The Most Frequently Asked Questions About CloneSafe™ SAMS™ (Secure A-Key Management System)

1. Why do I need a SAMS™?
2. I already have authentication up and running and have significantly reduced losses due to cloning fraud. Why do I need an A-Key management system?
3. How secure is SAMS™?
4. Does the SAMS™ support bulk transfer of A-Keys (i.e., via EDI links)?
5. How does the SAMS™ interface with my authentication center?
6. Does the SAMS™ support multiple SACs?
7. How many Validators can the SAMS™ support?
8. Which network architecture is preferable-- one large centralized SAMS™ or smaller distributed platforms?
9. What is the transport protocol used between the SAMS™ and the SAC™?
10. Who is Synacom's competition for the SAMS™ product?

1. Why do I need a SAMS™?

SAMS™ provides cellular and PCS carriers a secure and automatic method for managing A-Keys when implementing authentication in their networks. The SAMS™ has the capability to generate random A-Keys in real-time, store them securely, and distribute them securely to both the authentication center (AC) and the mobile phone. The SAMS™ also provides access to the EDI networks to obtain pre-programmed, random A-Keys from the phone manufacturers. The SAMS also supports the less secure manual method for generating A-Keys as a fall-back in case the A-Key cannot be obtained or programmed in any other way.

2. I already have authentication up and running and have significantly reduced losses due to cloning fraud. Why do I need an A-Key management system?

SAMS™ will benefit wireless service providers who have already implemented authentication if they are using manual or less secure methods for generating, storing, and distributing A-Keys. With the large capital investment made to deploy authentication process where large security breaches can occur. Remember, the security of the A-Key is the most important aspect to the implementation and deployment of authentication.

3. How secure is SAMS™?

SAMS™ is designed to provide the highest level of cost-effective security possible. SAMS™ employs encryption technology for every external interface, as well as its internal database. Interfaces to the Validator, operator terminal, AC, EDI, and mass storage media for backups and restorations are all securely encrypted. Multiple levels of password access are provided to secure the operator terminal and limit a user's capabilities.

4. Does the SAMS™ support bulk transfer of A-Keys (i.e., via EDI links)?

Yes. The SAMS™ supports bulk transfer of A-Keys by obtaining them from an EDI server or from local disk drives

5. How does the SAMS™ interface with my authentication center?

The SAMS™ is designed to interface with any AC via two methods: (1) directly to the AC, HLR/AC or MSC and (2) indirectly through the switch manager or other system involved in provisioning.

6. Does the SAMS™ support multiple SACs?

Yes. The SAMS™ is designed to be deployed in a centralized architecture supporting multiple AC platforms or in a distributed architecture on a market by market basis.

7. How many Validators can the SAMS™ support?

The number of Validators that a SAMS™ can support is dependent on the expected usage of the Validator and the traffic it imposes on the SAMS™. It also depends on the number of modems that are configured for the SAMS™ and the processing power available in the largest SAMS™ configuration. A practical limit is 10,000 Validators.

8. Which network architecture is preferable-- one large centralized SAMS™ or smaller distributed platforms?

There are pros and cons to each of these configurations and both are fully supported. Some factors involved in the decision are cost, reliability, flexibility of each market's options, and each market's operational strategies.

9. What is the transport protocol used between the SAMS™ and the SAC™?

The transport protocol between the SAC™ and SAMS™ is an encrypted TCP/IP connection that can be supported over a variety of physical interfaces.

10. Who is Synacom's competition for the SAMS™ product?

Synacom believes that there is no other product offered in the market today that provides the suite of capabilities similar to the SAMS™. Synacom is know as an industry leader in wireless network technology and experts in authentication and IS-41. Synacom has developed a thoughtful solution accounting for all aspects and options for implementing and deploying authentication. This has enabled Synacom to offer a solution that comprehensively addresses the current and future needs of wireless service providers.