Cell-id translation in a location based system (lbs)

Abstract

A Cell-ID translation module accesses a Cell-ID translation database to associate original Cell-ID information with new or changed (i.e., translated) Cell-ID information received by a handset. A Cell-ID database is effectively regularly changed rendering useless any third party databases previously collected without authorization by the relevant mobile operators. Cell-IDs collected by unauthorized third parties will either not be found in the third party database, or not match up to the correct location.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of securing cell site identifier code information in a wireless network, comprising:
 accessing a secure cell site identifier code translation database containing regularly changed translations between actual, unique static cell site identifier code information, and corresponding translated, unique static cell site identifier code information; and   regularly translating an actual, unique static cell site identifier code associated with a given wireless device in a wireless network into its corresponding current translated, unique static cell site identifier code, while leaving said actual, unique static cell site identifier code associated with said given wireless device unchanged;   wherein a regularly changed, translated cell site identifier code, in place of said unique static Cell-ID associated with said given wireless device, is passed to another wireless device.