Establishing and maintaining cellular data communications using remote subscriber identity module profiles

Abstract

Methods and systems for establishing data communications at a network device are disclosed. The method includes identifying, by the network device, a cellular network. Thereafter, the network device sends a request for an embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) profile of the cellular network to an MSA. The MSA may or may not have an eSIM profile available to the cellular network. When an eSIM profile of the cellular network is available, the network device receives the eSIM profile information from the MSA. The network device then sends a request for data communication access to the cellular network using the eSIM profile information to obtain data communication access through the cellular network. The network device may include at least one universal integrated circuit card (UICC) and / or an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC).

Description

This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202180001330.0 and name “Establishing and maintaining cellular data communications using a remote subscriber identity module profile”. Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of cellular communications, and more particularly to a method and system for establishing a cellular network connection at a network device through multiple wireless communication modules (WCMs) using embedded subscriber identification module (eSIM) technology. Background Art

[0002] The use of embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) (also known as eSIM) in consumer and machine-to-machine (M2M) network devices is becoming more and more common. For example, M2M devices may include cellular routers, hubs, servers, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc., and consumer devices may include smartphones, tablets, smart watches, and game consoles. Unlike traditional UICCs (commonly referred to as removable subscriber identity modules (SIMs) or SIM cards) that can be transferred between multiple devices, eUICCs are designed to be non-removable, that is, they are embedded or soldered to the electronic circuit board of the device. The eUICC can be provided with one or more eSIM profiles. Each eSIM profile may include a unique international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) number that authenticates the subscriber to the mobile network operator (MNO).

[0003] In the case of a removable SIM card, switching between MNOs may be accomplished by removing the SIM card and then inserting another SIM card from the desired MNO. When a user is visiting a geographic area other than the user's home geographic area, the user may prefer to switch to an MNO that is local to the visited geographic area to avoid roaming charges. The term "home geographic area" is used to refer to the geographic area in which a user / subscriber has his or her wireless service account. The term "visited geographic area" is used to refer to a geographic area other than the user's / subscriber's home geographic area in which the user or subscriber is roaming.

[0004] In such cases, obtaining a SIM card from the local MNO of the visited geographic area may be cumbersome because the user may need to visit a point of sale (POS) and go through a user verification and authentication process by providing nationality information, user-specific information, and other required information. Since the user is in the geographical area being visited, it may be difficult to pass these verification processes and the user may not be allowed to obtain a SIM card. This problem can be solved by the latest technologies (such as virtual SIM technology, remote SIM technology, etc.). In the virtual SIM technology, a virtual SIM from the local MNO of the visited geographical area can be provided to the user, and in the visited geographical area, the MNO checks the validity of the user information by communicating with the MNO of the user's home geographical area to which the user subscribes.

[0005] In remote SIM technology, one or more SIM storage devices (such as MSA) are used to store a large number of SIM cards from MNOs in different geographical areas. Therefore, when a user wants to access a cellular network provided by a local MNO in the visited geographical area, the MSA provides the user device (e.g., a network device) with SIM information of the local MNO in the visited geographical area in order to use the data communication services of the MNO. However, this system may have some disadvantages; a SIM slot and its backend circuit system are required for storing each SIM card. Therefore, the more SIM cards are stored, the larger the size of the MSA becomes, and the associated costs may increase. As such, it would be desirable to implement eSIM technology with an MSA. However, using an eSIM in an MSA may require methods and systems for downloading eSIM profiles, managing eSIM profiles in an MSA, managing an MSA, and utilizing eSIM profiles by one or more network devices. Summary of the invention

[0006] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention discloses a method and system for establishing data communication at a network device using an eSIM profile. The method includes identifying a cellular network by the network device. Thereafter, the network device sends a request for the eSIM profile of the cellular network to an MSA. The MSA may or may not have an eSIM profile available for the cellular network. When the MSA has an eSIM profile available for the cellular network, the MSA sends all or part of the eSIM profile information to the network device. The network device receives the eSIM profile information from the MSA. The network device then sends a request for data communication access to the cellular network using the eSIM profile information. When the request is accepted, the network device obtains data communication access through the cellular network. The network device includes at least one SIM interface, and the at least one SIM interface can be configured to connect to at least one removable SIM. The network device may also include one or more eUICCs.

[0007] In one exemplary aspect, the method further comprises receiving, at the network device, an authentication request from the cellular network after sending the request for data communication access. The network device then forwards the authentication request to the MSA. The method further comprises receiving authentication information from the MSA in response to the authentication request. The authentication information is provided to the MSA by an eUICC storing the eSIM profile. The eUICC may be housed in the MSA. The network device then forwards the authentication information to the cellular network.

[0008] In one exemplary aspect, the whole or part of the information of the received eSIM profile includes an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). In another exemplary aspect, the identification of the cellular network is achieved by performing a scan using an available WCM placed in the network device. In another exemplary aspect, the WCM is unable to download the eSIM profile.

[0009] In another exemplary aspect, the method further comprises receiving a negative response from the MSA when the eSIM profile of the cellular network is not determined to be available at the MSA. In another exemplary aspect, the MSA accommodates a plurality of eUICCs. Each of the plurality of eUICCs is capable of storing a plurality of eSIM profiles. In another exemplary aspect, the identities of the plurality of eUICCs are recorded in an eSIM profile lookup table stored in a storage unit of the MSA.

[0010] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method and a corresponding system for establishing data communication at a network device are disclosed. The method includes identifying one or more available cellular networks by the network device. Then the network device selects a first group of cellular networks from the identified one or more cellular networks. Thereafter, the network device sends a request to the MSA to query the availability of eSIM profiles of cellular networks in the first group of cellular networks. The request for the query includes the identity of the cellular network in the first group of cellular networks. When at least one eSIM profile of the first group of cellular networks is available at the MSA, the network device receives information of a second group of cellular networks from the MSA. Thereafter, the network device selects at least one cellular network from the second group of cellular networks based on at least one condition. Then the network device sends a request for data communication access to the selected at least one cellular network. If the request for data communication access is accepted by the selected at least one cellular network, the network device obtains data communication access.

[0011] In an exemplary aspect, the method further includes, after sending the request for data communication access to the selected at least one cellular network, receiving a request for subscriber identity information at the network device from the selected at least one cellular network. The network device then forwards the request for subscriber identity information to the MSA. Thereafter, the network device receives subscriber identity information from the MSA in response to the request for subscriber identity information. The network device then forwards the subscriber identity information to the selected at least one cellular network. Thereafter, the network device receives an authentication request from the selected at least one cellular network. The network device forwards the authentication request to the MSA. The network device then receives authentication information from the MSA in response to the request for authentication information. The MSA receives the authentication information from at least one eUICC storing at least one eSIM profile of the selected at least one cellular network. The network device then forwards the authentication information to the selected at least one cellular network.

[0012] In one exemplary aspect, the method further comprises receiving a negative response from the MSA when at least one eSIM profile of the first set of cellular networks is not available at the MSA. In one exemplary aspect, the method further comprises sending a notification including the negative response to an administrator when the negative response is received.

[0013] In another exemplary aspect, the first set of cellular networks and the second set of cellular networks may include one or more cellular networks. In another exemplary aspect, the method further comprises when the second set of cellular networks includes a cellular network, selecting the cellular network and not applying the at least one condition. In an exemplary aspect, the second set of cellular networks includes an identity of a cellular network, an eSIM profile of the cellular network being available at the MSA.

[0014] In one exemplary aspect, the identification of the one or more cellular networks is achieved by performing a scan at the network device in its current geographic area using an available WCM placed in the network device. In one exemplary aspect, the at least one eUICC is placed in the MSA. In one exemplary aspect, when the request for subscriber identity information is based on a threshold signal strength level for the at least one condition. In another exemplary aspect, the at least one condition is further based on one or more of the following: a tariff cost IMSI of a cellular network, the subscriber identity information includes at least one International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) of at least one available eSIM profile of the selected at least one cellular network.

[0015] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method and a corresponding system for downloading an eSIM profile at an MSA are disclosed. The method includes receiving a request to initiate an eSIM profile download at the MSA. The method also includes selecting an eUICC from a plurality of eUICCs. The MSA then retrieves the eUICC ID information of the selected eUICC. Thereafter, the MSA sends a request for downloading the eSIM profile to a network device. The network device then downloads at least one eSIM profile from at least one available cellular network in its geographic area and sends the at least one eSIM profile to the MSA. Thereafter, the MSA receives information of the at least one eSIM profile from the network device. The method also includes installing the at least one eSIM profile on the selected eUICC.

[0016] In an exemplary aspect, the request for eSIM profile download includes the eUICC ID information of the selected eUICC and other associated information that the MNO may need to provide the eSIM profile. In an exemplary aspect, the eUICC ID information includes a unique identification number for identifying the selected eUICC. In an exemplary aspect, the plurality of eUICCs are placed in the MSA. In an exemplary aspect, the MSA is remotely located from the network device.

[0017] In one exemplary aspect, the request to initiate eSIM profile download is received from an MSA management server. The MSA management server is connected to the MSA using an interconnect network. In another exemplary aspect, the request to initiate eSIM profile download is received from an administrator or a user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. The accompanying drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting in scope; the following description will describe the present invention in more detail. The use of the same reference numerals in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

[0019] Figure 1A is a schematic block diagram illustrating the hardware blocks of an exemplary MSA.

[0020] Figure 1B is a schematic block diagram illustrating hardware blocks of an exemplary network device.

[0021] Figure 1C An exemplary network connection established between an MSA and a network device is shown.

[0022] Figure 1D is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary MSA management server.

[0023] Figure 2A is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary network environment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the exemplary network environment being operable to utilize multiple SIMs for data communications.

[0024] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram showing a more detailed view of an exemplary cellular network operated by an MNO.

[0025] Figure 3 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for downloading at least one eSIM profile in an MSA including multiple eUICCs according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for decoding a machine-readable code at an external device and sending the decoded data to an MSA or a network device.

[0027] Figure 5 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for obtaining a threshold number of eSIM profiles to be stored in an MSA corresponding to an MNO.

[0028] Fig. 6A is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for establishing at least one cellular network connection at a network device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6B is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for establishing one or more cellular network connections at a network device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for downloading at least one eSIM profile in an MSA according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig. 8A is a process flow diagram illustrating exemplary communications between an MSA, an MSA management server, a network device, and an MNO when downloading an eSIM profile onto one or more eUICCs placed in an MSA.

[0032] Figure 8B is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for downloading an eSIM profile in an MSA according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 9 An exemplary eSIM profile lookup table according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Fig.10 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for updating an exemplary eSIM profile lookup table according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig.11 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for performing an eSIM profile lookup in an eSIM profile lookup table according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In the subsequent description, many specific details are set forth for illustrative purposes in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it is apparent that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. Therefore, the following description should not be considered to limit the scope of the present invention. In some exemplary scenarios, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessary obscurity of the present invention.

[0037] For the purposes of this specification, an MNO is a service provider of a cellular network that owns or controls or owns and controls the cellular network and all necessary elements (including backhaul infrastructure, billing, customer service, provision of computer systems) to provide wireless voice and data communication services to its subscribing mobile users. An MNO is also known as a wireless service provider, wireless operator, cellular company, cellular network service provider, or mobile network operator.

[0038] A cellular network operated by an MNO may be implemented using multiple radio access networks connected to a core network. Each regional portion of a cellular network may contain multiple base stations (also referred to as network elements). An MNO may provide telecommunication services based on one or more technical standards, such as Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), CDMA-2000 (Code Division Multiple Access 2000), and 5th Generation (5G).

[0039] The core network of the cellular network may be connected to one or more backend servers that provide backend services. The backend services may include business support systems (BSS) and / or embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) subscription management servers (e.g., SM-DP+). In some exemplary embodiments, the eSIM subscription management server may also be referred to as a profile providing server. For example, the services provided by the BSS may include product management, order management, revenue management, and customer management. The services provided by the SM-DP+ may include creating an eSIM profile in response to a valid eSIM profile request and securely providing the eSIM profile to the user device for loading onto the eUICC.

[0040] The processing unit executes program instructions or code segments for implementing embodiments of the present invention. In addition, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, program instructions for performing the necessary tasks may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0041] A processing unit, such as processing units 101, 155, and 181, may be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), any combination of those devices, or any other circuit system that can be configured to execute program instructions to implement the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0042] A system bus may carry signals between a main component (e.g., a processing unit) and peripheral components or between peripheral components. A system bus may include multiple signal lines connecting components inside or outside the device. A system bus disclosed herein may be implemented using any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus, a peripheral bus, or a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures.

[0043] Figure 1A 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating hardware blocks of an exemplary MSA, such as MSA 100. MSA 100 includes multiple eUICCs 116. The eUICCs may be adhered to MSA 100 and may not be removable. It is generally known that an eUICC may be used to store and utilize multiple SIM profiles (i.e., eSIM profiles). For example, eUICC 116a may be used to store eSIM profiles 111a-b, eUICC 116b may be used to store eSIM profiles 111c-d, and eUICC 116c may be used to store eSIM profile 111e.

[0044] An eSIM profile contains all the necessary information for dialing into a cellular network so that the corresponding device can obtain telecommunication services from the MNO of the cellular network. For example, each eSIM profile may contain information such as a unique International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number that authenticates the subscriber to the cellular network, an Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID), a Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN), cellular network specific data, and security authentication information. An eSIM profile can be used to perform the same functions as a removable SIM or SIM card. An eSIM profile may also be referred to as an electronic SIM.

[0045] MSA 100 may further include one or more SIM interfaces. The SIM interface can be connected to a removable SIM. For illustration purposes, an exemplary SIM interface is SIM interface 117, and an exemplary removable SIM is removable SIM 112. The removable SIM may be a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC). SIM interface 117 may be connected to a SIM slot for placing or accommodating a removable SIM.

[0046] Optionally, MSA 100 may also include at least one WCM, such as WCM 106. In some exemplary embodiments, when the Figure 3 When the method in (discussed later) uses MSA to download the eSIM profile, the MSA should include WCM. However, in some exemplary embodiments, when the eSIM profile is downloaded according to Figure 7 , 8a or 8b (discussed later) use the MSA to download the eSIM profile, the MSA may not need to include a WCM. The WCM 106 can be configured to use either the eSIM profile or the removable SIM to access the cellular network each time. However, to reduce design complexity, it is preferred that the WCM 106 uses one or more dedicated removable SIMs or eSIM profiles. The WCM 106 may be a WCM with profile download (PD) capability. A WCM with profile download capability is a WCM that can download an eSIM profile.

[0047] In some exemplary scenarios, the MSA may include multiple WCMs, wherein at least one of the multiple WCMs is a WCM with profile download capability, and the other WCMs may be WCMs without profile download capability. A WCM without profile download capability is a WCM that cannot download an eSIM profile. A WCM such as WCM 106 may be connected to an embedded / external antenna to perform transmission and reception of radio signals through the antenna. In a variant, WCM 106 is removable so that it is attached to MSA 100 in a manner that can be flexibly removed and reattached.

[0048] The processing unit (e.g., processing unit 101) of MSA 100 may be connected to SIM interface 117, eUICC 116, WCM 106, and other hardware components, such as network interfaces 103a and 103b using a system bus (e.g., system bus 115). However, in some exemplary scenarios, when processing unit 101 has sufficient pins, processing unit 101 may be directly connected to some of the peripheral hardware components, such as one or more of the SIM interface, eUICC, WCM, and / or storage unit; therefore, the system bus may not be used. Processing unit 101 may be directly connected to main memory unit 110 and system bus 115. Processing unit 101 may execute program instructions or code segments stored in main memory unit 110 for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] The MSA 100 may also optionally include a camera module, such as the camera module 114. According to some exemplary embodiments, when the MSA is used to read a machine-readable code using a code reading application stored in a storage unit of the MSA, the camera module may be used to scan the machine-readable code. The MSA may be used to read the machine-readable code in order to activate eSIM profile download. There is no limitation on the hardware components that may be connected to the processing unit of the MSA 100.

[0050] Figure 1B 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating hardware blocks of an exemplary network device (such as network device 150) according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Network device 150 may include at least one SIM interface (such as SIM interface 157), and the at least one SIM interface is capable of connecting at least one removable SIM, such as removable SIM 152. Optionally, network device 150 may also include at least one eUICC (such as eUICC 156), and the at least one eUICC is capable of storing multiple eSIM profiles, such as eSIM profiles 151a and 151b.

[0051] The network device 150 may also include multiple WCMs, such as WCM 161. WCM 161 may include at least one WCM with a profile download capability (such as WCM 161a), and the remaining WCMs may be WCMs without a profile download capability (such as WCM 161b and 161c). The WCMs without a profile download capability may be used to establish a cellular network connection using a removable SIM or eSIM profile.

[0052] One of the goals of using WCMs without profile download capabilities in network devices is to reduce the number of WCMs with profile download capabilities to reduce the manufacturing cost of WCMs with profile download capabilities, because WCMs without profile download capabilities are relatively cheaper than WCMs with profile download capabilities. The reduction in manufacturing cost of such network devices may also lead to a reduction in the cost of implementing M2M network infrastructure using such network devices. Another benefit of using WCMs without profile download capabilities may be that the need for hardware changes in legacy network infrastructures may be reduced when such network infrastructures are updated to use the latest technologies (such as eSIM technologies), because in legacy network infrastructures, the most used network devices include WCMs without profile download capabilities.

[0053] like Figure 1B As shown, the network device 150 may include a processing unit (such as processing unit 155) to execute program instructions or code segments stored in a memory unit (such as memory unit 160) or stored in a storage unit (such as storage unit 153). For illustrative purposes, the memory unit 160 is directly connected to the processing unit 155. The memory unit 160 may also be connected to the processing unit 155 via a system bus (such as system bus 154). The system bus 154 may also be used to connect the processing unit 155 with other peripheral hardware components, such as WCM 161a, 161b and 161c, network interfaces 158a and 158b, storage unit 153, eUICC 156 and SIM interface 157. Optionally, the processing unit 155 may also be connected to a camera module (such as camera 159), which may be used to scan machine-readable codes. In a variant, when the processing unit 155 has enough pins to connect these components, the above-mentioned peripheral hardware components may also be directly connected to the processing unit 155, so the system bus may not be used.

[0054] Figure 1CAn exemplary network connection established between MSA 100 and network device 150 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown. For example, MSA 100 and network device 150 can be connected through network connection 132 or 134 established by an interconnected network (such as interconnected network 138). Interconnected network 138 can represent a public interconnected network (such as the Internet), a private interconnected network, or a mixture of public and private interconnected networks. In some exemplary embodiments, the terms "interconnected network" and "Internet" can be used interchangeably. For example, using TCP / UDP protocols, network connections 132 and 134 can be established using an IP network through a wired and / or wireless network, which enables MSA 100 and network device 150 to connect through interconnected network 138. In a variant, network connections 132 and 134 can be aggregated together to form an aggregated connection, such as aggregated connection 136. There is no limit to the number of network connections that can be used in an aggregated connection. Further, there is no limit to the number of network connections that can be established between MSA 100 and network device 150. There is also no limitation on the location of MSA 100 and network device 150. MSA 100 and network device 150 may be located in different geographical areas.

[0055] like Figure 1A As shown, MSA 100 may optionally include a WCM (such as WCM 106), and Figure 1B As shown, the network device 150 may include multiple WCMs (such as WCM 161). The multiple WCMs 161 may include multiple WCMs without profile download capabilities (such as WCM 161b and 161c) and at least one with profile download capabilities, such as WCM 161a. In one scenario, when the MSA 100 does not include a WCM or includes a WCM in another scenario, it is still not possible to download an eSIM profile from the geographic area that the network device 150 is visiting, and a WCM with profile download capabilities from the network device 150 can be used.

[0056] According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 7 , 8a and 8b show a more detailed disclosure of how the eSIM profile of the local cellular network of the visited geographic area of ​​the network device can be downloaded in the MSA using the network device. One of the goals of downloading the eSIM profile (in the MSA) from the local cellular network of the visited geographic area of ​​the network device can be to establish a cellular network connection using the eSIM profile by the network device and thereby enjoy the local rates of the visited geographic area.

[0057] Figure 1D2 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary MSA management server (such as MSA management server 216). MSA management server 216 includes at least one processing unit 181 and at least one main memory unit 185. Processing unit 181 can be directly connected to memory unit 185. MSA management server 216 can further include at least one secondary storage unit 182 and multiple network interfaces 183a and 183b. Secondary storage unit 182 and network interfaces 183a and 183b can be connected to processing unit 181 directly or through a system bus (such as system bus 186).

[0058] Optionally, the processing unit 181 of the MSA management server 216 can also communicate with Figure 1D Other internal or external hardware devices are not shown to avoid obscuring the description. Other internal or external hardware devices may include one or more input devices, one or more output devices, a camera module, one or more SIM interfaces, and / or one or more sensors, such as thermal sensors, position sensors, touch sensors, and / or motion sensors.

[0059] Figure 2A 212a and 212b.

[0060] There are three cellular networks, namely cellular networks 201a-201c shown. Each cellular network can provide communication coverage for a corresponding geographical area using cellular technology. Cellular networks 201a-201c can be operated by the same or different MNOs. For example, cellular networks 201a-201c can be operated by MNOs A, B, and C, respectively.

[0061] The network device 200 can be connected to Figure 1BThe illustrated network device 150 is similar or identical. The network device 200 can communicate with the web server 208, the network node 210, the MSA 212, and the MSA management server 216 through the interconnection network 217. The interconnection network 217 can be similar or identical to the interconnection network 138. The network device 200 can be connected to the interconnection network 217 through one or more cellular network connections established by the cellular networks 201a-201c. The one or more cellular network connections can be established using any eSIM profile from the MSA 212 or using a removable SIM placed in the network device 200. When an eSIM profile is used to establish a cellular network connection through a cellular network, the eSIM profile should be from the same MNO that operates the cellular network. For example, when an eSIM profile is used to establish a cellular network connection through the cellular network 201a, the eSIM profile used should be from MNO A.

[0062] Optionally, Figure 2A Satellite bearer networks are also included, such as satellite bearer network 205. Satellite bearer network 205 may include one or more of geostationary satellites or low earth orbit satellites. For example, network device 200 may be within the corresponding coverage of satellite bearer network 205, and may be connected to interconnection network 217 via one or more satellite data connections established by satellite bearer network 205.

[0063] Optionally, network device 200 can also be connected to one or more wired communication networks. An exemplary wired communication network can include at least one network node 209. Network device 200 can be connected to interconnected network 217 by using one or more wired data connections established by one or more network nodes (including network node 209).

[0064] The network device 200 may be connected to one or more hosts via a direct physical connection or via a connected local area network (LAN). For illustration purposes, the network device 200 is directly connected to the host laptop 206 and is connected to the host IoT 204 via the LAN 202. The hosts 204 and 206 may be connected to the interconnected network 217 or a host or server reachable via the interconnected network 217 via the network device 200. Thus, the network device 200 acts as a gateway between the hosts (206, 204) and the interconnected network (217) to allow data packets to be routed through one or more cellular network connections established on the cellular networks 201a-201c.

[0065] Figure 2B201a. For example, the exemplary cellular network is a cellular network 201a operated by MNO A. For illustration purposes, the cellular network 201a may include a core network 230, a base station 229, a business support system (BBS) 224, a web portal 226, and an eSIM subscription management server (e.g., SM-DP+) 222. In some embodiments, the eSIM subscription management server may also be referred to as a profile setting server. The eSIM subscription management server may be controlled by the MNO, the manufacturer of the eUICC, or a third-party wireless communication service provider.

[0066] The core network 230 may be connected to the BSS 224, the web portal 226, the base station 229, and the SM-DP + server 222 through a WAN or LAN connection established by a WAN or LAN interface. The network device 200 may access the core network 230 through the interconnection network 217 or the base station 229.

[0067] The interconnected network 217 may also be used by the MSA management server 216, the cellular network 201a, the network device 200, and the MSAs 212a-b to communicate data via a wide area network (WAN) connection. The network device 200 may communicate data with the interconnected network 217 or with a host reachable via the interconnected network 217 via one or more wired or wireless network connections. The wireless network connection may be established using Wi-Fi, WiMax, Bluetooth, or a cellular network. In some exemplary environments, due to the universal availability, wide coverage, and flexibility of use of the network device 200, the user of the network device may prefer the network device to connect to the interconnected network 217 via a cellular network. For example, the cellular network may be the cellular network 201a. In order to connect to the interconnected network 217 via the cellular network 201a, the network device 200 may need to access the core network 230 of the cellular network 201a. When the network device 200 has at least one eSIM profile or removable SIM of an available MNO A, the network device 200 may access the core network 230 via a base station 229 of the cellular network 201a. At least one eSIM profile may be stored in at least one eUICC placed in at least one MSA accessible locally or remotely by the network device 200. A removable SIM may be placed in a SIM slot connected to a processing unit of the network device 200 via a SIM interface.

[0068] However, when the network device 200 does not have at least one eSIM profile or removable SIM of MNO A available, the network device 200 may send a request for an eSIM profile to the cellular network 201a. In this exemplary scenario, the network device 200 may be connected to the core network 230 of the cellular network 201a through the interconnection network 217 to send the request. Continuing with the exemplary scenario, the network device 200 may be connected to the interconnection network 217 through a wired or wireless network connection. The wireless network connection may be established using Wi-Fi (RTM), Bluetooth (RTM), or a different cellular network, for which the network device 200 has at least one eSIM profile or removable SIM available. For example, a request for an eSIM profile of MNO A may be sent through a web portal 226 provided by MNO A to its potential customers or subscribers. In a variant, the request may be sent using an application provided by MNO A. The application may be used to be downloaded by MNO A in the web portal 226 or may be built-in by the manufacturer of the eUICC or the network device 200. When the eSIM profile is received in response to the request, the network device 200 may access the core network 230 through the base station 229 using the eSIM profile information. Therefore, the network device 200 is able to connect to the interconnection network 217 or a host reachable through the interconnection network 217 through the cellular network 201a. The present invention disclosed herein may be advantageous for reducing data communication costs and increasing flexibility in establishing data connections using cellular networks in a visited geographic area.

[0069] Figure 3 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for downloading at least one eSIM profile to an MSA including multiple eUICCs according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 The disclosed process may be performed by a processing unit of an MSA. The MSA may include at least one WCM with configuration file download capability, the at least one WCM with configuration file download capability connected to the processing unit of the MSA directly or through a system bus. For illustration purposes, an exemplary MSA is MSA 100, and processing unit 101 is a processing unit of MSA 100, such as Figure 1A In a variant example, when the network device includes at least one eUICC, Figure 3 The disclosed process is performed by a processing unit of a network device.

[0070] In process 301, the MSA 100 receives the network address of the web portal of the MNO (such as the web portal 226 of MNO A). The network address of the web portal can be retrieved from the machine-readable code or from an over-the-air (OTA) message sent by MNO A. The machine-readable code can be received by email from MNO A or collected by an administrator or user of the MSA from an offline point of sale of MNO A. The machine-readable code can be in the form of a quick response (QR) code, an Aztec code, a MaxiCode, or any other form of a machine-readable code. The processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 can retrieve the machine-readable code using a code reader application capable of reading the above-mentioned machine-readable codes.

[0071] In one variation, the MSA 100 may not receive the machine-readable code directly from the MNO A. The machine-readable code may first be received at an external device connected to the MSA 100. The external device may have a code reader application for decoding and a camera module for scanning the machine-readable code. The decoded data of the machine-readable code may then be received by the MSA 100 from the external device via near field communication (NFC) technology, a LAN, a WAN, or a console connection.

[0072] In process 302, the MSA 100 uses the website address from the machine-readable code to access the web portal 226 and request an eSIM profile. In process 303, in response to the eSIM profile request, the MSA 100 may receive a user information request and subscription plan options provided by MNO A. The information required as user information may vary based on the MNO. For example, some common information required by the MNO includes the primary location of use, name, contact details, social security number, date of birth, billing information, etc. The provided subscription plans may be shown on the web portal. For example, some subscription plans may be used only for voice communications, some subscription plans may be used only for data communications, and some subscription plans may be used for both voice communications and data communications. There is no limit to the number of subscription plans shown in the options; it depends entirely on the MNO. Each subscription plan may have a different pricing level. In a variant, in process 303, MNO A may also require an eUICC ID. The eUICC ID is an eUICC ID identification code and is used to uniquely identify the eUICC.

[0073] In process 304, the MSA 100 sends the user information and the subscription plan selection. When the MNO A requires an eUICC ID, the MSA 100 may also send the eUICC ID of the eUICC selected from the plurality of eUICCs. The MSA 100 may receive the user information from the user or the administrator through an input unit connected to the MSA 100. In a variant, the user information may have been stored in a storage unit of the MSA 100, and after process 303, in process 304, the MSA 100 may retrieve the user information and send the user information to the MNO A.

[0074] In process 305, when the provided user information is verified by MNO A, MSA 100 may receive an instruction to download an eSIM profile corresponding to the specified subscription plan. On the other hand, when the user information cannot be verified by MNO A, a notification of verification failure may be received. In that case, MSA 100 may notify the user or administrator of the verification failure and wait for further instructions from the user or administrator. In a variant example, after notifying the user or administrator of the verification failure, MSA 100 may stop Figure 3 The described method may be run in standby mode.

[0075] However, for illustration purposes, in this exemplary scenario, it is assumed that the user information provided by the MSA 100 is verified by the MNO A and an instruction to download the eSIM profile is received. Therefore, in process 306, according to the instruction provided by the MNO A, the MSA 100 can download the eSIM profile and install the eSIM profile on the eUICC to which the eSIM profile is assigned. The eSIM profile can be assigned to the eUICC based on its eUICC ID. When the MSA 100 accesses the web portal 226, the MNO A can detect the eUICC ID. In one variant, the eUICC ID can be sent together with the user information as disclosed in process 304. When the eUICC ID of the selected eUICC is sent in process 304, the received eSIM profile will be installed on the selected eUICC. In another variant, the eUICC ID of the selected eUICC can be sent together with the eSIM profile request in process 302. Once the eSIM profile is successfully downloaded and installed on the selected eUICC, the eSIM profile can be used to establish a cellular network connection through MNO A's cellular network 201a.

[0076] Figure 41 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for decoding a machine-readable code at an external device and sending the decoded data to an MSA or a network device. For illustrative purposes, the decoded data is sent to an MSA (such as MSA 100). The process shown herein can be stored as program instructions in a memory unit and can be executed by a processing unit connected to the memory unit. The memory unit and the processing unit can be placed in an external device. The external device can also include at least one camera module to scan the machine-readable code. The external device can be a computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a smart phone. The machine-readable code can be initially provided by the MNO by mail, in a voucher, or using any other applicable means.

[0077] In process 401, a machine-readable code is scanned using at least one camera module placed in an external device. The machine-readable code may be displayed on a printed medium such as paper, a sticker, or a voucher. Alternatively, the machine-readable code may be displayed on an electronic display unit.

[0078] In process 402, the machine-readable code is decoded using a code reading application to retrieve the encoded data. The code reading application may be stored in a memory unit of the external device.

[0079] At process 403, a connection is established between the external device and the MSA 100. The connection may be established using NFC, LAN, WAN, or a console line. It is not limited that process 403 should be performed after process 402. Process 403 may also be performed before process 401 or 402.

[0080] At process 404, the decoded data of the machine-readable code is sent to the MSA 100. When the external device is connected to the MSA 100 through a WAN connection, the decoded data should be encapsulated in one or more encapsulated IP packets before sending the decoded data to the MSA 100. When the decoded data is encapsulated in one or more encapsulated IP packets, the MSA 100 may need to decapsulate the one or more encapsulated packets before retrieving the decoded data from the machine-readable code. The MSA 100 may then use the decoded data to activate the MSA 100, such as Figure 3 The discussed eSIM profile download does not limit the decoded data to be sent only to the MSA. In a variant, the decoded data can also be sent to a network device, such as network device 150.

[0081] Figure 55 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for obtaining a threshold number of eSIM profiles to be stored corresponding to an MNO. For illustrative purposes, the eSIM profiles are stored in one or more eUICCs placed in an MSA, such as MSA 100. When an eSIM profile is received at MSA 100, the method starts from process 501. In process 502, MSA 100 identifies the MNO of the received eSIM profile. The MNO can be identified using its MNO ID. The MNO ID can be a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID consisting of a Mobile Country Code (MCC) and a Mobile Network Code (MNC). For illustrative purposes, the eSIM profile is received from MNO A.

[0082] In process 503, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 determines the total number of eSIM profiles of MNO A stored in the MSA 100. The total number of eSIM profiles of MNO A is equal to the sum of the eSIM profiles of MNO A stored in one or more eUICCs placed in the MSA 100 and the received eSIM profile. It should be noted that one or more eUICCs may store eSIM profiles from different MNOs (e.g., from MNO B or MNO C), and when counting the total number of eSIM profiles of MNO A, the eSIM profiles from different MNOs will not be counted. The processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 may determine the number of eSIM profiles of MNO A stored in one or more eUICCs placed in the MSA 100 from an eSIM profile lookup table. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the eSIM profile lookup table includes all or part of the information of all eSIM profiles stored in one or more eUICCs placed in the MSA 100. The eSIM profile lookup table may be stored in a storage unit placed in the MSA 100 or connected thereto.

[0083] In process 504, the MSA 100 compares the total number of stored eSIM profiles of MNO A with a threshold number of eSIM profiles to be stored corresponding to the MNO. The threshold number of eSIM profiles to be stored corresponding to the MNO may be manually set by a user or administrator of the MSA 100 or set by default by the manufacturer of the MSA. The threshold number of eSIM profiles to be stored corresponding to the MNO should be lower than or equal to the number of eUICCs placed in the MSA 100.

[0084] In process 505, the MSA 100 determines whether a threshold number of eSIM profiles to be stored for an MNO has been reached. The threshold is reached when the total number of stored eSIM profiles for MNO A is equal to the threshold number of eSIM profiles to be stored for an MNO. For example, the threshold number of eSIM profiles to be stored for an MNO is five, and the total number of stored eSIM profiles for MNO A is three; therefore, the threshold is not reached.

[0085] When the threshold is not reached, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 follows the Figure 5 The "No" branch is taken and process 506 is executed. In process 506, an eUICC that has not stored the eSIM profile of MNO A is selected from one or more eUICCs placed in MSA 100, and a request is sent to MNO A to obtain the eSIM profile of the selected eUICC. The request for the eSIM profile may include the eUICC ID and user information of the selected eUICC. Figure 3 The exemplary method discussed or according to Figure 7 8 (discussed later) performs the operations of requesting an eSIM profile and downloading an eSIM profile. After executing process 506, processes 501-505 are repeated. Continuing with this example, after repeating processes 501-505 once, the total number of stored eSIM profiles of MNO A becomes 4. When according to the example, the threshold number of eSIM profiles to be stored corresponding to the MNO is five; therefore, the threshold has not been reached. Therefore, process 506 is performed again. Iterate process 506 until the threshold is reached, and at each repetition, select an eUICC that has not yet stored the eSIM profile of MNO A.

[0086] According to an example, when the total number of stored eSIM profiles of MNO A becomes five, the threshold is reached. When the threshold number of eSIM profiles corresponding to the MNO to be stored is reached, the method ends. One of the benefits of storing the threshold number of eSIM profiles corresponding to the MNO may be the ability to establish a desired number of cellular network connections through the cellular network of the MNO and thereby increase the speed of data communication. For illustration purposes, when the MSA 100 stores five eSIM profiles of MNO A in five eUICCs, the five eSIM profiles may be used by one or more network devices to simultaneously establish at least five cellular network connections.

[0087] Fig. 6A1 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for establishing at least one cellular network connection at a network device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For example, at least one cellular network connection will be established at the network device 150.

[0088] In process 601, the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 identifies at least one cellular network available in its current geographic area. The at least one cellular network can be identified by performing a scan by the network device 150 using an available WCM. The WCM can be placed in the network device 150 or connected externally. The WCM may include an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio signals. The antenna may also be externally connected to the WCM. Without limiting the scope of the present invention, the network device 150 may be fixed for use in a specific geographic area, or the network device may be mobile, so that it can be used in different geographic areas according to the use case. The network device 150 may be located in a home geographic area or a visited geographic area.

[0089] In process 602, the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 sends the cellular network identity information of the identified at least one cellular network to the MSA (e.g., MSA 100) and requests at least one eSIM profile of the identified at least one cellular network. The cellular network identity information may include the MNO ID (PLMN ID) of the identified at least one cellular network and / or other associated information, which may be used by the MSA 100 to identify the eSIM profile corresponding to the identified at least one cellular network. In a variant, in some exemplary scenarios, the cellular network of the MNO may also be used by one or more mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) to provide communication services. In such cases, the cellular network identity information may also include the identities of one or more MVNOs, and the request for at least one eSIM profile may correspond to the eSIM profile of at least one MNO and / or MVNO of the identified at least one cellular network. However, for the purpose of illustration in the present disclosure, it is assumed that the cellular network corresponds to one MNO. The network device 150 may send the cellular network identity information and the request for at least one eSIM profile via the Internet. In one variation, the cellular network identity information and the request for at least one eSIM profile may be sent via a short message service (SMS) message.

[0090] In process 603, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 reads the eSIM profile lookup table to determine whether at least one eSIM profile corresponding to the identified at least one cellular network is available. The processing unit 101 may use the cellular network identity information to identify at least one eSIM profile belonging to the identified at least one cellular network. The eSIM profile lookup table may be stored in a storage unit that is placed in the MSA 100 or externally connected to the MSA 100. For example, the storage unit is Figure 1A The storage device 105 is shown. The eSIM profile lookup table includes a list of all eSIM profiles stored in one or more eUICCs placed in the MSA 100. There is no restriction that the eUICC should be placed in the MSA. The eUICC can be placed in an external device or in another MSA connected to the MSA 100.

[0091] In process 604, when it is found that at least one eSIM profile of the identified at least one cellular network is available, the MSA 100 sends all or part of the information of at least one eSIM profile from the available at least one eSIM profile to the network device 150. The all or part of the information may contain subscriber identity information, which includes IMSI, location area identity (LAI), user identity, and other associated information that may be required by the MNO to identify the subscriber or user. In process 605, upon receiving all or part of the information of at least one eSIM profile from the MSA 100, the network device 150 sends a request for data communication access to at least one corresponding MNO that received the information of the at least one eSIM profile. The request is sent using all or part of the information received in process 604. The request may be sent over the Internet. Thereafter, in process 606, at least one corresponding MNO that received the information of the at least one eSIM profile may request authentication information from the network device 150.

[0092] However, when the eSIM profile in process 603 is not found to be available, the MSA 100 sends a negative response to the network device 150 in process 604 instead of sending the eSIM profile information. Upon receiving the negative response from the MSA 100, the network device 150 may notify the user or administrator that the eSIM profile is not found and end the method. The notification may be displayed on a display connected to the network device 150. The technique of notifying the user or administrator is not limited; any manner of notification may be used. In another variant, upon receiving the negative response from the MSA 100, the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 initiates an operation to download at least one eSIM profile of the identified at least one cellular network.

[0093] In process 607, the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 forwards the authentication request sent by at least one corresponding MNO of at least one eSIM profile to the MSA 100. In process 608, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 retrieves authentication information responsive to the authentication request from the corresponding eSIM profile stored in the eUICC connected to or placed in the MSA 100. For illustration, the eSIM profile may be stored in any one of the eUICCs 116.

[0094] In process 609, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 sends the retrieved authentication information to the network device 150. In process 610, the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 forwards the authentication information received from the MSA 100 to at least one corresponding MNO of the at least one eSIM profile. In process 611, based on the validity of the authentication information sent by the network device 150, the MNO may provide access to the network device 150 for data communication.

[0095] Figure 6B is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for establishing one or more cellular network connections at a network device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6B The described process may be performed in an MSA, an MSA management server, a network device, and / or an MNO's device by a corresponding processing unit. When an MSA management server is used, the MSA management server may be connected to one or more MSAs that house one or more eUICCs, wherein the one or more MSAs may be remotely managed by the MSA management server. For illustration purposes, an exemplary network device may be the network device 150, an exemplary MSA may be the MSA 100, and an exemplary MSA management server may be the MSA management server 216.

[0096] In process 621, the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 identifies one or more available cellular networks. The one or more cellular networks may be configured as follows: Fig. 6A In process 622, the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 generates a first list of cellular networks based on the cellular networks identified in process 621. The number of cellular networks identified in process 621 and the number of cellular networks in the first list of cellular networks may be the same or different. In a variant, the first list of cellular networks may include the identities of all cellular networks identified in process 621.

[0097] In another variation, some of the identified cellular networks may be filtered out by checking a signal strength level threshold. Thus, the first list of cellular networks will only include cellular networks that meet the signal strength level threshold. The value of the signal strength level threshold may be manually set by an administrator, built into firmware by a manufacturer, or downloaded remotely from a remote server.

[0098] In process 623, the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 sends a first list of cellular networks to the MSA or MSA management server and requests to query whether any eSIM profiles of the cellular networks in the first list are available. For illustration purposes, the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 sends a first list of cellular networks and requests a query to the MSA 100.

[0099] In process 624, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 reads the eSIM profile lookup table to identify the eSIM profile corresponding to the cellular network in the first list of cellular networks. Alternatively, when an MSA management server is used, the processing unit of the MSA management server will look for the corresponding eSIM profile of the cellular network in the first list of cellular networks in all connected MSAs.

[0100] There may be three possible results of process 624. First, one or more eSIM profiles available for all cellular networks may be found in the first list of cellular networks. Second, when the first list of cellular networks includes multiple cellular networks, one or more eSIM profiles may be considered to be available only for some of the cellular networks in the first list of cellular networks. And third, no eSIM profile available for any cellular network is found in the first list of cellular networks. Based on the results, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 sends a response to the network device 150. For example, for the first result and the second result, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 or the processing unit of the MSA management server generates a second list of cellular networks in the next process (process 625), wherein the second list of cellular networks includes at least one cellular network for which a corresponding eSIM profile is considered to be available. However, for the third result, when it is found that there is no available eSIM profile, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 or the processing unit of the MSA management server sends a negative response to the network node 150 to notify the unavailability of the eSIM profile and stop the method. When a negative response is received, it can be as follows Fig. 6A The discussed perform the same function.

[0101] In process 626, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 or the processing unit of the MSA management server sends the second list of cellular networks to the network device 150. In process 627, after receiving the second list of cellular networks, the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 selects a cellular network from the second list of cellular networks based on at least one condition. It is not limited to selecting only one cellular network, and in a variant example, multiple cellular networks can be selected. However, in some exemplary scenarios, the second list of cellular networks may contain only one cellular network. In such a case, the cellular network in the second list of cellular networks is selected without applying any condition.

[0102] At least one condition may be based on signal strength. When the second list of cellular networks includes multiple cellular networks, a cellular network with the highest signal strength is selected. The signal strength of the cellular network may be detected by the network device.

[0103] The at least one condition for selecting a cellular network may also be based on one or more of the following criteria: tariff costs of the MNO of the cellular network, network performance, network type, administrator preferences and / or quality of service.

[0104] When selecting a cellular network based on quality of service, the cellular network of the MNO that provides better quality will be selected. The quality of service of an MNO can be evaluated based on different criteria including, but not limited to, network coverage, security, and simplicity of configuration.

[0105] When selecting a cellular network based on the administrator's preference, the administrator of the network device 150, MSA 100, or MSA management server 216 can assign a priority to each cellular network detected. When priorities are assigned, the cellular network with a higher priority will be selected. The administrator can assign priority levels to cellular networks based on the above criteria or not based on any criteria.

[0106] In process 628, the network device 150 requests data communication access to the selected at least one cellular network. In process 629, in response to the request for data communication access, the corresponding MNO of the at least one cellular network may request subscriber identity information from the network device 150. In process 630, the network device 150 forwards the subscriber identity information request to the MSA 100. In one variant, in process 630, the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 forwards the subscriber identity information request to the MSA management server, in which case the MSA management server further forwards the subscriber identity information request to the MSA 100. In process 631, after receiving the subscriber identity information request, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 retrieves the subscriber identity information from the at least one eUICC storing the at least one eSIM profile of the selected at least one cellular network in response to the subscriber identity information request.

[0107] In process 632, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 sends the retrieved subscriber identity information to the network device 150. In a variant example, in process 632, when the MSA 100 receives the subscriber identity information request through the MSA management server, the MSA 100 sends the retrieved subscriber identity information to the MSA management server. Then, the MSA service manager forwards the retrieved subscriber identity information to the network device 100. Thereafter, in process 633, the network device 150 forwards the subscriber identity information to the MNO of the selected at least one cellular network. After receiving the subscriber identity information, the corresponding MNO of the selected at least one cellular network can determine the validity of the subscriber identity information. When the subscriber information is valid, the execution of steps 634-639 is similar to the following. Fig. 6A Steps 606-611 are described. Upon successful completion of steps 634-639, data communication is obtained through the selected at least one cellular network.

[0108] However, when the subscriber identity information is invalid, a validity error notification may be received at the network device 150 from the corresponding MNO of the selected at least one cellular network, and data communication access may be denied. The processing unit of the network device 150 may notify the administrator of the validity error and wait for additional instructions or enter a standby mode. In standby mode, all processes of the network device 150 may be suspended until the next instruction is received from the administrator, and thereby unnecessary resource waste may be reduced when there is a significant delay before any additional instructions are received. In a variant, some processes may still run in a standby mode that is customized in this way by the administrator or set as a default by the manufacturer.

[0109] Figure 7 1 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for downloading at least one eSIM profile in an MSA according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. At process 701, when a negative response is received at a network device (e.g., at network device 150), Figure 7 The method shown is started. Fig. 6A and 6B As discussed, when the MSA 100 does not find the eSIM profile in the eSIM profile lookup table in response to the eSIM profile request sent by the network device 150, the negative response is sent by the MSA 100 to the network device 150. It should be noted that before process 701, the MSA 100 and the network device 150 should be connected through the Internet. Connecting to the Internet can be achieved by the network device 150 using a roaming cellular network connection, Wi-Fi, or any other means that enables the network device 150 to access the Internet.

[0110] In process 702 , the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 sends a request for at least one eSIM profile to the MNO of at least one selected cellular network via the Internet. Figure 6B Selecting at least one cellular network from a plurality of identified cellular networks is discussed in . In one variation, a request for at least one eSIM profile is sent to a respective MNO of each of the identified cellular networks.

[0111] In one variation, the request for at least one eSIM profile sent in process 702 is generated by the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 based on one or more event triggers and is not driven by process 701. For illustration purposes, the event of the event trigger may include, but is not limited to, detection of a change in its current geographic region by the network device 150, receiving a negative response from the MSA 100, or detecting a cellular network for the first time. When process 702 is based on an event trigger, the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 may monitor the event and match it with the event trigger. When the event matches any of the events of the event trigger, the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 provides the necessary instructions to the WCM with profile download capability to execute process 702. For example, process 702 is configured to be triggered by the event of "receiving a negative response from the MSA 100". Therefore, in the event that a negative response from the MSA 100 is received at the network device 150, the processing unit 155 executes process 702.

[0112] In a variation, in order to save data storage space, all events including the event trigger can be represented by a unique code. When the code is applied to the event trigger, if the event occurs, the processing unit 155 analyzes the unique code of the event to determine whether the event matches the code of the event trigger. When the code of the event matches the code of the event trigger, the processing unit 155 executes the function set to be triggered by the event trigger. When the code of the event does not match the code of the event trigger, the function is not triggered.

[0113] In process 703, the MNO of the selected at least one cellular network may request at least one eUICC ID in response to the at least one eSIM profile. In another variation, the MNO may also request other associated information that may be required to provide an eSIM profile for network device 150. When multiple eSIM profiles are requested from a particular MNO, the MNO may require multiple eUICC IDs so that each eUICC can be used to store an eSIM profile of the MNO. Network device 150 may request multiple eSIM profiles from a particular MNO in order to establish multiple concurrent cellular network connections through the cellular network of the MNO using multiple eSIM profiles.

[0114] In process 704, the network device 150 forwards the request for at least one eUICC ID and other associated information received from the MNO of the selected cellular site to the MSA 100. In one variant, the network device 150 may already have the eUICC ID and associated information stored in a storage unit disposed therein. Thus, when the network device receives the request for at least one eUICC ID and other associated information from the MNO of the selected cellular site, the network device retrieves the at least one eUICC ID and associated information from the storage unit and responds to the request.

[0115] In process 705, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 selects at least one available eUICC placed in the MSA 100 and retrieves at least one eUICC ID information from the selected at least one eUICC. In a variant, the processing unit 101 also retrieves the associated information from a storage unit connected to the MSA 100.

[0116] In process 706, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 sends the retrieved at least one eUICC ID information to the network device 150. In a variant example, in process 706, when the corresponding MNO requests the associated information and when the associated information is stored in a storage unit connected to the MSA 100, the MSA 100 also sends other associated information together with the retrieved eUICC ID information.

[0117] In process 707, the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 forwards the received at least one eUICC ID information to the MNO of the selected cellular network site. In a variant, when the corresponding MNO requests the associated information, the network device 150 also forwards other associated information and the at least one eUICC ID information. The associated information may be received from the MSA 100, retrieved from a storage unit connected to the network device 150, or collected from an input unit connected to the network device 150. The MNO of the selected at least one cellular network receives the at least one eUICC ID information or the at least one eUICC ID and the associated information provided by the network device 150 and decides whether to provide at least one eSIM profile based on the validity of the provided information. When deciding to provide at least one eSIM profile, the BSS of the MNO of the selected at least one cellular network site may send a request to the eSIM subscription management server (SM-DP+) to prepare and provide at least one eSIM profile to the network device 150.

[0118] In process 708, the SM-DP+ server of the MNO corresponding to the selected at least one cellular site securely provides the network device 150 with at least one eSIM profile to be installed in the selected at least one eUICC. The network device 150 receives the at least one eSIM profile via a WCM with profile download capability. In process 709, the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 then forwards the at least one eSIM profile to the MSA 100. Upon receiving the at least one eSIM profile, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 installs the at least one eSIM profile on the selected at least one eUICC. Upon successful completion of the process 709, the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 then forwards the at least one eSIM profile to the MSA 100. Figure 7 Following the illustrated method, at least one eSIM profile may be used to establish at least one cellular network connection via the selected at least one cellular network.

[0119] Fig. 8A is a process flow diagram illustrating exemplary communications between an MSA, an MSA management server, a network device, and an MNO when downloading an eSIM profile to one or more eUICCs placed in an MSA. For example, the exemplary MSA is Figure 1A In the MSA 100 shown in FIG. 1 , the MSA management server is Figure 1D The MSA management server 216 shown in FIG. Figure 1B The network device 150 shown in FIG. 1 is not limited to the number of MSAs and MNOs that may be involved. For illustrative purposes, one MSA and one MNO are shown. The MSA management server 216, the MSA 100, the network device 150, and the MNO can communicate with each other through the following methods: Figure 2A 217. The MSA management server may be used to manage the one or more MSAs to establish at least one cellular network connection when the eSIM profile is downloaded to the eUICC placed in the one or more MSAs and also when the eSIM profile information from the one or more MSAs is provided to the network device.

[0120] Fig. 8A The method described is initiated at process 801 based on an event trigger. The event may include, but is not limited to: receiving an instruction to download an eSIM profile from an administrator or user of the MSA management server 216; receiving a request to download an eSIM profile from a network device; failing to find at least one eSIM profile when performing an eSIM profile lookup in an eSIM profile lookup table; and detecting a change in the location of a network device. In order to detect a change in the location of a network device, the MSA management server 216 may periodically check the location of one or more network devices (e.g., network device 150) connected thereto.

[0121] In process 801 , the processing unit 181 of the MSA management server 216 sends a request to the network device 150 to download one or more eSIM profiles stored in one or more eUICCs placed in the MSA 100 .

[0122] In process 802, upon receiving a request to download one or more eSIM profiles from the MSA management server 216, the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 instructs an available WCM connected to the processing unit 155 to scan for available cellular networks. The WCM may be placed in the network device 150 or externally connected to the network device 150. Based on the instruction from the processing unit 155, the WCM scans for available cellular networks in the current geographic area of ​​the network device 150. Process 802 may have different results. For example, (i) only one cellular network may be detected, (ii) multiple cellular networks may be detected, and (iii) no cellular network is detected. However, in this era of technological development, since there are more than one mobile network operator available in a geographic area, it is more likely that multiple cellular networks will be detected.

[0123] Thus, in process 803, when multiple cellular networks are detected, the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 selects at least one cellular network from the detected cellular networks based on at least one condition. The at least one condition based on which the at least one cellular network is selected may be determined from a set of conditions, including but not limited to the signal strength of the MNO of the cellular network, tariff cost, network performance, network type, administrator's preference, and / or quality of service. Information about the conditions may be collected by the network device 150, sent by the MSA management server 216, sent by the MSA 100, and / or received from one or more inputs by an administrator or user.

[0124] However, when only one cellular network is detected in process 802, process 803 may be omitted and the next process may be performed with the detected cellular network as the selected cellular network. When no cellular network is detected in process 802, the network device 150 may send a message to the MSA management server 216 that no cellular network is detected and the process is stopped. In another variation, the network device 150 sends a message to the MSA 100 that no cellular network is detected and the process is stopped. In another variation, when no cellular network is detected, the network device 150 continues to repeatedly scan for available cellular networks at certain time intervals until at least one cellular network is detected. In another variation, when no cellular network is detected, the network device 150 may repeatedly scan for available cellular networks when a change of a certain distance in the location of the network device is detected.

[0125] In process 804, the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 sends a request for at least one eSIM profile to the MNO of the selected cellular network. The request can be sent over the Internet using a WCM capable of downloading an eSIM profile. There is no limitation on the means for accessing the Internet through the network device 150. For illustrative purposes, the network device 150 can access the Internet through a wired Internet connection (such as a cable-connected Internet connection, a fiber-optic Internet connection, or a digital subscriber line (DSL) Internet connection) or through a wireless Internet connection (such as Wi-Fi (RTM), a satellite connection, or a cellular network connection). When the network device 150 accesses the Internet through a cellular network connection, the connection can be a roaming connection or a local cellular network connection. An event trigger when an eSIM profile is not found when searching for an eSIM profile in the eSIM profile lookup table Fig. 8A When the method is used, network device 150 may not be able to access the Internet through the local cellular network connection because this event occurs when network device 150 does not have an eSIM profile that can be used to access the local cellular network.

[0126] In another variation, step 803 may be omitted, and in step 804, at least one eSIM profile request is sent to the MNOs of all detected cellular networks in step 802. A benefit of this may be to diversify the eSIM profile reserves at one or more MSAs similar to MSA 100. Thus, when a different cellular network becomes preferred due to changing conditions, it will not be necessary to download an eSIM profile for the newly preferred cellular network, as the eSIM profile for that cellular network may already have been downloaded.

[0127] In process 805, the MNO of the selected cellular network may request at least one eUICC ID and other associated information that may be required to provide an eSIM profile from the network device 150. In one variant, the request is only for at least one eUICC ID, and the associated information may not be required or may be collected by the MNO by any method known in the art. The at least one eUICC ID should belong to at least one eUICC in which the at least one eSIM profile will be stored. It should be noted that the number of required eUICC IDs depends on the number of eSIM profiles requested from the selected cellular network. For example, when the number of requested eSIM profiles is two, the number of eUICC IDs required for the selected cellular network should also be two. In another variant, if such facilities are supported by the MNO of the selected cellular network, multiple eSIM profiles of the selected cellular network may be stored in a single eUICC. In that case, even if the network device 150 requests multiple eSIM profiles, the selected cellular network may only require one eUICC ID. Other associated information that the MNO may require along with the eUICC ID may vary depending on the MNO. For illustration, the required associated information may include the user's identity information, the user's home location information, the user's billing information and / or the user's contact details.

[0128] In process 806, the network device 150 forwards the request for at least one eUICC ID and associated information to the MSA management server 216. In process 807, the MSA management server 216 may generate another request based on at least a portion of the request received from the network device 150 and send the request to the MSA 100. The request sent by the MSA management server 216 may include only a request for at least one eUICC, wherein other associated information required by the MNO may be retrieved from the storage unit or collected from the input unit by the processing unit of the MSA management server 216. Both the storage unit and the input unit may be connected to the MSA management server 216 locally or remotely. When the input unit is remotely connected to the MSA management server 216, input data may be provided using a web interface. When the associated information required by the MNO of the selected cellular network is collected from the input unit, the input of the associated information may be provided by an administrator or user of the MSA management server 216.

[0129] In process 808, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 selects at least one available eUICC from the plurality of eUICCs and retrieves eUICC ID information from the selected at least one eUICC. The plurality of eUICCs may be placed in the MSA 100 or in an external device connected to the MSA 100. The at least one eUICC is selected to store at least one eSIM profile, and the at least one eSIM profile is to be downloaded from the selected at least one cellular network.

[0130] In process 809, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 sends the eUICC ID information of the selected at least one eUICC to the MSA management server 216. In process 810, the MSA management server 216 sends a response to the request received from the network device 150 in process 806. The response includes the eUICC ID information received from the MSA 100 and other associated information retrieved from the storage unit or collected through the input unit. In another variant, in step 810, when the associated information is not required, the MSA management server 216 forwards the eUICC ID information received from the MSA 100 to the network device 150.

[0131] In process 811, the processing unit 155 of the network device 150 forwards the eUICC ID information and the associated information to the MNO of the selected cellular network. Upon receiving the eUICC ID information and the associated information, the MNO of the selected cellular network may perform a verification procedure. In process 812, when the information is deemed valid, the MNO of the selected cellular network may provide at least one eSIM profile to the network device 150 through the eSIM subscription management server (SM-DP+). It should be noted that before providing at least one eSIM profile, several internal processes may be performed at the MNO to prepare at least one eSIM profile, which is not described in detail in the present disclosure to avoid obscuring the description. For example, the eUICC ID information and other associated information may be received at the business support system (BSS) of the MNO through an online portal provided by the MNO or from a terminal responsible for collecting subscriber information. The BSS of the MNO may then verify the received information in the verification server. When the information is found to be valid, the BBS may send a request to the eSIM subscription management server (SM-DP+) to prepare and provide at least one eSIM profile for the network device 150.

[0132] Alternatively, in the M2M eSIM profile setting, the BBS may request a subscription management data preparation (SM-DP) server of the MNO to prepare at least one eSIM profile based on the information. After preparing the at least one eSIM profile, the SM-DP may send the at least one eSIM profile to a subscription management secure routing (SM-SR) server of the MNO to securely provide the at least one eSIM profile to the network device or at least one eUICC.

[0133] However, when the information is found to be invalid, the MNO of the selected cellular network may notify the invalid event to the network device 150. The network device 150 may notify the user of the invalid event by displaying a message on a display screen or by sending an invalid notification message to the MSA management server 216. However, for illustration purposes, it is assumed that the found eUICC ID information and associated information are valid.

[0134] In process 813, the network device 150 forwards the at least one eSIM profile information received from the MNO of the selected cellular network to the MSA management server 216. Thereafter, in process 814, the MSA management server 216 forwards the at least one eSIM profile to the MSA 100. In another variant, in step 813, the network device 150 directly sends the at least one eSIM profile to the MSA 100, and step 814 is omitted.

[0135] In process 815, at least one eSIM profile is installed on at least one eUICC corresponding to the eUICC ID. Fig. 8A Following the illustrated method, at least one eSIM profile may be used by network device 150 or other network devices to establish a cellular network connection.

[0136] Figure 8B is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for downloading one or more eSIM profiles in an MSA according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For illustration purposes, the eSIM profiles will be stored in a Figure 1A In process 821, a request to download at least one eSIM profile is received at the MSA 100. The request is made by an MSA management server (such as Figure 1DPrior to process 821, MSA 100 and MSA management server 216 should be connected via an interconnection network (such as interconnection network 217). The number of MSAs that can be connected to MSA management server 216 is not limited.

[0137] The MSA management server 216 may send a request for eSIM profile download when one or more of the following events occur: an instruction to download an eSIM profile is received from an administrator or user of the MSA management server 216; a request to download an eSIM profile is received from a network device connected to the MSA management server 216; at least one eSIM profile is not found when searching for at least one eSIM profile in the eSIM profile lookup table; and a change in the location of the network device is detected. In order to detect a change in the location of the network device, the MSA management server 216 may periodically check the location of one or more network devices connected thereto. In a variant, the MSA 100 receives a request to download an eSIM profile directly from a user or administrator rather than through the MSA management server.

[0138] In process 822, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 selects an eUICC from the MSA 100 and retrieves the eUICC ID information of the selected eUICC. In process 823, the MSA 100 sends a request for downloading the eSIM profile to a network device, such as the network device 150. In order to receive the request from the MSA 100, the network device 150 should be connected to the MSA 100 before process 823. The network device 150 may be connected to the MSA 100 through the interconnection network 217. The request sent in process 823 may include the retrieved eUICC ID information. In another variant, the request sent in process 823 may also include other associated information that the MNO may need to provide the eSIM profile. In that case, the associated information may be stored in a storage unit connected to the MSA 100.

[0139] In another variant, when requested by the MNO, the associated information is collected from an input unit. For example, the network device 150 may include an input unit to allow an administrator or user to transmit information and commands to a processing unit of the network device 150. The input unit may be a touch-sensitive screen or a keypad mounted on the network device 150. A user or administrator of the network device 150 may input data to the network device 150 via the touch-sensitive screen or the keypad. In a variant, the input unit may also be indirectly connected to the network device 150 via an external device connected to the network device 150. The external device may be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or any other electronic device capable of being connected to a network interface.

[0140] After receiving the request to download at least one eSIM profile, network device 150 identifies available cellular networks in its current geographic area. Network device 150 may identify available cellular networks by scanning radio signals using an available WCM placed in network device 150. The WCM may be a WCM with profile download capability or without profile download capability.

[0141] In process 825, the network device 150 sends a request for an eSIM profile to the MNO of the identified cellular network. When one cellular network is identified in process 824, in process 825, one request is sent to the corresponding MNO of the identified cellular network. When multiple cellular networks are identified in process 824, the request is sent to the corresponding MNO of each of the multiple identified cellular networks. For illustration purposes, in this exemplary embodiment, multiple cellular networks have been identified in process 824. Therefore, in process 825, a request is sent to the corresponding MNO of each of the multiple identified cellular networks. The request sent in process 825 may include the eUICC ID information sent by the MSA 100.

[0142] However, when a cellular network is not identified in process 824, the network device 150 may notify the MSA 100 that the cellular network is unavailable and stop the method of downloading the eSIM profile. In another variation, the network device 150 may notify the MSA management server 216 that the cellular network is unavailable and stop the method of downloading the eSIM profile. After receiving the notification that the cellular network is unavailable, the MSA 100 or the MSA management server 216 may also stop the method of downloading the eSIM profile or wait for additional instructions from the user or administrator. In another variation, the network device 150 may notify the user or administrator of the network device 150 that the cellular network is unavailable and wait for additional instructions or turn on the standby mode through a message on the display screen.

[0143] Upon receiving the eUICC ID information or the eUICC ID and associated information, the MNO of the identified cellular network may perform verification. When the information is valid, in process 826, the MNO of each of the identified cellular networks may provide the eSIM profile to the network device 150 through the eSIM subscription management server (SM-DP+). It should be noted that before providing at least one eSIM profile, several internal processes that are not described in detail in this disclosure to avoid obscuring the description may be performed at the MNO to prepare at least one eSIM profile. When the information is found to be invalid, the MNO of the identified cellular network may notify the network device 150 of the invalid event. The network device 150 may notify the user or administrator of the invalid event by displaying a message on a display screen or by sending an invalid notification message to the MSA management server 216. However, for illustration purposes, it is assumed that the found eUICC ID information and associated information are valid.

[0144] In process 827, the network device 150 forwards the eSIM profile information received from the MNO of the identified cellular network to the MSA 100. In process 828, the eSIM profile is installed on the selected eUICC corresponding to the eUICC ID. Figure 8B Following the method shown, the eSIM profile may be used by the network device 150 or other network devices.

[0145] Fig. 9 An exemplary eSIM profile lookup table 900 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. It should be noted that the design and structure of the eSIM profile lookup table shown herein are for illustration purposes only. In an actual implementation, the eSIM profile lookup table may be a combination of a set of tables, cells, or information fields. In one variant, the eSIM profile lookup table may be implemented using a relational or non-relational database structure (such as a sequential query language (SQL) database structure or a NoSQL database structure). The eSIM profile lookup table may be stored in a storage unit connected to an MSA (such as MSA 100). For illustration purposes, the eSIM profile lookup table 900 may be stored in a storage unit connected to an MSA (such as MSA 100). Figure 1A In the storage unit 105 of the MSA 100 shown.

[0146] The eSIM profile lookup table may record information of all eSIM profiles stored in one or more eUICCs placed in or connected to the MSA 100. For illustration purposes, the eSIM profile lookup table 900 may record information corresponding to each eSIM profile, such as the MNO ID, ICCID, and eUICC ID. The eSIM profile lookup table may also record a status field to show the current status of the eSIM profile, whether the eSIM profile is in use or available for use. The MNO ID is used to identify the MNO of the eSIM profile. The ICCID is used to identify the eSIM profile. The eUICC ID is used to identify the eUICC storing the eSIM profile.

[0147] For illustrative purposes, Fig. 9 In the figure, MNO IDs such as "001", "002", and "003" represent three different MNOs, ICCIDs such as "aaa", "bbb", "ccc", and "ppp", eUICC IDs such as "111111", "222222", "qqq", and "sss" represent six different eSIM profiles, and "333333" represents three different eUICCs. It should be noted that the numbers and letters shown as MNO ID, ICCID, and eUICC ID are for exemplary purposes only, and in actual implementations, MNO IDs may be 5-6 digits, ICCIDs may be 19-22 digits, and eUICC IDs may be up to 32 digits.

[0148] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when a request for at least one eSIM profile of at least one MNO is received from a network device at MSA 100, MSA 100 reads eSIM profile lookup table 900 to determine whether the eSIM profile of at least one MNO is available. When at least one eSIM profile is available, MSA 100 sends information of at least one available eSIM profile of at least one MNO to the network device. The network device can then use the eSIM profile information to establish at least one cellular network connection through the cellular network of at least one MNO. The procedure for performing eSIM profile lookup will be in Fig.11 is discussed in more detail in.

[0149] Fig.10 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for updating an exemplary eSIM profile lookup table 900 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig.10 The disclosed process may be performed by a processing unit of an MSA (such as MSA 100). In one variation, Fig.10The process may also be performed by a processing unit of an MSA management server or a network device.

[0150] In process 1001, the MSA 100 receives at least one eSIM profile from at least one MNO. The at least one eSIM profile may be received directly from at least one MNO or through a network device or MSA management server. Figure 3 , 7 As a result of the processes discussed in , 8A or 8B, the MSA 100 may receive at least one eSIM profile.

[0151] In process 1002, the received at least one eSIM profile is installed in at least one eUICC. The at least one eUICC installed with the at least one eSIM profile may be selected from a plurality of eUICCs to install the at least one eSIM profile before receiving the at least one eSIM profile or after receiving the at least one eSIM profile. The plurality of eUICCs may be placed in the MSA 100 or connected to the MSA 100.

[0152] In process 1003, information about at least one eSIM profile received from at least one eUICC having at least one eSIM profile installed is retrieved. The retrieved information may include at least one MNO ID, at least one ICC ID, and at least one eUICC ID in at least one eUICC having at least one eSIM profile installed.

[0153] In process 1004, the eSIM profile lookup table 900 is updated according to the retrieved information. For example, the updated information about the installed at least one eSIM profile may include at least one MNO ID of at least one MNO from which the at least one eSIM profile is received, at least one ICCID included in the at least one eSIM profile for uniquely identifying the at least one eSIM profile, and at least one eUICC ID of at least one eUICC in which the at least one eSIM profile is installed.

[0154] In process 1005, based on the availability of at least one eSIM profile, its status is set. Each eSIM profile received by MSA 100 complies with Fig.10 The disclosed process. The status of each installed eSIM profile can be set to indicate the availability of the eSIM profile. For example, when the eSIM profile is not in use, the status is set to "Available", and when the eSIM profile is in use, the status is set to "In Use". Typically, for a newly installed eSIM profile, the status should be set to "Available".

[0155] Fig.11 900 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for performing an eSIM profile lookup in an eSIM profile lookup table according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For illustration purposes, an eSIM profile lookup is performed in an eSIM profile lookup table 900 . Fig.11 The disclosed process may be performed by a processing unit of an MSA (such as processing unit 101 of MSA 100). For example, eSIM profile lookup table 900 is stored in a storage unit (such as storage unit 105) of MSA 100. In one variant, Fig.11 The process may also be executed by a processing unit of the MSA management server or by a processing unit of the network device.

[0156] The method begins in process 1101 when a request for at least one eSIM profile of at least one MNO is received from a network device, such as network device 150, at MSA 100. The request may include at least one MNO ID specifying at least one eSIM profile requested by at least one MNO.

[0157] In process 1102, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 reads the eSIM profile lookup table 900 to identify at least one eSIM profile associated with at least one MNO ID. In process 1103, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 determines whether at least one eSIM profile associated with at least one MNO ID is identified. When at least one eSIM profile is identified, in process 1104, the processing unit 101 of the MSA 100 determines whether at least one eSIM profile of the identified at least one eSIM profile is available.

[0158] When at least one eSIM profile associated with at least one MNO ID is not identified in process 1103, process 1107 is performed. In process 1107, a negative response is sent to network device 150. Process 1107 is also performed when at least one of the identified at least one eSIM profile is not determined to be available in process 1104. The negative response is sent to inform network device 150 that the eSIM profile of at least one MNO is not stored in MSA 100 or is not available for MSA 100. After sending the negative response, the method may be stopped, or may be terminated as shown in FIG. Figure 7 , 8AOr the action of starting to download at least one eSIM profile of at least one MNO as discussed in 8B. In one variation, processes 1103 and 1104 may be performed simultaneously. In another variation, process 1103 may be omitted, and only process 1104 may be performed to determine whether at least one eSIM profile associated with at least one MNO ID is available.

[0159] When at least one of the identified at least one eSIM profile is determined to be available in process 1104, process 1105 is also performed. In process 1105, information about at least one eSIM profile from the available at least one eSIM profile is sent to the network device 150. The sent information may include at least one IMSI of the at least one eSIM profile, at least one eUICC ID storing the at least one eSIM profile, and other associated information that may be required by the cellular network of the at least one MNO. In one variant, the information is sent based on a specific information request from the network device 150, wherein the specific information request may initially be received at the network device 150 from the at least one MNO.

[0160] In process 1106, the status related to at least one eSIM profile may be changed from "available" to "in use", and the information of the at least one eSIM profile is sent to the network device 150. After receiving a notification from the network device 150, the status of the at least one eSIM profile may be changed back to "available". The notification may be a notification to the MSA 100 that the network device 150 is not using the at least one eSIM profile. In one variant, the notification may be sent to notify the MSA 100 that the network device 150 no longer needs to use the at least one eSIM profile. In another variant, when the MSA 100 recognizes that the eSIM profile has not been used by the network 150 for a specific period of time, the status of the at least one eSIM profile may be changed back to "available".

[0161] The notification may be sent by network device 150 when at least one cellular network connection established using at least one eSIM profile has not been used for data communications for a certain period of time or when at least one cellular network connection established using at least one eSIM profile is manually disconnected by an administrator or user of network device 150. There is no limit to the events that may trigger network device 150 to send a notification. Similarly, there is no limit to the number of times network device 150 may send a notification.

[0162] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A method for downloading an embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) profile at a massive SIM device (MSA), comprising: a. Receive a request to initiate eSIM configuration file download; b. Selecting an eUICC from a plurality of embedded universal integrated circuit cards (eUICCs); c. Retrieve the eUICC ID information of the selected eUICC; d. Send a request to the network device to download the eSIM configuration file; e. Receive at least one eSIM profile information; and f. Installing at least one eSIM profile onto the selected eUICC.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the request to initiate eSIM profile download is received from an MSA management server; and wherein the MSA management server is connected to the MSA using an interconnect network.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the interconnection network is one of a public interconnection network, a private interconnection network, or a mixture of a public interconnection network and a private interconnection network. 4 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the eUICC ID information comprises a unique identification code for identifying the selected eUICC. The method of claim 1 , wherein the network device is located in a visited geographic area.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of eUICCs is placed in the MSA.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the request to initiate eSIM profile download is received from a user or administrator of the MSA; and wherein the MSA is located remotely from the network device.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein in step d, the request for downloading the eSIM profile includes an eUICC ID of the selected eUICC.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein in step e, the at least one eSIM profile information is received from the network device; and wherein the network device receives the at least one eSIM profile information from at least one mobile network operator (MNO).

10. A method for downloading an embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) configuration file, comprising: At least one Massive SIM Apparatus (MSA); as well as at least one network device; wherein at the at least one MSA: a. Receive a request to initiate eSIM configuration file download; b. Selecting an eUICC from a plurality of embedded universal integrated circuit cards (eUICCs); c. Retrieving the eUICC ID information of the selected eUICC; wherein the eUICC ID information includes a unique identification code for identifying the selected eUICC; d. Sending a request for downloading an eSIM profile to the at least one network device; wherein the request for downloading the eSIM profile includes the eUICC ID of the selected eUICC; e. Receive at least one eSIM profile information; and f. Installing at least one eSIM profile onto the selected eUICC; Wherein at the at least one network device: g. Identify at least one available cellular network; h. sending an eSIM profile request to at least one mobile network operator (MNO) of the identified at least one available cellular network; wherein the eSIM profile request includes the eUICC ID information and one or more of: primary usage location, user name, user contact details, user social security number, user date of birth, and user billing information; i. receiving the at least one eSIM profile information from the at least one MNO; as well as j. forwarding the at least one eSIM profile information; Step gj is performed after step d and before step e.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the request to initiate eSIM profile download is received from an MSA management server; wherein the MSA management server is connected to the at least one MSA using an interconnect network; wherein the interconnect network is one of a public interconnect network, a private interconnect network, or a hybrid of a public interconnect network and a private interconnect network; wherein each of the plurality of eUICCs is placed in the at least one MSA; and wherein the at least one network device is located in the visited geographic area.

12. A Massive SIM Apparatus (MSA) for downloading an embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) configuration file, comprising: at least one processing unit; Multiple network interfaces; at least one subscriber identity module (SIM) interface configurable to connect to at least one SIM; as well as at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions executable by the at least one processing unit for: a. Receive a request to initiate eSIM configuration file download; b. Selecting an eUICC from a plurality of embedded universal integrated circuit cards (eUICCs); c. Retrieve the eUICC ID information of the selected eUICC; d. Send a request to the network device to download the eSIM configuration file; e. Receive at least one eSIM profile information; and f. Installing at least one eSIM profile onto the selected eUICC.

13. The MSA of claim 12, wherein the request to initiate eSIM profile download is received from an MSA management server; and wherein the MSA management server is connected to the MSA using an interconnect network.

14. The MSA of claim 13, wherein the interconnect network is one of a public interconnect network, a private interconnect network, or a hybrid of a public interconnect network and a private interconnect network. 15 . The MSA of claim 12 , wherein the eUICC ID information comprises a unique identification code for uniquely identifying each of the plurality of eUICCs.

16. The MSA of claim 12, wherein the network device is located in a visited geographic area.

17. The MSA of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of eUICCs is placed in the MSA.

18. The MSA of claim 12, wherein the request to initiate eSIM profile download is received from a user or administrator of the MSA; and wherein the MSA is locally or remotely accessible by the user or administrator.

19. The MSA of claim 12, wherein in step d, the request for downloading the eSIM profile includes an eUICC ID of the selected eUICC.

20. The MSA of claim 12, wherein in step e, the at least one eSIM profile information is received from the network device; and wherein the network device receives the at least one eSIM profile information from at least one mobile network operator (MNO).

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