Bootstrap eSIM Reconfiguration for Temporary Cellular Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless devices with statically assigned bootstrap eSIMs face inefficiencies due to unused provisioning eSIMs and inability to leverage device-specific configuration information during the shipment and setup process, leading to suboptimal utilization of cellular connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically managed bootstrap eSIM system where a wireless device configures an initial IMSI value to connect to a bootstrap server, which determines a temporary b-IMSI value based on device-specific information, allowing temporary cellular connectivity for tasks like device setup and eSIM provisioning, and reverts the b-IMSI back to a pool after use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bootstrap eSIM is statically assigned to a wireless device at manufacture, then the device can immediately access cellular services, but the bootstrap eSIM remains unused and cannot leverage device-specific configuration information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static bootstrap eSIM assignment into a dynamic system where the bootstrap eSIM can be provisioned with different IMSI values based on real-time device information. The system dynamically determines whether to use a shared or dedicated bootstrap eSIM configuration based on device-specific identifiers and availability, allowing the bootstrap eSIM to adapt its state and functionality rather than remaining fixed throughout its lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the IMSI parameter of the bootstrap eSIM dynamically based on device-specific configuration information. Instead of using a fixed IMSI value, the system retrieves device identifiers (such as MEID or EID) and uses these to determine appropriate IMSI values from available pools, thereby changing the operational parameters of the bootstrap eSIM to match specific device requirements.
2Reliability
If a uniquely generated bootstrap eSIM is assigned to each wireless device, then the device has dedicated connectivity capability, but most bootstrap eSIMs go unused due to alternative non-cellular connectivity options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single bootstrap eSIM universal by enabling it to serve multiple devices through shared configuration pools. Instead of requiring one dedicated bootstrap eSIM per device, the system allows a bootstrap eSIM to be provisioned with IMSI values that can be shared across multiple wireless devices, particularly those with the same device type or configuration profile, thereby reducing the total number of active bootstrap eSIMs needed while maintaining connectivity reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables bootstrap eSIMs to automatically determine their own provisioning state and availability. When a wireless device needs cellular connectivity, the system autonomously checks whether a suitable bootstrap eSIM configuration is available and provisions it accordingly, without requiring manual assignment or pre-configuration for each device. This self-service mechanism allows the system to efficiently allocate bootstrap eSIM resources based on actual demand.
3Ease of operation
If a bootstrap eSIM is statically configured at manufacture, then device setup is simplified, but device-specific configuration information available later in the shipment and sales process cannot be leveraged
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration of the bootstrap eSIM with a shared IMSI value at manufacture time, enabling basic device setup and activation. This preliminary action ensures that devices can be quickly initialized without complex configuration. Subsequently, the system retrieves device-specific information (such as device identifiers, sales channel data, and shipping information) and uses this to provision more specific IMSI values, thereby combining the benefits of both early setup and later customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where device-specific configuration information obtained during shipment, sales, and activation processes is continuously fed back into the bootstrap eSIM provisioning system. This feedback loop allows the system to refine and update the bootstrap eSIM configuration based on actual device usage patterns, sales channel information, and regional requirements, ensuring that the configuration evolves to match real-world deployment conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
This application describes managing configuration of a bootstrap electronic SIM (eSIM) for a wireless device. A bootstrap eSIM on an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) of the wireless device is configured as needed to provide cellular wireless access. The bootstrap eSIM is configured with an initial international mobile subscriber identity (i-IMSI) value used to establish a cellular connection to obtain a bootstrap IMSI (b-IMSI) value allocated for temporary, dedicated use by the wireless device. The b-IMSI value is selected by a bootstrap server based on a bootstrap selection rule obtained from a bootstrap rules service, where the bootstrap selection rule accounts for a use case type provided by the wireless device and indicating a purpose for use of the b-IMSI value. The b-IMSI value is returned to a pool for use by other wireless devices after expiration of a timer or responsive to a delete notification message.