Cloud SIM Management for Private Mobile Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing subscriber identification modules (SIMs) for private mobile networks is challenging due to the need for unique key exchanges and secure operations, especially when the number of SIMs requested is less than a typical batch, and there are thousands of private mobile networks, requiring efficient key management and secure transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for SIM management in a private mobile network using a cloud computing system, where Ki and OPc values are generated and exchanged through APIs, allowing secure SIM operations, with a transport key for encrypted communications, and conflict checks to prevent overlapping IMSI values, enabling secure storage and transmission of SIM operations details.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional SIM ceremonies are used for each private mobile network, then security is maintained through key exchange, but the complexity and time required for managing thousands of private networks increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SIM management process by introducing a cloud-based SIM management service that handles key generation and distribution separately from the private mobile network operations. This divides the complex SIM ceremony process into manageable components: the cloud service generates master keys and distributes them to SIM partners, while each private network receives only the specific keys it needs, reducing overall management complexity while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cloud-based SIM management service as an intermediary between the network provider and SIM partners. This intermediary automates the key exchange process, generating keys on behalf of thousands of private networks and distributing them through APIs, thereby eliminating the need for manual SIM ceremonies at each network and reducing management complexity
2Productivity
If SIMs are issued in large batches for global networks, then efficiency is improved, but the impact of compromised SIMs affects a larger number of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments SIM keys into two parts: a master key stored securely in the cloud and device-specific keys stored on individual SIMs. This allows SIMs to be issued in batches efficiently while ensuring that if one SIM is compromised, only that specific device's key is affected, not the entire batch or global network keys
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by giving each SIM its own unique device-specific key derived from the master key, rather than using a single global key for all SIMs. This ensures that security compromise is localized to individual devices while maintaining efficient batch processing capabilities through the cloud-based key management system
3Reliability
If unique keys are generated for each private mobile network, then security is enhanced, but the time and resources required for key management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the cloud-based SIM management service pre-generate master keys and establish key derivation relationships before private networks are created. When a private network is instantiated, the system can quickly derive and distribute the specific keys needed without performing a complete key exchange ceremony, significantly reducing key management time while maintaining unique security for each network
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the cloud-based SIM management service to automatically generate and distribute keys to SIM partners and private networks through automated APIs, eliminating the need for manual key management intervention and reducing the time and resources required for key management across thousands of networks
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to devices, methods, and systems for subscriber identification module (SIM) management for a private mobile network. The methods and systems may include a private mobile network service on a cloud computing system. Users of the cloud computing system may use the private mobile network service to create a private mobile network. The private mobile network service may facilitate the creation of the private mobile network by providing interfaces for secure communications with the users of the cloud computing system, the SIM service partners, and the packet core partners. The mobile network service may also manage the SIM cards for the private mobile networks by coordinating the transmission of the SIM operation details for the SIM cards.