Network determination action controlled by operating system of data carrier based on secure element after evaluating measured network quality of different communication networks

Abstract

The present disclosure refers to a method of determining a communication connection (26) between an electronic device (20) and at least one communication network (12; 14), wherein said electronic device (20) comprises at least one data carrier (22; 24) based on a secure element (23) and equipped with an operating system (30), the method comprising: executing at least one communication action (28) between the data carrier (22; 24) and the electronic device (20) or between the data carrier (22; 24) and the communication network (12; 14) via the electronic device (20), said communication action (28) being controlled by the operating system (30) of said data carrier (22; 24); measuring at least one network quality parameter (34) in the course of said communication action (28); evaluating the measured network quality parameter (34) based on a pre-determined threshold (40) and / or based on a comparison of measured network quality parameters (34) corresponding to different communication networks (12; 14); executing a network determination action (44) controlled by the operating system (30) of the data carrier (22; 24) and based on said evaluation (42). The present disclosure further refers to a corresponding system (10), computer program (30; 32), data carrier (22; 24) and electronic device (20).

Description

[0001] NETWORK DETERMINATION ACTION CONTROLLED BY OPERATING SYSTEM OF DATA CARRIER BASED ON SECURE ELEMENT AFTER EVALUATING MEASURED NETWORK QUALITY OF DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

[0002] Cross reference to related documents

[0003] The U.S. patent application with the application number 15 / 061,262, published under the publication number US 2017 / 0257129 Al and further, the international patent application with the international application number PCT / KR2019 / 009398, published under the publication number WO 2020 / 027517 Al, and further the document “SARA- R5 series; LTE-M / NB-IoT modules based on UBX-R5 chipset; AT commands manual; UBX-19047455 - R14 Cl-Public”, published on the internet at “https: / / content.u-blox.com / sites / default / files / SARA-R5_ATCommands_UBX- 19047455.pdf’, latest access on October 17, 2023 and referred to herein as “SARA- R5”, and further the technical standard “ETSI TS 102 223 V17.2.0 (2023-03)” referred to herein as “ETSI TS 102 223”, and further the technical standard “ETSI TS 127 007 V17.9.0 (2023-07)” referred to herein as “ETSI TS 127 007 are incorporated herein as if fully set forth below.

[0004] Technical Field

[0005] Generally, the present disclosure relates to methods of determining a communication connection. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method of determining a communication connection between an electronic device and a communication network. The present disclosure also relates to a corresponding system, electronic device, data carrier and computer program. Technical Background

[0006] Communication network management is an important aspect, in communication networks, wherein an electronic communication device selectively connects to one or more communication networks. For example, in US 2017 / 0257129 Al an information handling system functioning is disclosed, capable of determining a list of optimal wireless service carriers. Further, in WO 2020 / 027517 Al, a method for automatically switching among a plurality of embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) profiles in an electronic device is provided.

[0007] In known methods or systems, network management is controlled by the respective electronic device, which leads to various dedicated methods depending on the capabilities of the respective device. Accordingly, efficiency and flexibility of such methods is limited.

[0008] Summary

[0009] It may be seen as an object of the invention to improve efficiency in communication network management. A further objective may be seen as providing a method of low complexity to perform communication network management. A further objective may be seen as providing a flexible method to manage communication networks.

[0010] A method, a system, an electronic device, a data carrier and a computer program according to the features of the independent claims are provided. Further embodiments are evident from the dependent claims and from the following description.

[0011] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method of determining a communication connection between an electronic device and at least one communication network is provided. Said electronic device comprises at least one data carrier based on a secure element (SE) and is equipped with an operating system (OS). Said method comprises a step of executing at least one communication action between the data carrier and the electronic device or between the data carrier and the communication network via the electronic device. Said communication action is controlled by the operating system of said data carrier. The method further comprises a step of measuring at least one network quality parameter in the course of said communication action. Further, the method comprises a step of evaluating the measured network quality parameter based on a pre-determined threshold and / or based on a comparison of measured network quality parameters corresponding to different communication networks. The method further comprises a step of executing a network determination action controlled by the operating system of the data carrier and based on said evaluation.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, accurate network measurement, widely independent from capabilities of the respectively used electronic devices, can be achieved. Since the communication action and the network determination action are controlled by the operating system of the data carrier, the electronic device or in some examples a modem comprised by the electronic device, do not limit such measurements. Measuring the network quality parameter and evaluating the measured network quality parameter may be controlled by the operating system of the data carrier, as well. The present disclosure enables efficient and flexible communication network management. The present disclosure also provides an approach to communication network management that is of low complexity and reduces the technical effort. These advantages apply more particularly, if a plurality of networks is accessible. One basic factor to achieve these advantages may be seen in the data carrier determining the communication connection between the electronic device and the one or more communication networks in part or entirely. This approach may be standardized throughout various electronic devices.

[0013] The term “being controlled by the operating system” may cover embodiments, wherein the communication action is run by the operating system itself or by another computer program, such as an applet, running on the operating system. In some embodiments, said communication action and said network determination action are directly controlled by the operating system of the data carrier or indirectly via an applet running on said operating system.

[0014] Based on the present disclosure, a standardized way to let the data carrier know certain network parameters, such as an availability or a signal strength, is provided. If referring to actions, interactions or reactions of the data carrier herein (such as the data carrier “knows”), this may refer to a computer program, such as the operating system of the data carrier or a computer program run on said operating system, performing said actions, interactions or reactions (such as having certain data or information, in case of “knowing”).

[0015] In the context of the communication connection, the term “determining” may cover aspects of evaluating and administrating said communication connection. The communication network may be a public network (PN) or a non-public network (NPN). In some examples, it may be a satellite network (SN), a citizens broadband radio service (CBRS), a public cellular networks, a private cellular network, such as but not limited to CBRS and satellite networks or a public land mobile network (PLMN). The communication network may comprise any of these communication networks or different communication networks, alone or in combination.

[0016] The electronic device may comprise an electronic communication device or mobile electronic communication device. In some embodiments the electronic device may be implemented as any of the afore said devices. For example, the electronic device may be a cell phone, a notebook, a desktop PC, a tablet PC, a vehicle such as a car or truck, a ship or a plane, any machine, building, device or object comprising an electronic communication interface. In some embodiments the electronic communication interface may comprise a modem. The electronic device may be any mobile or static object with an electronic communication interface. The data carrier according to the present disclosure is based on a secure element and equipped with an operating system, wherein such secure elements are well known in the art. For example, such secure elements can be found in cell phones. The operating system may be comprised by the secure element. Preferably, said data carrier may be based on the functional principle of a universal integrated circuit card (UICC), which means UICC-based, in other words. This does not necessarily imply its implementation in the form of a card. However, it may be implemented in the form of a card in some examples. In exemplarily embodiments, the data carrier may be replaceable, embedded or integrated in the electronic device. In some embodiments, said data carrier may comprises a UICC, embedded UICC (eUICC), integrated UICC (iUICC), subscriber identity module (SIM), embedded SIM (eSIM), integrated SIM (iSIM). The secure element may be an embedded secure element (eSE). Preferably, the data carrier comprises a SIM, eSIM or iSIM.

[0017] Regarding measuring the one or more network quality parameters, measurement may take place upon initiation or initiation attempt of the communication action, during said communication action or upon termination of the communication action. Network quality parameters may comprise the availability of a particular communication network or the signal strength of a communication network.

[0018] Evaluation of the measured network quality parameter may be based on the predetermined threshold. In some embodiments said threshold may be pre-determined dynamically, e.g. by an operational state of electronic device. Such an operational state may be a certain battery level. In some embodiments said threshold may be predetermined permanently, e.g. by specifications of the operating system of the data carrier.

[0019] Based on the evaluation, various network determination actions are possible. For example, said network determination action could be iteration of the cycle, which means one or more of the following actions may be taken once more or in iterations or sub-iterations: executing a communication action, measuring a network quality parameter, evaluating the measured network quality parameter, executing a network determination action.

[0020] This may be suitable in some examples, wherein evaluation does not deliver a meaningful result in the first run. This may be the case, if no network is available at all or if all networks are equally good.

[0021] In other examples wherein evaluation does not deliver a meaningful result, the network determination action may even be pre-determined under control of the operating system of the data carrier. For example, a particular or preferred communication network may be chosen in one example. In other examples, the data carrier may disconnect and reconnect after a given time interval, for example after 1 minute or 30 seconds.

[0022] However, evaluation will lead to a meaningful result in many cases. Then, various actions could be taken, depending on the particular result of said evaluation. In some examples, the network determination action may be switching the communication network.

[0023] It shall be noted that the method or certain steps of the method of the present disclosure can be run in one or more iterations at any time, for example, to re-evaluate the communication network continuously.

[0024] In some embodiments, the data carrier comprises multiple operating profiles and / or the electronic device comprises multiple data carriers with at least one operating profile stored on each of at least two different data carriers.

[0025] Operating profiles may correspond to different users and / or different communication networks. Different communication networks are often run by different communication network providers, based on which it may be referred to a communication network provider when technically meaning a communication network.

[0026] Preferably, at least one data carrier comprises or is implemented as an eSIM or iSIM. This enables particularly efficient communication network management in the context of the present disclosure. In case of multiple data carriers, it may also be referred to a multi -UICC, e.g. multi-SIM, multi-eSIM or multi -i SIM.

[0027] In some embodiments, said network determination action comprises one or more of the following: stay at currently connected communication network; disconnect from currently connected communication network; switch to different communication network. In an example, switching to a different communication network may refer to connecting to a communication network out of a disconnected state (e.g. offline state). In another example, switching to a different communication network may refer to disconnecting from a currently connected communication network and connecting to a different communication network or again to the same communication network.

[0028] Thus, the operating system of the data carrier can always choose an efficient communication network management mode.

[0029] In some embodiments, said network determination action comprises switching to a different communication network, said switching being achieved by running an operating profile corresponding with the different communication network.

[0030] Preferably, running an operating profile is executed in combination with or followed by a refresh command, for example after having switched to a different operating profile.

[0031] In some embodiments, a “run-af ’-command is used in said communication action to acquire a signal strength of the communication network from the electronic device as the measured network quality parameter. For example, the UICC, eUICC, iUICC, SIM, eSIM, iSIM, SE or eSE may use a “run- at”-command, preferably in class "b" supporting electronic devices comprising a class “b” modem and being capable of handling “run-af ’-commands, which may be a proactive command, originated by the operating system of the ICC, eUICC, iUICC, SIM, eSIM, iSIM, SE or eSE or a Javacard applet. Class “b” devices are specified, for example, in ETSI TS 102 223 (page 26 ff, section 5.2). Class “b” implies that the electronic device is capable of sending AT-commands (compare ETSI TS 102 223, page 56 ff, section 6.4.23). Generally, a proactive command in the present disclosure refers to the data carrier causing the electronic device to perform a certain action.

[0032] The UICC, eUICC, iUICC, SIM, eSIM, iSIM, SE or eSE operating system or a Javacard applet can request the signal strength (RS SI) from the electronic device using an “AT+CSQ”- and “AT+COPS”-command and decide appropriate actions (based on signal quality and available PLMNs), such as: a) To stay at the currently registered PLMN, which can be a PN, NPN or SN, for example, or to disconnect from the current PLMN and / or to attach to a different PLMN, which can be a PN, NPN or SN, for example. b) A network / PLMN switch can be done by the operating system of the UICC, eUICC, iUICC, SIM, eSIM, iSIM, SE, eSE or by a Javacard applet. For example, the switch can be done by switching an eSIM profile. As another example, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) switch can be done. Some IMSI switch mechanisms are known from conventional dual or multi IMSI applications that can switch IMSIs and other network parameters in a SIM. Yet as another example, an EF DIR switch can be done, wherein “EF DIR” refers to an elementary file in an operating profile below a master file (MF). EF DIR comprises a directory or list of application dedicated files (application DF) corresponding to different applications, such as a certain GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) standard (e.g. 3G, 4G or 5G). EF DIR can be used to toggle between active networks. The EF DIR may comprise identifiers referring to such applications and may comprise information on preferable applications in certain situations, such as in a roaming situation in the context of a mobile communication device. The operating system or applet running on said operating system makes access to the EF DIR to initiate the switch. A switching mechanism may preferably be followed by an appropriate refresh command (proactive command) with an applicable command qualifier. A command qualifier decides what kind of refresh should be applied, which is further specified in ETSI TS 102 223 (page 46 ff, section 6.4.7).

[0033] Optionally, the operating system of the UICC, eUICC, iUICC, SIM, eSIM, iSIM, SE, eSE or the Javacard applet can also issue another AT-Command, such as “AT+COPS” that forces an attempt to select and register the network operator. Additional AT- commands can be used to make network switching as elegant as possible and logic to issue, wherein it is intended to enable a smooth network switch without unnecessary delays (e.g. from a private network to a public network). Respective AT commands are further described in ETSI TS 127 007 (e.g. on page 31 ff, section 5.9 “select wireless network”). Either command can be executed individually or in combination of commands. This may vary based on use case and device type.

[0034] In some embodiments, a proactive command is used in said communication action to acquire at least one of a signal strength or an availability of at least one communication network from the electronic device as the measured network quality parameter.

[0035] The signal Strength can be received from the device using a proactive command. For devices which support class “b”, a proactive command (e.g. as in ETSI TS 102 223, page 56 ff, section 6.4.23 “RUN AT COMMAND”) can be issued by the UICC, eUICC, iUICC, SIM, eSIM, iSIM, SE, eSE operating system or the Javacard applet, to get the signal strength of the current PLMN or a desired PLMN or to get a list of available PLMNs in a terminal response (based on a command qualifier and data). This applies, if class "b" is supported by the terminal / electronic device and if class “b” is enabled by the subscriber through the terminal. The terminal (which means the electronic device) response generally refers to a response of the electronic device to a proactive command issued by the UICC, eUICC, iUICC, SIM, eSIM, iSIM, SE, eSE operating system or the Javacard applet, e.g. in terms of a response "command performed successfully”. Then, appropriate actions can be decided, based on the signal quality, available PLMNs or priority defined internally, such as: a) To stay at a currently registered PLMN, which can be PN, NPN, SN, for example, or to disconnect from the current PLMN and / or to attach to a different PLMN, which can be PN, NPN or SN, for example. b) A network or PLMN switch can be done by the UICC, eUICC, iUICC, SIM, eSIM, iSIM, SE, eSE OS or a Javacard applet by switching an eSIM profile, performing an IMSI Switch or an EF DIR switch, followed by an appropriate refresh command (proactive command) with an applicable command qualifier.

[0036] Optionally the UICC, eUICC, iUICC, SIM, eSIM, iSIM, SE, eSE OS or a Javacard applet can also issue another proactive command or commands or a sequence of internal files or an objects update to select and register the network operator. The sequence of internal files may refer to a file in the data carrier that has a list of PLMNs with priorities assigned regarding certain situations, such as a roaming situation. Additional commands or application identifiers (APIs) can be used to make network switching as elegant as possible and logic to issue. Execution of either command or combination of commands can vary based on the use case and electronic device type, e.g. as explained above with regard to AT commands.

[0037] In some embodiments, an “event’ ’-command is used in said communication action to acquire at least an availability of at least one communication network from the electronic device as the measured network quality parameter. The data carrier may register to available events via an event list or an event download, thus obtaining the signal strength from a network, as well.

[0038] An available PLMN can also be switched to by using an EVENT Download (see ETSI TS 102 223, e.g. page 121 ff, section 7.5) to select an EVENT, to which the UICC, eUICC, iUICC, SIM, eSIM, iSIM, SE, eSE OS or a Javacard applet can register (using the "set up event list” command) and thus getting a desired PLMN availability (e.g that of a partner PLMN, satellite network, a public or mobile network operator (MNO) network PLMN or a private or CBRS network PLMN, e.g SHNI (Shared Home Network Identifier) with or without IBN (IMSI Block Number). Upon a PLMN available event from the modem, the UICC, eUICC, iUICC, SIM, eSIM, iSIM, SE, eSE OS or a Javacard applet can decide appropriate actions such as a) To stay at a currently registered PLMN, which can be a PN, NPN, SN, for example, or to disconnect from the current PLMN and / or to attach to different PLMN, which can be a PN, NPN, or SN, for example. b) A network / PLMN switch can be done by the UICC, eUICC, iUICC, SIM, eSIM, iSIM, SE, eSE OS or the Javacard applet by switching an eSIM profile, performing an IMSI switch or EF DIR switch, followed by an appropriate refresh command (proactive command) with applicable command qualifier.

[0039] Optionally, the UICC, eUICC, iUICC, SIM, eSIM, iSIM, SE, eSE OS or a Javacard applet can also issue another proactive command(s) or a sequence of internal files, an objects update to select and register the network operator and additional commands or APIs can be used to make network switching as elegant as possible and logic to issue. Execution of either command or combination of commands can vary, based on use case and device type.

[0040] In some embodiments, said network determination action comprises switching to a different communication network, wherein the electronic device generates an event forming part of an event list to which the data carrier can register, said event comprising a selected different communication network to which the data carrier connects.

[0041] Switching the PLMN may be achieved with an EVENT Download. This is an electronic device supported EVENT, wherein the electronic device can generate an event and send it to the UICC, eUICC, iUICC, SIM, eSIM, iSIM, SE, eSE OS or a Javacard applet that is registered (using "set up event list” command) to get such an event from the electronic device upon receipt of such an event. The event can have the PLMN in the event to inform the UICC, eUICC, iUICC, SIM, eSIM, iSIM, SE, eSE OS or a Javacard applet that can decide on appropriate actions such as: a) To stay at a currently registered PLMN, which can be a PN, NPN or SN, for example, or to disconnect from the current PLMN and / or to attach to a different PLMN, which can be a PN, NPN or SN, for example. b) A network / PLMN switch can be done by the UICC, eUICC, iUICC, SIM, eSIM, iSIM, SE, eSE OS or a Javacard applet by switching an eSIM profile or by performing an IMSI switch or an EF DIR switch, followed by an appropriate refresh command (proactive command) with an applicable command qualifier.

[0042] Optionally, the UICC, eUICC, iUICC, SIM, eSIM, iSIM, SE, eSE OS or a Javacard applet can also issue another proactive command(s) or a sequence of internal files or an objects update to select and register to the network operator or additional commands or APIs can be used to make network switching as elegant as possible and logic to issue. Execution of either command or combination of commands can vary, based on use case and device type.

[0043] The electronic device should generate this Event Download, based on a currently registered PLMN and also based on a new PLMN available and registered by the UICC, eUICC, iUICC, SIM, eSIM, iSIM, SE, eSE OS, and based on which the data carrier can decide whether to switch according to a certain PLMN priority defined and also by mapping of PLMNs with eSIMs or ICCIDs (Integrated Circuit Card Identification Number) and / or other mechanisms applicable to the use case.

[0044] In some embodiments, said network determination action comprises switching to a different communication network, wherein at least one different proactive command or a sequence of internal files or an object update is used to select and connect to the selected different communication network.

[0045] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a system is provided, comprising at least one communication network and an electronic device. Said electronic device comprises at least one data carrier based on a secure element and equipped with an operating system. Said system is designed and configurable for determining a communication connection between the electronic device and the communication network by running a method according to the present disclosure.

[0046] Preferably, said data carrier may be based on the functional principle of a universal integrated circuit card.

[0047] The term “designed to” or “designed for” herein may refer to implementation of structural features (that may be hardware or software) required to potentially achieve an object’s purpose. For example, one factor of the system design required to run said method may be implementation of said data carrier.

[0048] The term “configured to” or “configured for” herein may refer to configuration of implemented structural features (that may be hardware or software) required to practically fulfill an object’s purpose. The term “configured” may alternatively be expressed as “in a certain operational state”. For example, one factor of the system configuration, or an operational state of the system, required to run said method may be that the operating system of the data carrier is loaded. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided. Said computer program is designed and configurable to run or control a method according to the present disclosure.

[0049] For example, one factor of the computer program’s design required to run or control said method may be implementation of an algorithm comprising the steps of the method according to the present disclosure. For example, one factor of the computer program’s configuration required to run or control said method may be that an operational profile is dynamically linked with the algorithm. Said computer program may be stored on any computer readable medium, e.g. for transportation.

[0050] Particularly, said computer program may comprise an operating system of a data carrier useable in said method or forming an element of said system. In another example, said computer program may comprise an applet that can be run on said operating system, wherein said applet is designed and configurable to run or control a method according to the present disclosure, while being itself controlled by the operating system.

[0051] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a data carrier is provided. The data carrier comprises a computer program according to the present disclosure.

[0052] Generally, said data carrier may comprise any computer readable medium. Preferably, said data carrier is based on the functional principle of a universal integrated circuit card (UICC). Preferably, the data carrier comprises at least one of a UICC, eUICC, iUICC, SIM, eSIM, iSIM, SE or eSE.

[0053] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device is designed and configurable to be used in a method according to the present disclosure. For example, one factor of the electronic device’s design required to be used in said method may be implementation of a data carrier according to the present disclosure, based on the functional principle of a universal integrated circuit card (UICC). For example, one factor of the electronic device’s configuration required to be used in said method may be that an operating system of said data carrier is loaded.

[0054] Generally, relevant design and configuration aspects of said system, computer program, data carrier and electronic device will be derived from the present disclosure by those skilled in the art, regarding the disclosed method of determining a communication connection.

[0055] Brief description of the drawings

[0056] The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0057] Fig. 1 shows a system for determining a communication connection between an electronic device and a communication network;

[0058] Fig. 2 shows an electronic device with a data carrier and a computer program;

[0059] Fig. 3 shows flow diagram of a method of determining a communication connection between an electronic device and a communication network;

[0060] Fig. 4 shows another flow diagram of a method of determining a communication connection between an electronic device and a communication network; and

[0061] Fig. 5 shows another flow diagram of a method of determining a communication connection between an electronic device and a communication network. Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0062] Fig. 1 shows a system 10 for determining a communication connection 26 between an electronic device 20 and at least a first communication network 12 by running a method as described in further detail below and with additional reference to Figures 2 and 3. Said system 10 may be scalable and therefore system boundaries are indicated in an abstract manner by a dash-dot line. For example, the system 10 may be scaled by comprising the first communication network 12, a second communication network 14 or even more communication networks. In some embodiments the system 10 may comprise additional electronic devices. The first communication network 12 may be operated by a first communication network provider 16 and the second communication network 14 may be operated by a second communication network provider 18. Therefore, the terms “communication network” and “communication network provider” may be used as synonyms herein.

[0063] Said electronic device 20 comprises at least one data carrier 22 that is based on a secure element 23 and equipped with an operating system 30. Preferably, the data carrier 22 may be based on the functional principle of a universal integrated circuit card (UICC). In the illustrated example there are two such data carriers 22 and 24, of which data carrier 24 is optional.

[0064] In step I of the method, at least one communication action 28 is executed between the data carrier 22 and the electronic device 20 or between the data carrier 22 and the communication network 12 via the electronic device 20. For that purpose, said electronic device 20 may comprise a modem 21 to establish communication connection 26. Said communication action 28 is controlled by an operating system 30 of said data carrier 22, either directly or indirectly via an optional applet 32 running on said operating system 30. Each of said operating system 30 and applet 32 may be a separate computer program. Alternatively, they could be implemented together as an integrated computer program. In the course of said communication action 28, measurement of at least one network quality parameter 34 is executed in step II of the method. Said network quality parameter 34 may be a signal strength 36 of the communication network 12 received via the communication connection 26. Said network quality parameter 34 may also be an availability 38 of the communication network 12, which may correspond with an availability of the communication connection 26.

[0065] In a third step III of the method, evaluation of the measured network quality parameter 34 is done, based on a pre-determined threshold 40. In some embodiments said predetermined threshold 40 may be pre-determined dynamically, e.g. by an operational state of electronic device 20. Such an operational state may correspond with a certain battery level of the electronic device 20. A decreasing battery level may, for example, require an increasing minimum signal strength as the dynamically pre-determined threshold 40. In some embodiments said pre-determined threshold 40 may be predetermined permanently / statically, for example by a specification of the operating system 30 of the data carrier 22 or the applet 32. Such specification may define a minimum signal strength as a permanently pre-determined threshold 40. Such specification my also define positive availability of a communication network as a permanently pre-determined threshold 40.

[0066] An evaluation result 42 could then be determined by whether said measured network quality parameter 34 is below said pre-determined threshold 40, equal to said predetermined threshold 40 or above said pre-determined threshold 40.

[0067] In a fourth step IV of the method, execution of a network determination action 44 is done, controlled by the operating system 30 of the data carrier 22 and based on said evaluation result 42. Like the communication action 28, said network determination action 44 may be controlled directly by the operating system 30 or indirectly via the optional applet 32. In some embodiments, further steps or all steps of the method may be controlled directly or indirectly by the operating system 30.

[0068] If there is just the first communication network 12 available, said network determination action 44 may comprise staying at the first communication network 12, if already connected to it, or connecting to the first communication network 12, if not yet connected to it. If no communication network is available, the method may be repeated in an iteration 46. The network determination action 44 may also comprise disconnecting from the first communication network 12, for example in case of a low battery of the electronic device 20. It shall be noted that the method may be run in iterations 46 anytime and in any embodiment.

[0069] In one example, also illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the data carrier 22 may comprise multiple operating profiles, for example a first operating profile 48 and second operating profile 50. Operating profiles may correspond to different users and / or different communication networks or communication network providers, respectively. For example, the first operating profile 48 may correspond to the first communication network 12 and the second operating profile 50 may correspond to the second communication network 14. In some embodiments, the electronic device 20 comprises multiple data carriers, such as data carriers 22 and 24. Then, at least one operating profile may be stored on each of at least two different data carriers. Optional data carrier 24 may operate the same way as data carrier 22 based on one or more operating profiles.

[0070] In some examples illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, that are described in further detail now, the data carrier 22 may be equipped with at least the first operating profile 48 and second operating profile 50. Preferably, the data carrier 22 comprises an eSIM, iSIM, SE or eSE. Tuning back to steps I and II of the method, the communication action 28 and measuring the network quality parameter 34 are executed regarding the first communication network 12 by operation of the first operating profile 48 and then regarding the second communication network 14 by operation of the second operating profile 50. This means, for example the signal strength 36 or the availability 38 of each of the first and second communication networks 12, 14 may be measured.

[0071] Turning now back to step III of the method, the measured network quality parameters 34 of the networks may be evaluated based on the pre-determined threshold 40, as described before, and / or based on a comparison 52 of the measured network quality parameters 34 corresponding to the first and second communication networks 12, 14.

[0072] If evaluation is done based on the pre-determined threshold 40 and the comparison 52, the availability 38 of the respective networks may be assessed, for example in terms of “available (1)” or “not available (0)”. Measurement of the availability 38 of first communication network 12 and the second communication networks 14 may be done once or more upon an attempt to establish the communication connection 26 to the respective network or in a time interval, while the communication connection 26 is established or trying to establish due to the communication action 28. The predetermined threshold 40 may be defined as a minimum availability during the time interval or a certain number of attempts to connect. Based on that, it could be assessed if availability 38 of both networks is above the pre-determined threshold 40. If so, said comparison 52 could evaluate, whether availability 38 of the first communication network 12 or the second communication network 14 is higher. The outcome may be stored as the evaluation result 42.

[0073] If the signal strength 36 or even a derivation of the signal strength 36 is used as the predetermined threshold 40, a minimum signal strength may be defined, for example as - 90, - 70, -60 or -50 dBm. Measurement may be done in analogy to the afore said, which may be punctual, in a time interval or throughout the entire communication connection 26. Based on that, it could be assessed if the signal strength 36 of both networks is above the pre-determined threshold 40. If so, said comparison 52 could evaluate, whether the signal strength 36 of the first communication network 12 or the second communication network 14 is higher. The outcome may be stored as the evaluation result 42.

[0074] If evaluation is done only based on the pre-determined threshold 40, the evaluation result 42 may only represent which of the networks comprises the minimum availability or minimum signal strength. If evaluation is done only based on the comparison 52, the evaluation result 42 may only represent which of the networks is available or not.

[0075] Now turning back to step IV of the method, said network determination action 44 may comprises one or more of the following: stay at currently connected communication network; disconnect from currently connected communication network; switch to different communication network. For example, the data carrier 22 may be connected to the first communication network 12, while the second communication network 14 is also available and both said networks comprise sufficient availability 38 and signal strength 36. However, the measured signal strength 36 of the second communication network 14 may be higher (e.g. -50 dBm) than that of the first communication network 12 (e.g. -113 dBm). Said network determination action 44 may then comprises switching from the first communication network 12 to the second communication network 14. Switching may be achieved by running the second operating profile 18 instead of the first operating profile 16 in this example. Further details on switching an operating profile may be gained from WO 2020 / 027517 Al, particularly from page 14, paragraph 113 in combination with corresponding Figure 5. Such details may further be gained from US 2017 / 0257129 Al, particularly from the abstract and corresponding sections of the disclosure.

[0076] In an embodiment of the method, a “run-af ’-command 54 may be used in said communication action 28 to acquire the signal strength 36 of the respective communication networks 12, 14 from the electronic device 20 as the measured network quality parameter 34. Making additional reference to Figure 4, said “run-af ’-command 54 may be sent from the data carrier 22 to the modem 21 and the signal strength 36 may be sent back to the data carrier 22 from the modem 21. Suitable “run-af ’-commands 54 may be “AT+CSQ” or “AT+COPS”, both suitable for acquiring the signal strength 36 of a communication network. Further details on the use of such commands and other commands can be gained from SARA-R5, in particular from page 19, section 2.1.1, page 54, sections 7.3.2-7.3.3 and pages 56-61, section 7.5. Therein, instructions on the use of the above commands are provided.

[0077] In some embodiments, different “run-af ’-commands 54 are used, comprising the “AT+CSQ”-command, followed at least by the “AT+COPS”-command. Different “run- at”-commands 54 may enhance the data available on the measured network quality parameter 34. The command “AT+COPS” can be used to acquire the signal strength, but also forces an attempt to select and register a certain communication network.

[0078] In some embodiments, a proactive command 56 is used in said communication action 28 to acquire at least one of a signal strength 36 or an availability 38 of at least one communication network 12, 14 from the electronic device 20 as the measured network quality parameter 34, as additionally indicated in Figure 4. Exemplary proactive commands, such as "setup call" or "get input" are described in more detail in ETSI TS 102 223, in particular on page 109 ff, section 6.11.

[0079] In some embodiments, an “evenf’-command 58 is used in said communication action 28 to acquire at least an availability 38 of at least one communication network 12, 14 from the electronic device 20 as the measured network quality parameter 34, as additionally indicated in Figure 4. Exemplary “evenf’-commands 58, such as "SET UP EVENT LIST" are described in more detail in ETSI TS 102 223, in particular on pages 121 ff, section 7.5. The data carrier 22 can register to available events via said commands, thus obtaining the signal strength 36 from a communication networkl2, 14, as well.

[0080] Turning back to step IV of the method with regard to some embodiments, said network determination action 44 comprises switching to a different communication network (e.g. from the first communication network 12 to the second communication network 14), wherein the electronic device 20 generates an event forming part of an event list to which the data carrier 22 can register, said event comprising a selected different communication network (e.g. the second communication network 14) to which the data carrier 22 connects. In some embodiments, an event download is executed to choose a certain communication network 12, 14.

[0081] In some embodiments, said network determination action 44 comprises switching to a different communication network 12, 14, wherein at least one different proactive command 56 or a sequence of internal files or an object update is used to select and connect to the selected different communication network 12, 14.

[0082] Preferably and with additional reference to Figure 5, running an operating profile (e.g. the second operating profile 50) is executed in combination with or followed by a refresh command 60, for example after having switched to a different operating profile (e.g. from the first operating profile 48 to the second operating profile 50).

[0083] Reference numerals

[0084] 10 system

[0085] 12 first communication network

[0086] 14 second communication network

[0087] 16 first communication network provider

[0088] 18 second communication network provider

[0089] 20 electronic device

[0090] 21 modem

[0091] 22 data carrier

[0092] 23 secure element

[0093] 24 data carrier

[0094] 26 communication connection

[0095] 28 communication action

[0096] 30 operating system

[0097] 32 applet

[0098] 34 network quality parameter

[0099] 36 signal strength

[0100] 38 availability

[0101] 40 pre-determined threshold

[0102] 42 evaluation result

[0103] 44 network determination action

[0104] 46 iteration

[0105] 48 first operating profile

[0106] 50 second operating profile

[0107] 52 comparison

[0108] 54 „run-at“-command

[0109] 56 proactive command 58 „event“-command

[0110] 60 „refresh“-command

Claims

Claims1. Method of determining a communication connection (26) between an electronic device (20) and at least one communication network (12; 14), wherein said electronic device (20) comprises at least one data carrier (22; 24) based on a secure element (23) and equipped with an operating system (30), the method comprising:- executing at least one communication action (28) between the data carrier (22; 24) and the electronic device (20) or between the data carrier (22; 24) and the communication network (12; 14) via the electronic device (20), said communication action (28) being controlled by the operating system (30) of said data carrier (22; 24);- measuring at least one network quality parameter (34) in the course of said communication action (28);- evaluating the measured network quality parameter (34) based on a predetermined threshold (40) and / or based on a comparison of measured network quality parameters (34) corresponding to different communication networks (12; 14);- executing a network determination action (44) controlled by the operating system (30) of the data carrier (22; 24) and based on said evaluation (42).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the data carrier (22; 24) is based on the functional principle of a universal integrated circuit card (UICC).

3. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the data carrier (22; 24) comprises multiple operating profiles (48; 50) and / or the electronic device (20) comprises multiple data carriers (22; 24) with at least one operating profile (48; 50) stored on each of at least two different data carriers (22; 24).

4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said network determination action (44) comprises one or more of the following: stay at currently connected communication network (12; 14); disconnect from currently connected communication network (12; 14); switch to different communication network (12; 14).

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said network determination action (44) comprises switching to a different communication network (12; 14), said switching being achieved by running an operating profile (48; 50) corresponding with the different communication network (12; 14).

6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a “run-a ’-command (54) is used in said communication action (28) to acquire a signal strength (36) of the communication network (12; 14) from the electronic device (20) as the measured network quality parameter (34).

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein different “run-a ’-commands (54) are used, comprising an “AT+CSQ”-command, followed at least by an “AT+COPS”-command.

8. Method according to any of the claims 1 to 5, wherein a proactive command (56) is used in said communication action (28) to acquire at least one of a signal strength (36) or an availability (38) of at least one communication network (12;14) from the electronic device (20) as the measured network quality parameter (34).

9. Method according to any of the claims 1 to 5, wherein an “evenf’-command (58) is used in said communication action (28) to acquire at least an availability (38) of at least one communication network (12; 14) from the electronic device (20) as the measured network quality parameter (34).

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein said network determination action (44) comprises switching to a different communication network (12; 14), wherein the electronic device (20) generates an event forming part of an event list to which the data carrier (22; 24) can register, said event comprising a selected different communication network (12; 14) to which the data carrier (22; 24) connects.

11. Method according to any of the claims 8 to 10, wherein said network determination action (44) comprises switching to a different communication network (12; 14), wherein at least one different proactive command (56) or a sequence of internal files or an object update is used to select and connect to the selected different communication network (12; 14).

12. System (10), comprising at least one communication network (12; 14) and an electronic device (20), said electronic device (20) comprising at least one data carrier (22; 24) based on a secure element (23) and equipped with an operating system (30), wherein said system (10) is designed and configurable for determining a communication connection (26) between the electronic device (20) and the communication network (12; 14) by running a method according to any of the claims 1 to 11.

13. Computer program (30; 32), designed and configurable to run or control a method according to any of the claims 1 to 11.

14. Data carrier (22; 24), comprising a computer program (30; 32) according to claim 13.

15. Electronic device (20), designed and configurable to be used in a method according to any of the claims 1 to 11.

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