RF FINGERPRINTING: AN OPERATIONALLY EFFECTIVE METHOD TO REDUCE CABLE TELEVISION SIGNAL AND EQUIPMENT THEFT

摘要

Presented is a robust method to self-detect the unauthorized relocation of digital cable television appliances, especially one-way or CableCARD-based devices, as a deterrent to signal (service) and MSO-provided equipment theft. The method offered has high resolution, yet requires no additional hardware to be added to the products in which it is implemented. Implementation of the concept uses an innovative application of resources already present in all digital cable compatible devices plus the real-time analysis of characteristic data obtained by the subscriber device through direct observation of its environment. A system for automated device management is also presented wherein subscribers could self-activate attached devices without need for manual intervention by the cable system operator under normal circumstances.