The Remote Security Systems product, “the Lockbox Management System” (LMS), is a combination of software and hardware that controls access to MDU Lockboxes, provides a much more physically secure enclosure than conventional enclosures, and has multiple sensors that monitor and report tampering and other events . The system is software controlled, operates via the internet, uses power from the cable system, provides cable operators (MSOs) instant information concerning lockbox status, and is a great tool for managing field technicians.

The LMS offers the MSO a means of nearly eliminating lost revenues that are the consequence of the theft of television and broadband services on the premises of multiple-occupancy dwellings. Losses occur when an unauthorized party tampers with cable service distribution equipment in order to either obtain service without paying for it, or technicians/contractors sell service to parties for personal profit. MSO’s have resorted to toll-free “Hot Lines” and public awareness programs to encourage the reporting of cable theft, which ultimately impacts everyone in the form of increased costs to legitimate subscribers and lost tax revenues to the community.

Lockboxes in common use employ mechanical locks that have been proven ineffective in restricting access because mechanical locks are easily defeated by a determined thief. The RSS approach is two fold.

First, the electronically activated mechanical lock is hidden. Authorized access is accomplished through the use of a small electronic key that is carried by an authorized agent of the MSO on a key chain. When the key is applied by the field service technician to the key reader, which is typically located on the bottom of the Lockbox, an electronic authorization dialog is initiated between the Lockbox Controller and the central “Lockbox Manager” application. Access is granted only if the key is listed among authorized keys in the system data base. The authorization process normally requires a second or two to complete. If the key is legitimate, the lock is released automatically.

Second, the Lockbox is monitored for tampering. Any attempt to breach the Lockbox is detected by sensing circuits, and immediately reported to the Lockbox Manager. The sensing circuits are highly sensitive and detect body heat and motion. Inserting a finger through a drilled hole is generally sufficient to cause a tamper alert to be sent to the Lockbox Manager. There is of course no way to prevent a thief or vandal from inflicting damage upon the key reader port, but damaging or destroying the reader port does not advance the offender toward gaining access to the box, and it will likely trigger a tamper reporting event.

The RSS Lockbox Management System Operates over an existing Hybrid Fiber/Cable (HFC) network. Access to the cable network is by industry standard DOCSIS certified cable modems. The System is comprised of a central Lockbox Manager Application or ‘LBM’ running on a PC, and a potentially large number of remote Lockbox Controllers or LBCs. A limit on the number of LBC’s that can be serviced by one LBM has not been established, but a single system is expected to accommodate over 50,000 Lockboxes. Each LBC is mounted inside a secure cable-service utility box.