Dual-SIM Mobility Switching for Non-Terrestrial Network Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sharing spectrum between terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication networks are complex, increase overhead, and reduce scalability, making it difficult for terrestrial network operators to control access to non-terrestrial networks.
Innovation Solution
A device-driven method that allows terrestrial network operators to share their spectrum with non-terrestrial networks without integration, using dual-SIM dual-standby technology and over-the-top data tunneling to manage access and communication between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, with user devices switching automatically based on geo-fencing and control policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional integration methods are used to share spectrum between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, then network control and management are achieved, but system complexity and overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network access function into separate SIM card profiles (terrestrial network profile and non-terrestrial network profile), allowing each network type to be independently managed. This segmentation enables control over non-terrestrial network access without requiring full integration of the terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The SIM card acts as an intermediary that mediates between the user device and both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. By storing multiple network profiles in the SIM card, the system can control access to non-terrestrial networks without direct integration between network infrastructures, reducing overhead and complexity while maintaining network control.
2Reliability
If integrated network architecture is implemented for spectrum sharing, then coordinated management is achieved, but scalability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The SIM card is designed with multi-functionality to store and manage multiple network profiles (both terrestrial and non-terrestrial) in a universal manner. This allows the same hardware component to work across different network types without requiring integrated network architecture, enabling scalable deployment where non-terrestrial networks can be added or modified independently while maintaining coordinated management through the SIM card.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SIM cards are required for dual network access, then network access flexibility is improved, but device complexity and user management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple network profiles (terrestrial and non-terrestrial) into a single SIM card, eliminating the need for multiple physical SIM cards. The SIM card manager application automatically manages profile selection and switching based on device location and network availability, providing network access flexibility while simplifying user management by abstracting away the complexity of multiple profiles through automated geo-fencing and policy-based selection.
Data Source
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.