ABSTRACT: Technology - Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary defines it as a "technical method of achieving a practical purpose." A concise, clear definition. But for many, achieving that practical purpose can be more than just a challenge. It can be frustrating, intimidating, time-consuming, and bound to generate the question, "Where Do I Start?"

With the Notes on...series, Telcordia Technologies has devised a starting point for your search through the rapidly developing world of telecommunications. Written by the authors of the successful Telcordia Notes on the Networks document SR-2275, this series similarly contains technical material of interest to engineering and planning groups, as well as descriptions of the characteristics and background of these subjects in layman's terms. The difference is that Telcordia Notes on...zeroes in on one technology in each document and breaks it down into manageable terms. From the history, background, and basic elements through a discussion of what the future may bring, our subject matter experts cover the important aspects in as few words as possible.

This release in the Notes on...series, Telcordia Notes on Security Surveillance, discusses Lawfully Authorized Electronic Surveillance (LAES) capabilities in both circuit-mode and packet-mode environments. LAES is a tool that federal, state, and local Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) can use for criminal investigations when there is suspicion that a subject(s) has committed a security violation. LAES enables law enforcement, with the necessary judicial authorization, to collect communications content, dialing, and signaling information, or both, with respect to a subject under surveillance. Telecommunications service providers have been supporting lawful intercepts for years; however, with the 1994 enactment of the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA), telecommunications carriers have now been federally mandated to design their networks, systems, and equipment to facilitate lawful intercepts. CALEA also mandated the equipment manufacturers to cooperate and to provide features or modifications to meet the requirements. This document discusses solutions and identify challenges for supporting network-based intercepts.

With Telcordia Notes on Security Surveillance, you will learn about:

• Important dates for CALEA Compliance (CALEA is a federal mandate - failure to comply can result in a penalty of up to $10,000 per day)
• Impacted Entities and CALEA Implementation Guidelines
• LAES in both a circuit-mode and packet-mode environment
• Service Flow examples
• Other challenges and issues.