Dynamic eSIM Profile Update for Global Enterprise Roaming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Global enterprises managing private 3GPP/5G networks face challenges in roaming due to locale-specific network identifier allocations across different countries, leading to impractical provisioning of multiple network identifiers in embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) profiles, which restricts user equipment from connecting to private networks in different regions.

Innovation Solution

A method is implemented where a server, such as a Subscription Manager Data Preparation (SM-DP+) server, automatically updates the locale-specific eSIM profile of user equipment when it relocates to a new region by identifying the new private network and generating a new eSIM profile with the appropriate non-public network identifier, enabling seamless connectivity across global enterprise network branches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If all locale-specific network identifiers are provisioned into the eSIM profile of the UE, then the UE has complete access credentials for all private network branches, but the device complexity and provisioning burden become impractical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess capability to private network branchesVSAvoideSIM profile complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The eSIM profile is segmented into a base profile (containing global enterprise credentials) and locale-specific add-on profiles (containing regional network identifiers). The UE maintains only the base profile locally, while locale-specific identifiers are obtained dynamically through a download mechanism when roaming needs arise, thus dividing the complete credential set into manageable segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base eSIM profile is pre-provisioned with global enterprise credentials and a download identifier before the UE deploys to different locations. This preliminary configuration enables the UE to automatically download the specific locale-specific network identifiers it needs without carrying all possible regional credentials in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a fixed local network identifier is stored in the eSIM profile, then the UE can connect to the local private network, but the UE cannot roam to private networks in other regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocal network connectivityVSAvoidroaming capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The eSIM profile transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adaptable structure. The UE starts with a base profile for local network access and can dynamically download additional locale-specific network identifiers when roaming conditions are detected, making the credential set flexible and adaptable to different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The base eSIM profile serves multiple functions: it provides local network access, enables automatic detection of roaming conditions, and facilitates download of locale-specific identifiers. This multi-functional base profile replaces the need for multiple separate fixed profiles, achieving universal access capability across different regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple locale-specific eSIM profiles are maintained for different regions, then roaming support is enabled, but the management complexity and provisioning overhead increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroaming supportVSAvoidprofile management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The UE is equipped with automated mechanisms to detect when it needs to roam to a different locale and autonomously downloads the required locale-specific network identifiers using the download identifier from its base profile. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual profile management and reduces provisioning overhead significantly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A profile management server acts as an intermediary between the UE and the HSS (Home Subscriber Server). This server handles the complex tasks of receiving download requests from the UE, retrieving the appropriate locale-specific identifiers from the HSS, and delivering them to the UE, thereby simplifying the overall management process and reducing the burden on both the UE and network operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11564081B1Auto-update and activation of locale-specific eSIM profile for a global enterprise user

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A method is performed at a server that manages embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) profiles. The method includes, when a user equipment that belongs to a global enterprise network relocates from a first locale to a second locale in which a first private network and a second private network of the global enterprise network are located, wherein the user equipment includes a locale-specific first eSIM profile that includes a first non-public network identifier of the first private network, receiving, from the user equipment over a network in the second locale, information that indicates the user equipment is in the second locale. The method further includes identifying the second private network based on the information, and generating a locale-specific second eSIM profile that includes a second non-public network identifier for the second private network. The method includes configuring the user equipment with the locale-specific second eSIM profile.