Autonomous UICC Profile Switching for Emergency Network Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current alarm systems and emergency communication networks are susceptible to connectivity issues and outages due to frequent mobile network outages, leading to unreliable and slow signaling to emergency services, which can be life-threatening in situations requiring immediate response.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous and resilient UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card) with an embedded Applet that detects network outages and manages multiple profiles to maintain connectivity without human intervention, enabling seamless switching between networks to ensure uninterrupted communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single radio communications network profile is used in the UICC, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of emergency communication is reduced due to network outages and connectivity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The UICC is segmented to store multiple independent radio communications network profiles (first profile, second profile, third profile) instead of a single profile. Each profile represents a separate network configuration, allowing the alarm device to switch between different networks. This segmentation enables the system to maintain communication reliability by distributing dependency across multiple independent network paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the active network profile parameter based on connectivity status. When the primary network (first profile) experiences an outage, the system transitions to an alternative network (second or third profile) by changing which profile is actively used for communication. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to network conditions and maintain reliable emergency communication.
2Loss of time
If manual network switching is implemented, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of time increases due to human intervention requirements during network outages
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where the alarm device continuously monitors the connectivity status of the active network profile. When a network outage is detected (feedback signal indicating loss of connectivity), the system automatically triggers a profile switching sequence without human intervention. This feedback loop ensures rapid response to network failures and minimizes communication interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The UICC and alarm device perform self-service by autonomously detecting network outages and switching to alternative profiles without requiring manual user action. The system independently manages the complexity of profile selection and switching, freeing the user from time-consuming manual intervention while maintaining continuous communication capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radio communications network profiles are stored in the UICC, then the adaptability to network outages is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase for secure profile management
Solution Approach 1:
The UICC is pre-configured with multiple backup network profiles (second profile, third profile) that serve as cushioning against potential network outages of the primary profile. These alternative profiles are stored in advance and ready for immediate activation, providing a safety buffer that ensures communication continuity without requiring real-time decision-making or complex runtime provisioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) for controlling radio communications via a radio communications network to and from a host device in which the UICC is installed in use, the UICC comprising: a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the UICC; a data store for storing data relating to the operation of the UICC, the data store comprising: a plurality of mobile operator network profiles including: an operational profile comprising radio communications network settings for connecting the host device to a first radio communications network; and a bootstrap profile comprising radio communications network settings for connecting the host device to a second radio communications network; and a program comprising a plurality of instructions for configuring operation of the UICC; wherein, in use, the microprocessor is configured by the program to: use the operational profile to connect the host device to the first radio communications network; detect a loss of operational connectivity with the first radio communications network; and use the bootstrap profile to connect the host device to the second radio communications network to re-establish radio communications to and from the host device. There is further provided a host device comprising a processor having a memory, a radio module for connecting the host device to a radio communications network, and the universal integrated circuit device. There is further provided a method of operating a UICC, and a computer-implemented method of re-establishing a radio communications network connection between a host device and a network platform providing the radio communications network connection, wherein the host device includes a UICC.