Deleted eSIM Recovery Through Cloud-Verified Subscription Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile wireless devices with embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Cards (eUICCs) face challenges in securely and efficiently recovering deleted electronic Subscriber Identity Modules (eSIMs) without cellular connectivity, requiring direct interaction with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and often lack efficient mechanisms for user authentication.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves uploading eSIM subscription information to a cloud network service, storing a portion locally on the eUICC, and requiring secure user authentication. This allows the mobile device to download and verify the eSIM information, send recovery requests to the MNO provisioning server, and update the eSIM status for installation, using secure communication channels and multi-factor authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If eSIM deletion requires direct interaction with MNO, then security is improved, but device complexity and user effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud service as an intermediary between the user and the MNO provisioning server. The cloud service stores backup eSIM data locally on the device and facilitates the recovery process by communicating with the MNO server on behalf of the user. This mediator approach maintains security through authorized communication while simplifying the user experience by providing a streamlined recovery interface.
2Reliability
If eSIM recovery requires cellular connectivity, then authentication reliability is improved, but usability deteriorates when device is without service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by backing up eSIM subscription information to local storage on the device before deletion occurs. This pre-stored data includes ICCID, EID, and other necessary identifiers that enable the recovery process to initiate without cellular connectivity. The system performs the authentication and data retrieval准备工作 in advance, allowing recovery to proceed even when the device has no active cellular service.
3Reliability
If eSIM information is stored only on eUICC, then security is improved, but recovery efficiency deteriorates after deletion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing a dual-storage architecture where eSIM information is maintained in two locations: secure storage on the eUICC for active use, and backup storage in local memory for recovery purposes. Each storage location serves a specific function - the eUICC maintains security for operational eSIMs while local storage enables efficient recovery by preserving copies of subscription data. This differentiated approach allows both security and recovery efficiency to coexist.
Data Source
AI summary
The described embodiments set forth techniques for recovering one or more electronic subscriber identity modules (eSIMs) previously deleted from an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) of a mobile wireless device. Prior to deletion of an eSIM, the mobile wireless device uploads first eSIM subscription information to a cloud network services server and stores second eSIM subscription information in a secure memory of the eUICC. The mobile wireless device can subsequently download the first eSIM subscription information to verify matching to the second eSIM subscription information stored in the eUICC before displaying an option for recovering the eSIM. The mobile wireless device sends to a mobile network operator (MNO) provisioning server an eSIM recovery request notification that includes at least a portion of the first eSIM subscription information, and the MNO provisioning server provides an eSIM recovery response message indicating approval and a network address to download the eSIM.