Home network configuration for a roaming connected device

Abstract

A method for restoring default settings on a connected device while roaming, the connected device comprising a secure element associated with a mobile network operator (MNO) operating a first network, wherein the method includes connecting, by the connected device, to a second network; detecting, by the connected device, that the second network is not associated with the MNO so as to place the connected device in a roaming mode; adding the second network to a list of networks on the secure element; and refreshing the connection of the device to the second network.

Description

HOME NETWORK CONFIGURATION FORA ROAMING CONNECTED DEVICEFIELD OF USE

[0001] The present disclosure relates, generally, to connected devices, and more particularly, to configurations of roaming devices.BACKGROUND

[0002] Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) provide user devices, also referred to as User Equipment (UE), with access to networks operated by the MNO. When the device attempts to connect to a network that is not operated by the MNO, the device is considered to be “roaming” and may be subject to service conditions, such as limitations of expected functionality (e.g., in some scenarios 5g / VoLTE are not accessible in roaming, data speed might be capped, data might not be available, etc.) and different charges / costs. Typically, taking a device out of its home country will lead to considering the visited network as roaming, which can be indicated to a user by displaying on the screen an “R” in the antenna status indicator. Being in “roaming mode” can cause the phone to change certain default settings. For instance, UEs typically disable data usage in roaming. If a user wants to enable data usage, the user needs to manually find the configuration setting and activate it. This can be challenging and disruptive when attempting normal operation of the UE. This configuration may also be inappropriate in light of the rise of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), who may not operate their own network, and thus roaming may not enact any changes related to fees.SUMMARY

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward a method for restoring default settings on a connected device while roaming, the connected device comprising a secure element associated with a mobile network operator (MNO) operating a first network, wherein the method comprises connecting, by the connected device, to a second network; detecting, by the connected device, that the second network is not associated with the MNO so as to place the connected device in a roaming mode; adding the second network to a list of networks on the secure element; and refreshing the connection of the device to the second network.

[0004] In an aspect, the list is an Equivalent Home public land mobile network (EHPLMN) list.

[0005] Thus, the solution has the effect of automatically and seamlessly modifying the EHPLMN file to match the currently visited network so that the connected device considers the network as “non-roaming.” This provides a better user experience and less need for customer support from the MNO, as the settings associated with roaming are not enacted. These changed settings can be challenging to find and engage with, and furthermore can be deeply technical for the average user, and thus lead to a difficult and unexpected change in the operation of the connected device.

[0006] In an aspect, the secure element is a physical subscriber identity module (SIM).

[0007] In an aspect, the secure element is an embedded SIM.

[0008] In an aspect, the embedded SIM is a travel SIM.

[0009] The changed settings may be further unnecessary when the secure element of the connected device is, for example, an embedded SIM (eSIM), and moreover a travel eSIM, which may be pre-configured to allow continuous network service to a user while using the connected device abroad (i.e., with a third-party MNO).

[0010] In an aspect, the second network is operated by a third-party MNO.

[0011] In an aspect, after refreshing the connection, the connected device is no longer in the roaming mode.

[0012] In an aspect, the device connects to the second network with the same default configurations as when the device connects to the first network.

[0013] In an aspect, the first network is a home network.

[0014] In an aspect, the second network is in a different country from the first network.

[0015] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward a system for restoring default settings on a connected device while roaming, the connected device comprising a secure element, the system comprising the connected device, a first network, and a second network, wherein the first network is operated by a mobile network operator MNO and is considered a home network for the connected device; the second network is not operated by the MNO and is considered a roaming network for the connected device; wherein the connected device is configured to determine when connected to the second network that the connected device is in a roaming mode; detect identifying information about the second network; add the identifying information about the second network to a list of networks of the secure element; trigger a refresh of the connected device; and connect to the second network with a home network configuration.

[0016] In an aspect, the list is an EHPLMN.

[0017] In an aspect, the secure element is a physical SIM.

[0018] In an aspect, the secure element is an embedded SIM.

[0019] In an aspect, the embedded SIM is a travel SIM.

[0020] In an aspect, the second network is operated by a third-party MNO.

[0021] In an aspect, after refreshing the connection, the connected device is no longer in the roaming mode.

[0022] In an aspect, the device connects to the second network with the same default configurations as when the device connects to the first network.

[0023] In an aspect, the first network is a home network.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] For a better understanding of the various described embodiments, reference should be made to the Detailed Description below, in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the figures.

[0025] FIG. 1 is an exemplary illustration of a system according to the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 2 is an exemplary illustration of a connected device with an integrated circuit inlay according to the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 3 is an exemplary high-level block diagram of an architecture of the integrated circuit according to the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 4 is another exemplary illustration of a system according to the present disclosure; and

[0029] FIG. 5 is an exemplary flowchart according to the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the invention, although different, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein in connection with one embodiment may be implemented within other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the location or arrangement of individual elements within each disclosed embodiment may be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, appropriately interpreted, along with the full range of equivalents to which the claims are entitled. In the drawings, like numerals refer to the same or similar functionality throughout the several views.

[0031] The following description includes references to various methods executed by a processor of an integrated circuit chip. As is common in the field, there may be phrases herein that indicate these methods or method steps are performed bysoftware instructions or software modules. As a person skilled in the art knows, such descriptions should be taken to mean that a processor, in fact, executes the methods, software instructions, and software modules.

[0032] An aspect of the present disclosure is related to a system and method for restoring default settings on a connected device 101 while the connected device 101 is in a roaming configuration. An exemplary connected device 101 and network 104 are demonstrated by FIG. 1 .

[0033] The connected device 101 may be a computing device such as a laptop computer, a tablet, a telephone, a media player, or other portable electronic device, a wearable device, a headphone, an embedded device, a television, a gaming device, a navigation device, a smart device, an internet-of-things (loT) enabled device, equipment that implements the functionality of two or more of these devices, or other electronic equipment. Also considered are any other type of electronic computing device having wireless communication capability that can include communication via one or more wireless communication protocols such as used for communication on: a wireless wide area network (VWVAN), a wireless metro area network (WMAN) a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a near field communication (NFC), a cellular wireless network, a fourth generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), fifth generation (5G), and / or sixth generation (6G) or other present or future developed advanced cellular wireless networks. Other types of network-linked systems and devices are considered as well, such as, for instance, vehicles and M2M devices, so long as they are providing an interface to interact with an end-user and a network connection.

[0034] The connected device 101 includes a secure element 108 (SE) and a communication module 112. The connected device may include other components to provide a desired functionality to the connected device 101 , such as, for example, a control center 115 and a user interface 119. These components maywork together to enable the connected device to provide useful features to a user of the connected device, such as electronic communication, localized computing, location-based services, and Internet connectivity. It is conceived that any or all of the afore-mentioned elements may be located within or connected to a single connected device 101 ; alternatively, or additionally, these elements may be contained or connected to any number of separate or linked connected devices. In such a case, the connected devices may make their individual functions available to each other.

[0035] The SE 108 may be a hardware and / or software component that can be configured to securely store one or more subscriber identity modules (SIMs) and / or associated forms of SIMs, such as physical SIMs, integrated SIMs (iSIMs) or embedded SIMs (eSIMs), such as for access to services of different Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). SIMs stored on the SE 108 can be updated, modified, activated, deactivated, and / or deleted via communication between the SE 108 and the network 104. In an aspect, SIMs may be pre-stored in the SE 108 in an inactive state and later activated. The SE 108 may be associated with a specific MNO. That is to say, the SE 108 may be configured to be compatible with networks 104 operated by the MNO. This may be through procedures before and / or during issuance, such as by personalization and over-the-air (OTA) procedures.

[0036] The communication module 112 may be configured to enable the communication between the connected device 101 and the network 104. The communication module 112 may thus provide connectivity channels for receiving and transmitting information. The communication module 112 may represent, for example, one or more network interface cards (NIC) or a network controller as well as associated communication protocols. Other forms of hardware of envisioned for affecting incoming and outgoing communication with the network 104, such as an antenna. The communication module 112 may include several types of interfaces, including but not limited to, a wireless local area network (WLAN) interface, a local area network (LAN) interface, a wide area network (WAN) interface, a multimediamessage service (MMS), and a short message service (SMS) interface. Hence, the communication module 112 may communicate with the network 104 through any number and form of intermediaries, e.g., the communication system may communicate with a LAN, and the LAN may communicate with the network 104. The communication module 112 may be capable of producing a secure channel with the network 112, such as, for example, using encryption at the connected device 101 to prevent unauthorized access to data transmitted and / or received by the connected device 101.

[0037] The control center 115 may include storage and processing circuitry for supporting the operation of connected device 101. The storage and processing circuitry may include storage such as hard disk drive storage, nonvolatile memory, volatile memory, etc. Processing circuitry in the control center 115 may be used to control the operation of device 101 . The processing circuitry may be based on one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, baseband processors, power management units, audio chips, application specific integrated circuits, etc. The control center 115 may be configured to carry out specific functionality for the device 101 , such as via utility programs known as “applets,” that may be stored on the connected device 101 and / or associated equipment, such as on the secure element 108.

[0038] The control center 115 may further includes one or more processors, memory, and non-transitory computer readable medium. The one or more processors may be implemented using a combination of hardware, firmware, and software. For example, the one or more processors may be configured to perform the functions discussed herein by implementing one or more instructions or program code on a non-transitory computer readable medium, such as medium and / or memory. In some embodiments, the one or more processors may represent one or more circuits configurable to perform at least a portion of a data signal computing procedure or process related to the operation of UE 101.

[0039] The medium and / or memory may store instructions or program code that contain executable code or software instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to operate as a special purpose computer programmed to perform the described techniques. The medium and / or memory may include one or more components or modules that may be implemented by the one or more processors to perform the techniques described herein. The components or modules may be stored in memory or may be dedicated hardware either in the one or more processors or off the processors.

[0040] A number of software modules and data tables may reside in the medium and / or memory and be utilized by the one or more processors in order to manage both communications and the functionality described herein. While the components or modules are illustrated as software in medium and / or memory that is executable by the one or more processors, it should be understood that the components or modules may be firmware or dedicated hardware either in the one or more processors or off the processors.

[0041] The methodologies described herein may be implemented by various means depending upon the application. For example, these methodologies may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. For a hardware implementation, the one or more processors may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof.

[0042] For an implementation of UE 101 involving firmware and / or software, the methodologies may be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the separate described functions. Any machine-readable medium tangibly embodying instructions may be used in implementing themethodologies described herein. For example, software codes may be stored in a medium or memory and executed by one or more processors, causing the one or more processors to operate as a special purpose computer programmed to perform the techniques disclosed herein. Memory may be implemented within the one or processors or external to the one or more processors. As used herein the term “memory” refers to any type of long term, short term, volatile, nonvolatile, or other memory and is not to be limited to any particular type of memory or number of memories, or type of media upon which memory is stored.

[0043] If implemented in firmware and / or software, the functions performed by UE 101 may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as medium or memory. Examples of storage media include computer-readable media encoded with a data structure and computer-readable media encoded with a computer program. Computer- readable media includes physical computer storage media. A storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, semiconductor storage, or other storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer; disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0044] The user interface 119 may allow the user to interact with the connected device 101. For instance, user interface 119 may be a display screen that allows the user to see text, images, videos, and other data contained by or streamed to the connected device 101. The user interface 119 may have an input capability,such as a keyboard and / or touch screen, allowing the user to interact with data presented on the user interface 119.

[0045] The network 104 may be operated by the MNO so as to provide connectivity services to the connected device 101 of the user. For instance, the network 104 may be a telecommunications network, such as a cellular and / or mobile network. The telecommunications network may provide links to and from end nodes that are wireless. The network is distributed over land areas called cells, each served by at least one fixed-location transceiver 123. These transceivers 123 provide the cell with the network coverage which can be used for transmission of voice, data, and other types of content.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a high-level block diagram of an architecture of the SE 201 (which may be analogous to the SE 108 of FIG. 1 ). The SE 201 may contains a processor 202 and a memory structure 203, which stores data and programs executable by the processor 202. As previously discussed, it is contemplated that the process 202 is outside of the SE 201 , such as, for example, that the SE 201 utilizes a processor 202 that the SE 201 is in communication with, such as one contained within the connected device 101. The memory structure 203 may contain one or more of each of a random-access memory (RAM) 205, read-only memory (ROM) 207, and non-volatile programmable memory (NVM) 209. The memory devices 205, 207, and 209 may be connected to the processor 201 via a bus 211 .

[0047] The SE 203 further contains an input / output interface 213 for communicating to external devices, e.g., the connected device 101 , a separate device, a network 104, etc.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating data and programs stored in a memory303 that corresponds to the memory 203 of FIG. 2. In an embodiment, the data and programs illustrated as stored in the memory 303 are stored in an NVM 309that corresponds to the NVM 209 of FIG. 2. However, other memory organizations are possible.

[0049] The memory 303 contains programs 301 and network data 351. The programs 301 are computer program instructions that cause the processor 201 to perform certain actions. For instance, a program, also known as an applet, may run the method described herein. The programs 301 include an operating system 305 and applications programs 307.

[0050] The operating system 305, in turn, contains a variety of operating system functions 309. The operating system functions 309 may include, for example, a virtual machine for executing the application programs 307 and memory management functions.

[0051] In an example, the application programs may include SIM Application Toolkit (STK), which consists of a set of commands programmed into the SE 203 which define how the SE 203 should interact with the outside world, and thus may initiate commands independently of the connected device 101 and / or the network. The SIM Toolkit may provide the connected device 101 with access to various tools, such as launch browser proactive command, display text proactive command, and STK timer management, and to proactive commands used by MultilMSI such as Provide Local Information proactive command and Refresh proactive command.

[0052] The network data 351 may include Public Land Mobile Network 353 (PLMN) information and Equivalent Home Public Land Mobile Network 355 (EHPLMN) information. For instance, the SE 203 may contain a list of PLMNs that are operated by the MNO, or are otherwise preferred for connectivity, and thus are acceptable to connect to under the current conditions agreed to between the user and MNO. For example, the user may connect to these networks without incurring additional charges. In this way, the connected device will connect to networks that will allow the user to have a “predictable” experience relative to what is expectedunder the agreement. These networks may be considered to be “home” networks. It is possible that an MNO (hereinafter referred to as the home MNO) may not directly operate a network but may have agreements in place with other MNOs (referred to as the third-party MNO) so as to present the networks operated by the third-party MNOs as home networks to the user device. In other words, these third- party MNOs may have partnerships with the home MNO so as to be closely associated with the home MNO for practical purposes relative to the predictable user experience as described. These networks may present to the connected device as EHPLMNs, and thus the SE 203 may have access to an EHPLMN list.

[0053] In FIG. 4, the connected device 401 is connected to a third-party transceiver 403 that is operated within third-party network 405, which is to say that the third- party network 405 is separate from a home network 408 and / or a home transceiver 411 , i.e., a network and / or transceiver managed by the MNO. Thus, the third-party network 405 operated by a third-party MNO may not have an accord with the home MNO, and therefore the agreement between the user and the MNO may not apply to this connection. The performance and / or fee structure governing the connection between the connected device 401 and the third-party transceiver 403 within the third-party network 405 may be outside the scope of the agreement. This may put the connected device 401 in a state known as “roaming,” which signals to the user this described condition, that is to say, that the connected device is not connecting to a home network 411 but is rather connecting to a network operated by a third- party MNO. For there to be a roaming scenario, there may be an agreement in place between the home MNO and the third-party MNO such that the third-party MNO may be a partner to the home MNO. A typical example is when a connected device 401 is traveling out of the country where the home MNO network 411 is located. When the connected device 401 is considered to be roaming, the device 401 may change certain default settings in order to avoid charges. For instance, these settings may include device connectivity relative to data, voice, and other types of content. So, for instance, the device may disable data connectivity in order to prevent unintended charges.

[0054] FIG. 5 demonstrates a process for providing home network configuration to a connected device while roaming, which may herein may alternatively be referred to as an “applet” and a “solution.” It may be desirable for the connected device 401 of FIG. 4 to maintain its default settings, i.e. , the settings the connected device has when it is connected to the home network 411 (first network) of a home MNO, even while the connected device is connected to a third-party network 405 of a third- party MNO in a roaming mode. Thus, the connected device 401 may be out of range of the network 411 of a home MNO, as registered on the PLMN list 353, or of an equivalent home MNO network, as registered on the EHPLMN list 355.

[0055] In step 501 , the connected device 411 may connect to a local network (second network), such as that operated by a third-party MNO.

[0056] The connected device 411 may determine that the connection to the third- party MNO network puts the device 411 in a roaming state, as in Step 504. For instance, the connected device 411 may determine that the network to which the connected device is currently connected does not appear on the PLMN list 353 or the EHPLMN list 355.

[0057] In step 509, the connected device 411 may detect identifying information about the second network. For instance, the identifying information may be that needed for the EHPLMN list 355. This detection and identification may occur after connection to the second network.

[0058] In an aspect of the disclosure, the detection and identification may occur in anticipation of connection to the second network. For instance, the EHPLMN list 355 may be pre-populated with identifying information about the second network. In an example, the SIM may predict where the user may go next and pre-populate the EHPLMN for those select countries. This prediction may be based on information provided by a user, such as intended travel destinations, and / orinformation derived about a user, such as receiving information from a partner of the MNO that indicates planned travel of a user.

[0059] In step 512, the connected device 411 may add the third-party MNO network to which the connected device 411 is currently connected to the EHPLMN list 355, such as by using the information that was previously collected.

[0060] In step 516, the connected device 411 may then refresh the device 411 and / or the connection between the device 411 and the third-party MNO network. This refresh may be triggered specifically by recognition of the process; that is to say, the applet may, after the update, trigger a refresh so that the connected device 411 applies the new configuration proximately to when the connection is established. Since the third-party MNO network is now registered on the EHPLMN list 355 of the device 411 , the device 411 will determine that the device 411 is no longer in a roaming state, and thus will maintain the default settings associated with connecting to a home MNO network.

[0061] Thus, the solution has the effect of automatically and seamlessly modifying the EHPLMN file to match the currently visited network so that the connected device considers the network as “non-roaming.” This provides a better user experience and less need for customer support from the MNO, as the settings associated with roaming are not enacted. This solution also has less dependencies on other telecom infrastructures, such as OTA Platform and roaming modules. These changed settings can be challenging to find and engage with, and furthermore can be deeply technical for the average user, and thus lead to a difficult and unexpected change in the operation of the connected device. The changes may be further unnecessary when the secure element of the connected device is, for example, an embedded SIM (eSIM), and moreover a travel eSIM, which may be pre-configured to allow continuous network service to a user while using the connected device abroad (i.e. , with a third-party MNO).

[0062] Although specific aspects of the disclosure have been described and illustrated, the invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The invention is limited only by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for restoring default settings on a connected device while roaming, the connected device comprising a secure element associated with a mobile network operator (MNO) operating a first network, wherein the method comprises: connecting, by the connected device, to a second network; detecting, by the connected device, that the second network is not associated with the MNO so as to place the connected device in a roaming mode; adding the second network to a list of networks on the secure element; and refreshing the connection of the connected device to the second network.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the list is an Equivalent Home public land mobile network (EHPLMN) list.

3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the secure element is a physical subscriber identity module (SIM).

4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the secure element is an embedded SIM.

5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the secure element is a travel SIM.

6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the second network is operated by a third- party MNO.

7. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising that after refreshing the connection, the connected device is no longer in the roaming mode.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the device connects to the second network with the same default configurations as when the device connects to the first network.

9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the first network is a home network.

10. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising that the second network is in a different country from the first network.

11. A system for restoring default settings on a connected device while roaming, the connected device comprising a secure element, the system comprising the connected device, a first network, and a second network, wherein the first network is operated by a mobile network operator MNO and is considered a home network for the connected device; the second network is not operated by the MNO and is considered a roaming network for the connected device; wherein the connected device is configured to: determine when connected to the second network that the connected device is in a roaming mode; detect identifying information about the second network; add the identifying information about the second network to a list of networks of the connected device; trigger a refresh of the connected device; and connect to the second network with a home network configuration.

12. The system according to claim 11 , wherein the list is an Equivalent Home public land mobile network (EHPLMN) list.

13. The system according to claim 11 , wherein the secure element is a physical SIM.

14. The system according to claim 11 , wherein the secure element is an embedded SIM.

15. The system according to claim 11 , wherein the secure element is a travel SIM.

16. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the second network is operated by a third- party MNO.

17. The method according to claim 11 , further comprising that after refreshing the connection, the connected device is no longer in the roaming mode.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the device connects to the second network with the same default configurations as when the device connects to the first network.

19. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the first network is a home network.

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