Method and apparatus for initialization between user equipment and universal integrated circuit card in wireless communication system

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system to support a higher data rate after a 4G communication system (e.g., LTE). The disclosure provides a method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method including receiving, by a modem, a first message including at least one of information related to whether an embedded UICC (eUICC) function is supported and information related to whether a multiple enabled profile (MEP) is supported from an eUICC, and determining, by the modem, to operate with an MEP function based on the received at least one of the information related to whether the eUICC function is supported and the information related to whether the MEP is supported. Furthermore, various embodiments of the disclosure provide a method and apparatus for providing a dual SIM function even in a UE equipped with a single eUICC in a wireless communication system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to a method and device for initialization between a UE and a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) in a wireless communication system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Considering the development of wireless communication generation after generation, these technologies have been mainly developed for human-oriented services, such as voice calls, multimedia services, and data services. As the 5G (5th generation) communication system is commercialized, it is expected that the number of connected devices will grow exponentially. These will be increasingly connected to communication networks. Examples of the Internet of Things can include vehicles, robots, drones, home appliances, displays, smart sensors connected to various infrastructures, construction machinery, and factory equipment. Mobile devices are expected to evolve in various forms, such as augmented reality glasses, virtual reality headsets, and hologram devices. In order to provide various services by connecting hundreds of billions of devices and things in the 6G (6th generation) era, there have been ongoing efforts to develop improved 6G communication systems. For these reasons, the 6G communication system is called a beyond-5G system.

[0003] It is expected that the 6G communication system, which will be commercialized around 2030, will have a peak data rate of tera (1,000 giga) bps and a radio latency of less than 100 μsec, thus being 50 times that of the 5G communication system and having 1 / 10 of the radio latency thereof.

[0004] In order to achieve such a high data rate and ultra-low latency, it has been considered to implement the 6G communication system in a terahertz band (e.g., 95 GHz to 3 THz bands). It is expected that, since path loss and atmospheric absorption in the terahertz band are more severe than those in the mmWave band introduced in 5G, technologies capable of securing signal transmission distance (i.e., coverage) will become more crucial. As major technologies for securing coverage, it is necessary to develop radio frequency (RF) elements, antennas, new waveforms having better coverage than orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), beamforming, and massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, and multi-antenna transmission technologies such as large-scale antennas. In addition, new technologies for improving coverage of terahertz-band signals, such as lenses and antennas based on metamaterials, orbital angular momentum (OAM), and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs), are being discussed.

[0005] In addition, in order to improve the spectral efficiency and overall network performance, the following technologies have been developed for 6G communication systems: a full duplex technology for enabling uplink transmission and downlink transmission to use the same frequency resource at the same time; a network technology that comprehensively uses satellites, high altitude platform stations (HAPS), etc.; an improved network structure for supporting mobile base stations, etc., and enabling network operations optimization and automation, etc.; a dynamic spectrum sharing technology through conflict avoidance based on spectrum usage prediction; the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in wireless communications, improvement of overall network operations by utilizing AI from the design stage of developing 6G and internalizing end-to-end AI support functions; and next-generation distributed computing technology to overcome the limitations of UE computing capability through ultra-high-performance communication and computing resources (such as mobile edge computing (MEC), cloud, etc.) accessible on the network. In addition, there are ongoing attempts to strengthen connectivity between devices, optimize networks, promote the softwareization of network entities, and increase the openness of wireless communications by designing new protocols to be used in 6G communication systems, developing mechanisms for implementing a hardware-based secure environment and secure use of data, and developing technologies for maintaining privacy.

[0006] It is expected that research and development of 6G communication systems in hyper-connectivity, including human-to-machine (P2M) and machine-to-machine (M2M), will bring the next hyper-connected experience. In particular, it is expected to provide services such as truly immersive extended reality (XR), high-fidelity mobile holograms, and digital replicas through 6G communication systems. In addition, services such as remote surgery for security and reliability enhancement, industrial automation, and emergency response will be provided through 6G communication systems, so that the technology can be applied to various fields such as industry, healthcare, automobiles, and home appliances.

[0007] A universal integrated circuit card (UICC) is a smart card that is inserted and used in a user equipment (UE), such as a mobile communication terminal, and is also referred to as a UICC card. The UICC can include an access control module for accessing a network of a mobile communication service provider. Examples of such an access control module include a universal subscriber identity module (USIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM), and an Internet protocol multimedia service identity module (ISIM).

[0008] A UICC that includes a USIM is often referred to as a USIM card. Similarly, a UICC that includes a SIM module is often referred to as a SIM card. It should be noted that in the following description, "SIM card" can be used to refer to a typical SIM card, including a UICC card, a USIM card, or a UICC that includes an ISIM. In other words, the same technology used for SIM cards applies to USIM cards, ISIM cards, or other common UICC cards.

[0009] The SIM card stores personal information about mobile communication service subscribers, and when accessing a mobile communication network, authenticates the subscriber and generates a service security key, thereby enabling secure use of mobile communication services.

[0010] At the request of a specific mobile communications service provider, a SIM card is manufactured as a dedicated card for that specific mobile communications service provider. Before the SIM card is shipped, it is equipped with authentication information for accessing the service provider's network, such as a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) application and an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), a K value, and an OPc value. The thus manufactured SIM card is delivered to the mobile communications service provider and then distributed to subscribers. Applications can be managed in the UICC, such as installing, modifying, or deleting applications, if necessary, by utilizing, for example, over-the-air (OTA) technology.

[0011] Subscribers can insert the UICC card into their own mobile communication terminal to use the network and application services of the mobile communication service provider. When changing mobile communication terminals, users can remove the UICC card from the existing mobile communication terminal and insert the UICC card into the new mobile communication terminal, thereby using the authentication information, mobile communication phone number and personal contact information on the new mobile communication terminal. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical Solution

[0013] Currently, in wireless communication systems, a solution for handling the initialization process between a UE and an eUICC is considered, assuming that both the UE and the eUICC can activate only one profile at a time. Therefore, considering various scenarios in wireless communication systems, a solution for efficiently handling initialization between a UE and an eUICC is needed.

[0014] According to an embodiment, a method and apparatus for initialization between a UE and an eUICC are provided, so that several profiles can be simultaneously activated and used on a UE equipped with one eUICC in a wireless communication system.

[0015] According to an embodiment, a method and apparatus for simultaneously downloading two or more communication services on a UE and using them simultaneously in a wireless communication system are provided.

[0016] According to embodiments, a method and device for initializing between a UE and an eUICC to determine activation of support for multiple eSIM profiles in a wireless communication system are provided.

[0017] According to embodiments, a method and device for transmitting predetermined information for supporting multiple enabled profiles (MEP) from an eUICC to a UE in a wireless communication system are provided, the predetermined information including the number of eSIM ports of the enabled profiles or their respective numbers and all or some of the maximum number of eSIM ports that can be opened.

[0018] According to embodiments, a method and device are provided that determine whether to operate as an MEP by, for example, predetermined information about MEP support obtained by a UE from an eUICC in a wireless communication system, the number of available basebands, and the combination of radio access technologies (RATs) of each baseband, and determine settings such as the number of eSIM ports to be opened, the number to be assigned to the eSIM port, and the eSIM port using an issuer security domain root (ISD-R).

[0019] According to embodiments, a method and device are provided for transmitting information about whether to operate with an MEP, which is set and determined from a UE to an eUICC in a wireless communication system.

[0020] According to embodiments, a method and device are provided in which, in a wireless communication system, an eUICC identifies operation with an MEP, generates eSIM ports and assigns numbers, maps eSIM port numbers to profiles, determines eSIM ports to be used by an ISD-R, and replies to a UE with a processing result.

[0021] According to embodiments, a method and device are provided that generate as many eSIM ports as the number of eSIM ports determined by a UE in a wireless communication system, and then reply to an eUICC to operate with an MEP by terminating an initialization process.

[0022] According to embodiments, a method and device are provided that, in the case where a user deactivates one of the profiles activated in an eUICC supporting an MEP and uses a pSIM in a wireless communication system, the method and device close eSIM port connections generated by a UE and process connections with a corresponding pSIM.

[0023] According to embodiments, a method and device are provided in which, in a wireless communication system, an eUICC identifies an eSIM port close request and processes the eSIM port close request, and then replies to a modem with a result.

[0024] The objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above contents, and other unmentioned objects will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0025] According to various embodiments, a method for initializing between a UE and a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) in a wireless communication system includes receiving a first message from the UICC, the first message including at least one of information related to whether an embedded UICC (eUICC) function is supported, a maximum number of embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) ports supportable in an eSIM, the number and number of profile-enabled eSIM ports, and an identifier of whether multiple profile-enabled devices (MEPs) are supported, determining a transmission protocol with the UICC, sending capability information about the UE to the UICC, and identifying operation in a MEP function based on at least one of the received information related to whether the eUICC function is supported, the maximum number of eSIM ports, the number and number of profile-enabled eSIM ports, and an identifier of whether the MEP is supported.

[0026] According to various embodiments, a method for initializing between a UE and a UICC in a wireless communication system includes: sending a first message to the UE, the first message including at least one of information related to whether an eUICC function is supported, a maximum number of eSIM ports supportable in an eSIM, the number and number of eSIM ports for which a profile is enabled, and whether an identifier of a MEP is supported; determining a transmission protocol with the UE; receiving capability information about the UE from the UE; and receiving a second message from the UE disclosing operation in the MEP function.

[0027] According to various embodiments, a UE in a wireless communication system includes a modem and an eUICC. The processor is configured to control a transceiver to receive a first message from the eUICC, the first message including at least one of information related to whether an eUICC function is supported, a maximum number of eSIM ports supportable in an eSIM, the number and number of eSIM ports with enabled profiles, and an identifier of whether a MEP is supported, determine a transmission protocol with the eUICC, control the transceiver to send capability information about the UE to the UICC, and identify operation in the MEP function based on at least one of the received information related to whether the eUICC function is supported, the maximum number of eSIM ports, the number and number of eSIM ports with enabled profiles, and an identifier of whether the MEP is supported.

[0028] According to various embodiments, an eUICC in a wireless communication system includes a transceiver and a processor connected to the transceiver. The processor is configured to control the transceiver to send a first message to a modem, the first message including at least one of information related to whether an eUICC function is supported, a maximum number of eSIM ports that can be supported in an eSIM, the number and number of eSIM ports for which a profile is enabled, and whether an identifier of a MEP is supported, determine a transmission protocol with a UE, control the transceiver to receive capability information about the UE from the UE, and control the transceiver to receive a second message from the UE disclosing operation in the MEP function.

[0029] According to various embodiments, if the operation is handled with MEP, a user can use profiles of several carriers simultaneously on a UE equipped with one eUICC. Thus, user convenience can be improved. For example, when traveling abroad, a user can use an existing domestic operator profile and a local profile simultaneously through one eUICC, or in the same country, a user can use two profiles of the same operator through one eUICC, where the subscriptions are separate. In addition, UE manufacturers can connect one eUICC and one physical pin (providing two or more basebands) with a modem, thereby providing dual SIM functionality without requiring additional UE installation space. Although dual SIM is mentioned here, it should be noted that it can also be used as triple or quad SIM functionality depending on the number of available basebands.

[0030] According to various embodiments, a method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system includes: receiving, by a modem, a first message from an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC), the first message including at least one of information related to whether an eUICC function is supported and information related to whether multiple enabling profiles (MEPs) are supported; and opening, by the modem, at least one embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) port based on at least one of the information related to whether the eUICC function is supported and the information related to whether the MEPs are supported.

[0031] According to various embodiments, a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system includes: an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC); and a modem; wherein the modem is configured to: receive a first message from the eUICC, the first message including at least one of information related to whether an eUICC function is supported and information related to whether multiple enabling profiles (MEPs) are supported; and open at least one embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) port based on at least one of the information related to whether the eUICC function is supported and the information related to whether the MEPs are supported.

[0032] Furthermore, when the UE restarts, the modem can maintain the same existing baseband-eSIM port association and can handle the change even when the user attempts to change one of the concurrently active profiles to a pSIM.

[0033] Before proceeding with the following detailed description, it may be helpful to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms "include" and "comprising," and their derivatives, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and / or; the phrases "associated" and "associated therewith," and their derivatives, may mean including, being included within, interconnected with, containing, being contained within, connected to or connected with, coupled to or coupled with, communicable with, cooperating with, interleaved, juxtaposed, proximate, combined with, or incorporated into, having, having a characteristic, and the like; the term "controller" refers to any device, system, or portion thereof that controls at least one operation, and such device may be implemented in hardware, firmware, or software, or some combination of at least two. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely.

[0034] In addition, the various functions described below can be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed of computer-readable program code and contained in a computer-readable medium. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, instruction sets, processes, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or a portion thereof that is suitable for implementation with a suitable computer-readable program code. The phrase "computer-readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase "computer-readable medium" includes any type of medium that can be accessed by a computer, such as a read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. "Non-transitory" computer-readable media does not include wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transmit temporary electrical or other signals. Non-transitory computer-readable media include media that can permanently store data and media that can store data and rewrite it later, such as rewritable optical discs or erasable storage devices.

[0035] Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided in this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior, as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its many attendant aspects will be readily obtained, while becoming better understood, by referring to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a structure of a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example (case 1) of a connection between a modem and a current v2 embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) that does not support multiple enablement profiles (MEPs) in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example (case 2) of a connection between a modem and a current v2 eUICC that does not support MEP in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example (case 1) of a connection between a modem and a v3 eUICC when the concept of a virtual interface is adopted in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example (case 2) of a connection between a modem and a v3 eUICC when the concept of a virtual interface is adopted in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an initialization procedure between a UE and an eUICC in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of an initialization procedure between a UE and an eUICC based on an answer to reset (ATR) in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of an initialization procedure between a UE and an eUICC based on UE capability information in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of an initialization procedure between a UE and an eUICC based on ISD-R provisioning information in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating maintaining a connection between a modem and an eUICC in an existing setting upon reboot in a UE supporting MEP in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating operations of a UE and an eUICC when a user changes an eSIM port to a pSIM in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an internal structure of a UE in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of an internal structure of a UE in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of an initialization procedure between a UE and an eUICC based on an FCP template in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0051] Figure 15 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of an initialization procedure between a UE and an eUICC based on a new logical interface management APDU and its response in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Discussed below Figures 1 to 15 The various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are merely exemplary and should not be interpreted in any way as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device.

[0053] The operating principles of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Details of known functions or configurations may be skipped when it is determined that this would obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure. The terms used herein are defined with reference to the functions of the present disclosure and may be replaced with other terms based on the user's or operator's intention or practice. Therefore, these terms should be defined based on the entire disclosure. For the same reason, some components may be exaggerated or shown schematically. The size of each component does not necessarily reflect the actual size of the component. The same reference numerals are used to refer to the same components in all figures. The advantages and features of the present disclosure, as well as the methods for achieving these advantages and features, can be understood through the embodiments described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein and various modifications may be made thereto. The embodiments disclosed herein are provided merely to inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is limited solely by the appended claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals represent the same components. Detailed descriptions of known technologies or functions may be skipped when it is determined that this would obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure. The terms used herein are defined with reference to the functions of the present disclosure and may be replaced with other terms based on the user's or operator's intention or practice. Therefore, these terms should be defined based on the entire disclosure.

[0054] Hereinafter, a base station may be an entity that allocates resources to a UE and may be at least one of a gNode B, an eNode B, a Node B, a base station (BS), a wireless access unit, a base station controller, and a node on a network. A UE may include a UE (user equipment), an MS (mobile station), a cellular phone, a smartphone, a computer, or a multimedia system capable of performing a communication function. In the present disclosure, a downlink (DL) refers to a wireless transmission path for a signal sent from a base station to a UE, and an uplink (UL) refers to a wireless transmission path for a signal sent from a UE to a base station. Although an LTE or LTE-A system may be described below as an example, the embodiments may be applied to other communication systems with similar technical backgrounds or channel modes. For example, a 5G mobile communication technology (5G, New Radio, NR) developed after LTE-A may be included in a system to which the embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable, and the following 5G may be a concept including conventional LTE, LTE-A, and other similar services. In addition, the embodiments may be modified within the scope of the present disclosure without significantly departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and such modifications may be applicable to other communication systems. It should be understood that the blocks in each flowchart and the combination of flowcharts may be executed by computer program instructions.

[0055] Since computer program instructions can be incorporated into a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, the instructions, when executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device, produce means for performing the functions described in conjunction with the blocks in each flowchart. Since computer program instructions can be stored in a computer-usable or computer-readable memory that can implement functions in a specific manner for the computer or other programmable data processing device, the instructions stored in the computer-usable or computer-readable memory can produce a product including instruction means for performing the functions described in conjunction with the blocks in each flowchart. Since computer program instructions can be incorporated into a computer or other programmable data processing device, when a series of operational steps are executed on the computer or other programmable data processing device, the instructions that generate a process executed by the computer and operate the computer or other programmable data processing device can provide steps for performing the functions described in conjunction with the blocks in each flowchart.

[0056] In addition, each block can represent a module, code segment or code portion that includes one or more executable instructions for performing a specific (multiple) logical function. In addition, it should also be noted that in some alternative execution examples, the functions mentioned in the block can appear in different orders. For example, depending on the corresponding functions, two boxes shown in succession can be executed substantially simultaneously or in reverse order. As used herein, the term "unit" means a software element or a hardware element, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). A unit may play a certain role. However, the term "unit" is not limited to representing a software or hardware element. A "unit" can be configured in an addressable storage medium or can be configured to reproduce one or more processors. Therefore, as an example, a "unit" includes elements such as software elements, object-oriented software elements, class elements and task elements, processes, functions, attributes, processes, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data architectures, tables, arrays and variables. The functions provided in an element or "unit" can be combined with additional elements or can be divided into sub-elements or sub-units. Furthermore, the element or "unit" may be implemented as one or more CPUs in a reproduction device or a secure multimedia card. According to an embodiment, the "... unit" may include one or more processors.

[0057] Hereinafter, the terms used herein are defined.

[0058] As used herein, the term "Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC)" refers to a smart card inserted and used in a mobile communication terminal. It stores personal information about mobile communication service subscribers, such as network access authentication information, phone numbers, or Short Message Service (SMS), and enables secure use of mobile communication services by authenticating the subscriber and generating service security keys when accessing a mobile communication network (such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), or Fifth Generation (5G) systems). Depending on the type of mobile communication network the subscriber accesses, the UICC can be equipped with communication applications such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), Universal SIM (USIM), or IP Multimedia SIM (ISIM), and can provide advanced security functions for equipping itself with various applications such as an electronic wallet, ticketing, or electronic passport.

[0059] In the present disclosure, an embedded UICC (eUICC) can be a secure module embedded in a UE, or a removable type that can be inserted into and removed from the UE. The eUICC can download and install profiles using over-the-air (OTA) technology. An eUICC can refer to a UICC capable of downloading and installing profiles.

[0060] As used herein, the method of downloading and installing a profile on an eUICC using OTA technology may also be applicable to a detachable UICC that is detachably inserted into a UE as described above. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to a UICC capable of downloading and installing a profile using OTA technology.

[0061] As used herein, the term “UICC” may be used interchangeably with the term “SIM,” and the term “eUICC” may be used interchangeably with the term “eSIM.” A UICC may be used interchangeably with a physical SIM card or pSIM.

[0062] As used herein, the term "profile" may refer to a profile obtained by packaging an application, a file system, an authentication key value, etc. into a software form and storing it in the UICC. In addition, the profile may be referred to as access information.

[0063] As used herein, the term "USIM profile" may have the same meaning as the term "profile" or may refer to a profile obtained by packaging information contained in a USIM application in the profile into a software form.

[0064] In this disclosure, a profile server refers to a server that may include functions for generating a profile, encrypting a generated profile, generating a profile remote management command, or encrypting a generated profile remote management command, or may include functions for supporting activation of multiple profiles for a UE. A profile may also be referred to as subscription manager data preparation (SM-DP), subscription manager data preparation plus (SM-DP+), or subscription manager secure routing (SM-SR).

[0065] As used herein, the term "UE" or "device" may also be referred to as a mobile station (MS), user equipment (UE), user terminal (UT), terminal, wireless terminal, access terminal (AT), subscriber unit, subscriber station (SS), wireless device, wireless communication device, wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile node or mobile device, or may be referred to by other terms. Various embodiments of UE may include a cellular phone, a smart phone with wireless communication capabilities, a personal digital assistant (PDA) with wireless communication capabilities, a wireless modem, a portable computer with wireless communication capabilities, a capture / recording / photographing / recording device with wireless communication capabilities (such as a digital camera), a game console with wireless communication capabilities, a music storage and playback home appliance with wireless communication capabilities, an Internet home appliance capable of wireless Internet access and browsing, or a portable unit or UE that combines a combination of these capabilities. In addition, UE may include, but is not limited to, a machine-to-machine (M2M) terminal and a machine type communication (MTC) terminal / device. In the present disclosure, UE may be referred to as an electronic device or simply a device.

[0066] In the present disclosure, a UE or device may include software or applications installed on the UE or device to control a UICC or eUICC. Furthermore, the UE or device may include a modem and a UE framework serving as a UE operating system (OS). The software or application may be referred to as, for example, a Local Profile Assistant (LPA). As used herein, an eUICC identifier (eUICC ID) may be a unique identifier for an eUICC embedded in a UE, or may also be represented as an EID.

[0067] As used herein, an Application Protocol Data Unit (APDU) may be a message used by a controller in a UE or device to interact with an eUICC. An APDU is a pair of commands and responses. APDU commands and APDU responses are defined in ETSI 102.221 with reference to ISO 7816. As defined in ETSI 102.221, an APDU command has a structure consisting of a command class (CLA), an instruction (INS), instruction parameter 1 (P1), and instruction parameter 2 (P2) as the APDU header, and a body consisting of the number of bytes in the command data field (Lc), the data, and the number of bytes expected for the response command (Le). An APDU response has a structure consisting of an optional data field, a status byte 1 (SW1), and a status byte 2 (SW2). For a detailed description, please refer to the ETSI 102.221 standard.

[0068] As used herein, the term "profile package" can be used interchangeably with the term "profile" or can be used to refer to a data object for a specific profile, or can also be referred to as a profile TLV or profile package TLV. The profile identifier can be referred to as an ICCID, which is a unique identifier for the profile. A profile package encrypted using encryption parameters can be represented as a protected profile package (PPP) or a protected profile package TLV (PPP TLV). A profile package encrypted using encryption parameters that can only be decoded by a specific eUICC can be represented as a bound profile package (BPP) or a bound profile package TLV (BPP TLV). A profile package TLV can be a data set that represents information constituting a profile in a tag-length-value (TLV) format.

[0069] As used herein, AKA may represent Authentication and Key Agreement and may refer to an authentication algorithm used to access 3GPP and 3GPP2 networks. K is an encryption key value stored in the eUICC for the AKA authentication algorithm, and in the present disclosure, OPc is a parameter value that may be stored in the eUICC for the AKA authentication algorithm.

[0070] As used herein, NAA may be a network access application and may be an application such as a USIM or ISIM stored in a UICC to access a network. NAA may be a network access module.

[0071] In this disclosure, end user, user, subscriber, and service subscriber may be used interchangeably as a user of a corresponding UE.

[0072] In the present disclosure, the eSIM port refers to a virtual logical interface channel obtained by multiplexing and dividing a physical interface connected to the eUICC-modem, and may be used interchangeably with an eSIM port, port, SIM port, logical interface, or virtual interface.

[0073] In the present disclosure, the function of activating and managing multiple profiles present in a single eUICC is collectively referred to as the Multiple Enabled Profile (MEP) function. In a conventional eUICC, only one profile can be activated, so a single eUICC may not support multi-SIM functionality. In order to support multi-SIM functionality with a single eUICC, it is necessary to activate and manage multiple profiles in a single eUICC. An eUICC that implements the MEP function may be referred to as an MEP-capable eUICC. A UE that includes a modem that implements the MEP function and UE software capable of supporting the modem may be referred to as a MEP-capable UE.

[0074] Detailed description of known technologies or functions may be skipped when it is determined to make the subject matter of the present disclosure unclear.

[0075] The provided embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] A Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) is a smart card that is inserted into and used in a UE (e.g., a mobile communication terminal), also known as a UICC card. The UICC may include an access control module for accessing the network of a mobile communication service provider. Examples of such access control modules include a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), and an Internet Protocol Multimedia Services Identity Module (ISIM).

[0077] A UICC that includes a USIM is often referred to as a USIM card. Similarly, a UICC that includes a SIM module is often referred to as a SIM card. It should be noted that in the following description, "SIM card" can be used to refer to a typical SIM card, including a UICC card, a USIM card, or a UICC that includes an ISIM. In other words, the same technology used for SIM cards applies to USIM cards, ISIM cards, or other common UICC cards.

[0078] The SIM card stores personal information about mobile communication service subscribers, and when accessing a mobile communication network, authenticates the subscriber and generates a service security key, thereby enabling secure use of mobile communication services.

[0079] At the request of a specific mobile communications service provider, a SIM card is manufactured as a dedicated card for that specific mobile communications service provider. Before the SIM card is shipped, it is equipped with authentication information for accessing the service provider's network, such as a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) application and an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), a K value, and an OPc value. The thus manufactured SIM card is delivered to the mobile communications service provider and then distributed to users. Applications can be managed in the UICC, such as installing, modifying, or deleting applications, by utilizing, for example, over-the-air (OTA) technology, if necessary.

[0080] Subscribers can insert the UICC card into their own mobile communication terminal to use the network and application services of the mobile communication service provider. When changing mobile communication terminals, users can remove the UICC card from the existing mobile communication terminal and insert the UICC card into the new mobile communication terminal, so that they can use the authentication information, mobile communication phone number and personal contact information on the new mobile communication terminal.

[0081] However, for mobile communication terminal users, SIM cards are inconvenient for receiving services from other mobile operators. Mobile communication terminal users experience the inconvenience of having to physically obtain a SIM card to receive services from a mobile communication service provider. For example, when traveling to another country, users are inconveniently required to obtain a local SIM card to receive local mobile communication services. Roaming services address this inconvenience to some extent, but roaming services are expensive and may not be available unless there is a contract between operators.

[0082] At the same time, if the SIM module is remotely downloaded and installed on the UICC card, this inconvenience can be significantly reduced. In other words, the user can download the SIM module of the mobile communication service he wants to use to the UICC card at the desired time. The UICC card can download and install multiple SIM modules on it, and select and use only one of the SIM modules. Such a UICC card can be fixed to or not fixed to the UE. In particular, a UICC fixed to the UE for use is called an embedded UICC (eUICC). Typically, an eUICC means a UICC fixed to the UE, and the SIM module can be downloaded and selected remotely. In this disclosure, UICC cards that can remotely download and select SIM modules are collectively referred to as eUICCs. In other words, among UICC cards that can remotely download and select SIM modules, UICCs that are fixed or not fixed to the UE are collectively referred to as eUICCs. In addition, the downloaded SIM module information is collectively referred to as an eUICC profile.

[0083] Even if multiple profiles are present in an eUICC, only one profile may be enabled at a time. Therefore, even if a UE supports two or more basebands and two or more profiles are present in the corresponding eUICCs, the UE may not support dual-SIM functionality, which enables two profiles to be used simultaneously on a single mobile phone. This can be addressed by installing two eUICCs in the UE. However, this approach requires an additional eUICC module and a physical interface to connect the eUICC module to the modem's baseband. Consequently, UE manufacturers must incur the expense of purchasing the physical pins required for the additional eUICC module and physical interface. Furthermore, the use of modules and physical pins raises the issue of securing sufficient space for the UE.

[0084] Currently, since both the UE and the eUICC handle UE-eUICC initialization assuming that only one profile is simultaneously active in the eUICC, there is no defined method for determining whether multiple enabled profiles (MEPs) are supported during UE-eUICC initialization, and the operations to be handled by the UE or eUICC based on this determination. Therefore, the present disclosure addresses these issues. Furthermore, when a user deactivates an activated profile in the eUICC and uses the pSIM instead on an eSIM UE equipped with a physical SIM card (hereinafter referred to as "pSIM") and an eUICC that supports MEPs, changes to the UE-eUICC MEP settings are required. This is not currently considered. Therefore, it aims to address these issues.

[0085] Currently, in wireless communication systems, a scheme for handling initialization between a UE and an eUICC is considered, assuming that both the UE and the eUICC can only activate one profile at a time. Therefore, during the initialization process between the UE and the eUICC, there is no definition for determining support for multiple enabled profiles (MEPs) and the operations to be performed by the UE or eUICC based on this determination. Therefore, various embodiments provide a method for initialization between a UE and an eUICC in a wireless communication system that supports MEPs.

[0086] Furthermore, when a user deactivates an active profile in an eUICC and uses the pSIM instead on an eSIM UE equipped with a physical SIM card (hereinafter referred to as a "pSIM") and an eUICC supporting MEP, the UE-eUICC MEP settings need to be changed. However, since current wireless communication systems do not take this into account, various embodiments provide a method for efficiently managing MEP settings between a UE and an eUICC in a wireless communication system supporting MEP.

[0087] Figure 1 is a view schematically illustrating a structure of a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0088] UE 1a-03 may include common applications 1a-04, LPA 1a-05, UE framework 1a-10, and a modem 1a-15 supporting MEP. Common applications 1a-40 are applications that are pre-loaded or can be downloaded and installed on the UE, such as operator applications or SIM card manager applications, and represent applications with access to the profiles of the pSIM 1a-18 or eUICC 1a-20. LPA 1a-05 is an application responsible for eUICC control and profile management procedures when communicating with the SM-DP+ 1a-40, UE user 1a-01, and ISD-R 1a-35 in the eUICC 1a-20. LPA 1a-05 can be implemented independently or integrated into another common UE application.

[0089] The LPA 1a-05 can receive Remote Profile Management (RPM) messages transmitted from user input or SM-DP+ 1a-40 and request the installation / activation / deactivation / update of a profile on the eUICC 1a-20. Remote Profile Management (RPM) generally refers to a series of procedures in which profile installation / activation / deactivation / deletion and other functions are performed through commands sent from the SM-DP+ 1a-40 to the UE. RPM can be requested by a mobile network operator, service provider, or the owner of the UE, and the command can be generated by the SM-DP+ 1a-40. Having received user input requesting or allowing management of the corresponding profile, the LPA 1a-05 can send a message to the eUICC 1a-20 based on the user input to manage / control the operation of the eUICC 1a-20.

[0090] The communication modem 1a-15 of the UE is a device that modulates and transmits a signal for information transmission and demodulates and recovers an original signal at a reception side. The modem supporting MEP can be equipped with two or more baseband processors (hereinafter, referred to as "baseband") for wireless communication. The baseband can also be logically implemented within the modem. The modem 1a-15 is connected with the UICC or eUICC through one physical pin (at the time of disclosure of the present disclosure, the ISO 7816 standard is used as a smart card interface), and operates in such a manner that if the modem transmits an application protocol data unit (APDU) command through the interface, the eUICC 1a-20 responds with a result value. The SIM card (pSIM) occupies one baseband of the modem through one physical pin, and one pSIM has one SIM port. The SIM port can be used interchangeably with the SIM card slot, and is defined in GSMA TS.37 as a physical and electronic housing provided on a device for accommodating a physical SIM card. The eUICC 1a-20 supporting MEP is connected with the modem 1a-15 supporting MEP through one physical pin, and a profile in the eUICC occupies one baseband. Each profile communicates with the baseband through one eSIM port.

[0091] In this figure, in the case where the profile 1 1a-25 is activated, the eSIM port 1 is used to occupy the baseband 1, and in the case where the profile 2 1a-30 is activated, the eSIM port 2 is used to occupy the baseband 2, and the pSIM 1a-18 is inserted, but it is intended to indicate a state where there is no connection with the baseband. Meanwhile, the ISD-R 1a-35 is an entity in the eUICC, accessible only by the LPA 1a-05 or the modem, does not occupy the baseband in the modem, and can communicate with the LPA using an independent eSIM port (eSIM port 3 in this figure). Alternatively, the ISD-R 1a-35 can use the eSIM port 1 or the eSIM port 2, or can use any eSIM port without limitation. Meanwhile, as software running on the UE platform, the function of the LPA 1a-05 can be partially integrated into the UE platform. A message transmitted from the LPA 1a-05 to the eUICC 1a-20 can be finally transmitted to the eUICC via the UE platform or the UE platform and the modem 1a-15. When receiving the message, the eUICC 1a-20 performs a profile management operation of the eUICC according to the command transmitted from the LPA.

[0092] Although, for the convenience of description, Figure 1An example is shown in which two profiles (Profile 1 and Profile 2) exist in the eUICC 1a-20. However, it should be noted that more profiles may exist depending on the memory capabilities of the eUICC 1a-20, and this is not limited to this. If the eUICC supports MEP, Profile 1 1a-25 and Profile 2 1a-30 can be activated simultaneously. If the eUICC does not support MEP, either Profile 1 1a-25 or Profile 2 1a-30 can be activated. The ISD-R 1a-35 creates a new ISD-P (meaning a security domain for hosting profiles) and provides the LPA with necessary eUICC data and services, such as local profile management and profile metadata information required for LPA functions.

[0093] Although not included in the Figure 1 The eUICC 1a-20 of UE 1a-03 is shown, but may include certificates required for the eUICC's security domain, such as the root public key of the certificate issuer used to verify the SM-DP+ certificate, the embedded UICC controller security domain (which is a space for storing, for example, the eUICC manufacturer's key set), and the eSIM platform. The UE Framework 1a-10 represents the UE's operating system and exists between the modem and other UE systems, as well as between normal applications and the LPA. The UE Framework 1a-10 obtains information about the eUICC from the modem 1a-15 and stores this information. If a normal application or LPA requests information about the UE or eUICC, the UE Framework 1a-10 responds with this information, or transmits an APDU transmitted from the normal application or LPA to the modem. It also receives a message in response to the APDU from the modem and then transmits the message to the normal application or LPA.

[0094] As described above, the SM-DP+ server 1a-40 represents a server that includes functionality for generating a profile, encrypting a generated profile, generating a profile remote management command, or encrypting a generated profile remote management command, or a server that includes functionality for supporting activation of multiple profiles for a UE. The LPA 1a-05 of the UE 1a-03 can receive the SM-DP+ remote management command from the SM-DP+ server 1a-40 and obtain user consent through interaction with the user 1a-01. The LPA 1a-05 can then transmit the remote management command to the eUICC 1a-20, thereby processing activation / deactivation / deletion / update.

[0095] Figure 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example (case 1) of connection between a modem and a current v2 embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) that does not support multiple enablement profiles (MEPs) in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0096] Figure 3 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example (case 2) of a connection between a modem and a current v2 eUICC that does not support MEP in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0097] In the current v2 eUICC, only one profile can be activated in the eUICC, and it can only perform local profile management of the user without the intervention of the SM-DP+, such as activation / deactivation / deletion / update of pre-installed profiles. Assuming that a physical SIM card is used simultaneously with the eUICC, the modem 1b-01 that does not support MEP can have one or more basebands, but in the current description, a single baseband is assumed.

[0098] During initialization between the UE platform, modem, and eUICC after a UICC reset or profile status change, the UE may generate a channel for APDU transmission between the modem and the eUICC.

[0099] In v2 eUICC 1b-15, only one profile can be active at a time. Figure 2 Case 1 1b-100 shows that profile 11b-20 is activated and profile 2 1b-25 is deactivated, and Figure 3 Case 2 1b-200 shows that Profile 1 1b-20 is deactivated and Profile 2 1b-25 is activated. Case 1 1b-100 is described. If APDU transmission is necessary for the baseband modem mapped to an activated profile, the eUICC 1b-15 may send the corresponding APDU via a single channel of the physical interface 1b-10 connected to the modem 1b-01. If the ISD-R 1b-30 receives a request from the LPA to change the profile state (e.g., an ES10c.EnableProfile(Profile2) request indicating a state change from Case 1 1b-100 to Case 2 1b-200), the ISD-R 1b-30 may send a REFRESH proactive command to the modem 1b-10 to delete the existing cached profile data and restart the application session.

[0100] In addition, if the ISD-R 1b-30 receives an eUICC memory reset request from the LPA, the ISD-R 1b-30 may send an APDU to the modem 1b-10 as a REFRESH proactive command to delete the existing cached UICC data and restart the application session. The APDU sent from the ISD-R 1b-30 to the modem 1b-01 may also be sent via a single channel of the physical interface 1b-10.

[0101] Figure 4 is a view schematically illustrating an example (case 1) of a connection between a modem and a v3 eUICC when the concept of a virtual interface is adopted in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0102] Figure 5 is a view schematically illustrating another example (case 2) of a connection between a modem and a v3 eUICC when the concept of a virtual interface is adopted in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0103] Assumptions Figure 4 and Figure 5 eUICC 1c-20 is an eUICC that supports the MEP function, which can activate multiple profiles at the same time. It is also assumed that modem 1c-01 supports the MEP function. As an example, Figure 4 This describes the context of two basebands and two active profiles. Based on commands received from the UE's SIM management application to the modem via the UE framework, it is possible to switch the mapping between the eSIM port in modem 1c-01 and the baseband. However, the description of Case 1 and Case 2 is limited to mapping the logical UE endpoint in modem 1c-01 to baseband 1c-05 (channel 1) 1-40 and baseband 21c-10 (channel 2) 1-45 to avoid confusion.

[0104] Although the figures show that ISD-Rs share the eSIM ports assigned to specific profiles, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. ISD-Rs may be assigned independently of the eSIM ports assigned to the profiles. Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is assumed that the eUICC 1c-20 is an eUICC that supports the MEP function and can activate multiple profiles at the same time. It is also assumed that the modem 1c-01 supports the MEP function. As an example, Figure 4 This describes the context of two basebands and two active profiles. Based on commands received from the UE's SIM management application to the modem via the UE framework, it is possible to switch the mapping between the eSIM port and the baseband in modem 1c-01. However, the description of Case 1 and Case 2 is limited to mapping the logical UE endpoint in modem 1c-01 to baseband 1c-05 (channel 1) (1-40) and baseband 2 1c-10 (channel 2) (1-45) to avoid confusion.

[0105] Although the drawings show that the ISD-R shares the eSIM port assigned to a specific profile, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the ISD-R may use an eSIM port assigned to the ISD-R that is independent of the eSIM port assigned to the profile.

[0106] As above combined Figure 2 and Figure 3 As described above, the current modem 1a-15 is connected to the eUICC 1a-20 via a single physical pin, and the modem and eUICC use a single channel (1b-10) to send APDU commands via this physical pin. The eUICC 1c-20, which supports MEP, activates multiple profiles, and each activated profile requires APDU transmission using a specific modem baseband. Therefore, a concept can be introduced in which the physical interface 1c-15 used to handle the physical interface 1c-15 is divided into several virtualized interfaces, and multiplexed to send APDUs separately (1c-40 and 1c-45) over each interface.

[0107] For the convenience of the following description, if MEP is supported, a virtualized logical interface is referred to as an eSIM port, and each virtualized logical interface is referred to as eSIM port 1 1c-40 and eSIM port 2 1c-45, respectively. During the UE platform-modem-eUICC initialization process after a UICC reset or profile state change, the UE can generate and open an eSIM port for APDU transmission between the modem baseband and the eUICC, and create a channel. At this time, the UE can set an ID for the eSIM port connected to each baseband. The corresponding port ID can be set by the modem or UE platform and transmitted to the LPA. For the convenience of the description in this disclosure, port ID and port number are used interchangeably. The modem can have as many eSIM ports activated by profile as the number of basebands. When ISD-R uses independent ports, the number of eSIM ports may be greater than the number of basebands (+1).

[0108] When a pSIM occupies one baseband, the number of eSIM ports may be less than the number of basebands (excluding the ports occupied by the pSIM). The number of eSIM ports connected to the profile in the eUICC 1c-20 (hereinafter referred to as "profile eSIM ports") may be equal to or less than the number of profiles that can be activated simultaneously in the eUICC. The profile may use one of the eSIM ports to send APDU messages. Figure 4 In the illustrated scenario 11c-100, the APDU command corresponding to the activated profile 1 1c-25 may be sent to the baseband 1 1c-05 via the eSIM port 1, and the APDU command corresponding to the activated profile 2 1c-30 may be sent to the baseband 2 1c-10 via the eSIM port 21c-45.

[0109] Figure 5In case 2 1c-200 shown, APDU commands corresponding to the activated profile 1 1c-25 can be sent to baseband 2 1c-10 through eSIM port 2 1c-45, and APDU commands corresponding to the activated profile 2 1c-30 can be sent to baseband 1 1c-05 through eSIM port 1 1c-40. The modem 1c-01 supporting MEP can distinguish and process which baseband the APDU commands sent to each eSIM port are connected to. Meanwhile, the ISD-R 1c-35 needs to send APDU commands to the modem to manage the state of the eUICC and profiles. In this case, the ISD-R 1c-35 can send APDU commands in two schemes.

[0110] 1) Multiple selection: During the eUICC initialization process, the LPA or modem can select the ISD-R 1c-35 through multiple eSIM ports. This state can be referred to as multiple selection. In the case of multiple selection, the LPA or modem can perform polling to identify whether there is an APDU to be sent or an event to be processed by the ISD-R 1c-35, or send an APDU command to the ISD-R 1c-35 through one of the eSIM ports that has been selected. The ISD-R 1c-35 can select an appropriate eSIM port and send an active APDU command to the port, depending on whether the received command is a management message corresponding to profile 1 1c-25 or profile 2 1c-30 or a message for the entire eUICC.

[0111] 2) Non-multiple selection: During the eUICC initialization process, the LPA or modem can select the ISD-R 1-35 of only one eSIM port. This state can be referred to as non-multiple selection. In the case of non-multiple selection, an APDU command can be sent to the ISD-R 1c-35 only through one selected eSIM port. In addition, polling can be performed only through the selected one eSIM port to identify whether there is an APDU to be sent by the ISD-R 1c-35 or an event to be processed by the ISD-R 1c-35. In the case of assuming that the ISD-R 1c-35 sends an active APDU command, if the active APDU command is sent to the modem 1c-01 through the eSIM port that has been previously selected, the modem can interpret information about the received command and perform the requested command. It should be noted that, in the case of non-multiple selection, profiles and ports can be shared, or it can exist as a dedicated ISD-R eSIM port that does not share profiles and ports.

[0112] Figure 6 FIG. 1c-200 is a view schematically illustrating an example of an initialization process between a UE and an eUICC in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0113] If an eUICC card is inserted into the UE, the modem 1d-05 recognizes the eUICC 1d-10 and performs activation and cold reset to set the operating environment for the eUICC card, such as power supply, clock synchronization, current, and voltage, for use. Once the operating environment for using the eUICC is set, the eUICC 1d-10 replies to the UE modem 1d-05 with an Answer to Reset (ATR) message. The Answer to Reset message is the first message sent from the eUICC 1d-10 to the UE (or modem 1d-05), and is sent in a continuous chain of message blocks consisting of up to 32 bytes. The eUICC 1d-10 may include information (bits) regarding whether it supports eUICC functions defined in GSMA SGP.22 as one of the message blocks defined as interface bytes in the ATR message, and may reply (1d-20) to the UE. The ATR message may include additional card capabilities, indicating various eUICC capability information, and whether eUICC functions are supported.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the eUICC 1d-10 may reply with an ATR message that includes information about supported transport protocols and whether a change to the transport protocol is possible. Thus, the modem 1d-05 may decide to use the transport protocol supported by the eUICC 1d-10 as is, or, if the ATR includes an identifier indicating the ability to change the transport protocol, may send a request to the eUICC 1d-10 to determine the transport protocol and parameters. This process of negotiating the transport protocol to be used between the modem 1d-05 and the eUICC 1d-10 ultimately determines (1d-30) the transport protocol to be used by the modem 1d-05. The UE (modem) and the card (eUICC) may transmit an Application Protocol Data Unit (APDU) message using the transport protocol T=0 or T=1 defined in ISO 7816-3, as determined by operation 1d-30. An APDU is a data unit consisting of a command-response pair used to process messages from one application to another.

[0115] Modem 1d-05 may send (1d-35) UE Capabilities to eUICC 1d-10. These UE Capabilities include UE capabilities related to the eUICC defined in SGP.22, such as whether the UE supports LPA or enterprise features. Upon receiving the UE Capabilities message, eUICC 1d-10 may receive the tag value of the eUICC-related features in the UE Capabilities, thereby recognizing that the UE supports eUICCs. It then sets appropriate settings in the eUICC and responds with a standard response code of SW (Status Word) 1 = 9X, SW2 = XX as an APDU command. This response is then sent (1d-40) to modem 1d-05. In the SW, X represents a specific number.

[0116] For example, X can be one of SW1=90, SW2=00 and SW1=91, SW2=XX. The modem 1d-05 receiving this message can generate a management channel APDU command for channel opening, send a management channel APDU command (1d-45) to the eUICC 1d-10, and receive a normal response from the eUICC 1d-10 in response, thereby generating a channel for APDU transmission between the modem 1d-05 and the eUICC 1d-10. The ISD-R in the eUICC 1d-10 is a module for managing profiles in the eUICC. Only the LPA can select the ISD-R, which sends / receives APDUs via a specific channel opened in the modem. However, in exceptional cases, if the modem 1d-05 needs to receive additional information from the ISD-R of the eUICC 1d-10 during the initialization process between the modem and the card, the modem 1d-05 can select the ISD-R (1d-50).

[0117] If the modem 1d-05 selects ISD-R, the ISD-R of the eUICC 1d-10 may provide the UE with additional information, including, for example, whether an activated profile exists, as an ISDR proprietary application template (ISDRProprietaryApplicationTemplate), as a value in response thereto. The modem 1d-05, having received the information, transmits (1d-60) the information obtained from the eUICC 1d-10 to the UE framework 1d-01 so that the information can be used by applications of the UE or the system. The UE framework 1d-10 may be referred to as a device framework. Although the figures show that the transmitted information 1d-60 is integrated into the UE framework 1d-01 and is transmitted by the modem 1d-05 after receiving the ISDR proprietary application template, the information obtained at a specific time after the modem 1d-05 obtains the information from the eUICC 1d-10 may be transmitted sequentially or in combination.

[0118] Figures 7-9 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15 Various embodiments of a process in which an eUICC in a wireless communication system provides MEP support information to a UE and determines whether the UE and the eUICC operate with the MEP based on the MEP support information are shown according to various embodiments.

[0119] although Figures 7-9 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15 An example is shown in which the eUICC transmits predetermined information regarding MEP support to a UE (e.g., a UE including a modem) based on each ATR, a reply value for UE capabilities, an ISDR-specific application template, a File Control Parameter (FCP) template received from the eUICC by selecting a Master File (MF) with a Select APDU command sent from the UE to the eUICC, and a reply value for a new logical interface management APDU. It should be noted that one or more reply values ​​for predetermined information determined to be required by the MEP, such as a combination of the ATR and UE capabilities, may also be transmitted to the modem. The reply value may be referred to as a reply message. Figures 7-9 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15 Various embodiments of a process in which an eUICC in a wireless communication system provides MEP support information to a UE and determines whether the UE and the eUICC operate with the MEP based on the MEP support information are shown according to various embodiments.

[0120] although Figures 7-9 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15 An example is shown in which the eUICC transmits predetermined information regarding MEP support to a UE (e.g., a UE including a modem) based on each ATR, a reply value for UE capabilities, an ISDR-specific application template, a File Control Parameter (FCP) template received from the eUICC by selecting a Master File (MF) with a Select APDU command sent from the UE to the eUICC, and a reply value for a new logical interface management APDU. It should be noted that one or more reply values ​​for predetermined information determined to be required by the MEP, such as a combination of the ATR and UE capabilities, may also be transmitted to the modem. The reply value may be referred to as a reply message. Figure 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of an initialization procedure between a UE and an eUICC based on an Answer to Reset (ATR) in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0121] Reference Figure 7As described above, if the eUICC is inserted into the UE, the modem 1e-05 recognizes the eUICC 1e-10 and performs activation and cold reset to set the operating environment for the eUICC card, such as power supply, clock synchronization, current, and voltage, for use of the eUICC card. Once the operating environment for using the eUICC card is set, the eUICC 1e-10 responds to the UE modem 1e-05 with an Answer to Reset (ATR) message. The eUICC 1e-10 may include information on whether it supports the eUICC function defined in GSMA SGP.22 using one of the message blocks defined as the Global Interface Byte within the message block of the ATR message, and may respond to the modem 1e-05 (1e-20).

[0122] Here, if the eUICC 1e-10 supports eUICC functionality and also supports multiple enablement profiles (MEPs), the eUICC 1e-10 may reply with predetermined information necessary to determine whether the modem 1e-05 is permitted to operate using the MEPs. This may be determined by including one or more of whether multiple enablement profiles (MEPs) are supported, the maximum number of eSIM ports that can be opened (or supported), and the number or number of eSIM ports for which the profiles are enabled. Whether MEPs are supported may be determined by a combination of whether the eUICC functionality is included in the ATR and whether logical interfaces are supported. If the ATR includes whether eUICC support is included, the maximum number of logical interfaces that can be opened can be interpreted as being the same as the maximum number of eSIM ports that can be opened. This information may be transmitted in the interface byte of the ATR or in the historical byte transmitted in a block following the interface byte. For example, the maximum number of logical interfaces that can be supported by the historical byte may be indicated in the historical byte, such as the maximum number of logical interfaces in Table A below or the logical interface numbers shown in Tables N and N+1 in Table B.

[0123] The number of logical interfaces can be added as one of types 9 to 15, or as an additional table of type 7 currently defined in the historical byte type (up to 15 types can be defined).

[0124]

Table 1

[0125] Table A

[0126]

[0127]

[0128]

Table 2

[0129] Table B (Table N)

[0130]

[0131]

Table 3

[0132] Table B (Table N+1)

[0133]

[0134] The eUICC 1e-10 can reply with an ATR message that includes information about supported transport protocols and whether it is possible to change the transport protocol. Thus, the modem 1e-05 can determine to use the transport protocol supported by the eUICC card as is, or, if the ATR includes an identifier for the ability to change the transport protocol, send a request to the eUICC 1e-10 to determine the transport protocol and parameters, which are ultimately determined by the modem 1e-05 through a process (1e-25) of negotiating the transport protocol to be used between the modem 1e-05 and the eUICC 1e-10 (1e-30). The UE and the eUICC card can send an Application Protocol Data Unit (APDU) message using the transport protocol T=0 or T=1 defined in ISO 7816-3 determined by the transport protocol determination operation 1e-30. The APDU is a data unit consisting of a command-response pair and can be used to process messages from one application to another.

[0135] After determining the transmission protocol, the modem 1e-05 can send (1e-35) UE capabilities to the eUICC 1e-10, which include the UE's capabilities related to the eUICC defined in SGP.22, such as whether the UE supports LPA or enterprise functions. The eUICC 1e-10 that receives the message can recognize that the UE is a UE that supports the eUICC, and set the eUICC setting value suitable for the UE, and reply with SW1=9X, SW2=XX as the normal response code of the APDU command, and reply to the modem 1e-05 (1e-40). Depending on the specific situation, X of SW may include different numbers. In SW, X can represent a specific number. For example, X can be one of SW1=90, SW2=00 and SW1=91, SW2=XX.

[0136] Taking into account information obtained from the ATR received from the eUICC 1e-10, stored mapping information between basebands and eSIM ports, RAT information for each supported baseband, and at least one of the baseband occupancy status, the modem 1e-05 can ultimately determine (1e-45) the number and / or number of eSIM ports to be opened to activate the profile, and whether to operate with the MEP. The determination of whether a UE (modem) supporting MEP operates with the MEP can be determined for the case where there are two or more eSIM ports for which the profile is enabled based on information received via the ATR, or for the case where the UE modem, LPA, and eUICC all support MEP. Here, the maximum number of profile eSIM ports to be opened can be determined, for example, as the smaller of the maximum number of eSIM ports that can be opened by the eUICC and the number of unoccupied basebands. Therefore, if an ISD-R-dedicated eSIM port is used, the total number of eSIM ports to be opened can be the maximum number of profile eSIM ports plus one.

[0137] If the reply from the eUICC card lacks information (e.g., the number) regarding as many openable profile eSIM ports as possible, the UE may open as many profile eSIM ports as the maximum number of unoccupied basebands. If the modem 1e-05 ultimately determines (1e-45) to operate using the MEP, an APDU command initiating operation using the MEP may be sent (1e-50) to the eUICC 1e-10 as a logical interface management command. For convenience in the following description, the logical interface management command is referred to as a MANAGE PORT APDU command. An example of the MANAGE PORT APDU command may be an APDU command including INS = MANAGE PORT and P1 = Initialization.

[0138] Upon receiving the MANAGE PORT APDU command, the eUICC 1e-10 may recognize that the UE is operating with the MEP, creating an eSIM port, opening a basic channel, and responding with a response message. Alternatively, the eUICC 1e-10, having received the MANAGE PORT APDU command as a response message to a corresponding APDU command in an existing logical interface through which the APDU was sent, may recognize that the UE is operating with the MEP, creating an eSIM port, opening a basic channel, and responding with a response message thereto. Alternatively, the response message to the APDU command may be responded to in the existing logical interface through which the APDU was sent. According to an embodiment, the eUICC 1e-10 may respond (1e-55) with a response message to the MANAGE PORT APDU command, the response message including an Answer to Reset (ATR) corresponding to the logical interface as data.

[0139] The modem 1e-05 may repeatedly request (1e-70) the MANAGE PORT APDU command to open as many additional ports as the number of eSIM ports determined in operation 1e-45. In response, the eUICC 1e-10 may send (1e-75) an Answer to Reset (ATR) corresponding to the logical interface, similar to the response message to the MANAGE PORT APDU command, to initiate an operation utilizing the MEP. The APDU command for opening or creating a port may be an APDU command in which the instruction (INS) value of the APDU header is a value for logical interface management (e.g., manage port), P1 is set to a value corresponding to initialization or opening, and the port number to be set may be included. For example, a port number set to the value of P2 may be specified and transmitted. If a port number is sent without a port number, the eUICC 1e-10 may specify a port number and reply with a response message for the specified number, allowing the modem 1e-05 to map the corresponding number to the opened port number. When a port is opened, a corresponding port opening basic channel may be implicitly defined.

[0140] Meanwhile, the ATR for each logical interface (eSIM port) may not be returned as a response message to the MANAGE PORT APDU command. In this case, the modem 1e-05 may map the ATR collected in operation 1e-20 for each eSIM port in the same manner and transmit the ATR to the UE framework (device framework) 1e-01. In this case, assuming that eSIM port 1 and eSIM port 2 are located in the eUICC at the request of a normal application (app) or LPA for the UE through GetATR() for the eSIM port, the same ATR as the ATR collected in operation 1e-20 may be returned. In addition, if the ATR for each logical interface (eSIM port) is returned as a response message to the MANAGE PORT APDU command, the modem 1e-05 maps the ATR of the corresponding logical interface (eSIM port) for each eSIM port and transmits the ATR to the UE framework 1e-01. For example, assuming that eSIM port 1 and eSIM port 2 are in eUICC 1e-10, eSIM port 1 is mapped to the ATR replied in operation 1e-55, and eSIM port 2 is mapped to the ATR replied in operation 1e-75, and at the request of a normal application or LPA from the UE, the corresponding information can be replied through GetATR() for the eSIM port.

[0141] Meanwhile, if the eUICC 1e-10 receives an APDU command for opening or generating a port, i.e., an APDU command in which the instruction (INS) value of the APDU header is set to a value for logical interface management (e.g., a value corresponding to port management, P1 initialization, or opening), the eUICC 1e-10 performs a processing operation, wherein the port for receiving the APDU received from the corresponding eSIM port is opened and a connection is set, and the corresponding eSIM port is also opened for a basic channel according to the modem card settings. If an activated profile already exists in the eUICC 1e-10, the eUICC 1e-10 may map the eSIM port generated by initialization or opening to the eSIM port for which the profile has been activated and process it.

[0142] In the above process, the modem 1e-05 processes the generation of ports to be used by the ISD-R and then transmits a SELECT APDU (Select APDU) including the ISD-R application identifier (AID) to the eUICC 1e-10 via one of the channels in the generated ports, thereby selecting the ISD-R (1e-60). As described above, if the modem 1e-05 selects the ISD-R during the initialization process, the ISD-R of the eUICC 1e-10 may provide the modem 1e-05 with additional information, including, for example, whether a profile activated using the ISDR PropriertaryApplicationTemplate is present, as a reply value (1e-65). If the modem 1e-05 generates as many ports as the number of eSIM ports determined in operation 1e-45 to the eUICC 1e-10, the modem 1e-05 may transmit a MANAGE PORT APDU command (1e-80) including information regarding the completion of port generation, to notify the eUICC 1e-10 that all eSIM port generation for operation with the MEP has been completed. The MANAGE PORT APDU command for completing the generation of the corresponding port can be expressed as, for example, INS=MANAGE PORT, P1=Initialize Complete (initialization complete).

[0143] At the same time, when the APDU command for port generation completion is received from the modem 1e-05, the eUICC 1e-10 can recognize that the eSIM port generation has been completed. If there is an activated profile in the eUICC, the eUICC can disable the profile to which the eSIM port is not assigned, or can keep the profile active but treat the profile as a disabled profile.

[0144] As described above, the information received by the modem from the eUICC 1e-10 via the ATR can be sent (1e-85) by the modem 1e-05 to the UE framework (device framework) 1e-01. Figure 7 While the information received from the eUICC 1e-10 via the ATR is shown as being transmitted from the modem 1e-05 to the UE framework 1e-01 upon completion of port generation, the information may be transmitted after the modem 1e-05 receives the information from the eUICC 1e-10. In other words, according to various embodiments, the transmission time of the information received from the eUICC 1e-10 via the ATR from the modem 1e-05 to the UE framework 1e-01 may be adjusted as needed.

[0145] Figure 8is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of an initialization procedure between a UE and an eUICC based on UE capability information in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0146] refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 Some of the operations shown can be similar to Figure 7 According to an embodiment, operations 1f-15 to 1f-30 and 1f-45 to 1f-85 may be similar to Figure 7 The operations 1e-15 to 1e-30 and 1e-45 to 1e-85 are performed.

[0147] If the UE supports MEP, the modem 1f-05 may include an identifier of the UE's MEP function support in the UE capabilities and send (1f-35) the identifier to the eUICC 1f-10. The modem 1f-05 may obtain predetermined information required to determine the use of MEP for operation through a response message to the UE capabilities. If the UE capabilities include a MEP support identifier, and the eUICC 1f-10 is an eUICC 1f-10 that supports MEP, the eUICC 1f-10 may reply with SW (status word) 1=9X, SW2=XX as a normal response code in the response message, and may reply with data together with SW1=91, SW2=XX, indicating that there is data in addition to the normal response code. In SW, X may represent a specific number. As in Figure 7 In operation 1e-20 of the method, the data included in the response APDU may be replied (1f-4), including one or more of information about whether multiple enablement profiles (MEPs) are supported, the maximum number of eSIM ports that can be opened, and the number or number of eSIM ports for which the profile is activated. The information about whether the MEP is supported may include an identifier indicating whether the MEP is supported.

[0148] The modem 1f-05 receiving the information may determine (1e-45) whether to operate using the number and / or number of MEPs and profile eSIM ports to be opened to activate the profile based on a combination of the RAT information of each supported baseband and the occupancy status of the baseband, and the information obtained from the UE capability response message received from the eUICC 1f-10. The UE capability response message may include information about whether the eUICC is supported.

[0149] The subsequent process can be Figure 7According to another embodiment, as described above, the modem 1f-05 may finally determine (1f-45) the number and / or number of the eSIM ports to be opened to activate the profile, and additionally consider all or some of the information obtained in the UE capability response APDU received from the eUICC 1f-10, the mapping information between the baseband and the eSIM port, the RAT information of each supported baseband, and the occupancy status of the baseband, whether to operate with the MEP. According to another embodiment, taking into account the reply value of the UE capability received from the eUICC 1f-10, the stored mapping information between the baseband and the eSIM port, the RAT information of each supported baseband, and the occupancy status of the baseband, the modem 1f-05 may finally determine (1f-45) the number and number of the eSIM ports to be opened to activate the profile and whether to operate together with the MEP.

[0150] The method for determining whether a UE (modem) supporting MEP operates with MEP may determine to operate with MEP when it is determined that two or more profile-enabled eSIM ports exist as a response to UE capabilities, or may determine to operate with MEP when the UE modem, LPA, and eUICC all support MEP. The maximum number of profile eSIM ports to be opened, determined in operation 1f-45, may be determined as the smaller of the maximum number of eSIM ports that can be opened by the eUICC and the number of unoccupied basebands in the modem. When using an ISD-R dedicated eSIM port, the total number of eSIM ports to be opened may be the maximum number of profile eSIM ports plus one.

[0151] If the eUICC 1f-10 does not send information about the maximum number of profile eSIM ports that can be opened, the UE may open as many profile eSIM ports as the maximum number of unoccupied basebands. Subsequent operations 1f-50 and 1f-80 may be performed in the same manner as Figure 7 As described above, the information received by the modem 1f-05 from the eUICC 1f-10 via the UE capability response message can be sent (1f-85) by the modem 1f-05 to the UE framework (device framework) 1f-01. Figure 8 The information received from the eUICC 1f-10 is shown to be sent when the port generation is completed, but the information can also be sent after the modem 1f-05 obtains the information from the eUICC 1f-10, as shown above in conjunction with Figure 7 In other words, according to various embodiments, the transmission time of the information received from the eUICC 1f-10 can be adjusted as needed.

[0152] Figure 91 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of an initialization procedure between a UE and an eUICC based on ISD-R provisioning information in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0153] refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 Some operations can be similar to Figure 7 If an eUICC card is inserted into the UE, the modem 1g-05 recognizes the eUICC 1g-10 and performs activation and cold reset to set the operating environment for the eUICC card, such as power supply, clock synchronization, current, and voltage, for use. If the operating environment for using the eUICC is set, the eUICC 1g-10 replies to the UE modem 1g-05 with an Answer to Reset (ATR) message. The ATR is the first message sent from the eUICC card to the UE, and is sent in a continuous chain of message blocks consisting of up to 32 bytes.

[0154] The eUICC 1g-10 may include information regarding whether the eUICC functions defined in GSMA SGP.22 are supported via one of the message blocks defined as interface bytes in the ATR message, and may reply (1g-20) to the modem 1g-05. According to an embodiment, the eUICC 1g-10 may reply with an ATR message including information indicating supported transport protocols and whether it is possible to change the transport protocol. Thus, the modem 1g-05 may determine to use a transport protocol supported by the eUICC card, or, if the ATR includes an identifier for the ability to change the transport protocol, may send a request to the eUICC 1g-10 to determine the transport protocol and parameters. Ultimately, the modem 1g-05 determines (1g-30) the transport protocol to be used between the modem 1g-05 and the eUICC 1g-10 through a process (1g-25) of negotiating the transport protocol to be used between the modem 1g-05 and the eUICC 1g-10. The UE and the eUICC can send Application Protocol Data Unit (APDU) messages using the transmission protocol T=0 or T=1 defined in ISO 7816-3 as determined by operation 1g-30. An APDU is a data unit consisting of a command-response pair and can be used to process messages from one application to another.

[0155] The modem 1g-05 transmits (1g-35) a message including UE capability to the eUICC 1g-10, the UE capability including capability in the UE related to the eUICC defined in SGP.22, such as whether the UE supports LPA or supports enterprise function. The eUICC 1g-10 receiving the UE capability message can identify that the UE is a UE supporting the eUICC, and set a setting value suitable for this in the eUICC, and reply with SW1=9X, SW2=XX as a normal response code of the APDU command, and reply (1g-40) to the modem 1g-05. In the SW, X can indicate a specific number. For example, X can be one of SW1=90, SW2=00 and SW1=91, SW2=XX. The modem 1g-05 receiving the response message can generate a management channel APDU command for channel opening, and transmit (1g-45) the management channel APDU command to the eUICC 1g-10. When a normal response as a response to the management channel APDU command is received from the eUICC 1g-10, the channel generation of the APDU transmission between the modem 1g-05 and the eUICC 1g-10 is completed. The ISD-R in the eUICC 1g-10 is a module for managing profiles in the eUICC. Only the LPA can select the ISD-R, and the ISD-R can transmit / receive the APDU through one selected channel.

[0156] According to an embodiment, if the modem 1g-05 needs to receive additional information from the ISD-R of the eUICC 1g-10 in the initialization process between the modem and the eUICC card, the modem 1g-05 can select (1g-50) the ISD-R. If the modem 1g-05 selects the ISD-R, the eUICC 1g-10 including the ISD-R can provide (1g-55) a reply value including whether there is an enabled profile, whether the MEP is supported, the maximum number of profile eSIM ports that can be opened, and the number or number of profile eSIM ports enabled through the ISDR proprietary application template to the modem 1g-05. The modem 1g-05 receiving the information receives information (through the ATR in Figure 7 or Figure 8 the ISDR proprietary application template received through Figure 7 Figure 8 ​the UE capability in the response value (or response message) received) and the information obtained by the UE, determines whether to operate with the MEP, and specifies the number and number of eSIM ports to be opened (1g-60). If the modem 1g-05 determines to operate with the MEP by the determination (1g-60), the modem 1g-05 transmits an initialization APDU command for managing a port to the eUICC 1g-10, thereby notifying of the operation with the MEP while requesting to generate a port. The eUICC 1g-10 receiving the MANAGE PORT message can generate an eSIM port (as an embodiment, eSIM port 1) to be used by the ISD-R, map the channel generated in the operation 1g-45 to the channel of the eSIM port to be used by the ISD-R, and reply with a response message (1g-65). The response message in the operation 1g-65 can include ATR information on the logical interface.

[0157] Thereafter, the modem 1g-05 can specify the number as many as the number of eSIM ports determined in the operation 1g-60, and transmit a request (1g-70) for the eSIM port for connecting the open APDU command for the MANAGE PORT to the profile of the eUICC 1g-10. The eUICC 1g-10 can open new eSIM ports as many as the number of open APDU commands requested in response to the request in the operation 1g-70. According to an embodiment, if the number of open APDU commands requested is 1, eSIM port 2 can be opened. As described above with reference to Figure 7As described above, the number of ports to be opened can be specified, included, and sent in the corresponding Open MANAGE PORT APDU command. If transmitted without a port number, the eUICC can specify the port number and reply with a response value. If the eUICC 1g-10 opens the generated eSIM port, completes the connection, and replies, the modem 1g-05 can send an Initialization Complete (1g-75) via the MANAGE PORT command to notify the eUICC 1g-10 that all necessary ports have been opened and that all eSIM port opening requests using the MEP have been completed. Upon receiving the Initialization Complete message with the MEP, the eUICC 1g-10 can disable the profile mapped to the unassigned eSIM port among the ports of the self-activated profile. A profile can also be considered disabled while maintaining the profile in the enabled state. At the same time, the modem 1g-05 can transmit (1g-80) status information about the connected eUICC to the UE framework (device framework) 1g-01, such as the ISD-R use eSIM port finally determined by referring to the information obtained from the eUICC 1g-10 and the generated profile eSIM port # (the number of eSIM ports or the corresponding number of the eSIM ports), so that the status information can be used in the application of the UE or the system.

[0158] Figure 10 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a connection between a modem and an eUICC for maintaining existing settings upon restart in a UE supporting MEP in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0159] When the UE is powered off and then back on, or a removable eUICC is inserted into the UE, thereby resetting and restarting the UE and eUICC, the MEP-supported modem 1h-01 and the MEP-supported eUICC 1h-05 can perform a process to maintain the association between the baseband, eSIM port, and profile before restarting. After receiving ES10c.enabledProfile (profile ID or application ID to be activated, port number) to activate a profile for a specific eSIM port, the eUICC can activate the profile and store the mapping information between the profile and eSIM port in the profile metadata. As described above, if an eSIM port with a profile enabled exists during the initialization process between the UE and eUICC 1h-05, the eUICC 1h-05 can reply to the modem 1h-01 with the eSIM port number for the profile enabled using one of the following: ATR, UE Capability Response Message, ISDR Specific Application Template, FCP Template, and Logical Interface Management APDU Response. At the same time, the modem 1h-01 can retain the previously set baseband-eSIM port mapping information, and upon receiving information about the eSIM port for which the profile is enabled from the eUICC 1h-05, it can re-establish a connection to the eSIM port provided by the eUICC 1h-05 and process the mapping to the same eSIM port. Figure 10 An example implementation thereof is shown.

[0160] According to various embodiments, Figure 10In the present invention, it is assumed that in a modem 1h-01 supporting MEP, baseband 1 (supporting 4G) is connected to eSIM port #1, baseband 2 (supporting 5G) is connected to eSIM port #2, and in an eUICC 1h-05 supporting MEP, profile 1 is activated in eSIM port #2, and profile 2 is activated in eSIM port #1. If a reboot is performed to perform initialization between the UE and the card, the eUICC 1h-05 may reply to the modem 1h-01 with the eSIM port numbers #1 and #2, for which profiles were enabled during the initialization process with the UE, using at least one of a UE capability response message, an ISDR proprietary application template, a logical interface management APDU, and an FCP template. Upon receiving information confirming whether modem 1h-01 is operating with a MEP, the modem may identify at least two or more eSIM ports required for profile connection creation based on previously stored eSIM port-to-baseband mapping information, and may assign eSIM port #1 to baseband 2 (5G) and eSIM port #2 to baseband 1 (4G). If the received port number does not map to a pre-stored port number (e.g., when a removable eUICC is inserted), the UE may determine that the corresponding eUICC is a new one, remap the port number, and proceed with the initialization process. Simultaneously, eUICC 1h-05 may process the connection based on the eSIM port number-to-profile mapping information previously stored as profile information, allowing Profile 2 to be activated on eSIM port #1 and Profile 1 to be activated on eSIM port #2.

[0161] Figure 11 is a view schematically illustrating operations of a UE and an eUICC when a user changes an eSIM port to a pSIM in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0162] A UE supporting MEP may be a UE that supports only eUICC or a UE that supports both eUICC and SIM card (pSIM). If the UE supports both eUICC and physical SIM card (pSIM), it is also possible for the UE to switch to pSIM instead of an active profile. Figure 11 In this example, it is assumed that although three profiles are activated in the MEP-supporting eUICC 1i-01, one of them is replaced with a pSIM. According to an embodiment, as a result of UE and card initialization, the modem 1i-05 can map the eSIM ports corresponding to the SIM slots generated for connection with the profiles, such as eSIM port 1 = SIM1, eSIM port 2 = SIM2, and eSIM port 3 = SIM3, and provide them to the UE framework 1i-10. In the UE application (app) 1i-15, the profile can be equivalently represented as a physical SIM card.

[0163] The user may choose to use the physical SIM card 1i-25 instead of the profile 1 1i-30 activated in the eSIM port #1 through a UI provided from a UE application (eg, a SIM card manager application).

[0164] Upon receiving the corresponding request, the UE application 1i-15 requests the LPA 1i-20 to deactivate SIM1.

[0165] Upon receiving the command, LPA 1i-20 sends a command to the eUICC 1i-01 requesting deactivation of the profile assigned to the eSIM port as a dedicated eSIM port with ISD-R 1i-45 (here, eSIM port #4 is assigned), i.e., Profile 1, obtains the result, and replies to the UE Application 1i-15.

[0166] The UE application sends a close command for the port to the UE framework. Upon receiving the close command, the modem closes the port and sends a MANAGE PORT APDU command for close to the eUICC (e.g., as a MANAGE PORT APDU command, P1 = Close, P2 = [port number to close, e.g., Port #1]). The eUICC 1i-01 may optionally reply with a result to the modem 1i-05 and close the connection for eSIM Port #1. The modem may associate the pSIM with baseband 1, mapping it as pSIM = SIM 1, Profile 2 = SIM 2, and Profile 3 = SIM 3, and reply with the result to the UE framework. The UE framework may use this to re-reply the UE application. Meanwhile, the modem 1i-05 may maintain the eSIM port close rather than process it. In this case, without sending the MANAGE PORT APDU command for close to the eUICC, the modem may later map to SIM 1 in the UE F / W, causing the received message to be connected to the pSIM. In the event that there is a message sent from the eUICC via the eSIM port #1 to the modem 1i-05, this should be ignored so as not to be processed, however, in the event that the message received at the eSIM port #1 is a REFRESH command sent by the ISD-R, it may be exceptionally allowed to be processed.

[0167] The UE application may represent and display the physical SIM card 1i-25 as activated instead of the profile 11i-30 activated in the eSIM port #1. Later, when the application requests information about the SIM slots from the UE framework, the UE framework may recognize the mapping as pSIM = SIM 1, profile 2 = SIM 2, and profile 3 = SIM 3 and reply.

[0168] At the same time, through the UI of the UE application, the user can switch the pSIM to an active profile. For example, in the figure, pSIM 1i-25 can also be replaced with profile 1 1i-30, and two profiles can be activated in the eUICC 1i-01 supporting MEP.

[0169] In this case, as a result of UE and card initialization, the modem 1i-05 can map the eSIM port generated for connection with the profile to the corresponding SIM slot, such as pSIM = SIM 1, eSIM port 2 = SIM 2, and eSIM port 3 = SIM 3, and provide it to the UE framework 1i-10. In the UE application 1i-15, the profile can be equivalently represented as a physical SIM card.

[0170] The user may choose to activate and use the profile 1 1i-30 instead of the physical SIM card 1i-25 through a UI provided from a UE application (eg, a SIM card manager application).

[0171] The UE application 1i-15 that receives the request may request the modem 1i-05 to process the SIM port closure (e.g., P1 = closure as a MANAGE CHANNEL APDU command) and open the port to be used in profile 1 1i-30 (e.g., P1 = open as a MANAGE PORT APDU command) through the UE F / W 1i-10. The modem 1i-05 may maintain rather than process the SIM port closure.

[0172] Upon receiving the command, the modem may close the connection to the SIM port, change the setting to eSIM Port 1 = SIM 1, and reply this information to UE F / W 1i-10 so that the UE application 1i-15 or LPA 1i-20 can be informed. Furthermore, the modem may send a port open (e.g., as a MANAGE PORT APDU command with P1 = OPEN) to the eUICC 1i-01, thereby creating a new port. The UE application 1i-15 requests the LPA 1i-20 to activate the profile in SIM 1 (eSIM Port 1). Upon receiving the request, the LPA 1i-20 sends a command to the eUICC 1i-01 requesting the eSIM port to activate Profile 1, as a dedicated eSIM port (here, eSIM Port #4 is assigned), i.e., Profile 1, with ISD-R 1i-45, receives the result, and replies to the UE application 1i-15 with the result. The UE application may represent and display the activated profile 1 1i-30 in the eSIM port #1 instead of the physical SIM card 1i-25.

[0173] Figure 12is a view schematically illustrating an example of an internal structure of a UE in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0174] Reference Figure 12 , the UE may include at least one of a controller 1j-10, a transceiver 1j-05, a display 1j-15 and an eUICC 1j-20.

[0175] The transceiver 1j-05 may correspond to a modem as described in the present disclosure and may transmit / receive signals with SM-DP+.

[0176] The UE's controller 1j-10 may control the states and operations of all components of the UE described in this disclosure to perform operations according to various embodiments. For example, the controller 1j-10 may control at least one of the LPA, modem, and eUICC to perform operations according to various embodiments.

[0177] According to various embodiments, the display 1j-15 may display all or part of the port information, profile status information, a profile list, or available RAT information to the user.

[0178] The eUICC 1j-20 may be controlled by the LPA or the controller 1j-10, and in various embodiments, the eUICC may execute each management command and transmit proactive commands to, for example, a modem. The eUICC 1j-20 may be configured as a device separate from the UE and may include a separate controller and a separate transceiver. When the eUICC 1j-20 is configured as a separate device, the operations of the eUICC according to various embodiments may be controlled to be performed by a separate controller included in the eUICC.

[0179] Refer to the following Figure 13 Another example of the internal structure of a UE in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments is described.

[0180] Figure 13 is a view schematically illustrating another example of an internal structure of a UE in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0181] Figure 13 The embodiment of the UE shown in FIG. 5 is for illustration purposes only, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0182] like Figure 13As shown, the UE may include an antenna 1305, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver 1310, a transmit (TX) processing circuit 1315, a microphone 1320, and a receive (RX) processing circuit 1325. The UE also includes a speaker 1330, a processor 1340, an input / output (I / O) interface (IF) 1345, a touch screen 1350, a display 1355, and a memory 1360. The memory 1360 includes an operating system (OS) 1361 and one or more applications 1362.

[0183] RF transceiver 1310 receives an incoming RF signal transmitted from a base station in the network via antenna 1305. RF transceiver 1310 downconverts the incoming RF signal to generate an intermediate frequency (IF) or baseband signal. The IF or baseband signal is sent to RX processing circuitry 1325, which filters, decodes, and / or digitizes the baseband or IF signal to generate a processed baseband signal. RX processing circuitry 1325 sends the processed baseband signal to speaker 1330 (e.g., for voice data) or processor 1340 (e.g., for web browsing data) for further processing.

[0184] The TX processing circuit 1315 receives analog or digital voice data from the microphone 1320 or other outgoing baseband data (e.g., network data, email, or interactive video game data) from the processor 1340. The TX processing circuit 1315 encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IF signal. The RF transceiver 1310 receives the processed baseband or IF signal output from the TX processing circuit 1315 and up-converts the baseband or IF signal into an RF signal to be transmitted via the antenna 1305.

[0185] The processor 1340 may include one or more processors or other processing devices and may execute the OS 1361 stored in the memory 1360 to control the overall operation of the UE. As an example, the processor 1340 may control the RF transceiver 1310, the RF processing circuit 1325, and the TX processing circuit 1315 to receive downlink channel signals and transmit uplink channel signals according to known principles. According to some embodiments, the processor 1340 includes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.

[0186] According to various embodiments, the processor 1340 controls overall operations related to an initialization scheme between a UE and an eUICC, so that several profiles can be simultaneously activated and used even on a UE equipped with one eUICC in a wireless communication system.

[0187] According to various embodiments, the processor 1340 controls the overall operation related to a scheme for transmitting predetermined information for supporting MEP from the eUICC to the UE in a wireless communication system, wherein the predetermined information includes the number of eSIM ports with enabled profiles or their respective numbers and all or some of the maximum number of eSIM ports that can be opened.

[0188] According to various embodiments, the processor 1340 controls the overall operation related to a scheme for determining whether to operate as a MEP by, for example, a combination of predetermined information about MEP support obtained by the UE from the eUICC in a wireless communication system, the number of available basebands, and the radio access technology (RAT) of each baseband, and determines settings such as the number of eSIM ports to be opened, the numbers to be allocated to the eSIM ports, and the eSIM ports using ISD-R.

[0189] According to various embodiments, the processor 1340 controls overall operations related to a scheme for transmitting information from the UE to the eUICC in a wireless communication system, the information being set and determined as to whether to operate as a MEP.

[0190] According to various embodiments, the processor 1340 controls overall operations related to a scheme in which, in a wireless communication system, the eUICC identifies an operation as a MEP, generates an eSIM port and allocates a number, maps the eSIM port number to a profile, determines the eSIM port to be used by the ISD-R, and replies a processing result to the UE.

[0191] According to various embodiments, the processor 1340 controls overall operations related to a scheme for generating as many eSIM ports as the number of eSIM ports determined by the UE in a wireless communication system and then replying the eUICC to operate as a MEP by terminating the initialization procedure.

[0192] According to various embodiments, when a user deactivates one of the profiles activated in the eUICC supporting the MEP and uses the pSIM in the wireless communication system, the processor 1340 controls the overall operation related to a scheme for closing the eSIM port connection generated by the UE and processing the connection with the corresponding pSIM.

[0193] According to various embodiments, the processor 1340 controls overall operations related to a scheme in which, in a wireless communication system, the eUICC recognizes an eSIM port close request, processes the eSIM port close request, and then replies a result to the modem.

[0194] The processor 1340 can move data into or out of the memory 1360 as needed by the running process. According to some embodiments, the processor 1340 is configured to execute an application 1362 based on an OS program 1361 or in response to a signal received from a base station or operator. The processor 1340 is coupled to an I / O interface 1345, and the I / O interface 1345 provides the UE with connectivity to other devices (e.g., laptops and handheld computers). The I / O interface 1345 is a communication path between these accessories and the processor 1340.

[0195] Processor 1340 is also connected to a touch screen 1350 and a display 1355. An operator of the UE can input data into the UE using the touch screen 1350. Display 1355 can be a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode display, or other display capable of presenting text and / or at least limited graphics (e.g., from a website).

[0196] The memory 1360 is connected to the processor 1340. A portion of the memory 1360 may include a random access memory (RAM), and the rest of the memory 1360 may include a flash memory or a read only memory (ROM).

[0197] although Figure 13 An example UE is shown, but various changes may be made thereto. For example, Figure 13 The various components of the processor 1340 may be combined together, each component may be further divided, or some components may be omitted, or other components may be added as needed. As an example, the processor 1340 may be divided into multiple processors, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) and one or more graphics processing units (GPUs). Although in Figure 14 The UE is configured similar to a mobile phone or smartphone, but the UE can be configured to operate as different types of mobile or stationary devices.

[0198] Figure 14 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of an initialization procedure between a UE and an eUICC based on an FCP template in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0199] refer to Figure 14 , Figure 7 Some operations can be similar to Figure 7 According to the embodiment, it can be similar to Figure 14 The operation is performed from 1e-15 to 1e-30 and from 1e-45 to 1e-85 Figures 7 to 9 Operations 1n-15 to 1n-30 and 1n-45 to 1n-85.

[0200] Although not combined Figure 7Description is made, but the modem 1n-05 may receive the ATR and then implicitly send an APDU to the eUICC 1n-10 to select (1n-31) a Master File (MF). The modem 1n-05 may request that an FCP template be sent as a reply value to the APDU sent to select the MF. The reply value may be included in a response message sent to the APDU to select the MF. Through the FCP template, the eUICC 1n-10 may reply with predetermined information required to determine the operation using the MEP. The predetermined information may include one or more of whether multiple enabling profiles (MEPs) are supported, the maximum number of eSIM ports that can be opened, the number and number of eSIM ports for which the profile is activated, and the eUICC ID (EID), similar to the one provided by Figures 7 to 9 The information sent by the ATR in (1n-32).

[0201] The modem 1n-05 may send (1n-35) a message including UE capabilities to the eUICC 1n-10, including capabilities related to the eUICC defined in SGP.22, such as whether the UE supports LPA or enterprise features. Upon receiving the UE capabilities message, the eUICC 1n-10 may recognize that the UE supports eUICCs, set appropriate eUICC settings, and reply with a normal response code of SW (Status Word) 1 = 9X, SW2 = XX as the UE capabilities, and reply (1n-40) to the modem 1n-05. In SW, X represents a specific number. For example, X may be one of SW1 = 90, SW2 = 00 and SW1 = 91, SW2 = XX. The modem 1n-05, receiving the information included in the FCP template, may determine to operate with a MEP based on a combination of the baseband occupancy status and RAT information for each supported baseband, and may determine (1n-45) the number and number of profile eSIM ports to be opened to activate the profile.

[0202] The subsequent process can be Figure 14 The method for determining whether a UE (modem) supporting MEP operates with MEP may determine to operate with MEP when it is determined based on the reply information of the selected MF regarding operation 1n-31 that there are two or more eSIM ports with enabled profiles, or may determine to operate with MEP when the UE modem, LPA, and eUICC all support MEP. Although Figures 7 to 9 It is shown that the determination of whether to utilize the MEP operation is performed in operation 1n-45, but the modem 1n-05 may receive whether the MEP is supported from the eUICC 1n-10 and then determine whether to use the MEP operation at a specific time before opening the logical interface.

[0203] The maximum number of profile eSIM ports to be opened determined in operation 1n-45 may be determined as the smaller of the maximum number of eSIM ports that can be opened by the eUICC 1n-10 and the number of unoccupied baseband ports. Here, when an ISD-R dedicated eSIM port is used, the total number of eSIM ports to be opened may be the maximum number of profile eSIM ports plus 1.

[0204] If the eUICC 1n-10 does not send information about the maximum number of profile eSIM ports that can be opened, the UE may determine the number of profile eSIM ports to be opened so as to open as many ports as the maximum number of unoccupied basebands. The subsequent procedures 1n-50 to 1n-85 may be performed in the same manner as Figure 15 1n-05 is processed in the same or similar manner as disclosed in

[14] . As described above, the information 1n-32 (which is a response message for selecting an MF) received by the modem 1n-05 from the eUICC 1n-10 via the FCP template can be transmitted (1n-85) by the modem 1n-05 to the UE framework (device framework) 1n-01. Although the figure shows that the information received from the eUICC 1n-10 is transmitted to the UE framework 1n-05 upon completion of port generation, the information received from the eUICC 1n-10 can also be transmitted immediately after the modem 1n-05 obtains the information from the eUICC 1n-10. In other words, according to various embodiments, the transmission timing of the information received from the eUICC 1n-10 and the UE framework 1n-01 can be adjusted as needed.

[0205] Figure 15 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of an initialization procedure between a UE and an eUICC based on a new logical interface management APDU and its response in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0206] refer to Figure 15 , Figure 7 Some operations can be similar to Figure 7 According to the embodiment, it can be similar to Figure 15 The operation 1e-15 to 1e-40 and 1e-50 to 1e-85 is performed Figure 15 Operation 1o-15 to 1o-40 and 1o-50 to 1o-85. Figure 15 FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of an initialization procedure between a UE and an eUICC based on a new logical interface management APDU and its response in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments.

[0207] refer to Figure 15 , Figure 7Some operations can be similar to Figure 7 According to the embodiment, it can be similar to Figure 15 The operation 1e-15 to 1e-40 and 1e-50 to 1e-85 is performed Figure 14 Operations 1o-15 to 1o-40 and 1o-50 to 1o-85. Combined with Figures 7 to 9 As described above, the modem 1o-05 may receive (1o-20) the ATR from the eUICC 1o-10, and then implicitly transmit an APDU for selecting an MF to the eUICC, and may request that an FCP template be transmitted as a reply value to the transmitted APDU. The FCP template is an APDU supported by the eUICC, and may be replied to include information on whether the APDU is supported for managing a new logical interface.

[0208] Alternatively, the modem 1o-05 may explicitly notify (1o-35) a new APDU supported by the UE capability, or provide the eUICC 1o-10 with information on whether the MEP is supported, thereby notifying the eUICC 1o-10 of whether the APDU for managing a new logical interface for operating with the MEP is supported. According to one embodiment, the modem 1o-05 may send a logical interface management APDU to the eUICC 1o-10 (1o-41). The eUICC 1o-10 may reply to the modem 1o-05 with at least one of whether the MEP is supported, the maximum number of supported eSIM ports, the number of eSIM ports for which the profile is enabled (the number of eSIM ports or their corresponding numbers), and the EID, as predetermined information necessary for determining operation with the MEP, in response to the logical interface management APDU (the reply value of the new APDU for logical interface management) (1o-42).

[0209] According to various embodiments, after receiving the ATR, the modem 10-05 may connect to the eUICC 10-10 for a card session. From the time the session is connected, the modem 10-05 and the eUICC 10 enter a state where they can transmit APDUs. Therefore, upon receiving information regarding whether a new APDU supports MEP support or whether the MEP is supported, as well as information regarding whether the eUICC 10-10 is supported, the modem 10-05 may transmit an APDU command for new logical interface management to the eUICC 10-10 at a specific time after receiving the ATR, and receive configuration information regarding MEP support to determine (10-45) whether to operate with the MEP. The specific time after receiving the ATR may be before transmitting UE capabilities or performing MF selection.

[0210] The modem 1o-05 receiving information from the eUICC 1o-10 can determine to operate with the MEP based on a combination of the occupancy status of the baseband and the RAT information of each supported baseband, and determine (1o-45) the number of profile eSIM ports to be opened to activate the profile.

[0211] The subsequent process can be Figure 15 The method for determining whether a UE (modem) supporting MEP operates with MEP may determine to operate with MEP when it is determined based on the reply information 10-42 about the logical interface management APDU that there are two or more eSIM ports with enabled profiles, or may determine to operate with MEP when the UE modem, LPA, and eUICC all support MEP. Although Figures 7 to 9 It is shown that the determination of whether to operate with MEP is performed in operation 1o-45, but the modem 1o-05 can receive whether MEP is supported from the eUICC 1o-10 and then determine whether to operate with MEP at a specific time before opening the logical interface.

[0212] In operation 10-45, the maximum number of profile eSIM ports to be opened may be determined as the smaller of the maximum number of eSIM ports that can be opened by the eUICC and the number of unoccupied baseband ports. Here, when using an ISD-R dedicated eSIM port, the total number of eSIM ports to be opened may be the maximum number of profile eSIM ports plus 1.

[0213] If the eUICC 10-10 does not send information about the maximum number of profile eSIM ports that can be opened, the UE may determine the number of profile eSIM ports to be opened so as to open as many ports as the maximum number of unoccupied basebands. The subsequent procedures 10-50 to 10-85 may be performed in the same manner as ​ As described above, the information 1o-42 received by the modem 1o-05 from the eUICC 1o-10 can be transmitted (1o-85) by the modem 1o-05 to the UE framework (device framework) 1o-01. Although the figure shows that the information received from the eUICC 1o-10 is transmitted to the UE framework 1o-05 upon completion of port generation, the information received from the eUICC 1o-10 can also be transmitted immediately after the information is obtained from the eUICC 1o-10 via the modem 1o-05. In other words, according to various embodiments, the transmission time of the information received from the eUICC 1o-10 to the UE framework 1o-01 can be adjusted as needed.

[0214] According to various embodiments, the UE may be an electronic device, and the electronic device may be various types of devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a household appliance. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

[0215] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to specific embodiments, but rather include various variations, equivalents or alternatives of the corresponding embodiments. With respect to the description of the accompanying drawings, similar figure numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It should be understood that the singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or more things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B or C" may include all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase. As used herein, terms such as "1st" and "2nd" or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another component without limiting the component in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It should be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being "coupled with," "coupled to," "connected to," or "connected to," regardless of whether the term "operably" or "communicatively" is used, it means that the element can be coupled to the other element directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or via a third element.

[0216] As used herein, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms, such as "logic," "logic block," "portion," or "circuit." A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions, or its smallest unit or portion. For example, according to one embodiment, the module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0217] The various embodiments set forth herein can be implemented as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory or external memory) that is readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, a processor of a machine (e.g., a computer) can invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked by the processor. The one or more instructions can include a code generated by a compiler or an interpretable code by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium can be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein, the term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0218] According to an embodiment, a method according to the various embodiments of the disclosure can be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product can be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or be distributed online via an application store (e.g., Google Play Store TM ) or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). If distributed online, at least a portion of the computer program product can be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store, or a relay server.

[0219] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components can include a single entity or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components can be omitted, or one or more other components can be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) can be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component can still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component can be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more operations can be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations can be added.

[0220] In the above detailed description, the components included in the disclosure are expressed in singular or plural form depending on the specific embodiment provided. However, the singular or plural form is chosen to fit the context suggested for ease of description, and the disclosure is not limited to the singular or plural components. As used herein, the singular forms "one," "a," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0221] Although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described above, various changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure should not be limited to the above-described embodiments but should be defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0222] Although the disclosure has been described with various embodiments, various changes and modifications can be suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: The embedded universal integrated circuit card eUICC included in the UE indicates support for eUICC functions and support for multiple logical interfaces in the reset response ATR global interface byte; Sending an Application Protocol Data Unit (APDU) associated with the logical interface to the eUICC; and receiving first response data from the eUICC in response to the APDU, the first response data including a maximum number of embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) ports supported for the enabled profile, The total number of eSIM ports used by the eUICC is the number of eSIM ports used for profile activation plus one eSIM port dedicated to the Issuer Security Domain Root ISD-R.

2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising, after opening the at least one eSIM port, sending, by the modem, a first message including information indicating that the port creation is complete to the eUICC.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: sending, by the modem, a second message to the eUICC indicating that the at least one eSIM port is open; and A third message including a reply to the reset is received by the modem from the eUICC, wherein the third message corresponds to the logical interface through which the second message was sent.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Sending commands associated with the logical interface to the eUICC; and A second response message including the ATR value is received from the eUICC.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The command includes at least one of information related to the reset and an indication of an eSIM port to be configured.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Information related to a plurality of enabled profile MEP characteristics is received by the modem from the eUICC.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one eSIM port is opened based on the indicated support for the plurality of logical interfaces.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The modem sends UE capability information to the eUICC.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Receiving, by the modem, information about supported transport protocols from the eUICC; and The transmission protocol is determined by the modem based on information about supported transmission protocols.

10. A user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, comprising: An embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) configured to indicate support for eUICC functions and support for multiple logical interfaces in the Answer to Reset (ATR) global interface byte; and A modem operatively coupled to the eUICC, the modem being configured to: Sending the Application Protocol Data Unit (APDU) associated with the logical interface to the eUICC, and receiving first response data from the eUICC in response to the APDU, the first response data including a maximum number of embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) ports supported for the enabled profile, The total number of eSIM ports used by the eUICC is the number of eSIM ports used for profile activation plus one eSIM port dedicated to the Issuer Security Domain Root ISD-R.

11. The UE according to claim 10, wherein: The modem is further configured to, after opening at least one eSIM port, send a first message including port creation completion information to the eUICC.

12. The UE according to claim 11, wherein: The modem is also configured to: sending a second message to the eUICC indicating that the at least one eSIM port is open, and A third message including a reply to the reset is received from the eUICC, wherein the third message corresponds to the logical interface through which the second message was sent.

13. The UE according to claim 10, wherein: The modem is also configured to: sending commands associated with the logical interface to the eUICC; and A second response message including the ATR value is received from the eUICC.

14. The UE according to claim 13, wherein: The command includes at least one of information related to the reset and an indication of an eSIM port to be configured.

15. The UE according to claim 10, wherein: The modem is further configured to receive information related to a plurality of enabled profile MEP features from the eUICC.

16. The UE according to claim 10, wherein: The modem is further configured to open at least one eSIM port based on the indicated support for the plurality of logical interfaces.

17. The UE according to claim 10, wherein: The modem is also configured to send capability information about the UE to the eUICC.

18. The UE according to claim 10, wherein: The modem is also configured to: Receive information about supported transport protocols from the eUICC, and The transport protocol is determined based on the information about supported transport protocols.

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