Bootstrap eSIM Profile for Dynamic Network Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices initially without authentication credentials face restrictions when trying to access a radio access network, as they need to perform activation activities to obtain conventional authentication credentials, which are stored in a non-removable electronic subscriber identity module (eSIM) chip.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for dynamically provisioning an eSIM in wireless communication devices, where a bootstrap eSIM profile identifies an eSIM provisioning server, allowing the device to request and receive suitable eSIM profiles based on contextual information, enabling access to multiple communication networks and services by activating different eSIM profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless communication device is initially without authentication credentials, then the device can be granted provisional access to perform activation activities, but the device is restricted to only messaging with provisioning systems and cannot access full network services
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-provisioned with a bootstrap eSIM profile containing minimal authentication credentials before deployment. This preliminary configuration enables the device to initially attach to the network for provisioning purposes, resolving the contradiction by providing just enough capability upfront to perform activation activities while maintaining security restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The eSIM provisioning process is segmented into distinct phases: initial bootstrap profile attachment, provisioning data retrieval, and full profile activation. This segmentation allows the device to progress from restricted provisional access to full network service access in controlled steps, addressing both the need for initial access and the need for service versatility.
2Reliability
If conventional authentication credentials are stored in a non-removable eSIM chip, then the credentials are secure and integrated into the device, but the device cannot dynamically switch between different communication networks and services
Solution Approach 1:
The eSIM is designed to dynamically load and activate different profiles based on provisioning data received during activation activities. The system transitions from a static credential storage model to a dynamic profile management model, where the eSIM can switch between multiple authenticated identities for different networks and services while maintaining secure integration with the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The eSIM is designed to store and activate multiple different profiles, making it a universal authentication module that can serve multiple communication networks and services. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling the single integrated eSIM chip to adapt to various network requirements while maintaining secure credential storage.
3Reliability
If a device must perform activation activities to obtain authentication credentials, then the credentials can be securely provisioned, but the device experiences delayed access to full network services
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary attachment to the network using bootstrap credentials before completing full credential provisioning. This allows the device to begin network access activities earlier in the provisioning process, reducing the overall time to obtain full service access while maintaining secure credential provisioning through the subsequent profile activation steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of provisioning an electronic subscriber identity module (eSIM) of a wireless communication device. The method comprises receiving a request for electronic subscriber identity module (eSIM) provisioning data by a provisioning application executing on a computer system from a wireless communication device, wherein the request comprises contextual information, searching a data store by the provisioning application based on the contextual information, receiving a plurality of eSIM provisioning data bundles by the provisioning application from the data store, wherein each eSIM provisioning data bundle provides credentials and data operable for use to establish a wireless communication link to a communication network, and sending the plurality of eSIM provisioning data bundles by the provisioning application to the wireless communication device, wherein the wireless communication device is enabled to establish wireless communication links to different communication networks and access different communication services by activating a different one of the eSIM provisioning bundles.