4G SIM 5G Service Access via SUCI Encryption
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Solution Overview
Problem
4G SIMs lack the necessary 5G features, such as international mobile subscriber identifier (IMSI) privacy, preventing 5G UE with a 4G SIM from accessing 5G services.
Innovation Solution
A 4G SIM is enabled to access 5G services by receiving over-the-air commands to create and update a mobile network operator (MNO) public key file, allowing the 5G UE to generate a subscription concealed identifier (SUCI) based on the MNO public key value for registration with the 5G mobile network, or using the IMSI directly if the public key file is absent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a 4G SIM is used in a 5G UE, then the device can maintain backward compatibility with 4G networks, but it cannot access 5G services due to missing IMSI privacy features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-provisioning the 4G SIM card with a public key file and public key value during manufacturing or initial configuration. This allows the SIM to later generate SUCI (Subscription Concealed Identifier) when placed in a 5G UE, enabling 5G service access without requiring SIM replacement. The preliminary setup of cryptographic materials resolves the contradiction by preparing the 4G SIM in advance to perform 5G-compatible operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the functional parameters of the 4G SIM by adding cryptographic capabilities (public key file, public key value, SUCI generation) while maintaining its original 4G operational parameters. This parameter enhancement allows the same SIM card to operate in both 4G and 5G networks, resolving the compatibility versus service access contradiction through parameter evolution rather than physical replacement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If 5G services require IMSI privacy features, then security is improved, but 4G SIMs cannot access these services due to lacking the required features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the 4G SIM multi-functional by enabling it to perform both traditional 4G authentication and 5G SUCI generation. The SIM card universally supports multiple network generations and authentication methods, allowing it to provide enhanced security (IMSI privacy) when needed while maintaining backward compatibility. This universality resolves the contradiction between security improvement and functional adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The SIM card provides self-service by autonomously generating SUCI using its embedded public key value when detected in a 5G UE. The SIM independently performs the privacy-protecting function without requiring external intervention or network provisioning, enabling 5G security features while maintaining 4G compatibility through self-adaptation.
3Reliability
If a new 5G SIM is issued to provide IMSI privacy, then service access capability is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to SIM replacement requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates SIM replacement by performing preliminary configuration of 5G cryptographic materials (public key file, public key value) in the 4G SIM during manufacturing or initial setup. This advance preparation allows the existing SIM to immediately support 5G services when inserted into a 5G UE, maintaining user convenience while enabling 5G access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively creates a virtual 5G SIM capability within the physical 4G SIM by embedding cryptographic material that replicates 5G authentication functions. Instead of replacing the physical SIM, the system copies 5G security functionality into the existing SIM structure, allowing dual-generation compatibility without user action.
4Adaptability or versatility
If 4G SIM structure is modified to include MNO public key file, then 5G compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests 5G cryptographic materials (public key file, public key value) within the existing 4G SIM structure. The new 5G functionality is embedded as additional data elements within the established SIM architecture, similar to nesting one object within another. This approach enables 5G compatibility while minimizing structural complexity increases, as the new elements integrate into the existing SIM framework rather than requiring a complete redesign.
Data Source
AI summary
The methods, systems, and computer readable media discussed herein are directed to enabling a fifth generation cellular-wireless access technology (5G) user equipment (UE) to receive 5G service using a fourth generation cellular-wireless access technology (4G) subscriber identity module (SIM). Upon powering on, the 5G UE may determine whether a mobile network operator (MNO) public key file exists in the 4G SIM. Upon determining that the MNO public key file exists in the 4G SIM, the 5G UE may retrieve a MNO public key value from the MNO public key file, read a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) from the 4G SIM, generate a subscription concealed identifier (SUCI) based on the SUPI and the MNO public key value, send the SUCI to a 5G mobile network for registering the 5G UE, and begin receiving 5G services from the 5G mobile network.