Device-Driven eSIM Switching for Terrestrial-Satellite Network Mobility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for integrating terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication networks to share spectrum increase complexity, overhead, and reduce scalability.

Innovation Solution

A device-driven method that enables terrestrial network operators to share their spectrum with non-terrestrial networks without integration, using dual-SIM dual-standby technology and over-the-air profile updates to facilitate seamless switching between terrestrial and satellite-based communication networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication networks are integrated to share spectrum, then spectrum utilization is improved, but system complexity and overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication networks into separate terrestrial and non-terrestrial systems, each operating independently with distinct network entities. The terrestrial network includes terrestrial base stations and core network elements, while the non-terrestrial network includes satellite platforms and associated control entities. This segmentation allows spectrum sharing through coordinated resource allocation without requiring full integration, thus improving spectrum utilization while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks are integrated, then network coverage is improved, but operational overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidoperational overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action through pre-configured resource allocation patterns and pre-established handover protocols between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. Network entities maintain pre-defined resource pools and coordination mechanisms that are prepared in advance, allowing rapid switching and seamless coverage extension without requiring complex real-time negotiations. This reduces operational overhead by eliminating the need for extensive runtime coordination while maintaining expanded network coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If networks are integrated for spectrum sharing, then resource efficiency is improved, but scalability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource efficiencyVSAvoidscalability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing the non-terrestrial network entities (satellite platforms, aerial vehicles) to function as multi-functional communication nodes that can operate independently or in coordination with terrestrial networks. These universal communication entities can provide services across multiple network types and geographic regions, enabling resource-efficient spectrum sharing while maintaining scalability. The modular universal entities can be deployed independently or scaled incrementally without requiring proportional integration of entire terrestrial network infrastructures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12382279B2Device-driven mobility for non-terrestrial communication networks
Publication Date: 2025.08.05 GOOGLE LLC
  • US12382279B2 patent drawing
  • US12382279B2 patent drawing
  • US12382279B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method includes determining that a user device is located within a specified geographical region, and determining that the user device has an active subscription with a terrestrial network operator operating a terrestrial network within the geographical region, the terrestrial network associated with a primary profile stored on a subscriber identity module of the user device. The method also includes, in response to determining that the user device is located within the geographical region and that the user device has an active subscription with the terrestrial network operator, receiving, from the terrestrial network operator, a secondary profile attached to the active subscription and associated with a non-terrestrial communication network. The method further includes storing the secondary profile on an embedded subscriber identity module on the user device, and communicating via the non-terrestrial communication network using the secondary profile.