Uplink signal

Coded frames

A5.1 DECIPHERING UNIT

Power supply unit

KC 64 bit Monitoring Systems

(passive, hybrid, semi-active)

A5.1 Deciphering unit

RX aerial
2G / GSM
Target 2G / GSM
Provider
KC 64 bit Coded frames
KC 64 bit

Coded frames
Chameleon System’s operator

Downlink signal

FEATURES
• Highly reliable and fast calculation of session key KC.
• Can be remotely connected via internet VPN.
• One deciphering unit serves for several GSM monitoring
systems with priority tuning.
• Several deciphering units can be used with one GSM
monitoring system at the same time.

PURPOSE
The deciphering network multi-processor unit is designed as optional
equipment for Chameleon active, passive and hybrid GSM monitoring systems. It
is required for operation in countries with A5.1 GSM session encryption.
The A5.1 encryption is a stream cipher which is used to provide over-the-air
(OTA) communication privacy in the GSM cellular standard. As a result, all OTA TECHNICAL DATA
data is covered by the session key (KC). When discovering KC, the system can
restore an entire GSM session with voice, SMS recording, etc. Handling of parallel evaluation Casing
Max 80 KC Aluminum
The hardware is controlled by a computer which is responsible for the decipher-
Minimum deciphering time Dimensions
ing configuration and the communication between the A5.1 Deciphering
0.01 sec Depending on configuration
unit and the Chameleon GSM monitoring system. The A5.1 deciphering unit is a
network device and can be connected to the operator’s computer either Average deciphering time (for probability. 98%) Weight
directly by LAN cable or wirelessly using any available communication (GPRS, 0.5 s Depending on configuration

UMTS, satellite link, etc.) or via highly secured Internet VPN connection. Connection with Chameleon Power
System Ethernet, Internet Chameleon units: 90 - 264V AC or 9 -
The special software for A5.1 deciphering unit can maintain more than one
36V DC Laptop: DC 20V
Chameleon GSM system according the priority settings. It is a typical server-client Power consumption
application. Usually, A5.1 deciphering unit is located in the customer’s head <50W
quarter and is connected with the GSM monitoring systems via internet or
intranet.