Sniffer for Detecting Lost Mobiles

contents Introduction What is sniffer? Introduction of cellular systems Working of Sniffer Advantages and disadvantages of Sniffer.

Each and every day thousands of mobiles get misplaced or lost. To prevent unauthorized person from making and receiving the calls we use this technique. Effective way for the blocking of the lost mobile with the help of International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI). The device can be called as a mobile Base station that includes Sniffer. Introduction

What is Sniffer ? The main scope is to detect the lost mobiles. For the detection of lost mobile SNIFFER plays a vital role. The Sniffer is basically a transceiver that works in the different frequency that we are commonly used. The sniffer device has to be designed for easy mobility for the purpose of detection.

Introduction of Cellular systems

Mobile Station (MS):- The Mobile Station (MS) is made up of two components: 1.Mobile Equipment (ME): Each phone is uniquely identified by the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. This number is burned into the phone by the manufacturer. 2.Subscriber Identity Module (SIM): The SIM is a small smart card that is inserted into the phone and carries information specific to the subscriber.

Base Transceiver Station (BTS):- The BTS is the Mobile Station's access point to the network. It is responsible for carrying out radio communications between the network and the MS. One BTS usually covers a single 120 degree sector of an area. Base Station Controller (BSC):- BSC controls multiple BTSs. It handles allocation of radio channels, frequency from the MS, and handovers from one BTS to another. It reduces the number of connections and allows for higher capacity connections to the MSC.

Mobile Switching Center (MSC) The MSC is the heart of the GSM network. It handles call routing, call setup, and basic switching functions. An MSC handles multiple BSCs as well as coordinates with other MSC‘s.

IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity. 15 digit unique code that is used to identify the GSM phone. When a phone is switched on, this unique IMEI number is transmitted and checked against a data base of black listed phones in the network’s EIR . To know the IMEI number the *#06# has to be pressed.

DESIGNING FOR THE SNIFFER The sniffer device can be called as a mobile base station that includes the following important components:- 1. Sniffer base station. 2. Unidirectional antenna. 3. Tracking software.

SNIFFER BASE STATION The sniffer is a small base station, it includes transceiver section. It should operate at a frequency that is much different from the frequency of the current cell in which the operation of detection is being carried out.

UNIDIRECTIONAL ANTENNA The directional antenna acts as the eyes for the sniffer for the purpose of the detecting the lost mobile phones. Antenna is a device which works at specified frequencies range for transmitting or receiving the data signal. In general, antennas transmit power depending on lobe pattern which varies from one antenna to the other.

SOFTWARE FOR THE TRACKING The software is used for the tracking of the lost mobile phones. Main feature of this software is to create the data base and this is mainly done using a Random Access Memory. The software has the input as the IMEI number of the lost mobile phone from the RAM. After getting the input from the lost device that might respond to the signal sent by the sniffer.

WORKING OF THE SNIFFER DEVICE If the connection of the lost mobile is Established with the BTS, The MSC collects it’s IMEI number. If these number are matched with the reported lost no’s . It transferred the connection to the sniffer device. Searching can perform with the GPS system for more accurate , fast detection and location can be tracked.

ADVANTAGES This method is used for finding the lost mobiles effectively. Cost effective. Low power consumption. Easy to design.

CONCLUSION In today’s life Mobile phones are the mainly used device for communication ,so large no. of complaints regarding the mobile phone that lost are comes. This method appears to be complex but for large scale detection the overall effective cost of the design down. There are certain boundary conditions like the power of the mobile should be good enough etc.. but this method can be improved by using modern technologies.

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