Six key questions about the dismantled network capable of crippling New York’s cell system

(CNN) — The US Secret Service this week revealed that a probe into a surge of swatting calls against high-ranking officials led investigators to a vast and stunning network of more than 100,000 SIM cards and 300 SIM servers.

The servers could have been commanded remotely to create massive amounts of phone traffic in a stealthy and unceasing operation that switched out SIM cards quickly to keep federal law enforcement off its trail.

The hidden electronic maze – concentrated within 35 miles of New York City – was so powerful, it could have sent an encrypted and anonymous text to every human being in the United States within 12 minutes, said Matt McCool, the special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s New York field office. It could have overwhelmed cell towers , toppling New York