Android Question Detecting Other Mobile Devices

[ashton293]

I am on a rural property in eastern Australia.

Shortly, we will be required to monitor people coming on to the property for Biosecurity purposes. Unsurprisingly, people who deliver services like electricity and telecommunications [where their lines go through the property] don't bother asking about entry to inspect their facilities.

[there is also the odd criminal, as well, that thinks it is ok to help themselves to things if they can't be seen]

Obviously, I would like to be able to ascertain when people enter the property. Electricity and telecommunications workers always carry mobile phones [criminals might too]

So I am wondering which is currently the best way to detect other mobile devices within say a 1 km radius - 400 to 500m would be acceptable. [or indeed if it is possible]

I am NOT looking to communicate or send information to the phones - I only wish to DETECT them so we can then go to remind them of their obligations.

Does anyone have any reasonable suggestions, re: the best approach [using b4a]?

Thank you.

 

[BillMeyer]

@ashton293
It looks like rural Oz and rural SA have the same problems. I'm not sure if b4a would do what you require but there is another solution where you would need to involve b4j, a raspberry Pi and some other fancy footwork.

Firstly, Google "IMSI Catcher" and then "Stingray" and then "BTS" - this will give you an idea of the technology required to do what you want to do.

Secondly, look at this link - Rogue BTS

Thirdly, check your local laws so that you don't get locked up for doing something illegal to curb crime and trespassing.

Now, when you've got all this together use B4J to write the program to capture your detects from your BTS, compare them to your "friendly's" list and store them all in a MySQL database from where you can now create an app with B4A/B4i with Push Notifications and lists etc as to when and where these people are entering your property and tracking this on a Google Map.

I trust this will give you some pointers and possibly there are some other members here who have a different opinion and experience with doing it the B4A/B4I route ? If so I'd like to hear from them also.

 

[udg]

Eastern Australia? Where exactly? (No, I'm not one of those odd criminals..it's just that I simply love your country!).

Back to your question. I'm not a telco expert so, waiting for some expert to better reply, here it is my thinking aloud attempt.

Since I am quite sure you don't run your own cell tower, I think you have no way to know which mobiles are bound to the nearest cell to your property.

A smart, unreliable way could be to activate an open wi-fi access point. That way, if an intruder has its wifi on, it is possible that his device ping your access point; in that case you'll be alerted of incoming devices.

Another way could be to place IR devices around electro/telco facilities. They will constitute sort of an electronic fence, able to alert you when someone pass-through its rays (could be technicians, animals..).
You could even "sell" the idea to those companies as a way to secure their facilities.

A final point, I don't know how it's ruled in Australia but in other countries companies gain a right to enter at any time a private property (right of way/easement) if that's the path to their facilities; more so if the facilities are placed inside your property.

Update: @BillMeyer WOW, sounds great!

udg

 

[KMatle]

What about some ESP8266 modules with sensors? With an extra antenna they have a stunning range (>4 KM!).

See this video:
The question is: What you gonna do if the sensors alarm? Get there with a gun every time?

 

[ashton293]

@ashton293
It looks like rural Oz and rural SA have the same problems. I'm not sure if b4a would do what you require but there is another solution where you would need to involve b4j, a raspberry Pi and some other fancy footwork.

Firstly, Google "IMSI Catcher" and then "Stingray" and then "BTS" - this will give you an idea of the technology required to do what you want to do.

Secondly, look at this link - Rogue BTS

Thirdly, check your local laws so that you don't get locked up for doing something illegal to curb crime and trespassing.

Now, when you've got all this together use B4J to write the program to capture your detects from your BTS, compare them to your "friendly's" list and store them all in a MySQL database from where you can now create an app with B4A/B4i with Push Notifications and lists etc as to when and where these people are entering your property and tracking this on a Google Map.

I trust this will give you some pointers and possibly there are some other members here who have a different opinion and experience with doing it the B4A/B4I route ? If so I'd like to hear from them also.

Thanks Bill - some good tips...... thankyou.

 

[ashton293]

Eastern Australia? Where exactly? (No, I'm not one of those odd criminals..it's just that I simply love your country!).

Back to your question. I'm not a telco expert so, waiting for some expert to better reply, here it is my thinking aloud attempt.

Since I am quite sure you don't run your own cell tower, I think you have no way to know which mobiles are bound to the nearest cell to your property.

A smart, unreliable way could be to activate an open wi-fi access point. That way, if an intruder has its wifi on, it is possible that his device ping your access point; in that case you'll be alerted of incoming devices.

Another way could be to place IR devices around electro/telco facilities. They will constitute sort of an electronic fence, able to alert you when someone pass-through its rays (could be technicians, animals..).
You could even "sell" the idea to those companies as a way to secure their facilities.

A final point, I don't know how it's ruled in Australia but in other countries companies gain a right to enter at any time a private property (right of way/easement) if that's the path to their facilities; more so if the facilities are placed inside your property.

Update: @BillMeyer WOW, sounds great!

udg

Thank you udg. I was thinking along the wifi access point path but recognised its unreliability - so was wondering if there was another way. Yes we do have easements here but they don't follow the easements they like to go back and forth between poles and an access road. So they cover more territory than they need to.

 

[ashton293]

What about some ESP8266 modules with sensors? With an extra antenna they have a stunning range (>4 KM!).

See this video:
The question is: What you gonna do if the sensors alarm? Get there with a gun every time?

Thank you KMatle..... Interesting..... I think 4km would have us well and truly covered... no I don't think we need to take the guns....I think when they realise they have been "spotted" they will know not to do the wrong thing next time..... although some people are not all that smart.