Variable rate optional security measures method and apparatus for wireless communications network

DETAILED DESCRIPTION According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for implementing variable rate optional security measures in a communications network, the communications network having a plurality of nodes for communication with mobile subscribers, includes the steps of determining a capacity constraint of at least one node of the network; dynamically maintaining a load list for each node as a function of the capacity constraint, the load list indicating any overload states of the nodes; and selectively performing at least one optional security measure on the network as a function of the load list, wherein the at least one optional security measure is selected from a plurality of optional security procedures.
According to another embodiment, a mobile communications switching apparatus for interaction with a plurality of nodes in a communication network and having variable rate optional security measures includes means for determining a capacity constraint of at least one node of the network; means for dynamically maintaining a load list for each node as a function of the capacity constraint, the load list indicating any overload states of the nodes; and means for selectively performing at least one optional security measure on the network as a function of the load list, wherein the at least one optional security measure is selected from a plurality of optional security procedures.
The present embodiments advantageously enable multiple rates of optional authentication, TMSI reallocation, and EIR query to be carried out in a telecommunications system as a function of time of day and a capacity determination.
The present embodiments allow for increased opportunities to detect fraudulent subscribers and stolen/defective handsets than previously possible.