A method for switching a terminal supporting MEP (multi-enabled profiles) between a public network and a private network, and corresponding embedded universal integrated circuit card (EUICC)

Abstract

The present disclosure proposes a method for switching a terminal (10) supporting MEP Multi- Enabled Profiles between a public network and a private network. The terminal (10) has a first profile (17) and a second profile (18). When a second modem (16) loses coverage with an NPN, the method comprises sending from the second applet 22 to the first applet (21), through an interface (20) between the first and second applets (21, 22), a message indicating that the NPN is not available, in order to connect the terminal (10) through the first modem (15) to a public network. When the second modem 16 regains coverage with the NPN, the method comprises sending from the second applet (22) to the first applet (21), through the interface (20), a message indicating that the NPN is available, in order to connect the terminal (10) through the first modem (15) to the NPN.

Description

[0001] A method for switching a terminal supporting MEP (Multi-Enabled Profiles) between a public network and a private network, and corresponding Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC)

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure concerns telecommunications, especially in 5G networks. More precisely, the present disclosure concerns private networks and the switching of a terminal supporting MEP (Multi -Enabled Profiles) between a public and a private network (PLMN).

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Private Networks are one of the key drivers of 5G, providing dedicated, secure, and high- performance connectivity for industries, enterprises, etc. These networks are commonly deployed in controlled environments such as but not limited to, factories, campuses, or military bases, where they offer advantages such as low latency, high reliability, and better security. However, a private network’s coverage is usually limited, and a customer needs to switch to a public network while moving beyond the private network’s coverage range. 3GPP does not provide a clean solution for this generic problem.

[0006] One known solution to managing this transition is to use an applet based scanning mechanism. When a device is connected to a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), the applet periodically scans for the private network availability. However, due to constraints set by EFJHPPLMN (Elementary File - Higher Priority PLMN) (set to 1), the scanning can be accomplished only once every 6 minutes (EF__HPPLMN=1). This long interval introduces significant limitations, particularly for scenarios where quick or near-instant network switching is necessary.

[0007] The six-minute delay in detecting a private network significantly impacts critical applications where continuous, reliable connectivity is essential. For example, in military operations, delayed switching between networks could compromise mission success, while in industrial automation, robots and loT devices may experience disruptions that affect productivity and safety. Similarly, emergency response teams relying on real-time communication could face delays that hinder rapid decision-making. In such cases, the existing solution falls short of meeting the performance demands of these high-stakes environments.

[0008] MEP’s working as defined in SGP.22 V3.0 is represented in figure 1.

[0009] In the figure 1, a telecommunication device 10 is represented as a part of a telecommunication system 100. The telecommunication device 10 can be, for example, a smartphone or a personal digital assistant (PDA). The device 10 comprises an operating system (OS) platform 11, a set of modems 12 and an eUICC 13 (Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card).

[0010] The operating system (OS) platform 11 comprises mainly a local profile assistant (LPA) communicating through two ports (UICC Portl and UICC Port2) with virtual modems 15 and 16 comprised in the set of modems 12.

[0011] Each modem 15 and 16 communicates through Logical Secure Element Interfaces (LSI 0 and LSI 1) with a profile (eUICC Profile 1 and eUICC Profile 2, respectively referenced to as 17 and 18) comprised on the eUICC 13 through an ISO 7816 physical interface 19 (based on T=1 protocol). An LSI is a logical connection between an endpoint in the device 10 (here the virtual modems 15 and 16) and one logical secure element among profiles 17, 18.

[0012] The communication between the different elements is based on ETSI mechanisms (ETSI 102221 R17.2.0 and ETSI 102 223 R17.1.0). The profiles 17 and 18, and the modems 15 and 16 support “Manage LSI” command as mandatory options.

[0013] SUMMARY

[0014] The present disclosure proposes to remove the above-mentioned limitations when the device / terminal supports MEP (Multiple-Enabled Profiles as defined in SGP.22 V3.0).

[0015] More precisely, the present disclosure proposes a method for switching a terminal supporting MEP (Multi-Enabled Profiles) between a public network and a private network. The terminal has two paired profiles in an MEP enabled eUICC, a first profile being attached to a first modem and a second profile being attached to a second modem. The first modem is active, and the second modem is in standby mode, the second profile being a non-public network (NPN) profile. The first profile comprises a first applet. The second profile comprises a second applet.

[0016] When the second modem loses coverage with an NPN, the method comprises, sending from the second applet to the first applet, through an interface between the first and second applets, a message indicating that the NPN is not available, in order to connect the terminal through the first modem to a public network.

[0017] When the second modem regains coverage with the NPN, the method comprises sending from the second applet to the first applet, through the interface, a message indicating that the NPN is available, in order to connect the terminal through the first modem to the NPN.

[0018] According to some example embodiments, the interface is one among: an operating system (OS) of the terminal through private APIs, a TSD (Trusted Security Domain), a SAM (Secure Application for Mobile),

[0019] ISD-R, and a proxy / bridge on the host platform.

[0020] According to some example embodiments, when the second modem loses coverage with the NPN network, the second profile receives a location status event indicating the second modem is not in the coverage area of the NPN network.

[0021] According to some example embodiments, when the second modem regains coverage, the second profile receives a location status event indicating the second modem is in the coverage area of the NPN network.

[0022] Further, the present disclosure proposes an eUICC configured for switching a terminal supporting MEP (Multi-Enabled Profiles) between a public network and a private network. The eUICC has two paired profiles, a first profile attached to a first modem and a second profile attached to a second modem. The first modem is active, and the second modem is in standby mode. The second profile is a non-public network (NPN) profile. The first profile comprises a first applet and the second profile comprises a second applet.

[0023] When the second modem loses coverage with an NPN, the eUICC is configured for sending from the second applet to the first Applet, through an interface between the first and second applets, a message indicating that the NPN is not available, in order to connect the terminal through the first modem to a public network.

[0024] When the second modem regains coverage with the NPN, the eUICC is configured for sending from the second applet to the first Applet, through the interface, a message indicating that the NPN is available, in order to connect the terminal through the first modem to the NPN.

[0025] According to some example embodiments, the second modem is configured to detect presence and absence of the NPN, in order to switch the first modem to the NPN.

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, based on MEP, for connection the device 10 as soon as possible to an available private network.

[0028] In this respect:

[0029] Figure 1 represents the state of the art;

[0030] Figure 2 represents a preferred embodiment of the invention, based on MEP; and

[0031] Figure 3 illustrates a method for switching a terminal supporting MEP (Multi -Enabled Profiles) between a public network and a private network.

[0032] The present invention will be better understood by reading the following description of the above figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Figure 1 has been described previously in regard of the state of the art.

[0034] Figure 2 represents a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, based on MEP 200. In this figure, the elements identical to those of figure 1 have the same references.

[0035] The term “Multi-Enabled Profiles (MEP)” refers to a capability embedded in the terminal that allows a single eUICC (embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card) to have multiple active SIM profiles simultaneously.

[0036] The term “NPN (Non-Public Network) Profile” refers to a network profile stored on an eUICC (embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card) that enables a device to connect to a private cellular network rather than a public mobile network.

[0037] The term “applet” refers to a program designed to perform specific tasks within a larger software environment. Applets typically run within a host application rather than as standalone programs. The term “virtual modem” refers to a software-based or logically implemented modem that performs the same functions as a physical modem but operates within a software-defined environment. It can simulate, control, or manage network connectivity without requiring dedicated hardware components.

[0038] The present disclosure proposes to improve the MEP mechanism by adding an interface 20 between two applets 21 and 22, these applets being called respectively Private Network Main Applet (PNM Applet) and Private Network Secondary / Monitoring Applet (PNS / M Applet), respectively.

[0039] The profiles (Profile 1 for eUICC 17 and Profile 2 for eUICC 18) must be matched (paired) so that the PNS / M Applet 22 of the second profile can send messages (but not limitingly “out of coverage” and “in service”) to the PNM Applet 21 of the first profile. An MEP (Multi-Enabled Profile) can include all the necessary data and configurations required to allow a device to connect to multiple networks simultaneously. For instance, the MEP can include IMSI, Network Authentication Keys, HPLMN & PLMN list, etc.

[0040] Thus, the eUICC 13 contains two paired profiles, the first profile (Profile 1) being multiInternational Mobile Subscriber Identity (multi- IMSI) (it has an IMSI for home or roaming public land mobile network (PLMN) and an IMSI for non-public network (NPN)) and attached to Modem 1 (interchangeably referred to as “first modem”) (15). The second profile (Profile 2) is associated with NPN only and attached to Modem 2 (interchangeably referred to as “second modem”) (16).

[0041] The PNS / M applet 22 is embedded in the eUICC Profile 2.

[0042] The system works with the following steps:

[0043] Modem- 1 15 is always active, and Modem-2 16 is always in a standby mode.

[0044] As soon as Modem-2 16 loses coverage with an NPN network i.e. loss of connectivity with the NPN network, Profile 2 receives a Location Status Event with “no service”. It means that it is no longer in coverage with his private network. A location status event is a systemgenerated notification or signal that indicates a change in the connectivity or availability of a network at a specific location. It informs a device, system, or software component whether a network (such as a Non-Public Network, NPN) is available, unavailable, or has changed status.

[0045] The PNS / M applet 22 of the profile 2 then notifies Profile 1 PNM applet that its private network is no longer available.

[0046] Profile 1 can include multi-IMSI from different mobile operators and can connect to a public network. Continuation of communication is therefore ensured.

[0047] The second modem 16 may continuously scan for the NPN signal.

[0048] As soon as modem 2 (second modem 16) regains coverage, Profile 2 receives a Location Status Event with “normal service”.

[0049] The applet PNS / M 22 of Profile 2 then notifies PNM applet 21 that its private network is visible (the eUICC 18 can connect again to its private network).

[0050] The PNM applet 21 then connects to the private network defined in the Profile 2. The interaction between the two applets 21 and 22 can be performed through OS (private API), or through a Secure Access Module (SAM) or through Issuer Security Domain - Root (ISD-R) thanks to Local Profile Assistant - eUICC / Issuer Profile Assistant - eUICC (LPAe / IPAe). LPAe is a component of the eUICC ecosystem, specifically designed for eSIM management. It plays a crucial role in downloading, installing, and managing SIM profiles on eSIM-enabled devices. LPAe / IPAe in ISD-R since it is better as it is about managing profiles, it can help pairing profiles together. Another possible solution is described in EP 24305109.1 filed on January 17, 2024, which defines a virtual terminal security domain that can interact with the two profiles and host a proxy / bridge. Alternatively, it is also possible to use a proxy / bridge on the host platform.

[0051] Modem 16 is always in monitoring mode (idle) and is not intended to establish a voice communication with the private or non-private network. It has the function (with the PNS / M applet 22) of detecting the presence and absence of the private network, in order to switch the virtual modem 15 to a private or public network.

[0052] The present disclosure provides a solution for private networks when devices support MEP which will be the case on enterprise fleets used in private networks to provide seamless and uninterrupted connectivity (they have often 2 SIMs to manage both private and public network connectivity).

[0053] The present disclosure also applies to Dual SIM Dual Active (DSD A): Both SIMs (eUICC profiles) can be used in both idle and connected modes. Each SIM has a dedicated transceiver, meaning that there are no interdependencies on idle or connected mode operation at the modem level.

[0054] The present disclosure also concerns an eUICC 13 configured for switching a terminal 10 supporting MEP Multi-Enabled Profiles between a public network and a private network, the eUICC 13 having two paired profiles, a first profile 17 attached to a first modem 15 and a second profile 18 attached to a second modem 16, the first modem 15 being active and the second modem 16 being in standby mode, the second profile 18 being a non-public network NPN profile, the first profile 17 comprising a first applet 21, called Private Network Main Applet, the second profile 18 comprising a second applet 22, called Private Network Secondary / Monitoring Applet, the eUICC being configured for: As soon as the second modem 16 loses coverage with an NPN, sending from the Private Network Secondary / Monitoring Applet 22 to the Private Network Main Applet 21, through an interface 20 between the applets 21, 22, a message indicating that the NPN is no longer available, in order to connect the terminal 10 through the first modem 15 to a public network;

[0055] As soon as the second modem 16 regains coverage with the NPN, sending from the Private Network Secondary / Monitoring Applet 22 to the Private Network Main Applet 21, through the interface 20, a message indicating that the NPN is available, in order to connect the terminal 10 through the first modem 15 to the NPN.

[0056] Figure 3 illustrates a method 300 for switching a terminal 10 supporting MEP (Multi-Enabled Profiles) between a public network and a private network.

[0057] At step 302, when the second modem 16 loses coverage with an NPN, the Private Network Secondary / Monitoring Applet 22 sends to the Private Network Main Applet 21, through an interface 20 between the first applet 21 and the second applet 22, a message indicating that the NPN is not available, in order to connect the terminal 10 through the first modem 15 to a public network.

[0058] In an embodiment, the interface can be one of: an OS of said terminal (10) through private APIs; a TSD (Trusted Security Domain); a SAM (Secure Application for Mobile);

[0059] ISD-R; and a proxy / bridge on the host platform.

[0060] When the second modem 16 loses coverage with the NPN network, the second profile 18 receives a location status event indicating the second modem is not in coverage area of the NPN network.

[0061] At step 304, when the second modem 16 regains coverage with the NPN, the Private Network Secondary / Monitoring Applet 22 sends to the Private Network Main Applet 21, through the interface 20, a message, indicating that the NPN is available, in order to connect the terminal 10 through the first modem 15 to the NPN.

[0062] When the second modem 16 regains coverage, the second profile 18 receives a location status event indicating the second modem 16 is in coverage area of the NPN network.

[0063] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more computer programs stored or otherwise embodied on a computer-readable medium, wherein the computer programs are configured to cause a processor or the computer to perform one or more operations. A computer- readable medium storing, embodying, or encoded with a computer program, or similar language may be embodied as a tangible data storage device storing one or more software programs that are configured to cause a processor or computer to perform one or more operations. Such operations may be, for example, any of the steps or operations described herein. In some embodiments, the computer programs may be stored and provided to a computer using any type of non-transitory computer-readable media.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method (300) for switching a terminal (10) supporting MEP (Multi -Enabled Profiles) between a public network and a private network, said terminal (10) having two paired profiles in an MEP enabled eUICC (13), a first profile (17) being attached to a first modem (15) and a second profile (18) being attached to a second modem (16), said first modem (15) being active and said second modem (16) being in standby mode, said second profile (18) being a nonpublic network (NPN) profile, said first profile (17) comprising a first applet (21), said second profile (18) comprising a second applet (22), said method comprising: when said second modem (16) loses coverage with an NPN, sending (302) from said second applet (22) to said first applet (21), through an interface (20) between said first and second applets (21, 22), a message indicating that said NPN is not available, in order to connect said terminal (10) through said first modem (15) to a public network; when said second modem (16) regains coverage with said NPN, sending (304) from said second applet (22) to said first applet (21), through said interface (20), a message indicating that said NPN is available, in order to connect said terminal (10) through said first modem (15) to said NPN.

2. The method (300) according to claim 1, wherein said interface (20) is one among: an operating system (OS) of said terminal (10) through private APIs; a TSD (Trusted Security Domain); a SAM (Secure Application for Mobile);ISD-R; and a proxy / bridge on the host platform.

3. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the second modem (16) loses coverage with the NPN network, the second profile (18) receives a location status event indicating the second modem is not in coverage area of the NPN network.

4. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the second modem (16) regains coverage, the second profile (18) receives a location status event indicating the second modem is in coverage area of the NPN network.

5. An Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) (13) configured for switching a terminal (10) supporting MEP (Multi-Enabled Profiles) between a public network and a private network, said eUICC (13) having two paired profiles, a first profile (17) attached to a first modem (15) and a second profile (18) attached to a second modem (16), said first modem (15) being active and said second modem (16) being in standby mode, said second profile (18) being a non-public network (NPN) profile, said first profile (17) comprising a first applet (21), said second profile (18) comprising a second applet (22), said eUICC being configured for: when said second modem (16) loses coverage with an NPN, sending from said second applet (22) to said first applet (21), through an interface (20) between said applets (21, 22), a message indicating that said NPN is not available, in order to connect said terminal (10) through said first modem (15) to a public network; when said second modem (16) regains coverage with said NPN, sending from said second applet (22) to said first applet (21), through said interface (20), a message indicating that said NPN is available, in order to connect said terminal (10) through said first modem (15) to said NPN.

6. The eUICC as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second modem (16) is configured to detect presence and absence of the NPN, in order to switch the first modem (15) to the NPN.

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