Vehicle Relay Equipment: Everything You Need to Know
What is a Car Relay Attack System?
A car relay attack system is a two-part system that bridges the transmission between a car key fob and the car. This system uses dual units working in tandem to forward signals over greater distances.
Attack equipment are commonly employed by penetration testers to evaluate vulnerabilities in proximity keys.
How Does a Relay Attack System Work?
The relay attack operates using paired devices that communicate:
- First device is located near the car key fob (inside house)
- Second device is positioned near the target vehicle
- Unit 1 captures the signal from the car key
- The signal is sent to secondary unit via RF link
- Unit 2 sends the code to the automobile
- The car thinks the key fob is close and opens
Components of a Relay Attack Device
Sending Device
The sending device is the first component that captures the signal from the car remote.
Sending unit capabilities:
- Advanced detection for distant keys
- Low frequency receiving
- Portable form
- Internal sensor
- Battery powered
Receiver Unit
The receiving device is the second component that sends the forwarded transmission to the vehicle.
Receiver features:
- Transmission boost
- 315 / 433 MHz sending
- Configurable strength
- Greater coverage
- LED display
Types of Relay Systems
Basic Relay Attack Device
A basic relay attack device includes basic relay capabilities.
Features of basic systems:
- Simple two-unit design
- Standard distance ( 150-300 feet)
- Manual operation
- Standard protocol
- Mobile build
- Affordable investment
Premium Equipment
An professional relay system offers sophisticated features.
Advanced features:
- Long distance ( 300-1000 feet)
- Wide frequency range
- Hands-free operation
- Protected transmission
- Live feedback
- Fast relay (instant forwarding)
- Remote configuration
- Event recording
Use Cases
Penetration Testing
Relay systems are important devices for security professionals who evaluate keyless entry vulnerabilities.
Expert purposes:
- Smart key evaluation
- Weakness detection
- Security validation
- Automotive security audits
- Forensic analysis
Manufacturer Testing
Automotive companies and security firms employ relay systems to design enhanced defenses against relay attacks.
Device Specs of Relay Systems
Signal Range
Professional relay systems support different ranges:
- Entry-level: moderate coverage
- Professional range: 300-600 feet
- Enterprise: 200-300 + meters
Latency
Relay time is essential for effective signal forwarding:
- Quick transmission: minimal delay
- Normal delay: moderate delay
- Delayed transmission: noticeable delay
Frequency Support
Relay attack devices support various frequencies:
- 125 kHz: Low frequency
- 315 MHz: North American standard
- 433 MHz: RF
- 868-915 MHz: Advanced keys
Battery Specs
Relay attack systems usually require:
- Battery type: Rechargeable Li-ion
- Battery life: 6-10 hours relay mode
- Recharge duration: 3-4 hours
- Standby time: 24-48 hours
Purchase Guide: How to Buy a Relay Attack Device
Key Considerations
Before you purchase relay system, consider these aspects:
- Application: Security research
- Distance needs: How far the components will be separated
- Band support: What cars you need to evaluate
- Latency requirements: How fast signal relay
- Price range: Available funds
- Authorized use: Confirm regulations
Cost Analysis for Attack Equipment
The cost of relay systems ranges considerably:
- Budget models: $ 200-$ 500
- Standard systems: moderate pricing
- Advanced devices: $ 2000-$ 4000
- Industrial grade: $ 4000 +
Where to Purchase Relay System
Official Channels
When you invest in attack equipment, select only official dealers:
- Specialized retailers
- Certified dealers
- Factory sales
- Industry platforms
- Research institution suppliers
Digital Shopping of Relay Attack Devices
Automotive experts often prefer to buy relay attack device online.
Advantages of online shopping:
- Extensive inventory
- Technical documentation
- Cost analysis
- User ratings
- Safe transactions
- Discreet shipping
- Expert assistance
Legal Status
Legal Applications
Relay systems are permitted for legitimate uses:
- Professional security research
- OEM diagnostics
- Security consultant work
- Insurance investigation
- Educational purposes
- Government applications
Critical Legal Warning
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Attack equipment are powerful tools that must be used legally. Criminal misuse can lead to serious charges. Always use for legal activities with legal permission.
Configuration and Operation
Getting Started
Setting up your attack equipment:
- Fully charge transmitter and receiver
- Sync the TX and RX units
- Set frequency parameters
- Confirm connection between units
- Deploy transmitter near target key
- Place Unit 2 near vehicle
Expert Techniques
For best performance with your attack equipment:
- Reduce obstructions between components
- Confirm unobstructed path
- Check connection quality regularly
- Position strategically for maximum range
- Log all activities
- Keep proper documentation
Testing Methodology
Professional Testing
When using relay attack devices for security testing:
- Get proper authorization
- Record the configuration
- Position equipment per procedure
- Perform the relay attack
- Capture findings
- Assess success rate
- Report findings
Upkeep of Relay Attack Device
Routine Care
To guarantee peak operation of your relay system:
- Store both units clean
- Update firmware when provided
- Validate pairing routinely
- Verify antenna condition
- Recharge units frequently
- Store in proper conditions
- Safeguard from water and temperature extremes
Problem Solving
Frequent Challenges
Should your attack equipment doesn’t work properly:
- Link lost: Re-pair the two units
- Weak signal: Minimize separation between devices
- Slow relay: Optimize obstacles
- Erratic behavior: Refresh system
- Battery drain: Upgrade batteries
- No response: Verify frequency
Alternatives
Relay Attack vs Other Methods
Knowing the contrasts between relay attack devices and other technologies:
- Attack equipment: Two-part system that forwards communications in real-time
- Repeater device: Single unit that amplifies signals
- Interceptor: Records and saves signals for analysis
Benefits of Relay Attack Devices
Relay attack devices offer unique advantages:
- Greater coverage capability
- Live relay
- Compatible with rolling codes
- Direct relay required
- Higher success rate against modern systems
Defense Strategies
Protecting Against Relay Attacks
For automobile owners worried about protection:
- Use RF shielding for car keys
- Enable motion sensors on modern fobs
- Add physical barriers
- Park in safe environments
- Enable additional alarms
- Deactivate smart access when not needed
- Keep updated manufacturer updates
Factory Defenses
Current automobiles are using various defenses against relay attacks:
- Movement detection in key fobs
- ToF checking
- UWB systems
- RSSI analysis
- Multiple authentication levels
Future Developments
The future of relay attack technology includes:
- AI-powered latency reduction
- Extended coverage
- Advanced encryption between components
- Compact design of equipment
- Longer range (extreme range)
- Ultra-low latency (< 1ms)
- Cross-platform operation
- App control
Conclusion: Investment Decision a Relay Attack Device?
Buy a relay attack device if you are a specialist in:
- Vehicle protection testing
- Penetration testing
- Forensics
- Academic research
- OEM development
- Military research
The equipment investment reflects the capabilities and reliability. Quality devices with extended range command premium investment but deliver superior results.
Keep in mind that whether you purchase relay system locally, responsible use is paramount. These are advanced tools designed for legitimate testing only.
The relay system remains among the most effective devices for assessing proximity system security. Employed ethically by certified specialists, these systems contribute to automotive security by exposing weaknesses that OEMs can then address.
Only purchase from authorized dealers and confirm you have official approval before using relay attack devices in any assessment scenario.