 10,771,474Systems and Methods for Communication Control in a Restricted Environment2020
- 11,057,771Intelligent Network Access Control2021
- 11,064,359Intelligent Network Access Controller and Method2021
- 11,452,176Smart Distributed Antenna Systems, Platforms, and Methods2022
- 11,480,687Systems and Methods for Leveraging Global Positioning Repeaters to Locate Devices and to Obfuscate Device Location2022
- 11,509,663Systems and Methods for Communication Control in a Restricted Environment2022
- 11,800,357Intelligent Network Access Control2023
- 11,805,133Systems and Methods for Communication Control in a Restricted Environment2023
- 11,937,083Intelligent Network Access Controller and Method2024
- 12,000,934Systems and Methods for Leveraging Global Positioning Repeaters to Locate Devices and to Obfuscate Device Location2024
- 12,082,310Smart Distributed Antenna Systems, Platforms, and Methods2024
- 12,238,116Systems and Methods for Communication Control in a Restricted Environment2025
- 12,554,019Systems and Methods for Leveraging Global Positioning Repeaters to Locate Devices and to Obfuscate Device Location2026
- 12,652,288Systems and Methods for Communication Control in a Restricted Environment2026
Key Benefits
Avert
Prevent unauthorized communications before they occur
Comprehensive
Addresses not only cell phones, but subscriber identity module (SIM) cards
Cost-Effective
Avoidance of resource-intensive measures to manually locate and retrieve devices
Interoperability
Secured Wi-Fi and Interoperability for Emergency Communications (P25 support)