Network switching method in communication terminal

Abstract

To provide a network switching method in a communication terminal that can quickly switch networks by performing a process of registering terminal information with a network without being rejected by the networks.SOLUTION: In a system, a communication terminal includes an eSIM that stores multiple pieces of profile information used for communication, an LPA application, and a modem control unit that receives a profile switch request from the LPA application, switches the multiple pieces of profile information of the eSIM, notifies the LPA application of the completion of the profile switch, and performs a process of registering terminal information with an external network. The LPA application notifies the modem control unit of APN information corresponding to the profile information after the switch before or simultaneously with outputting the profile switch request, and the modem control unit performs network switching by performing the process of registering the terminal information with the external network using the received APN information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a network switching method in a communication terminal, and particularly to a network switching method suitable for speeding up profile switching in a communication terminal equipped with an eSIM. [Background technology]

[0002] As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), there are two types of SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards that enable communication services on 4G / 5G-compatible communication devices: physical SIMs and eSIMs. eSIMs, short for Embedded SIM, are SIM cards built into devices. Because they do not require a physical SIM card like the one shown in Figure 7(a), they offer advantages such as thinner and lighter devices and reduced risk of SIM card loss or damage. As shown in Figure 7(b), in communication devices equipped with eSIMs, the card contents can be rewritten online and multiple subscriber information (profiles) can be stored, allowing users to switch profiles depending on their needs. Profile switching is typically performed manually by the user, and can be performed at the user's request. However, automatic profile switching may occur during communication, and if the profile switching takes a long time, communication will be disrupted for a longer period, which can be detrimental to the user.

[0003] The eSIM standard is defined by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), a mobile communications industry organization, and eSIM profile management is explained in SGP.22 as follows: Figure 8 shows the configuration of an eSIM operation system 81. Figure 8 is taken from SGP.22 Figure 1: Remote SIM Provisioning System, LPA in the Device.

[0004] As shown in FIG. 8, a profile is written to an eSIM (eUICC) 84 in a communication terminal 82 via an LPA (Local Profile Assistant) application 83. When a profile is downloaded and written from the network via OTA (Over The Air), it is written from an SM-DP+ (Subscription Manager Data Preparation) server 87 that manages the profile via the LPA application 83. Multiple profiles can be stored in the eSIM 84, and a user 86 can select a profile via a terminal app 85 and the LPA application 83. When a profile is selected, that information is used to register the terminal information with the network. This registration of the terminal information is performed according to 3GPP TS24.301 5.5.1 Attach Procedure (hereinafter referred to as the attach process) in FIG. 9. The attach process sequence (quoted from the 3GPP (registered trademark) standard) is shown in FIG. 9. Figure 9 specifies the attach processing sequence between a UE (user equipment) and a network MME (Mobility Management Entity), which includes a sequence that allows the attach processing by issuing an attach request, attach permission, and attach completion, and a sequence that rejects the attach processing by issuing an attach request and attach rejection. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] GSMA:https: / / www.gsma.com / esim / resources / sgp-22-v3-1 / [Non-patent document 2] 3GPP (registered trademark): http: / / www.3GPP.org / Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When an eSIM holds multiple profiles, during the process of switching eSIM profiles, the modem control unit, which performs network registration, starts the attach process when the profile switch is complete. However, at this time, the modem control unit is not notified of changes to the APN (Access Point Name) information required for data communication, and the change is rejected by the network, resulting in the issue of it taking a long time before communication becomes possible.

[0007] The present invention has been devised in light of the above background, and its purpose is to provide a network switching method for a communication terminal that can quickly switch networks by notifying the modem control unit of pre-stored APN information when a profile switch occurs, thereby registering the terminal information to the network without being rejected by the network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention provides a network switching method in a communication terminal that includes an eSIM (embedded SIM) that stores multiple profile information used for communication, an LPA (Local Profile Assistant) application that outputs a profile switching request in response to a user's profile switching operation, and a modem control unit that receives the profile switching request from the LPA application, switches the multiple profile information of the eSIM, notifies the LPA application of completion of the profile switching, and performs a process of registering terminal information to an external network, characterized in that the LPA application notifies the modem control unit of APN (Access Point Name) information corresponding to the profile information after switching before or simultaneously with outputting the profile switching request, and the modem control unit performs a process of registering terminal information to the external network using the received APN information after profile switching.

[0009] The network switching method in a communication terminal according to the second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, the modem control unit sends a registration request to the external network using the APN information received after the profile switching, and upon receiving registration permission from the external network, performs registration processing of the terminal information by sending a registration completion to the external network.

[0010] A network switching method in a communication terminal according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the profile switching operation is automatically performed by a robot or a cybernetic avatar.

[0011] A network switching method in a communication terminal according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the APN information includes an access point name, an APN name, a user name, a password, and an authentication type. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the first to fourth inventions having the above-described configuration, a network switching method can be realized in a communication terminal that can quickly switch networks by notifying the modem control unit of APN information that has been stored in advance at the time a profile switch occurs, and by performing a process of registering the terminal information to the network without being rejected by the network.

[0013] According to the first to fourth inventions, when a communication terminal using an eSIM uses multiple profiles and the profile is switched by user operation or automatically, the APN information after the profile switch is notified to the modem control unit in advance, allowing the network to be used quickly after the profile switch. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a communication terminal system to which the present invention is applied. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure for switching eSIM profiles in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a processing sequence diagram of a network switching method in a communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a processing sequence diagram of a network switching method in a general communication terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of a high-speed processing of a network switching method in a communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating automatic profile switching when moving from public 5G to local 5G according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a known physical SIM and eSIM, where FIG. 7(a) shows a physical SIM and FIG. 7(b) shows an eSIM configuration. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an eSIM operation system. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of the attachment process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] First, a network switching method in a communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a communication terminal system to which the present invention is applied. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an eSIM profile switching procedure in an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a processing sequence diagram of a network switching method in a communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] The communication terminal 2 applied to this embodiment includes an LPA application 21, a modem control unit 22, and an eSIM 23.

[0019] By using a communication terminal 2 with a built-in eSIM, a user 1 can switch profiles by performing a profile switching operation within the eSIM 23. Because the user 1 can perform the process of registering terminal information to the network 3 (attachment process) by operating the device, there is no need for a SIM card to be provided by a communication carrier as with conventional physical SIM cards.

[0020] The communication terminal 2 is an eSIM-compatible communication mobile terminal (for example, a smartphone), and may also include a portable PC with an eSIM built in, a tablet PC with an eSIM built in, or a mobile robot equipped with the communication terminal 2. In response to a profile switching operation by the user 1, the profile in the eSIM 23 can be switched. Here, only the main configuration of the communication terminal 2 according to the present invention is described, and the communication terminal 2 has the necessary configuration for wireless communication, but this is similar to known configurations and is therefore not shown in the drawings.

[0021] The LPA application 21 works in conjunction with an SM (Subscription Manager) server to provide management functions such as downloading profiles to the eSIM 23 and switching and deleting profiles. The LPA application 21 has at least an LPD (Local Profile Download) function and an LUI (Local User Interface) function. The LPD function is a function that downloads profiles from the SM server and stores and installs them in the eSIM 23 in the communication terminal 2. The LUI function is a function that provides a UI for operating profiles in the eSIM 23 (list display, switching, deletion, etc.).

[0022] The modem control unit 22 performs network registration processing (attach processing) of the terminal information using the new profile information.

[0023] eSIM23 stands for embedded Subscriber Identity Module, and refers to an embedded SIM. Multiple profiles can be written to the eSIM23 via the network.

[0024] Network 3 is a wireless communication network through which communication terminal 2 performs wireless communication, such as a local 5G network, a public 5G network, a private 5G network, a public 3G network, a public 4G network, a private LTE network, or a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) network. A private 5G network is a dedicated network built using a telecommunications carrier's network rather than a self-operated network. A private LTE network is a self-operated dedicated network built using a mobile communication method generally known as 4G.

[0025] Communication becomes possible by installing profile information for accessing these networks 3 in the eSIM 23 in advance. Alternatively, if multiple profiles are stored in the eSIM 23 in advance, the modem control unit 22 can start communication by performing a process of registering terminal information to the network 3 (attachment process). In the case of public 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, it is assumed that the subscriber is registered in advance with a telecommunications carrier, multiple profiles are installed in the eSIM 23 in advance, and a communication line is opened. In the case of a local 5G network, private 5G network, or private LTE network, which are self-operated or dedicated networks, it is assumed that multiple profiles are installed in the communication terminal 2 in advance by a network administrator or an authorized user.

[0026] Local 5G refers to a self-operated 5G network built by companies or local governments for use within a limited area. 5G networks have three characteristics: high speed and large capacity, ultra-low latency, and multiple simultaneous connections. Because local 5G networks are self-operated, they can flexibly switch profiles and communicate using the appropriate APN information for a given area. The frequencies available can be selected from the Sub6 (4.6-4.9 GHz band) and millimeter wave (28.2-29.1 GHz band) allocated for local 5G use.

[0027] The APN information includes the name (access point name), APN name, user name, password, authentication type, etc. For example, if a subscriber is registered with carrier "A" out of multiple carriers "A," "B," and "C," the access point name would be "a mobile," the APN name would be "a.ne.jp," the user name would be "a***," the password would be "****," and the authentication type would be "PAP or CHAP." Depending on the carrier, other information may be set. Since APN information differs depending on the carrier, appropriate APN information should be stored. Profile information can be registered using only the communication terminal 2, by displaying a QR code using another Wi-Fi®-compatible communication terminal other than the communication terminal 2 and reading the QR code, or by accessing an SM-DP+ server and installing the profile information. The method varies depending on the communication terminal manufacturer and model.

[0028] The procedure for switching profiles by user operation on the communication terminal 2 of FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0029] First, when the user 1 performs a profile switching operation on the communication terminal 2 (step 201), the LPA application 21 receives a profile switching request (step 202). Next, the LPA application 21 notifies the modem control unit 22 of the received profile switching request.

[0030] Next, modem control unit 22 receives the profile switching request, performs profile switching processing, and registers communication terminal 2 on the network using the new profile information (step 203). This enables user 1 to communicate using communication terminal 2 (step 204).

[0031] This series of profile switching processing sequences is shown in Figure 3. That is, when user 1 performs a profile switching operation (step 301), a profile switching request is output to modem control unit 22 (step 302). Modem control unit 22 outputs the profile switching request to eSIM 23 (step 303), and performs profile switching within eSIM 23 (step 304). Modem control unit 22 receives a profile switching completion notification from eSIM 23 (step 305). Modem control unit 22 transmits the received profile switching completion notification to LPA application 21 (step 306).

[0032] Next, the modem control unit 22 executes an attach process, which is a network registration process of the terminal information (step 307). That is, the modem control unit 22 transmits an attach request to the external network 3 (step 308), and upon receiving an attach permission from the network 3 (step 309), transmits an attach completion to the network 3 (step 310).

[0033] Through the above process, user 1 who owns communication terminal 2 becomes able to communicate via network 3 (step 311).

[0034] A typical profile switching procedure is shown in Figure 4. After completing the profile switching in the processing of Figure 4, the modem control unit 22 starts the attach process, but at this time, the modem control unit 22 is not notified of a change in APN (Access Point Name) information required for network connection, and the connection is rejected by the network 3, resulting in a problem of a long wait time before communication becomes possible. The profile switching sequence of Figure 4 will now be described.

[0035] When user 1 performs a profile switching operation (step 401), the LPA application 21 outputs a profile switching request to the modem control unit 22 (step 402). The modem control unit 22 outputs the profile switching request to the eSIM 23 (step 403) and performs profile switching within the eSIM 23 (step 404). The modem control unit 22 receives a profile switching completion notification from the eSIM 23 (step 405). The modem control unit 22 transmits the received profile switching completion notification to the LPA application 21 (step 406).

[0036] Next, the modem control unit 22 transmits an attach request to the network 3 using the APN information before the profile change (step 407). At this time, the APN information is different, so the attach request is rejected (step 408).

[0037] Thereafter, the LPA application 21 notifies the modem control unit 22 of the APN information after the profile change (step 409). The modem control unit 22 executes an attach process (step 410), which is a network registration process of the terminal information. That is, the modem control unit 22 transmits an attach request to the network 3 (step 411), and upon receiving an attach permission (registration permission) from the network 3 (step 412), transmits an attach completion (registration completion) to the network 3 (step 413).

[0038] Through the above process, user 1 who owns communication terminal 2 becomes able to communicate via network 3 (step 414). In the profile switching process of Fig. 4, it takes 10 seconds or more from profile switching until communication becomes possible.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of a high-speed processing of a network switching method in a communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] In the present invention, as shown in Fig. 5, when a profile switch occurs, the modem control unit 22 is notified of APN information stored in advance, and the attach process is performed, allowing for quick network switching without being rejected by the network 3. The profile switch sequence in Fig. 5 will now be described.

[0041] When the user 1 performs a profile switching operation (step 501), the LPA application 21 notifies the modem control unit 22 of APN information corresponding to the profile information after switching before or simultaneously with outputting the profile switching request (step 502).

[0042] Next, the LPA application 21 outputs a profile switching request to the modem control unit 22 (step 503). The modem control unit 22 outputs a profile switching instruction to the eSIM 23 (step 504), and performs profile switching within the eSIM 23 (step 505). The modem control unit 22 receives a profile switching completion notification from the eSIM 23 (step 506). The modem control unit 22 transmits the received profile switching completion notification to the LPA application 21 (step 507).

[0043] The modem control unit 22 executes an attach process (step 508) which is a process of registering terminal information to the network. That is, the modem control unit 22 transmits an attach request to the external network 3 using the received APN information after profile switching (step 509), and upon receiving an attach permission (registration permission) from the network 3 (step 510), transmits an attach completion (registration completion) to the network 3 (step 511).

[0044] Through the above process, user 1 who owns communication terminal 2 becomes able to communicate via network 3 (step 512). In the profile switching process of Fig. 5, it takes only a few seconds from profile switching until communication becomes possible.

[0045] In the above embodiment, a network switching method in a communication terminal that can quickly switch networks can be realized by using multiple profiles in the communication terminal 2 that uses the eSIM 23, and notifying the modem control unit 22 of APN information stored in advance from the LPA application 21 when a profile switch occurs, thereby performing an attach process that is a process of registering terminal information to the network without being rejected by the network 3. As a result, when multiple profiles are used in the communication terminal 2 that uses the eSIM 23, and profile switching is performed by a user operation, notifying the modem control unit 22 in advance of APN information after the profile switch makes it possible to quickly use the network after the profile switch.

[0046] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the profile switching process is performed in response to a profile switching operation by the user 1, but this is not limiting. For example, the above-described profile switching operation may be automatically performed by a robot equipped with the communication terminal 2 or a cybernetic avatar of the user 1.

[0047] <Examples of use in which the effects of the invention are most effectively demonstrated> FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of automatic profile switching during movement from public 5G to local 5G according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, when a mobile object (e.g., a robot, an automated guided vehicle, etc.) equipped with a communication terminal 65 moves and automatically switches its profile from public 5G area 62 covered by public 5G base station 61 to local 5G area 64 covered by local 5G base station 63, the present invention is effective because the network can be used more quickly when the profile is switched automatically than when the profile is switched by a user's intended operation. That is, in public 5G area 62, the public 5G profile of eSIM profile 66a in communication terminal 65 is active. However, when communication terminal 65 moves (67) and detects local 5G area 64, the local 5G profile of eSIM profile 66b in communication terminal 65 is automatically switched to active, thereby achieving the effect of smooth wireless communication even when the mobile object moves. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1 user 2. Communication terminals 3 Network 21 LPA App 22 Modem control unit 23 eSIM 61 public 5G base stations 62 Public 5G Area 63 local 5G base stations 64 local 5G areas 65 Communication terminals 66a, 66b Profiles 67 Communication terminal movement 81 eSIM Operation System 82 Communication terminal 83 LPA App 84 eSIM 85 Terminal Apps 86 users 87 SM-DP+ Server 91 Attachment Processing 201 User performs profile switching operation 202 Profile switching process performed by LPA app 203 Network registration of new profile information by modem control unit 204 User-defined communication terminals 301, 401, 501 profile switching operation 302, 402, 503 profile switching 303, 403, 504 profile switching 304, 404, 505 Profile switching 305, 405, 506 Profile switching completed 306, 406, 507 Profile switching completed 307, 410, 508 Attachment Processing 308, 410 Attach Request 309, 411, 509 Attach Permissions 310, 412 510 Attachment complete 311, 413, 511 communication possible 407 Attach Request 408 Attach Refused 409 APN information notification after profile change 502 Notify APN information corresponding to the profile after switching 509 Attach Request (APN information after profile switching)

Claims

1. A network switching method for a communication terminal including: an eSIM (embedded SIM) that stores multiple pieces of profile information used for communication; an LPA (Local Profile Assistant) application that outputs a profile switching request in response to a profile switching operation by a user; and a modem control unit that receives the profile switching request from the LPA application, switches the multiple pieces of profile information of the eSIM, notifies the LPA application of completion of the profile switching, and performs a process of registering terminal information to an external network, The LPA application notifies the modem control unit of APN (Access Point Name) information corresponding to the profile information after switching before or simultaneously with outputting the profile switching request; the modem control unit performs a process of registering terminal information with the external network using the received APN information after profile switching; A network switching method in a communication terminal, comprising:

2. The network switching method in a communication terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that the modem control unit sends a registration request to the external network using the APN information received after the profile switching, and when it receives registration permission from the external network, performs registration processing of the terminal information by sending a registration completion to the external network.

3. 3. The network switching method for a communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the profile switching operation is automatically performed by a robot or a cybernetic avatar.

4. 3. The network switching method in a communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the APN information includes an access point name, an APN name, a user name, a password, and an authentication type.

Images